DK Travel : Scotland : Outdoor

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Old Prestwick

New courses come and steal the limelight but Old Prestwick glows as an enduring favourite. In 1860 it was the first venue for the British Open Championship, and it remains a challenging course. One of Scotland’s most venerated. Very busy, especially at weekends.
Orkney Lochs

Of the seven major lochs, Harray is the most renowned. Brownies (brown trout) are abundant, and there’s every chance of a sea trout or even a salmon. Wading is recommended early in the season but a boat (which can be hired easily) is preferable in summer.
Pitmedden Garden

Originally laid out in a classical French style in 1675, this garden was re-created 50 years ago. Within a vast walled area are four elaborate floral parterres, three of them heraldic designs (see Pitmedden Garden) .
River Findhorn

Some swear they’d never fish anywhere else. The Findhorn is a majestic river, flowing from the Monadhliath mountains through wild moorland, forest and farmland to one of the prettiest of all estuaries. As with all Scottish rivers, the fishing is weather-dependent, but in a good year its bag of salmon, grilse and sea trout can rank among the best.
River Spey

Scotland’s second longest river is its fastest flowing and can claim the most consistently beautiful scenery from end to end. Local village fishing associations offer relatively cheap day tickets, while private beats with the best reputations, such as Tulchan, command high prices.
River Tay

The Tay is justly famed for its game fishing, and there’s plenty of it in this long river. The cost varies greatly: in the Dunkeld area alone, for example, it can range from £20 to £150 a rod per day. Brown trout fishing can be as little as £3 per day in its marginally shorter season.
River Tweed

The “Queen of salmon rivers” has the highest number of fly-catches of any British river. Autumn brings the greatest run, but purists say the quality of the smaller spring run is better. Beats are £30–£600 per rod per day. The Borders Tourist Office produce an excellent free guide Fishing in the Scottish Borders .
Royal Botanic Garden

The capital’s prize garden, with majestic trees, rock terraces, glasshouses and borders bursting with colour. A delight in every season. Watch out for the calendar of special events, such as music, theatre and exhibitions of contemporary art (see Royal Botanic Garden) .
Royal Dornoch

Ranked in the top ten courses in Britain, the Championship Course has 18 pristine holes. It was laid out by Tom Morris in 1877 and follows the natural contours of the dunes around Dornoch Bay. A wonderful setting and less pressurized than other quality links.
Schiehallion

A much-loved mountain between lochs Tay and Rannoch, Schiehallion is most easily climbed from the pretty road connecting Aberfeldy with Tummel Bridge. An easy and rewarding munro with which to launch your bagging campaign.