AS restrictions begin to ease across Scotland from Monday, here’s our pick of 10 perfect destinations for a day trip.
CULROSS, FIFE
It’s not just for Outlander fans, you know. Visiting this handsomely preserved village beside the Forth is like time-travelling back to the 18th century. Cobbled streets, a palace, and, if you walk to the top of the town, a small but impressive abbey. Pop into the Biscuit Cafe on the way down the hill.
Visit nts.org.uk
TAK MA DOON ROAD, KILSYTH
One for eager cyclists, this road out of Kilsyth climbs to more than 300ft in less than three miles. At the top there’s a car park with impressive views over the Forth Valley (if the weather is kind).
Visit visitlanarkshire.com
LOCH LEVEN
There are many ways to enjoy the pleasures of Loch Leven, but our favourite is to stop off at Loch Leven’s Larder near Kinross. A gift shop, deli and cafe all under one roof, it’s a perfect place to charge the batteries after a hike down to the loch shore (which you can do directly from the car park).
Visit lochlevenslarder.com
INVERARAY, ARGYLL AND BUTE
This Georgian town, established in 1745 by the 3rd Duke of Argyll, sits on the edge of Loch Fyne and is a perfect base for exploring Argyll. It has its own castle and offers plenty of walking and Instagram opportunities (climb up to Dun na Cuaiche for the best views).
Visit visitscotland.com
NORTH BERWICK, EAST LOTHIAN
Now that the weather’s improving (fingers crossed), North Berwick’s mix of beaches and good dining becomes ever more attractive. The Scottish Seabird Centre is always worth a visit.
Visit seabird.org
MOFFAT, DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY
For those in love with historic houses (Drumlanrig Castle, Traquair House and Caerlaverock Castle are all within driving distance), natural features (Grey Mare’s Tail, the fifth-highest waterfall in the UK is nearby) and access to the Southern Upland Way, Moffat is the perfect base.
Visit visitmoffat.co.uk/
Read More: Farm shops, boutique and bookstores
PITLOCHRY, PERTHSHIRE
The famous Queen’s View over Loch Tummel is pretty splendid, but it’s not the only thing to look out for around Pitlochry. A trip to the heart of Scotland also offers up the chance to visit Killiecrankie Gorge and Faskally Wood. Blair Castle reopens next Wednesday and, further ahead, Pitlochry Festival Theatre will reopen with a series of outdoor performances from June.
Visit pitlochry.org
LARGS, NORTH AYRSHIRE
Nardini's reopens next Friday. That’s as good a reason as any to go to Largs, right? But if you want more you could always walk up to Greeto Falls.
Visit nardinis.co.uk
LEAKEY’S BOOKSHOP, INVERNESS
There’s more to life than books you know, but not much more. (Are we still allowed to quote Morrissey?) We reckon a day at Scotland’s largest second-hand bookshop, located in an 18th-century Gaelic church, is a day well spent. Now, where are the Penguin paperbacks?
Visit facebook.com/LeakeysBookshop
ST NINIAN’S ISLE, SHETLAND
Situated on the west coast of Shetland, you reach St Ninian’s Isle by way of a tombolo. What’s that, you ask? It’s a natural sand causeway with water on both sides. In other words, you walk to the island.
Visit shetland.org
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