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SPONSORED: Treat yourself to a winter getaway – and enjoy some of Scotland’s best walks

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CHRISTMAS is nearly upon us and we are all rushing around trying to find the perfect gifts, the perfect food and spending time with friends and family. And after it’s all said and done – who could blame you if you needed a break?

We are extremely fortunate to have some of the best winter getaway spots on our doorstep – and even more so if you enjoy a good walk in the fresh air.

From the coast to the mountains, there are so many destinations to choose from. So if you are feeling the need to getaway for a few days, these hotels and self-catering accommodations could be exactly what you are looking for.

Enjoy a luxurious stay at the Atholl Palace

The Atholl Palace Hotel is perfect for a winter escape and a warm welcome awaits by warming yourself at one of the hotel’s many log fires.

Stay at Atholl Palace and enjoy a sumptuous three-course candlelit dinner in the evening with a complimentary carafe of house wine.

Fill up with the hotel’s famous Scottish breakfast, served each morning in its Verandah Restaurant, boasting stunning views of the Tummel Valley, before exploring this beautiful part of Scotland.

  • £145 – one night for two people – Sunday – Thursday
  • £169 – one night for two people – Friday and Saturday Night
  • £278 – two nights for two people – Sunday – Thursday
  • £318 – two nights for two people – Friday and Saturday Night
  • This is also available as a Gift Voucher, the ideal gift this festive season.

Available for stays from until April 30, 2019 (excluding Christmas and New Year)

Single rooms are £109 per night (minimum two-night stay) Sunday to Thursday, and includes a glass of house wine with dinner and single rooms on Fridays and Saturdays are £119 per night (minimum two-night stay), and includes a glass of house wine with dinner.

Click here to book today.

Explore south-west Scotland and the north of England at Cressfield Caravan Park

Cressfield Caravan Park, situated on the edge of Ecclefechan village in beautiful rural South West Scotland, is open 12 months of the year.

On site there are holiday  static  caravans,  tourers, motor  homes and static  tourers are also catered for.

Cressfield is a family run park set in 40 acres in an area of outstanding natural beauty and is an ideal base to explore South West Scotland, Lake District, Cumbria and Northumberland.

The park is ideally situated for walking, cycling and touring. There are village amenities nearby, such as a village shop, hotels and a pub.

New and used holiday statics and residential lodges are also available.

For further details visit the Cressfield Park website.

Enjoy a coastal break at the Harbour House Hotel

Where can you enjoy a break for this special discounted rate? At The Harbour House Hotel and Anglesea Self-Catering Apartments, enjoy drinks by the fire, dinner with a view.

Enjoy a festive menu with a range of mouth-watering dishes. You will dine in the hotel’s conservatory area. It’s a wonderful space to enjoy a meal whatever the time of year, as you watch the comings and goings of the harbour outside.

After enjoying your two (£16.99) or three (£19.99) course evening meal, head back your cosy room or sit by the fire.

Harbour House is a coastal hotel boasting views of Portpatrick harbour.

Or perhaps the Anglesea Self-Catering Apartments on-site is your preference?

There is plenty to keep you entertained during your stay, from coastal walks, sub-tropic botanical gardens, or perhaps just relax with the quintessential seaside getaway this winter.

Portpatrick is the perfect retreat and we look forward to welcoming you here during December or into the New Year.

*WINTER BREAKS: £40p/p/p/n three nights for the price of two on a B&B basis. (Harbour House Hotel and Anglesea Self-Catering Apartments are closed on Christmas Day. *Excluding 30& 31 Dec and 1st Jan 19)

Find out more at the Harbour House Hotel website.

All of the family (including your dog) can enjoy a stay at Mains of Taymouth

Situated in the picturesque village of Kenmore at the Mouth of Loch Tay, Mains of Taymouth Country Estate and Golf Course offers a stunning selection of five and four star holiday cottages, contemporary mews-style houses, holiday homes, and one and two bedroom luxury holiday apartments, sleeping up to 12 people in comfort and luxury.

Many properties are dog friendly, with the estate a winner of a “Paws for a Break” award from Embrace Scotland as the most pet friendly self-catering establishment in the UK.

On site facilities at this renowned, family run estate include the stylish Courtyard restaurant, the delicatessen, shop and riding stables, and the nine hole golf course, affectionately known as Perthshire’s finest nine holes.

Loch Tay boating centre is another attraction and is currently home to Highland Safaris Loch Tay Safaris.

This area of Highland Perthshire has always been extremely desirable, with so much of the best of Scotland to see and experience within one easily accessible area – whisky, Munros, white water rafting, Big Tree Country, salmon fishing, biking, walking, golf. The list is endless…

Find out more at the Mains of Taymouth website.

Make Tracks on some of Scotland’s best walks this winter

Make Tracks and Walk Across Scotland specialise in organising self-guided walking holidays across a variety of Scotland’s most beautiful and awe inspiring landscapes.

Featuring spectacular walking routes such as the famous West Highland Way, Great Glen Way (look out for the Loch Ness Monster) and the epic Southern Upland Way, our comprehensive service allows you to sit back while we organise your adventure.

From the moment you get in touch; we offer a fully personalised service, providing all the help and information you need to create the perfect walking holiday.

No automation, no standard replies – Ross and the team communicates directly with all new and existing customers in a friendly, relaxed and approachable manner.

Our holidays include good quality bed and breakfast or hotel accommodation, detailed written guides and map, door-to-door luggage transfers, daily itineraries of your walking route, plus dedicated advice from Ross and the team.

Visit the Make Tracks website for more details.

Trek the Borders and see some beautiful sights

When I was a child my parents drove us down to the Scottish Borders to see Traquair and Abbotsford when family came to visit from abroad. This magical experience, of turreted buildings and walled gardens where roses climb and folklore sores, is shared by many visitors.

However, when I came to live in the Borders as an adult, I realised that the Border lands offered much more especially for walkers of all abilities. Beyond the elegant estate houses, many of which are open to the public, are thousands of kilometres of promoted paths.

You can explore the hills in the west of the region including the highest, Broad Law at 840m, one of 38 hills over 2,000ft (610m). In the east you can explore the Berwickshire Coastal Path above the dramatic cliffs and sandy bays.

Winding their way from east to west and north to south are three other long distance trails, moorland walks, forest walks, riverside walks and town trails; many include easy access and wheelchair paths.

We are less than an hour from Edinburgh or Carlisle and with this variety of landscape in the region, I am confident that Scotland starts here!

For more information visit the Walk Scottish Borders website.

Escape to luxury at Taymouth Marina

Taymouth Marina, Scotland newest luxury holiday resort situated on the banks of Lochay in Highland Perthshire, boasts luxury townhouses and apartments with hot tubs, and onsite restaurant, water sports facilities and the award-winning Hot Box sauna complex.

If you’re looking for a home away from home in 2019 Taymouth Marina is the place to be. Only 90 minutes from Edinburgh and Glasgow, its close enough for a weekend break, but far enough to give you that sense of escapism.

To book, or for more details, visit the Taymouth Marina website.

Enjoy a stay in an unusual setting

Our beautifully renovated, light housekeepers cottages, nestling at the base of the lighthouse, offer four-star comfort and personal attention for our guests.

Imagine the view, smell the sea air, feel the freedom of staying in a lighthouse cottage. Now think comfort and luxury and you’re on your way to a Buchan Ness Lighthouse Holiday.

With the breath taking scenery of one of Scotland’s best kept secrets, the Buchan Coast, our lighthouse is less than an hour’s drive from Aberdeen.

With miles of empty beaches, some of the best Golf Courses and Surfing in Britain, and within easy reach of Castles and Whisky, our holidays offer something for everyone.

Check out our special midweek and weekend offers !

Find out more and check out the special offers on the website.

Get away to the beach at Belhaven Bay Caravan Park

East Lothian enjoys the sunniest climate in Scotland, with its outstanding natural beauty and world class activities, it’s little wonder that it is one of the most sought-after destinations, not just to visit but to live.

Belhaven Bay Caravan Park is small and friendly 4* VisitScotland assured park situated close to the beach and golf course. Due to popular demand Meadowhead Parks is delighted to be adding a development of 14 new plots with parking in a cul-de-sac location with some having sea views to Bass Rock.

We are privileged to be located within the John Muir Country Park, with the nearby town of Dunbar is the birthplace of the famous explorer, naturalist and founder of the National Parks movement in North America.

The park has been awarded a Bellamy Gold award each year for more than a decade.

This lovely area boasts miles of stunning coastline, gorgeous beaches, award winning attractions and some of the world’s finest links golf courses – all just a short distance from Scotland’s Capital with speedy rail and road links.

We have a range of new and used holiday homes for sale. Call 07854 605794 to arrange a viewing.

Click here to visit the Meadowhead Parks website.

Enjoy walks in some of the most picturesque parts of Scotland with Wilderness Cottages

Thinking about have a Scottish holiday in 2019, perhaps then have a look at the fabulous selection that Wilderness Cottages offer.

Located throughout Scotland, they offer small cottages ideal for two through to larger houses for families or for groups of friends. Short breaks are available and pets welcome. Their 2019 brochure is now available – order online or by phone.

The properties are located in some of the best areas in Scotland, including the west coast, Loch Ness, the Cairngorm National Park, and the Isle of Skye, to name just a few.

The properties in the Isle of Skye include the unique Pipers Lodge, a lovely property ideal for two complete with its own hot tub. Looking for something bigger? Then the Timber House or the The Orchids might fit the bill. Located in the North West part of the island the properties are ideally situated just a short distance from the famous Three Chimneys Restaurant.

Back on the mainland are there properties on the Applecross peninsula. This unspoilt and remote area is an ideal place for a holiday with fabulous scenery and many hills for walking.

Around the Inverness and Loch Ness area, they have properties on both sides of the Loch including the Drumnadrochit area and the quieter and unspoilt south side.

Look at the brochure or book online now.

Discover the Highlands when you stay at Saorphin

Saorphin is situated on the Ross of Mull two miles from the village of Bunessan – a beautiful and peaceful part of the Highlands.

The cottages are a great base for exploring Mull with many walks and beaches nearby and a short drive from Fionnphort and Iona.

The the holiday cottages overlook Loch Assapol and moorland beyond. Alongside the sheep and Highland cattle you can see eagles, buzzards, harriers, owls, and red deer, as well as many smaller birds, butterflies and moths.

The farm is managed traditionally to encourage wildlife, with otters, seals and wild goats are sometimes spotted on the farm beaches. Over 50 different types of birds have been seen here.

Now under new management with lots of improvements, including all linen provided, we will do our very best to make you welcome.

We can also help with catering, and can organise buying local lamb, beef, sea food and vegetables.

Find out more about Saorphin at their website.