Scots walks with fine dining cosy pubs and hotels
Crisp and clear winter days are ideal for exploring spectacular scenery, especially with the promise of a heart-warming meal or a cosy room at the end,
Scotland has no shortage of walks and trails, all within a stone’s throw of some of our best foodie destinations
Here is a selection of Scotland’s top winter walks for foodies, including the Isle of Skye, North Berwick, Argyll, Ayrshire, Fife, Edinburgh, Perthshire and the north Highlands.
ISLE OF SKYE
Coral Beach and The Three Chimneys, Colbost, Dunvegan Coral Beach is one of the most unique beaches on the Isle of Skye. Formed from crushed white coral like seaweed, the picture-perfect tropical blue seas make the Coral Beach a truly magical location.
Head along to the north of the island to the small crofting community of Claigan, a short drive away from Dunvegan Castle, before meandering along the farm track down to the beach. Just a few miles along the road from the Coral Beach lies
The Three Chimneys at Colbost, part of The Wee Hotel Company.
The Three Chimneys has established itself as a multi-award-winning destination dining experience for more than 30 years. The restaurant with rooms, set in a classic crofters cottage, is renowned for its hyperlocal sourcing.
ARGYLL
Isle of Lismore and The Pierhouse Hotel & Seafood Restaurant, Port Appin
Just a short ferry away from the mainland lies the Isle of Lismore or Lios Mor. Lismore is a ten-mile long Inner Hebridean island situated at the very South end of the Great Glen.
Known for its beauty and tranquillity, Lismore is a tenminute ferry journey from Port Appin, making it very popular with day-visitors.
Explore the rugged coast line, hike to the peak of the island’s highest hill or simply
wonder through the island’s rich heritage.
Tucked away on the shores of Loch Linnhe, The Pierhouse has quickly gained the reputation as one of Scotland’s finest seafood restaurants.
AYRSHIRE
The Smugglers’ Trail and
Old Loans Inn, Troon
The west coast is home to some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery and what better way to explore it than the historic Smugglers’ Trail, which leads from South Beach, Troon, and crosses ancient woodland with views over the Firth of Clyde and out to The Isle of Arran.
The trail has a number of points of interest including the Royal Troon Golf Course and Dundonald Castle, built in 1371.
After walking in the footsteps of your predecessors, enjoy a well-deserved lunch at Troon’s Old Loans Inn where the Sunday lunch menu boasts a full roast with all the trimmings.
PERTHSHIRE
Hermitage Wood and Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder
Head for the Hermitage’s iconic trees, water pools and roaring falls just a short distance from Gleneagles and follow in the footsteps of Wordsworth and Mendelssohn who drew creative inspiration from the area’s dramatic landscape.
This patch of forest managed by the National Trust for Scotland was originally designed as a pleasure ground for the Dukes of Atholl. After your winter stroll, retreat back to the fireside at Gleneagles’ Century Bar for a bite to eat and perhaps a cocktail from the ‘Glorious Outdoors’ menu.
FIFE
West Sands Beach and The Seafood Ristorante
Famous for the opening scenes of Chariots of Fire in the seaside town of St Andrews, you will find two miles of uninterrupted, white and sandy beach; West
Sands. Perfect for a leisurely stroll by the sea, and only 15 minutes’ walk from the town centre, West Sands is backed by the world-famous Royal and Ancient Golf Course.
After working up an appetite with all of that sea air, visit the stunning Seafood Ristorante which overlooks the beach behind the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. The restaurant has amazing panoramic views over St Andrews and West Sands beach.
EDINBURGH
Arthur’s Seat and Prestonfield Hotel
No trip to the Scottish capital is complete without a climb up Arthur’s Seat. Sitting above the city, Arthur’s Seat hosts spectacular views and roughly takes just over an hour-and-a-half to complete.
Set in Holyrood Park, let the fresh air take your breath away as you sit over 250 metres above the city on an extinct volcano. As you descend from your climb, take note of the historic five-star boutique hotel, Prestonfield, that lies on the east side of the hill.
Built in 1687 by architect Sir William Bruce, Prestonfield sits in its own private grounds, creating relaxing and tranquil environment.
NORTH BERWICK
North Berwick to North Berwick Law and The Lawn restaurant
No need for hiking boots, the North Berwick Law is an easy climb to the top for stunning views. The hill was once part of a volcano, with the hard rock resisting erosion from glaciers during the ice age .
Executive Chef Chris Niven heads up the team at The Lawn restaurant at Marine North Berwick, serving a seasonal a-la-carte menu designed around flavour and simplicity.
NORTH HIGHLANDS AND THE NORTH COAST 500
The Ness Islands and Ness Walk Hotel on the North Coast 500
A wonderful dog-friendly walk, right in the centre of Inverness. A set of islands, connected by Victorian Bridges, a little haven of tranquillity in the city centre. Have a rest on the carved bench sculptures and take in the surrounding towering pine trees and fast flowing rivers before heading to the banks of River Ness for a fivestar luxury dining experience at The Ness Walk Hotel.