Scotland the best
Christmas walks
Shake off the festive gluttony guilt with a stroll in gorgeous scenery. Just be sure to wrap up warm... The Hermitage
On A9 2km north of Dunkeld. Popular, easy, accessible walks along glen and gorge of River Braan with pavilion overlooking the falls and, further on, Ossian’s Cave. Also, uphill Craigvinean walks start here to good viewpoint (2km). Several woody walks around Dunkeld/birnam. 2km along river is Rumbling Bridge, a deep gorge. Good tearoom in Dunkeld and bakery/caff, and river terrace bar at The Atholl Arms.
Calton Hill
Great view of Edinburgh easily gained by walking up from east end of Princes Street by Waterloo Place to the end of the buildings and then up the stairs on the left. The City Observatory and Greek-style folly lend an elegant backdrop to a panorama (unfolding
● Calton Hill in Edinburgh
Cardrona Forest
40km S to Peebles, 8km E on B7062 and similar distance on A72. Cardrona on same road as Kailzie Gardens. Glentress (on A72 to Innerleithen) has become a major destination for mountain bikers, but tracks also to walk. Consult at the visitor centre. The Gypsy Glen walk from Glen Road via Springhill Road, across the Tweed Bridge from the High St in Peebles, is signed and a very decent amble with a wee climb at the end.
New Galloway Forest
Huge area of forest and hill country with every type of trail, including part of Southern Upland Way from Bargrennan to Dalry. Visitor centres at Kirroughtree (5km Newton Stewart) and Clatteringshaws Loch on the Queen’s Way (9km New Galloway). Glen and Loch Trool are very fine; and walks (up to 5km) around Laurieston. The Smithy by the bridge in New Galloway for sustenance. There’s a river pool on the Raiders’ Road.