Scotland Off the Beaten Track

Scottish Borders | Peebles | Mountain bike trails | ★★★★★ [Views help with the relentless climb to Buzzards Nest] Does Peebles have the best mountain biking centre in Britain? As an all-rounder, probably: 7stanes Glentress is notable in having superb trails at all grades, from two gentle green circuits to a frightening-looking 29 km black route. Trails of all grades start from Glentress Peel car park, with a secondary hub at Buzzard's Nest accessible by a steep climb on two tyres or four. All of the trails are wonderfully varied - even the higher of the two green routes is 60% singletrack - with the red and black trails approaching 600 metres above sea level. From a start height of under 200 metres, that should make for a hell of a climb (we haven't dared try it yet)... and descents to match. And Innerleithen's quieter red and downhill trails are just around the corner. [7stanes Glentress] Location & info 📌 7stanes Glentress ★★★★★ Glentress Peel is

Perth & Kinross | Dunkeld | Full day walk | ★★★ [Deuchary Hill] You know those days where you feel like going for a decent long walk but, for whatever reason, the highest hills are out of bounds? Deuchary Hill might provide a good alternative with a mix of forest and moorland surrounding it, not far from Dunkeld and the A9. This circular walk heads out to Loch Ordie and several other smaller lochs, with a steep out-and-back detour to the summit itself, from which the view can be fantastic. There are obvious opportunities to shorten the route if time is limited. [Mill Dam under thick ice and snow] 📌 Walk: Slippery, Deuchary, loch ★★★ Start / finish at car park (access by rutted track - care needed) off A923 near Cally Loch, half a mile north of Dunkeld, G.R.: NO 023437 ///hikes.revolts.backed ▶ 24 km / 15 mi | ▲ 560 m | ⌚ Full day | ⬤ Tough Features: △ Deuchary Hill (511 m, sub-2000'); various lochs including Loch Ordie Terrain: Mostly decent forest trac

Highland | Glen Coe | Ski centre | ★★★★ [Views from the top of the ski area are stunning on a clear day - this is looking south] Bleakly set on the slopes of Meall a' Bhuiridh and overlooking the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor, Glencoe Mountain Resort should be first on your list if you like your piste skiing rugged and wild - but its scope for beginners has improved greatly over recent years. In perfect snow conditions Scotland's biggest lift-served vertical is available - 730 metres - with decent terrain for all abilities. If wild and windy, there's not much to do indoors in the area. Scroll down for a more in depth guide. [Looking over the plateau from the Spring Run , Rannoch Moor beyond] Location & info 📌 Glencoe Mountain Resort ★★★★ Off the A82, east end of Glen Coe, 8 mi north of Bridge of Orchy, G.R.: NN 267525 ///gosh petrified expect Average winter season: December to April, conditions permitting Day lift pass: £27-£35 adult / £20-£22

Stirling | City | ★★★★ [The Ochil Hills and the Wallace Monument from the Beheading Stone, Mote Hill] Unquestionably a jewel in the heart of Scotland, Stirling probably ranks second only to Edinburgh for the title of the country's most picturesque city. Beyond the central shopping district lie countless historic buildings and monuments, and the castle's position atop an old volcano completes the picture. Don't miss walking around the edge of the old City Wall and out to Mote Hill for brilliant views across to the Ochils, Ben Lomond and the Trossachs, and down towards Stirling Old Bridge and the King's Knot. The city centre only measures half a mile or so from end to end, so getting around the various sights is quick; all those listed below are within easy walking distance from the centre. [Part of the King's Knot, seen from the city walls] Location & info 📌 Stirling ★★★★ Stirling county. City centre is near the entrance to Thistles Shopping