IT was launched a decade ago and allows users to take a virtual tour of some the world's most famous boulevards and avenues.

Now five picturesque walks in Scotland's first national park have joined the likes of the Champs Elysees in Paris, Oxford Street in London and New York's Fifth Avenue by featuring on Google Maps.

It means that visitors across the globe can walk through places such as Puck's Glen, near Dunoon, Bracklinn Falls, Callander and Inchailloch island after staff used Google equipment and headed out across the Loch and Trossachs National Park.

The staff and volunteers used high-tech equipment from the firm and headed out into the Park to film some of the most popular paths with the aim of showcasing this beautiful area to a wider audience and enhancing visitors’ experience.

It is part of the Google Street View Camera Loan program which allows organisations to borrow Street View Trekker backpacks at no cost.

This allowed the team to capture a 360 degree experience of a selection of paths within the National Park over a two-week period.

Now footage is now live on Google Maps and will allow people to see the terrain before visiting so they can plan ahead.

Simon Jones, Director of Conservation and Visitor Operations at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park said: “Having these paths available to view on Google Maps will allow millions of people across the world to experience the amazing landscapes and scenery the Park has to offer.

"Filming in spring time meant the team were able to capture footage of the paths in the best of the Scottish weather including the stunning bluebells at Inchcailloch.”

The paths that are now available also include Balloch Country Park and the Aberfoyle Forest Park path network.

Digital Communications Intern, Vlad Turculet who was part of the group who filmed the paths said: “The equipment we used was quite complex so the team took part in training before going out to film.

"This involved watching videos and taking quizzes to make sure we knew how to work everything.

"The backpack was also quite heavy, weighing around 20kg but we worked in pairs whilst filming, taking turns to carry the camera. It was really exciting and fun to be involved in this project and it’s great to finally see the footage on Google Maps.”

A Google spokesman said: “Google Maps gives people access to some of the most beautiful places in the world.

"The impressive images taken by the Google Trekker camera of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park will allow people to make the most of their trip by planning their route in advance so they’re able to spend more time outdoors.”

The National Park Authority now plan to borrow the equipment again in the future to film more paths and showcase more of the park to Google Map users.