Peter Irvine’s Scotland the best
Country parks
Itching to get outside? Here are some more great ideas for fun places to visit this Easter weekend
Drumlanrig Castle
On the A76, four miles north of Thornhill in the west Borders, in whose romance and history it’s steeped. Extensive trails for walking and cycling. Up to nine miles round the estate lochs and silvery Nith. The gardens, Larchwood Cabin and adventure playground have reopened at weekends; visit website to book and check opening times. drumlanrigcastle.co.uk·01848 331555
Muirshiel Country Park
Near Lochwinnoch, via Largs (A760) or Glasgow (M8, junction 29 A737 then A760 three miles south of Johnstone). North from village on Kilmacolm road for two miles then signed. Muirshiel is name given to wider area but park proper begins four miles on road along the Calder valley. A wild and enchanting place for walks, picnics, etc. Trails marked
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to waterfall and summit views (Windy Hill an easy 1.2 miles). Muirshiel’s tracks, trails and car park open daily. Toilets and visitor centre currently closed. clydemuirshiel.co.uk·01505 614791
John Muir Country Park
Near Dunbar. Named after the 19th-century conservationist who founded America’s national parks. This swathe of coastline to the west of the town (partly known locally as Tyninghame) is an important estuarine nature reserve but is good for family walks. Various entry points: main one is from Dunbar roundabout on A1 back towards North Berwick, then A1087, 1km; by clifftop trail from Dunbar; or from car park on road into Dunbar from west at West Barns. eastlothian.gov.uk·01620 827459
Finlaystone Estate
A8 to Greenock, Houston direction at Langbank, then signed. Grand mansion home to chief of Clan MacMillan set in formal gardens in wooded estate. An all-round get oot o’ the house experience. finlaystone.co.uk·01475 540505
Peter Irvine is the author of the essential travel guide Scotland the Best published by Collins, priced £15.99