Outdoors Scotland

If you want all-encompassing breathtaking scenery - Scotland has it in abundance. You can sample its delights on foot, courtesy of its marked trails, or on bike; take you pick from mountain tracks, country lanes and secluded forest trails - the choice is yours.

If a little fishing tickles your fancy, you couldn't pick a more suitable location, as Scotland's fish-laden lochs and rivers serve up the finest fishing in Europe. Whatever your choice, your stay will be a memorable one.

Walking Wild
The very act of walking creates a sense of wellbeing. Even better is walking that brings us close to nature and reminds us of the basic rhythms of life. Scotland offers opportunities for the best of such walks - the range of wild places to explore on foot is as vast as the landscapes. As the days lengthen the sea exerts an irresistible attraction, drawing walkers to Scotland's seemingly endless coastline.

Some wave-washed beaches on the islands and in the west are several miles from the nearest road. Between retreating lines of foam and flower-spangled dunes, lie expanses of golden sand devoid of footprints. Short turf rises - between rocks bearing cushions of pink thrift - to clifftops where seabirds dance in the air currents. Their clamour deafens and delights, but fades as you descend to the rippled sand of the next hidden bay.

Summer is the time for long walks in the hills, be they soaring Highland peaks or the rolling acres of the Southern Uplands. The calls of curlew, grouse and meadow pipit accompany walkers to summit cairns with views over shimmering green valleys. Sun-warmed heather scents the air with honey, a lulling effect augmented by crystal streams chuckling over water-smoothed pebbles.

Long daylight hours, especially in the far north, encouraging evening walks - strolling by a river or to the local viewpoint. The scene changes dramatically as autumn approaches, and no more so than in the deciduous woodlands of eastern Scotland. Flaming yellows, reds and golds light the hillsides and frame the rugged moorlands rising above. Drifts of leaves cover the paths and red squirrels scamper over the ground, collecting acorns and nuts.

Roe deer pause for a moment, then bound away through the gnarled oaks. Sharp frosts and the blustery gales of winter encourage short, vigorous walks to savour the elements before relaxing in a tearoom or in front of a log fire. Water often provides the magical ingredient, whether an ice fringed loch that mirrors snowy mountains or a spray drenched waterfall.

Wherever and whenever you go, Scotland provides the stimulation of awe-inspiring scenes. Let walking through nature's wild places soothe your soul as you breathe in the clean pure air. For those wanting defined routes, there are marked walks throughout the country, with particularly good networks around many rural towns and villages. Guidebooks describe umpteen more options in each region, while experienced walkers will find a map is their key to a new world.

Sections of the long distance paths, such as the Southern Upland or Speyside Ways, make excellent day walks. In many areas specialist companies provide services for walkers, ranging from route suggestions and baggage transfer to complete holiday packages. At dusk take time to watch the sun set - over the Atlantic or behind the silhouettes of sweeping hills. Relax and contemplate the wildlife and scenery.

Whether you favour spring water or malt whisky each day's walking in Scotland deserves a toast. If this has whetted your appetite, find our more on the Walkingwild website - www.walkingwild.com - or phone 08705 511511 for a brochure.

The Nevis Range Mountain Experience is an all seasons mountain attraction in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. This unique outdoor experience offers gondola rides, walks to panoramic viewpoints, mountain restaurant & mountain bike trails. Less than 3hrs drive from Edinburgh, follow signs to Perth, leave A9 at Dalwhinnie towards Fort William. There are also special "Ride & Dine Evenings" during July & August include the gondola ride and evening meal.

Bailey Mill Activity Centre is a friendly farm holiday complex offering self-catering or bed and breakfast breaks near Newcastleton. The centre offers walking, cycling and riding in the beautiful Scottish borders with golf and fishing available nearby. Jacuzzi, sauna multi-gym and games room are also available, ensuring an action-packed break for all the family.