Scotland Off the Beaten Track

Scottish Borders | Peebles | Mountain bike trails | ★★★★★

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 (Glentress Peel): Just off A72 2 miles east of Peebles, G.R.: NT 284397 ///slowness.reeling.highly
Open: Always
Cost: Free (but wi…

Perth & Kinross | Dunkeld | Full day walk | ★★★

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.

📌 Walk: Slippery, Deuchary, loch ★★★
▶ 24 km / 15 miles | ▲ 560 metres
Summits: Deuchary Hill (511 metres, sub-2000') | Features: Various lochs, of which Loch Ordie is the largest
Start / finish: Car park (access by rutted track - care needed) off A923 near Cally Loch, just north of Dunkeld, G.R.: NO 023437 ///hikes.revolts.backed

Route: Car park - Mill Dam - Leddown Burn - Deuchary Hill - Leddown Burn - Loch Ordie - Dowally Loch - Rotm…

Highland | Glencoe | Ski centre | ★★★★

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.


📌Glencoe Mountain Resort★★★★
Location: Off A82, east end of Glen Coe, G.R.: NN 267525 ///gosh petrified expect
Day lift pass (midweek / weekends and holidays) (2018/19): £25 / £32 (adults), £18 / £20 (children)
Equipment hire (2018/19): £25 (adults), £20 (children)
Average season (snowsports): December to April, conditions permitting

Don't miss...

The Haggis Trap - a narrow gully at the bottom of the Main Basin. A unique terrain feature unless…

Stirling | Castle & Historic building | ★★★★

Stirling Castle is the city's crowning glory, at the top of the volcanic outcrop of Castle Hill and an short uphill walk from Stirling centre. Built in various stages from the 14th century onwards, the castle saw the crowning of a series of Scottish Kings and Queens, and several sieges during the Wars of Independence. Today, dozens of separate buildings, battlements and exhibitions easily justify the admittedly hefty admission charge. A tour of Argyll's Lodging is also included in the price, just downhill from the castle.


📌Argyll's Lodging★★★
Description: 17th century townhouse previously belonging to the Earl of Argyll.
Location: 5-min walk southeast of the castle / 10-min walk northwest of Stirling city centre, G.R.: NS 793938 ///safely.dozen.feared
Open (2019): Closed to visitors until further notice (last checked August 2019)
Cost: Included in castle ticket

📌Stirling Castle★★★★
Description: Famous 16th century clifftop castle…

Stirling | City | ★★★★

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 a kilometre 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.


📌Stirling ★★★★
Location (city centre car parks): G.R.: NS 798932 ///rises.gazed.photos


Within walking distance

📌King's Knot★★
Description: Extensive grassy earthworks, part of the huge King's Park leisure ground laid out for Charles I's Scottish corona…