ScotWays is delighted to have received a grant from the Scottish Mountaineering Trust to develop our Heritage Paths project. Heritage Paths was launched in 2007 to identify historic routes throughout Scotland, to research their history and accessibility, and to promote these findings as widely as possible. The Heritage Paths web pages, at scotways.com/heritage-paths, have become established as one of the main sources of information about old paths in Scotland. The new project is in three parts: behind the scenes, we will improve the interactive map and make the entries for each path easier both to browse and for ScotWays staff and volunteers to update. Alongside that, volunteers will refresh the descriptions for almost half of the Heritage Paths, focusing on those routes which traverse hilly and mountainous areas of Scotland. Further development of the project will also be planned, with a view to further fundraising.
Established in 1962, the Scottish Mountaineering Trust aims to promote the health, education and recreation of the public by encouraging safe participation in mountain activities including hillwalking. It makes grants in a wide range of areas that support these aims, and you can find out much more about its work on its website, thesmt.org.uk.
Rachel Taylor, ScotWays director, says “We are grateful for the Scottish Mountaineering Trust’s support and are excited to begin work on this project so the Heritage Paths site can continue to be an informative and inspirational resource for the public.”
John Hutchinson , Secretary of the SMT says “it is very important this Heritage Path project contains accurate and up-to -date information so people can safely access our mountains. The SMT is delighted to support Scotways in this work.”
We’re seeking volunteers to help update the route descriptions. The updated Heritage Paths web pages will be launched in autumn 2025. To receive updates subscribe to ScotWays’ quarterly e-newsletter.
Header photo: Photo: Drochaid Balbh Bhordain, built under the auspices of General Wade in the early 18th century, on the Ruthven Military Road © Chris Pine