Unlocking the potential of Scotland’s Designated Long Distance Routes

National Trails UK was deliberately named “UK” out of an ambition to work across all four nations on behalf of the National Trails network. Yet many people are surprised to learn that Scotland does, in fact, have National Trails.

In Scotland, National Trails are known as Designated Long Distance Routes (LDRs), and there are four. The West Highland Way, Great Glen Way, Southern Upland Way and Speyside Way. The laws relating to these routes are devolved, meaning the Scottish Government is responsible for the policy and legislative framework that determines how they are protected, funded and managed.

With elections taking place in Scotland this year, National Trails UK has worked alongside those who manage and maintain the routes, to develop a manifesto setting out the changes needed to ensure Scotland’s LDRs can deliver far greater benefits for more people.

Why Scotland’s LDRs matter

Scotland’s four designated LDRs provide give millions of people each year access to around 500 miles of some of Scotland’s most culturally important and nature-rich landscapes. Between them they cross Scotland’s two National Parks, several National Scenic Areas, more than 50 protected nature sites and around 70 listed historic heritage sites.

The routes are also central to Scotland’s economy. Outdoor access contributes £1.26 billion annually and the LDRs form a key part of that offer, supporting tourism, rural economies, health and wellbeing, heritage and climate resilience and helping to cement Scotland’s international reputation as a desination for high-quality outdoor experiences.

However, these benefits cannot be taken for granted. Where routes are not clearly protected or adequately maintained, sections can deteriorate, waymarking can become unclear, and accessibility can be reduced. Over time, this risks undermining public confidence, excluding people who rely on well-maintained paths, and eroding the economic and social value that these nationally significant assets already deliver. These risks are closely linked to how Scotland’s LDRs are currently governed and funded.

How Scotland’s LDRs came to be and why they differ from National Trails else wherein the UK

Designated LDRs in Scotland were established under the Countryside(Scotland) Act 1967. While they are in many ways similar to National Trails in England and Wales, there are key structural differences that shape how they operate today.

Unlike National Trails south of the border, Scotland’s LDRs:

·       Do not receive a dedicated national maintenance and repair grant

·       Do not have a single National Trails Officer overseeing delivery along the full route

Instead, responsibility is split between the local authorities and National Park Authorities through which each route passes, with each authority funding and managing its own section. Some routes pass through as many as threedifferent local authorities.

Scotland’s access legislation also plays a significant role. Following the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, the public gained a right of responsible access to most land and inland waterways. In 2010, Scottish Natural Heritage(now NatureScot) decided not to designate any new LDRs, instead encouraging thedevelopment of locally devised long-distance trails. Where these trails meetcertain criteria, they may become part of Scotland’s Great Trails.

This context matters and helps to explain why the specific role of designated LDRs has become less clear over time. The routes remain nationally designated, but without explicit statutory duties, dedicated funding, or a strategic framework to guide their future, they can be vulnerable to inconsistent management and under-investment.. It explains also helps explain why their potential remains under-realised.

The opportunities designated LDRs offer

Despite these challenges, Scotland’s LDRs offer significant opportunities.

Research consistently shows that people, particularly those from ethnic minority groups, people with long-term illness, and those with accessibility needs, are more likely to use routes that are clearly waymarked, well maintained and feel safe. These are exactly the qualities designated LDRs are intended to provide.

With the right support, the routes could play a much stronger role in widening access to the outdoors, supporting preventative health agendas, strengthening rural economies, protecting heritage, and improving climate resilience through proactive maintenance and management. Importantly, these benefits could be delivered by building on infrastructure that already exists.

Developing a manifesto grounded in delivery reality

To help Scotland unlock the full potential of its designated Long Distance Routes, National Trails UK worked with local authorities and National Park Authorities responsible for managing the routes.

Through a series of in-person and online workshops, they identified the key changes needed to make the greatest practical difference. Three clear and achievable manifesto asks that would safeguard their future and enable more and different people to enjoy the network.

What National Trails UK is calling for :Three asks to unlock the full potential of Scotland’s LDRs

1. An explicit statutory duty to maintain designated Long Distance Routes
While the 1967 Act implies a duty to maintain LDRs, it is not explicit. This lack of clarity has led to inconsistent interpretation and, in some places, visible route degradation. Making the duty explicit would create a level footing for all authorities and help protect existing public investment.

2. Designated funding through NatureScot for LDR improvement projects
The routes have identified practical projects that would improve accessibility and resilience, but there is currently no funding stream specific to designated LDRs. Active Travel funding is rarely suitable for predominantly rural, off-road routes. A ringfenced programme delivered through NatureScot would enable strategic investment across entire routes rather than piecemeal delivery.

3. A national Strategy for Long Distance Routes
Since the introduction of the right of responsible access, the role of designated LDRs has largely disappeared from central policy. A new strategy would bring together route managers, access professionals and government to clarify what LDRs are intended to deliver, ensure they are reflected in relevant policies, and consider their future development.

Looking ahead

Scotland’s designated Long Distance Routes are iconic national assets. With clearer statutory protection, targeted funding and a renewed strategic framework, they could deliver significantly more for tourism, health and wellbeing, rural economies, heritage and climate resilience.

National Trails UK looks forward to working with Scottish Government, parliamentarians and local authorities to ensure these routes are protected and supported to fulfil their potential, now and for generations to come.

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