Those planning to explore the walking routes and mountains of Glencoe in Scotland must ensure they take the correct walking boots with them, it has been claimed.

Ed Cumming, writing in the Daily Telegraph, stated that the area’s rugged countryside and stunning scenery makes it a must-see for those who enjoy the great outdoors.

However, the terrain can be unforgiving, meaning it is essential that the correct walking equipment is packed to ensure that visitors are prepared for the elements.

“If you’re walking, bring some proper boots. Though they might not be Himalaya-high, these are still real mountains and blistering feet can reduce the hardest hikers to tears,” Mr Cumming said.

He added that visitors will find walking routes to suit every level, with the relatively low altitude meaning there is no need for people to become acclimatised.

Glencoe is also a famous resort for skiing, with no fewer than 19 runs and seven lifts in the area.

Discussions are taking place over a plan to develop a new long-distance walking route on Scotland’s far north coastline.

Dunnet Head Centre and Educational Trust has suggested that the 114-mile stretch between John o’ Groats and Cape Wrath be linked by a new walking path called the North Highland Way.

The organisation is seeking assistance from a number of public agencies to support the initiative, which Tina Irving, the trust’s secretary, said would be a welcome addition to the country’s walking routes.

“I’m sure it would be very popular. People are always looking for somewhere different to walk and this would be a spectacular route. They love this kind of thing, getting out into the real, wild Scotland. It would be fantastic,” she told the Scotsman.

The country is home to a number of walking routes popular with walkers and hiking fans alike, including Rob Roy Way, Fife Coastal Path and Southern Upland Way.

A sustainable transport charity is urging people in Edinburgh to take part in a clean-up day to improve walking and cycling route in the city.

Sustrans has organised a spring clean of Route One of the National Cycle Network on March 28th and is encouraging local people to get involved with the operation.

The volunteers will remove litter and debris from the route, which is very popular with both walking fans and cyclists and runs from Dover to the Shetlands, making it an important part of the Land’s End to John O’Groats challenge.

James Hatfield, one of the Sustrans volunteers who organised the event, said the popularity of the route means it needs to be kept in good condition.

"2010 is a special year as it marks 15 years of the National Cycle Network, which now covers more than 12,000 miles across the UK, so there couldn’t be a better time to clean up the route and help make walking and cycling here a more pleasant experience," he added.

The National Cycle Network is made up of more than 12,000 miles of traffic-free walking and cycling routes.