Helen and Paul Webster share a passion for walking and wild places, and in 2003-04 they undertook a life-changing 4,000 mile continuous backpacking trip across Europe.
When they returned, they did what many of us only dream of doing, they quit their jobs and launched a new career, spreading the world about Scotland’s spectacular outdoors – especially the highlands and islands.
And they have done a fantastic job of it so far. Together they set up Walkinghighlands, the free online guide that many of us use and love, which is now the busiest’ walkers’ website in the UK. And they have also written more than 20 guidebooks to various areas of Scotland, including Scottish Island Bagging, and the colourful and handy ‘40 favourite walks’ pocket guidebooks.
With the publication of their latest book, Great Scottish Walks, the pair have written a comprehensive guide to the 26 best long-distance hiking trails in Scotland, many of them on our own doorstep, here on the West Coast.
Whether you want to tackle the classic trails such as the West Highland Way, discover more accessible trails such as the Forth and Clyde/Union Canal Towpath or yearn for the remote wilderness of walks such as the Cape Wrath Trail or Skye Trail, this book offers inspiration for walkers of all experience levels who want to challenge themselves on Scotland’s longest trails. But equally, the book will be just as appealing to those who just want to tackle parts of the trails as day walks or in shorter sections.
For example Fort William is a key starting off point for the East Highland Way and the Cape Wrath Trail. For those of us who live in the area, you could enjoy a day or afternoon out, sampling some of the more northerly sections of the West Highland Way.
Each walk is illustrated with gorgeous photography, showcasing the incredibly varied landscapes – from remote mountains and glens, coastal paths and beaches, to the gentle farmland and the canals of the Lowlands. And there are countless towns and villages along the way where you will want to stop and visit, rich in heritage, culture and culinary delights.
What is really handy is that the couple have included key information you will need to plan your trip, such as an overview of what to expect from each route, logistical information about tackling the routes over a number of days (for example, many of the walks offer itineraries so you can cover the walk in say six, eight or 11 days), overview mapping and practical information about access, public transport, accommodation and local amenities.
I have been using Paul and Helen’s Walkinghighlands website for years as a trusted source for my weekend walking, and this great new book is just the impetus I need to help me plan new adventures. I can’t wait to get started.
The book is available through all good bookshops, priced £20.