Dig out your snow boots and get yourself walking in Scotland this winter.
There’s really no place quite like it. If you’re not much of a hardy soul and your idea of a good holiday is lying by a pool in ninety degree heat reading a book and sipping a cold beer – then walking in Scotland in winter may not be the ideal choice.
But if you’re a big fan of Christmas landscapes, total “white-outs” and the most stunning “Nordic” type of scenery you’re ever likely to see without leaving the British Isles – then I urge you to give it a try.
In the right gear, there’s nothing quite like hiking in the Cairngorms or exploring the Hebridean coast off season, before going back to a rented cottage, small guest house or country hotel and treating yourself to a warming glass of the beautiful fiery golden liquid that helps make this part of the UK famous all over the world – Scotch. Just make sure it’s good quality single malt – after all, you’ll have earned it – and sip it in front of a real log fire.
If you’re feeling ambitious, you could try the West Highland Way which travels 95 miles from Milngavie to Fort William. This long walk includes hills, woodland and open country and is one of Scotland’s best-loved routes.
Or – from Fort William; you could go on the “Great Glen Way” which is a 73-mile stretch all the way to Inverness. Alternatively, the Munros, Corbetts and Grahams are always popular at all times of year. But the right clothing is absolutely essential. People die from exposure in Scotland each year – particularly on the mountains. This can be a very dangerous place in the coldest season. But it’s also worth the effort for its sheer winter white majesty.
So bring up your North Face jackets, your best boots, thermal underwear and socks. Take some basic safety precautions, tell people where you’re going – then get lost (hopefully not literally!) in Scotland this winter – and earn yourself a glass of the good stuff!