If you want wild, empty rock landscapes where you can spend weekends battling the elements and not see another soul, Scotland's hills are as as good a destination as any in Europe. Hillwalkers and runners prepared to work hard are rewarded with some of the greatest days to be found in any small mountains, in settings as varied as the snowbound Cairngorm plateaus and the land-sea jigsaw of the Hebrides, where rugged peaks rise from clear water. Few walking destinations are better suited to routes at the longer, tougher end of the scale. These are the subject of this book. Some of the fifty walks described are well known classic challenges, while others approach a favourite mountain in a novel way or combine several in a testing round; they can be crammed into a single hard day or backpacked over two. The collection spans Scotland, right across its magnificent upland areas and dramatic peaks. Routes range from 12 to 25 miles and many would make a good two-day adventure. Some can be approached by kayak or mountain bike. Over 270 ranges and summits feature in the 50 routes with an index to help you find them.