In addition to its many attractive and undeniably popular tourist centres, Scotland is blessed with huge tracts of unspoilt land ideal for walking. The great diversity of these areas is reflected in Great Walks of Scotland, for the three contributors have each selected - with no little difficulty - eight walks from a particular region.

The contribution of each writer is characterized both by an intimate knowledge of his chosen area and an awareness of the needs of a wide variety of walkers. Accordingly, each walk is graded for difficulty and detailed maps and a clear route description are given for each. There are also notes on features of interest encountered along the way.

The selection of routes in the Southern Uplands embraces a brisk stroll across the moorland adjoining Edinburgh, a walk giving a glimpse of the magnificent peaks that lie at the heart of Scotland, and a more demanding expedition along the Minchmoor Road in the Borders, a region with a rich history of territorial conflict.

Gentle routes up the slopes of Scotland's famed mystical hills, an exploration of the lesser-known features of Ben Nevis, classic Cairngorms hill passes, and the crossing of Rannoch Moor, one of Britain's last true wildernesses, combine to give walkers the best of introductions to the Southern and Central Highlands.

The remoteness and strange beauty of the landscape of the North-west Highlands and Islands inspire devotion in many. This selection of routes gives full measure to all walkers who venture beyond the Great Glen. It includes a relatively easy coastal walk around Scotland's northern tip, an expedition into the awesome landscape of Torridon, breathtaking views of some of Scotland's dramatic peaks, and an introduction to the Cuilinn of Skye, the most challenging range of hills in Britain.
Throughout Great Walks of Scotland, the vivid and informative style of the authors is perfectly complemented by the fine, specially- commissioned photographs.