TWO spectacular walking routes in Scotland have been named among the most "stunning" ancient pathways to traverse in the UK.
Introducing the places listed, The Guardian newspaper said these will allow walkers and hikers the "chance to soak up myths and legends."
A number of routes were featured on the list, including The Hadrian’s Wall Pilgrims’ Way in Northern England and Old Stones Way in the Peak District.
See the two Scottish walking routes named among the most 'stunning' ancient pathways in the UK
St Ninian’s Cave Pilgrimage in Dumfries and Galloway and Iona of the East in Fife were the two Scottish walking routes named among the most "stunning" ancient pathways in the UK.
Discussing St Ninian's Cave Pilgrimage, which starts from St Ninian’s Chapel, The Guardian said: "Isle of Whithorn village is home to the ruins of the chapel of the fourth-century Saint Ninian, said to have converted many Celts and southern Picts to Christianity.
"In the 12th century, pilgrims would arrive by water and rest, before continuing on to Whithorn and its priory, in honour of the eponymous saint.
"Green signs marked “Core path 356” (a coastal network set up by the local council) lead you along sea cliffs to the cave where the saint would seek solitude. Names on the map are foreboding – Rock of Providence, Devil’s Footsteps – and this coastline is also where the infamous final burning-effigy scene of the 1973 classic The Wicker Man was shot.
"Look out for birds, especially cormorants, perched above the turquoise water and spy multiple caves once used by smugglers until you reach Port Castle Bay and St Ninian’s Cave, where 18 medieval stone crosses were discovered."
The chapel ruins, from which the route starts, have been praised by visitors on Tripadvisor with users giving it a 4/5 out of 46 reviews.
Recommended Reading:
Top travel magazine names the best bothies you can stay at in Scotland
'Intriguing' Scottish garden named one of the best to visit in early spring
Iona of the East was equally praised with the publication telling readers: "Waymarked as the longer Fife Coastal Path, this stroll passes through a part of Scotland that back in the height of ecclesiastical journeys would have been teeming with pilgrims. So much so that in the 11th century Queen Margaret, later canonised as a saint, established a ferry there to help bring people across the water (hence the name Queensferry) so they could reach the famous St Andrews further up the coast.
"The walk takes in the many bays and coves, as well as tree-lined tracks and the fishing village of Aberdour with its 13th‑century castle (thought to be one of Scotland’s oldest standing specimens), and offers views over to Inchcolm, AKA Iona of the East, where the ruins of a 12th-century abbey can be spied.
"Perhaps even more impressive, though, is the proliferation of beaches en route for a restorative open-water swim surrounded by fulmars and seals."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here