There are so many amazing long-distance walks in the UK, and coming across one that we have not heard about before always brings a smile to our faces. The Stevenson Way in Scotland offers 230 miles of fantastically scenic walking and with a wonderful literary and historic link.

The chances are you have heard of Robert Louis Stevenson and his famous book Kidnapped. This book tells the tale of a boy David Balfour, who was kidnapped by his uncle and put on a boat bound for the Carolinas. On the way, he is shipwrecked on the Island of Mull, off the west coast of Scotland, and is involved in many adventures as he travels more than 230 miles back to Edinburgh.

So you can see why the long-distance trail is called the Stevenson Way.

The route of the Stevenson Way

Starting on the island of Erraid, off the coast of Mull, the route heads across the Morvern peninsula and then across Loch Linnhe to Ballachulish.

The next stage is via the rugged landscape Glencoe, into the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor and on to the slopes of remote Ben Alder by Loch Ericht.

The Way then turns south, heading to beautiful Loch Rannoch and on to the mountains above Bridge of Orchy, near another famous long-distance trail, West Highland Way.

From Crianlarich, the Stevenson Way heads over mountains to Loch Voil and Balquhidder, where Rob Roy McGregor lies buried.

Then it’s on to Callander and Dunblane, then to Stirling and along the north of the River Forth to Limekilns, and finally across the Forth to Edinburgh.

Find out more about the Stevenson Way 

There is a good Stevenson Way website detailing the whole route and offering suggestions of time scales. You could choose to take the time to walk the whole route over one longer walking holiday, or walk sections over spare weekends or on numerous days over the coming years.

The joy of long-distance walks is that they are always there and can be dipped into and walked when and however you feel. This route isn’t waymarked by signposts, however, so you’ll need to use a map and compass. You'll also need to ensure oyu wear good quality walking clothing and walking boots.

The Stevenson Way route includes a wide variety of terrain and so there is scope for a wide variety of walking. The most difficult section of the route is across Rannoch Moor and the easiest part is from Callander on to Edinburgh.

Tell us about your favourite long-distance walks.