Thursday 27 December 2012

Fabulous Scottish winter walks


With a covering of snow on the peaks of Scotland's hills and mountains and a clear, bright day there can be few better times for a walk. While spring and summer are alive with nature and autumn is a bounty of colour, winter reveals its own spectacular scenery and tranquillity.

Here we bring you five great walks to try this festive season. Remember, too, that Glentrek offers a wealth of expertise on walking in Scotland and will be only too happy to offer guidance to a fabulous walk or trek.

Cateran Trail: Cutting a superb 64-mile walking route through Angus and Perthshire, the Cateran Trail is one of Glentrek's favourite walks. Choose one of five lovely stages and set off to explore the countryside that was renowned for caterans (or rustlers). The second stage is from Kirkmichael via Enochdhu to Spittal of Glenshee and offers a refreshing eight-mile route. 

Den of AlythWoodlands are stunning at any time of year and we particularly enjoy the stark features during the winter months. Head to the wooded valley near Alyth, by Kirriemuir, to walk a short but delightful route close to the tumbling Burn of Alyth.

Drummond Hill walk: Follow a waymarked walking route at Drummond Hill, near Kenmore, Perthshire. The straight up and back walk of about 3.5 miles takes your gently to Black Rock viewpoint with splendid views over Loch Tay. 

Strathdon ridge walk: An eight-mile hike takes you along the fab Glenbuchat ridge, near Strathdon. The walk starts from the ruins of Glenbuchat Castle with the route taking you along the ridge high above the glen. On a winter’s day, the chances are you will meet no-one else!

Winter Munro: If you have been walking Munros in summer, why not walk one in winter, too? Meall Chuaich, near Drumochter, will take you off the beaten track for around five hours and reveals lovely views over Badenoch and Strathspey.