More than £1bn economy boost from walking visitors

Walking tourism generates up to £1.26 billion for the Scottish economy, new figures show.

Research by VisitScotland found that in 2015, four million trips by visitors from the UK included walking as an activity.

The popularity of longer walks of more than two miles soared on the previous year, rising 18% to over two million trips.

Walking visitors to Scotland were most likely to be female, with the largest age groups of walkers those between 55-64 and 45-54.

The research found the majority of walkers were likely to work in managerial, administrative and professional occupations, with only 6% holding semi-skilled or unskilled manual jobs.

Strathclyde Country Park in Motherwell emerged as the most popular outdoor attraction, welcoming more than 5.4 million visitors, while Rouken Glen Park in Giffnock increased numbers by 21.5%.

Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland chief executive, said: “From the West Highland Way and the Cairngorms, to country parks and citybased strolls, Scotland is famous for its stunning scenery and there is no better way to enjoy it than on foot.

“Scotland is an extremely accessible destination. The Walkers Welcome scheme and the Right to Access policy make it incredibly easy for outdoor enthusiasts to travel around the country.

“The growing interest in health and wellbeing presents a fantastic opportunity for Scotland to promote itself, not only through its inspiring landscapes but also through the health benefits of walking and being outdoors.”

The tourism body has created a special video to celebrate walking opportunities, including 26 long distance routes that stretch more than 1,700 miles and 282 Munros.

A Unique Perspective – Walking in Scotland was shot in the Cairngorms around Aviemore and includes views of the Highland Folk Museum and Loch Morlich.