1 The Best of Walking in

Scotland is a land of contrasts—an ancient country with a modern outlook, where well-loved traditions mingle with the latest technology. Here you can tread on some of the oldest rocks in the world and wander among standing stones and chambered cairns erected 5,000 years ago. However, that little cottage you pass may have a high-speed Internet connection and be home to a jewelry designer or an architect of eco-friendly houses. Certainly, you’ll encounter all the shortbread and tartan you expect, though kilts are normally reserved for weddings and football matches. But far more traditional, although less obviously so, is the warm welcome you’ll receive from the locals. The farther you go from the big cities, the more time people have to talk—you’ll find they have a genuine interest in where you come from and what you do. Scotland’s greatest asset is its clean, green landscapes, where walkers can fill their lungs with pure, fresh air. It may only be a wee (small) country, but it has a variety of walks to rival anywhere in the world. As well as the splendid mountain hikes to be found in the Highlands, there’s an equal extent of Lowland terrain with gentle riverside walks and woodland strolls. The indented coastline and numerous islands mean that there are thousands of miles of shore to explore, while the many low hills offer exquisite views over the countryside. There’s walking to suit all ages and tastes. Some glorious countryside with rolling farmland, lush woods, and grassy hills can be reached within an hour’s drive of Edinburgh and . Most industry and housing is in the central belt that links the two, although there are also peaceful corners for walking. Going north from Edinburgh, you come to the Kingdom of and Tayside, while and the National Park is due north of Glasgow. As you continue across the Highland Boundary Fault, the landscape abruptly changes, becoming less fertile and more rugged. In the northeast, broad glens separate the high mountain plateau of National Park, and the landscape gradually softens towards the coast. In the west, rocky hills and mountains rise straight out of the Atlantic, giving views of sea lochs and sandy beaches. For the wildest, strangest looking mountain scenery, travel to the northern Highlands where steep, bare mountains punctuate a moonscape of heather moorland. Here we COPYRIGHTEDhighlight some of the best walks in Scotland, MATERIAL including several offering unusual sights and memorable experiences that you can recount to the folks back home.

1 THE BEST FAMILY WALKS

• Yellowcraigs Beach (near Edinburgh): and picnic. It has stunning views across With miles of golden sand, this is a the to the Kingdom of fantastic location for a summer walk Fife and is only 20 miles (32km) from

004_159897-ch01.indd4_159897-ch01.indd 1 33/5/09/5/09 11:11:2611:11:26 PPMM 2 the hubbub of Edinburgh. The rock squares, follow the path along the River pools and seals are a great attraction for Kelvin. This green route has all sorts of children, and you can see Island, interesting sights, including statues, which is said to have inspired Treasure ornate bridges, an old toll house, and a Island, the 18th-century classic novel by gunpowder mill, although children will Robert Louis Stevenson. See p. 38. probably be more interested in the duck • Tobermory (Isle of Mull): This walk is pond and play area. See p. 54. a must for all kids who watched the • The start of the Great Glen Way series Balamory on children’s television. (Inverness): Although hiking the whole Allow youngsters time to play in Aros of this 117km (73-mile) long-distance Park before the coastal walk through path is likely only to appeal to the fittest woods and past waterfalls to the pic- of teenagers, children of all ages will ture-postcard town. Simply getting to enjoy the first 3.2km (2 miles) along Mull is an adventure, with the best the River Ness. The route takes you views of Oban and Duart Castle from over a series of footbridges linking the the ferry. See p. 165. Ness Islands to parkland with leisure • Mugdock Park (Glasgow): In this facilities and a Floral Hall, where chil- country park, there are heaps of attrac- dren can meet the friendly Koi Carp in tions for children. They can let off the pond and explore the cactus house. THE BEST OF WALKING IN SCOTLAND IN WALKING OF BEST THE steam in the play area at Craigend Visi- See p. 233. 1 tor Centre; then you can entice them • Lael Forest (Ullapool): This is a bit dif- around the walk with promise of a ferent from many woodland walks, as ghostly 14th-century castle. Easy paths the Lael Forest Garden is more like a lead around lochs and through the tree zoo, containing several hundred ancient oaks of Mugdock Wood. The trees and shrubs ranging from common walk even includes a small section of specimens to many rarities. Stroll under the 145km (90-mile) West Highland giant sequoia trees and look out for Way long-distance trail. See p. 57. labels identifying the Chilean yew, • Kelvin Walkway (Glasgow): For a com- Macedonian pine, Oregon maple, Ser- pletely different view of the city than that bian spruce, and many other exotic gained around the shopping streets and trees. See p. 240.

2 THE BEST WALKS FOR SEEING WILDLIFE

• Seaton Cliffs (Arbroath): This Scottish it provides a wonderfully rich habitat

THE BEST WALKS FOR SEEING WILDLIFE SEEING FOR WALKS BEST THE Wildlife Trust Reserve is a haven for for all sorts of wildlife, from osprey to seabirds, wildflowers, and butterflies. otters. The River Spey is an important Waves have eroded the sandstone cliffs river for salmon and many other crea- into fantastic formations, such as sea tures, such as seals, who come to feed stacks and arches. Walk here from May on them. The Firth Wildlife to July through a riot of white, yellow, Centre at the river mouth is home to pink, and purple flowers and look down the Whale and Dolphin Conservation on seabird nests from the tarmac cliff- Society. If you’re lucky you could see top path. See p. 135. some of the local population of bottle- • Spey Bay (Moray Firth): Because this nose dolphins. See p. 207. river estuary is constantly in flux, with • Falls of Clyde (New Lanark): For an shifting gravel bars and eroding banks, old industrial area close to Glasgow and

004_159897-ch01.indd4_159897-ch01.indd 2 33/5/09/5/09 11:11:2611:11:26 PPMM Edinburgh, there is a surprising rich- Effectively, this lush west-coast wood- 3 ness of nature in this wildlife reserve. It land is Scotland’s “rainforest.” The Ant is based on a wooded gorge where the Trail has information about plants and River Clyde plunges over a dramatic animals, such as pine marten and wood- waterfall. Kingfishers and dippers flit pecker, and explains how the wood has

around the water, while woodpeckers survived thanks to its importance as a THE BEST OF WALKING IN SCOTLAND and sparrowhawks live among the trees. source of charcoal for iron smelting. See The highlight is the nesting pair of p. 159. peregrine falcons, which can be observed • Wood of Cree (Galloway): This ancient from a “hide” used by bird watchers. oakwood looks its best in spring and See p. 51. autumn—when bluebells carpet the • Heritage Trail (Kinross): ground or when the leaves become a Loch Leven, Scotland’s largest Lowland riot of color. Here bird-watchers may loch, is designated a National Nature spot rare migratory visitors like the Reserve because of its importance for redstart and pied flycatcher. Those who wildfowl and nesting ducks. About keep their eyes on the ground could see 20,000 pink-footed geese roost here in some of the 300 species of flowering winter—their dawn flight is an amazing plants, including wild garlic, primrose, sight. In summer, broods of ducklings and wood sorrel. See p. 84. shelter along the shoreline, and there’s a • Dog Falls (northern Highlands): Glen chance of seeing an osprey or white- Affric is a very special place, where 1 tailed sea eagle fishing. All sorts of nature still holds sway. The beautiful

exotic migrants turn up here, including glen has a wild feel because much of THE BEST MOUNTAIN WALKS a spoonbill in 2008. The path runs Scotland’s native flora and fauna sur- around the loch, linking viewpoints vives here. Walk among gnarled old and bird hides. See p. 115. pines and, if you’re lucky, spot some of • (Oban): Atlantic Oakwood of the rare wildlife such as pine martens, this type supports more species of wild- red squirrels, capercaillie, and crossbill. life than any other habitat in Scotland. See p. 227.

3 THE BEST MOUNTAIN WALKS

• (Fort William): As the high- mountain range its name. This hike est mountain in the , Ben explores the most remarkable land- Nevis, at 1,344m (4,408 ft.), is an irre- scapes of , sistible draw for hill walkers. It’s a hard where ice-gouged cliffs bite into a vast slog to the top, but the sense of achieve- sub-arctic plateau. See p. 189. ment is incredible. If clouds don’t • (Argyll Forest Park): obscure the view, you can enjoy a spec- These mountains are aptly named Alps, tacular panorama over the west coast. as they have an unusually rugged char- See p. 243. acter for hills so far south in Scotland. • and (Cairn- They rise straight out of a sea loch in gorms): Ben Macdui, at 1,309m (4,295 the western part of Loch Lomond and ft.), is the second highest mountain in the Trossachs National Park. The Cob- Britain, while Cairn Gorm, at 1,245m bler, at 881m (2,890 ft.), is the lowest (4,085 ft.), is the prominent summit but best loved of these peaks, with rock above Aviemore that gives the whole faces that played a significant role in the

004_159897-ch01.indd4_159897-ch01.indd 3 33/5/09/5/09 11:11:2611:11:26 PPMM 4 development of Scottish climbing. See approaches in Scotland on this hike up p. 156. (1,130m/3,707 ft.). • (Loch Lomond): Scot- Once on top, there are lovely views over land’s most southerly mountain also has Loch Laggan to an endless succession of some of the finest views, stretching on a mountain ridges, especially if you stay clear day from the urban fringes of high to include two neighboring Mun- Glasgow to Ben Nevis in the north. A ros. See p. 211. well-made path up Ben Lomond • (Tayside): Although Ben (974m/3,195 ft.) makes it one of the Lawers, at 1,124m (3,983 ft.), is the “easier” (mountains over highest mountain in the southern 914m/3,000 ft.) to tackle. See p. 153. Highlands, an elevated start point • (Deeside): Lying in the reduces the amount of climbing needed eastern part of Cairngorms National to reach the summit. The mountain is a Park, Lochnagar (1,155m/3,789 ft.) is a National Nature Reserve because its romantic summit with great cliffs on its limestone rocks support rare arctic- north side that hold snow late into the alpine flora and there are wonderful year. Balmoral, the Royal Family’s sum- views over Loch Tay. See p. 128. mer home, lies at its foot, and Prince • Cruachan Horseshoe (Oban): This is Charles made the most of local legends one of the most challenging walks in THE BEST OF WALKING IN SCOTLAND IN WALKING OF BEST THE in his children’s story The Old Man of Scotland—a circuit of a narrow, rocky 1 Lochnagar. See p. 197. ridge between (1,126m/ • Creag Meagaidh (between Fort Wil- 3,694 ft.) and Stob Diamh (980m/3,215 liam and Aviemore): This mountain ft.) where you need agility and a good also has steep cliffs popular with climb- tolerance for heights. On a clear sum- ers and a wide summit plateau where mer’s day there is an enchanting view it is easy to lose your bearings. Enjoy over the west coast and the nearby Heb- one of the most beautiful mountain ridean islands. See p. 162.

4 THE BEST HILL WALKS THE BEST HILL WALKS HILL BEST THE • Bennachie (): Set amid roll- is superb, and you may spot the local ing farmland, Bennachie is a heather- herd of reindeer. See p. 186. clad range of hills with rocky summits. • The (Galloway Forest Park): The most prominent top, Mither Tap At 843m (2,529 ft.), The Merrick is the (518m/1,700 ft.), is ringed by an Iron highest hill in southern Scotland, with Age hill fort and has views to the North an exposed position that gives it moun- Sea coast. Recent path improvements tain weather. Pick a fine day and you’ll have made progress much easier across be well rewarded by the remarkable the peaty ground. See p. 192. views, which stretch from the Solway to • Meall a’ Bhuachaille (Aviemore): This the and as far as Ireland hill is near the main Cairngorms massif to the west. See p. 90. and makes an excellent objective for • Scald Law (Edinburgh): The Pentlands those who feel the big mountains are a are the capital’s local range of hills, run- bit too challenging. Walk through ning southwest from the edge of the ancient pine forest and past a little city. They are full of history, including green loch before climbing Meall a’ traces of Romans and Picts, and the Bhuachaille (810m/2,657 ft.). The view reservoir at their heart is a haven for

004_159897-ch01.indd4_159897-ch01.indd 4 33/5/09/5/09 11:11:2611:11:26 PPMM wildlife. The grassy, rolling hills provide royalty, and through colorful riverside 5 great walking, and the highest summit, gardens. See p. 112. Scald Law (583m/1,914 ft.), offers the • Dumgoyne (Glasgow): This little hill widest views. See p. 41. has bags of character and shows up • Perth and Kinnoull Hill (Perth): You from miles around as a prominent

don’t need to climb a mountain for bril- bump on the end of the Campsie Hills. THE BEST OF WALKING IN SCOTLAND liant views in Scotland. Just hike from the Its volcanic origins give it the conical center of the “Fair City” to the cliff top on shape. The steep climb to Dumgoyne’s wooded Kinnoull Hill (222m/728 ft.) summit (427m/1,400 ft.) is well worth and gaze down on the River Tay snaking it for sweeping views over Loch Lomond below. The view is enhanced by Kinfauns and the Firth of Clyde. What’s more, Castle nestled below. Return down Coro- you can finish with a dram in the dis- nation Road, trod by generations of tillery at its foot. See p. 60.

5 THE MOST SCENIC WALKS

• Arthur’s Seat (Edinburgh): For a three- • Knock of Crieff (Tayside): The Knock dimensional view of Scotland’s capital of Crieff also lies on the fault line that city, climb the volcanic hill at its heart divides the Highlands from the Low- and look out over chimneys and spires lands and has wonderful views in all 1 to Edinburgh Castle and Leith docks directions. Heathery mountains seem

on the Firth of Forth. The walk includes just a stone’s throw away to the north, THE MOST SCENIC WALKS a stroll along Salisbury Crags for a while woods and pastures roll away in bird’s-eye view of the Scottish Parlia- the south to the fertile valley of Strath- ment building and Holyrood Palace, earn. See p. 121. the Royal Family’s official residence in • Peebles (Borders region): This wonder- Scotland. See p. 44. ful riverside walk is most delightful in • Callander Crags (): Set in the autumn, when the warm colors of the pretty Trossachs, this hike encompasses broadleaved trees are reflected in the many different sights to make a truly Tweed. On a sunny day, they contrast memorable walk. It rises along a wooded gloriously with the blue sky reflected in cliff edge with aerial views of the resort the water. Stroll past a 13th-century town of Callander to a monument with castle and see what wildlife you can views of the surrounding lochs and spot—perhaps a heron fishing in the mountains. The return is past spectacular shallows or a buzzard soaring above. See Bracklinn Falls where Keltie Water drops p. 93. through a rocky gorge. See p. 150. • Loch an Eilein (Aviemore): The ancient • Conic Hill (Loch Lomond): The High- Caledonian pine forest of Rothiemurchus land Boundary Fault thrust up the ridge surrounds this sparkling loch, which of rock that forms Conic Hills and two has been a popular beauty spot since islands in Loch Lomond—Inchcailoch Victorian times. Why not sit awhile on and Inchmurrin—that are perfectly one of the benches to enjoy lovely aligned with it. It is by far the best reflections in the still waters and gaze viewpoint for drinking in the beauty of up to the blue horizon of Cairngorm Loch Lomond and its wooded isles. A Mountains? See p. 182. great place to enjoy a summer sunset! See p. 67.

004_159897-ch01.indd4_159897-ch01.indd 5 33/5/09/5/09 11:11:2611:11:26 PPMM 6 6 THE BEST COASTAL WALKS

• Fife Coastal Path (Fife): Follow the path above dramatic coastal cliffs. Other prettiest section of this long-distance sights include a lighthouse, secluded route on a path that links the charming bays, and the surrounding patchwork of fishing villages of the East Neuk. This serene farmland. See p. 103. eastern corner of the Kingdom of Fife • Killantringan Lighthouse (Portpat- juts out into the North Sea and has rick): Head across to the southwest tip sandy bays and rocky shores frequented of Galloway for another rewarding cliff- by seals and seabirds. As well as wildlife, top walk. This time you look out west the area has a rich history, with land- to the distant coastline of Ireland. Start- marks such as St. Fillan’s Cave and the ing from the picturesque fishing village saltpans and windmill at St. Monans. of Portpatrick, this walk passes above See p. 118. cliffs with colonies of nesting seabirds • Sandwood Bay (northern Highlands): on its way to scenically sited lighthouse You don’t walk to Sandwood Bay, you See p. 81. make a pilgrimage there. Such is its • Carradale (Kintyre peninsula): For iconic status that many consider a visit sheer diversity of coastal views and THE BEST OF WALKING IN SCOTLAND IN WALKING OF BEST THE almost a spiritual experience. It’s not wildlife, this walk is hard to beat. Wild hard to see why it’s so special—a great goats live on Carradale Point, and you 1 arc of pristine sand framed by sand- could see any size of marine mammal stone cliffs and a sea stack, arched over from a seal to a minke whale (the coast by an enormous sky. See p. 237. is also visited by basking sharks). The • St. Abb’s Head (Coldingham): This route takes in two beautiful and very famous headland is not only one of the different beaches—a vast stretch of finest on Britain’s east coast, but it is golden sand and a perfect little cove also an excellent place to see nesting with turquoise water—while the jagged seabirds. The visitor center will help mountains of the are a you tune into the flora and fauna to constant presence offshore. See p. 170. look out for as you follow the narrow

7 THE WALKS WITH THE BEST ATTRACTIONS

• Falkirk Wheel (between Edinburgh and tunnel that passes under the Antonine Glasgow): Photographs don’t do justice Wall, built by the Romans 2,000 years

THE WALKS WITH THE THE WITH BEST ATTRACTIONS WALKS THE to this modern engineering feat—you ago. See p. 48. have to walk up close and see the shiny • Fyrish Monument (Inverness): This is boat lift in action to appreciate the mar- another man-made construction that vel. Originally a flight of 11 locks linked looks most impressive when you get close the Union Canal to the Forth and Clyde and see its true size. It stands on top of a Canal, but these were built over. When hill near Alness and looks quite quaint the canals were reopened as a Millen- from a distance. The massive structure of nium project, the enormous Falkirk stone towers and arches is a replica of the Wheel was created to raise boats 30m gates of Negapatam in India, built on the (100 ft.) from one loch to the next. This orders of the local landowner, Sir Hector walk follows the Union Canal through a . See p. 230.

004_159897-ch01.indd4_159897-ch01.indd 6 33/5/09/5/09 11:11:2611:11:26 PPMM • Hermitage and Braan (Dunkeld): The • Dufftown to Craigellachie (Strath- 7 walk up the River Braan to the Hermit- spey): You’ll remember this walk for the age features a stone summerhouse that number of distilleries it passes—or then has a balcony overlooking a waterfall. again perhaps you won’t. It starts at the Designed to amplify the sound of the famous Glenfiddich Distillery (save the

crashing waters, and with mirrors to whisky tasting until afterwards) and fol- THE BEST OF WALKING IN SCOTLAND reflect the flashing light, this is just one lows the River Fiddich downstream via feature of the woodland garden where a disused railway line to Craigellachie. the Dukes of Atholl entertained their See p. 204. visitors. See p. 124. • Alloway (Ayr): Don’t visit Scotland • The Vat and Muir of (Deeside): without finding out more about the Natural structures can be just as amaz- national bard, Rabbie Burns, whose ing as built ones, as you’ll discover if poems and songs—from “To a Mouse” you visit the unusual geological feature to “Auld Lang Syne”—define what it is of the Vat. It comes as a bit of a sur- to be Scottish. This walk provides an prise—squeeze through a crack in a ideal introduction, as it starts by the gorge wall and suddenly you find your- Robert Burns Heritage Museum at his self in an enormous circular pothole birthplace and visits several sites that that was formed by meltwater flowing appear in his epic poem Tam o’ Shanter. under a glacier. See p. 194. See p. 78. 1

8 THE BEST RESTAURANTS FOR DINNER THE BEST RESTAURANTS FOR DINNER

• Stac Polly (Edinburgh; & 01315 • Knipoch Hotel Restaurant (Kilninver; 562231): Attentive service and suitably & 01852 316251): Treat yourself to Scottish decor will help you enjoy the fine dining at this lochside hotel, whose best of Scottish game and seafood at daily five-course menu relies heavily on this well-established restaurant. It’s Scottish produce and is supported by an named after a small but iconic moun- excellent wine cellar. See p. 178. tain in the northern Highlands. See • Craigellachie Hotel (Craigellachie, p. 71. Speyside; & 01340 881204): This clas- • McCallum’s Oyster Bar (Troon; sic Scottish hotel uses the finest local & 01292 319339): Dine on the best ingredients in its mouth-watering seafood for miles around while relaxing menu. Once you’ve settled into an arm- with a view out to sea. Situated on chair in the Quaich Bar with a dram in Troon harbor, this Ayrshire restaurant is your hand, any aches and pains will packed with yachting memorabilia. See vanish. See p. 215. p. 108. • Crannog Seafood Restaurant (Fort • East Haugh House (Pitlochry; William; & 01397 705589): As the & 01796 472473): The elegant restau- Crannog occupies the most attractive rant in this country house hotel serves spot in town, on a pier overlooking excellent local produce, such as hill-fed Loch Linhe, you can enjoy wonderful Perthshire . Eat in the cozy bar or west-coast views while dining. Much of sample the more adventurous menu in the fish comes from the owners’ boats the stylish restaurant. See p. 146. or their own smokehouse. See p. 247.

004_159897-ch01.indd4_159897-ch01.indd 7 33/5/09/5/09 11:11:2611:11:26 PPMM 8 9 THE BEST PLACES FOR LUNCH

• Falko Konditormeister (Gullane; • Lade Inn (Kilmahog; & 01877 & 01620 843168): You could end 330152): After a walk around Cal- your walk at Yellowcraigs Beach in this lander Crags and Bracklinn Falls, you’ll cozy cafe that offers one of Scotland’s be ready to relax in this inviting Scot- top cake-eating experiences. Lunch on tish inn. Its real ales and hearty home- fresh breads, handmade Bavarian cakes, cooked meals are available all day in and excellent coffee. See p. 71. summer, at lunch and dinnertime in • Main Street Trading Company (St. winter. See p. 178. Boswells; & 01835 824087): Prepare • Ord Ban Restaurant Café (Aviemore; yourself for the Melrose to Harestanes & 01479 810005): Part of the Rothi- walk with a good feed on fresh organic emurchus Centre, this cafe is strategi- sandwiches and home baking in this cally situated close to all Aviemore bright, friendly bookshop. The free- walks. Feast on produce from the Rothi- range chicken and hummus sandwich is emurchus Estate deli and home baking recommended, as are the carrot cake washed down with great coffee. See and scones. See p. 108. p. 215. THE BEST OF WALKING IN SCOTLAND IN WALKING OF BEST THE • Loch Leven’s Larder (Kinross; • Café 1 (Inverness; & 01463 226200): & 01592 841000): In the past 10 years, Before stepping out along the Great 1 many excellent farm shops and cafes Glen Way, indulge in a hearty lunch in have sprung up across Scotland. This is a this attractive restaurant, which com- prime example, with superb views over bines Scottish ingredients with interna- Loch Leven and a nature walk that links tional dishes. See p. 247. to a Heritage Trail. See p. 146.

10 THE BEST HOTELS THE BEST HOTELS BEST THE

• Abode Hotel (Glasgow; & 01412 It has a scenic setting on the Knock, a hill 216789): If you love style, you’ll relish with great walks. See p. 145. this chic hotel, which was formerly • Ardanaiseig Hotel (Kilchrenan; known as the Art House. Centrally & 01866 833333): Hidden away in placed, it’s ideal for unwinding in mature wooded gardens on the shores unashamed luxury. See p. 70. of Loch Awe, this luxurious hotel offers • Brig o’ Doon House Hotel (Alloway; classic Scottish hospitality. Ask for a & 01292 442466): The situation of room with a four-poster bed if you this welcoming country house hotel is want to sleep in style. See p. 177. hard to beat—in lovely gardens on the • Kildrummy Castle Hotel (near Alford; banks of the River Doon, within sight & 01975 571288): You’ll feel like a of the famous Brig o’ Doon arched lord staying in this mansion house amid bridge that inspired Robert Burns. See acres of landscaped gardens that con- p. 107. tain a ruined castle. Enjoy the ambience • Crieff Hydro Hotel (Crieff; & 01764 of antiques and oak-panelled rooms, 651670): Kids will have a whale of a time and the delicious meals—people travel at this stylish but family-friendly resort miles to dine in the restaurant. See that has every imaginable leisure activity. p. 215.

004_159897-ch01.indd4_159897-ch01.indd 8 33/5/09/5/09 11:11:2611:11:26 PPMM • Dornoch Castle Hotel (Dornoch; Test your navigation skills around the 9 & 01862 810981): In this case you stay labyrinthine corridors, winding stairs, in the castle itself, which was once the and converted cellars. See p. 246. residence of the bishops of Caithness.

11 THE BEST BUDGET ACCOMMODATIONS THE BEST OF WALKING IN SCOTLAND

• SYHA Leith Walk (Edinburgh; • Carradale Bay Caravan Park (Carra- & 01315 242090): Run by the Scot- dale; & 01583 431665): This is tish Youth Hostel Association, this another fun place for the kids, on the clean, spacious, and friendly hostel is edge of a mile-long sandy beach. Bring the perfect budget solution for singles, a tent or tourer to this peaceful spot and couples, and families visiting Scotland’s enjoy the surrounding network of paths. capital city. See p. 70. See p. 177. • SYHA Melrose (Melrose; & 01896 • Froach Lodge (Boat of Garten; 822521): You may be traveling on a & 01479 831331): The hostel-style budget, but you’ll be able to afford to accommodations in this cozy Victorian stay in this Georgian mansion, since it villa are geared to hill walkers and other is run as a youth hostel. The building outdoor lovers, with the Cairngorms overlooks historic Melrose Abbey and is on the doorstep. The friendly atmo- 1 clean and friendly with reasonable self- sphere and delicious home-cooked

catering facilities. See p. 107. food will soon make you feel at home. THE BEST BUDGET ACCOMMODATIONS • Blair Castle Caravan Park (Blair See p. 214. Atholl; & 01796 481263): The spa- • Ivybank Guest House (Inverness; cious grounds of Blair Castle offer one & 01463 232796): For great value, opt of the most picturesque places to camp for this comfortable, centrally placed or bring your campervan. Children can B&B. Built in 1836, it retains its origi- enjoy ranger-led activities or red-squir- nal features and charm, and has a rel spotting, and you’re right by Glen walled garden. Half the rooms have Tilt and other local walks. See p. 144. private bathrooms. See p. 246.

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