DK Travel : Scotland : Outdoor

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Scrabster

With its tidal races, the Pentland Firth can be a wild stretch of water. It is a favoured haunt of fish such as cod, pollok, coal-fish, ling, mackerel and wrasse, all of which are regularly caught. The British records for halibut and portbeagle shark were set off Scrabster, but these species are rarely hooked now.
Southern Upland Way

The longest walking route in Scotland, and a wonderful mix of mountain, moor, forest, loch and pasture. It crosses the country from Portpatrick in the west to Cockburnspath in the east – the preferred direction if you want the wind at your back.
Speyside Way

Bordering one of Scotland’s most picturesque rivers, this path takes you from the Cairngorms to Moray’s coast (with spurs to Dufftown and Tomintoul). It is a walk full of interest, with distilleries galore, bridges, stately homes and a rich abundance of wildlife.
St Andrews

Every golfer dreams of playing here. There are seven courses, including, most famous of all, the Old Course. Book months in advance or take your chance in the lottery for unreserved places held the day before. Fit in a visit to the Golf Museum too. The plush restaurant at the Old Course Hotel is listed on page 89.
St Cuthbert’s Way

The only cross-border route in Scotland. It starts in the abbey town of Melrose and ends on the amazing island of Lindisfarne (England). Not too strenuous a walk and a lovely mix of pasture, woodland, moor and coastal scenery. Check the tides for the last mile.
Sutherland’s Rivers

Many of the fine fishing rivers in this area, such as the Shin, Oykel, Brora and Naver have occasional opportunities – easier for trout than salmon – for visiting fishermen (try Park House Sporting (01549) 402208) but are largely leased by syndicates. The River Helmsdale, however, has a first-class reputation and an association that offers day permits for salmon, sea and brown trout.
The Five Sisters

A superb range of mountains with five prominent peaks towering above Glen Shiel in the West Highlands. If you start at the highest part of the main road (A87) you save yourself an hour’s climbing. Once you’re on the summit ridge it’s a long series of undulations, but you feel on top of the world and can see the Cuillins on Skye.
Troon

Among the six courses here there’s one for everyone, from Fullarton’s fun course for beginners to the classics such as Darley and Portland. But the best is the Old Course, a vintage Open venue. Apply well in advance (but no women allowed).
Turnberry

Situated on the Ayrshire coast, the Ailsa Course has tested all the world’s great players. A brand new course, the Arran, has just opened. Access is difficult unless you stay at the hotel. For expert tuition and a review of your game, contact the Colin Montgomerie Links Golf Academy, the multi-million-pound addition to the hotel.
West Highland Way

The first long-distance route, and still the most popular. Connecting Fort William and Glasgow, it winds past the Nevis and Glencoe ranges, crosses Rannoch Moor and skirts around every other mountain it can find. Stunning scenery, but rather close to the main road in parts.