Scottish coast to coast walks

There is an offical east - west coast footpath in Scotland - the Southern Upland way. However it is within the highlands that the best walking lies.

The main problem with coast to coast traverses within the highlands is one of choice rather scarcity. Since the glens and thus their associated mountain ridges often run across the country from east to west many natural routes exist, varying from lowland walks through the glens to ones involving huge quantities of munros.

The wide choice available is illustrated by Ronald Turnbull in Across Scotland on foot. Here he describes routes varying from a 'convenient coast to coast' from Poolewe to Evanton a 77 mile route with few hills to one from Portree to Stonehaven of 280 miles and 45,000 feet of ascent.

Anyone interested in such routes should look at http://www.tgochallenge.co.uk/ the website of a non profit, non competitive annual cross Scotland back packing expedition challenge.