DK Travel : Scotland

Scotland has an overwhelming abundance of natural beauty, hundreds of castles stand proud from its long and turbulent past, and an innate flair for enterprise and travel has endowed the nation with artistic treasures from around the world. The culture remains vibrant today, and there’s much to celebrate. Here’s a distillation of Scotland’s best.

Beach Leisure Centre

Aberdeen has 10 swimming pools, but this is the one for flumes. There’s a mini-flume for tots, but older children will be after the hairiest and scariest: the Pipeline, Wipeout and Tube. The last of these you negotiate on a tyre, while as for the other two … just close your eyes and hope for the best.
Ben Cruachan

A grouping, in fact, of seven peaks overlooking lochs Awe and Etive. The highest is 1,124m (3,688 ft) and because this summit is considerably taller than any other mountain in the area, Ben Cruachan enjoys some of the most extensive views in the country. The name “Cruachan” comes from the war cry of the clan Campbell.
Ben Hope

The most northerly munro, with its neighbour, Foinaven. Rising starkly from the woods and moorland around Loch Hope, Ben Hope (927 m/ 3,040 ft) has clear views to the Orkneys. The only difficulty in climbing is the scree and rocky terrain, but this is a prestigious mountain to have underfoot.
Ben Lomond

Rising proudly from the wooded banks of its namesake loch, Ben Lomond’s tall mass dominates the panorama. One of the smallest munroes at 973 m (3,192 ft), it has a well-used track, which is steep in places. Tremendous views over the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Best to start at Rowardennan, where there’s a hotel and hostel.
Ben Macdui

Britain’s second-highest mountain, at 1,309 m (4,295 ft), is best climbed from the Cairngorm Ski car park. Reached by a high-altitude plateau covered in sub-arctic flora, it overlooks the magnificent Lairig Ghru, a deep rift dividing the Cairngorm range.
Ben Nevis

Britain’s highest mountain at 1,343 m (4,410 ft). A long, winding path takes you up to the top. The summit is seldom clear of cloud, but if you strike it lucky you’ll enjoy unsurpassed views. In poor visibility take great care on the summit ridge as it’s easy to lose the path, which borders a precipice.
Ben Nevis and Fort William

Britain’s highest mountain is 1,343m (4,406 ft) high and makes a great walk under good conditions (see Ben Nevis) . But the peak is frequently shrouded in mist, and the drive up Glen Nevis offers a more reliable reward, taking you to a lovely waterfall. Fort William lies below the mountain and is a major shopping town with plenty of attractions (see Fort William) . Its West Highland Museum has many Jacobite relics, and Treasures of the Earth exhibits glittering heaps of gems.
Ben Nevis Bar

A quiet, cosy traditional pub. Downstairs is the bar area with comfy sofas as well as tables and chairs. Food is served downstairs until 5pm and upstairs in the restaurant after 5pm. The food is fantastic! All tastes freshly cooked and as though it has been made on the day, including the pasta in the ravioli. The fish was the best my partner had ever had, tasted like it had been caught that day. There was also a varied range on the menu, from traditional Hagis to fish, a choice of freshly made pastas or lamb shank. The prices were great too, neither of our meals cost more than £10. Service was prompt and friendly. I would highly recommend this to anyone visiting the area!
Ben Vorlich

A great one to start with as there’s nothing complicated about this hill, which overlooks Loch Earn, always bustling with boat activity. Take the southern road and start from Ardvorlich. From the top (985 m/3,232 ft) the views to the Breadalbane mountains are glorious. And it doesn’t take long to get down for tea in St Fillans.
Bennet’s

Ever popular, its one-time ordinary pubness rapidly becoming exotic: big old mirrors, a mix of ages, drinks in pint pots and cheap lunches.