IT was once the preserve of hardy outdoor types, inspired by the likes of Tom Weir and Jimmy Macgregor walking them on TV.

But figures show that increasing numbers of middle-class professional women are going on long-haul walking tours in Scotland and the activity now raises more than £1.2billion for the economy.

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

The popularity of visitors taking longer walks of more than two miles was well up on 2014, rising 18 per cent to over two million trips.

The Herald:

Walking visitors to Scotland were more likely to be female (54 per cent), with the largest age groups of walkers those aged 45-64.

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

It revealed the West Highland Way, Great Glen Way, Hebridean Way and the John Muir Way have helped the numbers of walkers rise as the long-distance routes gain worldwide acclaim.

With a growing interest in health and wellbeing, the national tourism organisation believes walking as part of a holiday could become even more popular in 2017.

Walking was most popular with those aged 55-64 but millennials made up over a quarter (26 per cent) of visitors participating in long walks.

Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland chief executive, said: “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.”