After a few days of festive feasting there is nothing like a refreshing winter walk. Here, Visit Scotland selects of some of the best winter walks to enjoy across the country.
Aberdeen Granite Trail
It’s not just woodlands or coastal paths that are great to explore during the winter months. Uncover the stories behind some of Aberdeen’s most impressive buildings and sculptures on the Granite Trail.
Learn about the granite industry throughout the ages and the monuments made of this glittering stone.
Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh
Situated within Holyrood Park, this extinct volcano is probably the most famous of the city’s seven iconic hills.
There are a number of routes to explore including an easy 3-mile loop. For something more strenuous head to the summit to see the capital as you’ve never seen it before.
Almondell Country Park
Almondell in West Lothian is full of exciting woodland trails, as well as a visitor centre and a children’s play park. Straddling the River Almond take a walk along the waterside keeping your eyes out for deer, otters and other wildlife.
Kelvin Walkway
Glasgow’s Kelvin Walkway follows the banks of the River Kelvin, crossing under the Kelvinbridge and will take winter walkers to the Botanic Gardens to warm up inside the huge Kibble Glasshouse.
Falls of Clyde, Lanarks
On the Falls of Clyde walk you can visit both the Corra Linn and Bonnington Linn waterfalls. Begin at New Lanark and follow the path along the winding banks of the River Clyde.
Lady Mary’s Walk
The walk runs along the banks of the River Earn and boasts a picturesque setting among a dense forest of oak, beech, lime and sweet chestnut trees. It’s a great option for a sheltered winter wander through the trees.
Cardrona Forest
Three great trails in the Tweed Valley Forest Park – the Burn Trail, an easy access route along the Kirk Burn, the Kirkburn Trail, which offers beautiful views of the Tweed Valley, and Wallace’s Trail, a circular route that passes the remains of Cardrona Tower, which dates from the 1500s.
Clatteringshaws
In the Galloway Forest Park, begin with a stroll along the edge of Clatteringshaws Loch to Bruce’s Stone, which commemorates Robert the Bruce’s victory at the Battle of Trool in 1307. The route then leads to the visitor centre to begin the Loch View hike through woodland, reaching a stunning vantage point over the loch.
Callendar Park, Falkirk
A short distance from the town centre lies Callendar Park, home to the impressive Callendar House. Kids will love the Roman-themed play park and exploring the surrounding woodlands.
The Yew Trail takes you on a tour of the park with some interesting sights along the way. Spot previous owners the Forbes family’s Mausoleum enclosed in a circular wall above Callendar Loch, and keep an eye out for the oak woodland.
Dundee’s Waterfront
Dundee has enjoyed a major tourism transformation in recent years with the Waterfront at the heart of city’s makeover.
Enjoy a relaxing walk from the village of Invergowrie to Dundee’s newest attraction, an urban beach which includes an interactive play area, a life-size whale sculpture and a landscaped area. On your journey, marvel at landmarks such as the RRS Discovery and the iconic V&A Dundee.
Aviemore
Loch an Eilean is a popular family favourite in the Highlands. This unique loch boasts a little island of its own which also features an old ruin. Head around the circular walk which boasts incredible Caledonian pine forests, serene mountain views and an easy terrain for the little ones to enjoy.
Loch Ryan Coastal Trail
Coastal walks aren’t just for the summer months! Enjoy one of the best coastal walks in South Scotland along the Loch Ryan Coastal Path, which begins in Stranraer and extends to Glenapp Church. Take in the spectacular scenery including panoramic views of the loch. Wildlife lovers might enjoy views of deer, water birds and other local wildlife.
For more inspiration about things to see and do in your local area this winter to go to the website at visitscotland.com
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