WALKS of wonder

Pull on your hiking boots and explore the riches of our wonderful historic pathways

- ANDREW SHAW

With summer just around the corner, the UK's historic paths and National Trails are a great way to enjoy stunning scenery W and visit some famous sights. Here are a few of the trails you can take - whether it's a leisurely stroll for part of the way or as the setting for a full-on hiking holiday.

Scottish National Trail

Taking in two national parks, the 537 miles of this stunning trail run the length of Scotland - from the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders in the south to Cape Wrath in the wilds of the far north. As well as taking in the capital city Edinburgh, the gentler early stages pass sights such as the magnificent Melrose Abbey (pictured), founded in the 12th century. Further north, the glens and rugged heather-clad Highlands are home to numerous ruins and castles, including the dramatic Ruthven Barracks at Kingussie, which were built after the Jacobite rising of 1715.
* Visit scottishnational trail.org.uk

ULSTER WAY