Scotland Peter Irvine’s the best
Spectacular waterfalls
They might take some finding but these breathtaking scenes justify every ounce of effort
Corrieshalloch Gorge & Falls of Measach
Junction of A832 and A835, 12 miles south of Ullapool. The more dramatic approach is from the car park on the A832 Gairloch road. Staircase to swing bridge from whence to consider how such a wee burn could make such a deep gash. Very impressive. There’s another viewpoint 100m over the bridge and a longer walk from the car park.
Falls of Bruar
Close to the main A9 Perth-inverness road, seven miles north of Blair Atholl near House of Bruar. The lichen-covered walls of the gorge below the upper falls are less ogled and more dramatic. 1.4-mile circular path well marked; steep, rocky in places. Tempting to swim on hot days.
Falls of Clyde
Dramatic falls in a long gorge of the Clyde. New Lanark, the conservation village of Robert Owen, the social reformer, is signed from Lanark. A curious village, a mighty river. The path to the power station is about 0.6 miles, the route more interesting after it, a climb to the first fall (Cora Linn) and on to the next (Bonnington Linn). One of the mills is a decent family hotel, with some rooms (and “waterhouses” overlooking the river). The strange uniformity of New Lanark is oddly poignant when the other tourists have gone home. When the river is full, the Falls are a wonder.
Steall Falls
Take Glen Nevis road at the roundabout outside Fort William town centre and drive to the end through glen. Start from the second and final car park, following marked path uphill through the woody gorge with River Nevis thrashing below. Glen eventually and dramatically opens out and there are great views of the long veils of the falls. Precarious 3-wire bridge, for which you will also need nerves of steel.
Peter Irvine is the author of the essential travel guide Scotland the Best published by Collins, priced £15.99
What with working from home and lockdown restrictions, lunch hour has become something of a bore.
But a new venture could transform your daily break into a detective mystery, treasure hunt or spy mission.
More than 1,200 of the self-guided Treasure Trails are now available in the UK, with 150 in Scotland, including these:
Banff Treasure Hunt: Set off on an adventure circling the remains of a medieval castle, visit the picturesque harbour and enjoy spectacular views of the Moray coastline.
Bridge of Allan Spy Mission: Explore this old Victorian spa town, travelling along Henderson Street, from the bridge over Allan Water to Pullar Memorial Park.
Edinburgh Royal Mile Detective Mystery: Uncover mysterious tales while venturing around ancient cobbled streets.
Glasgow City Treasure Hunt: Calling all pirates! Explore the west side of the city centre, with its stunning Victorian architecture, while looking for clues to find treasure.
Edinburgh Old Town Treasure Hunt: Explore the east end of the Royal Mile, twisting and turning through ancient streets, stumbling upon landmarks and learning about famous figures who shaped the city.
Dumfries Mystery Detective Mystery: Spot the clues en-route to solve a whodunnit. Starting at Whitesands, continue along Bank Street, and pass famous locations, ending at the Burns Statue.
Aberfoyle and Kinlochard Spy Mission: Trailers will need their bikes for this cycling trail which explores Aberfoyle, before taking the picturesque road alongside Loch Ard to Kinlochard.
Aberdeen Detective Mystery: This mysterious route runs from historic Castlegate to some of the most scenic areas of Aberdeen. Explore Marischal College, St Nicholas Kirkyard and the harbour.
Stonehaven Heritage Treasure Hunt: Look high and low for clues beginning at Queen Elizabeth Park. Visit the town’s most historic sites, from Mineralwell Park to the harbour and Market Square.
St Andrews West Sands Spy Mission: Explores the iconic West Sands, as seen in Chariots Of Fire.
Booklets, priced £9.99, are available at treasuretrails.co.uk