Hidden Scotland presents

Days out

with the kids
Days out

Days out from Aviemore.

Aviemore sits right in the middle of the Cairngorms National Park, surrounded by ancient pine forest, lochs and mountains. From here you can walk around Loch an Eilein to its island castle, wander through Rothiemurchus forest, ride the steam railway or head up into the hills, with red squirrels in the woods and ospreys over the lochs in summer.

Every day is worked out stop by stop, with the drive between each place, where to stop for lunch, and what to book before you go. Some are gentle forest walks with a café at the end; others take in a distillery or a longer climb. It's lovely in every season, from summer swims to crisp, snowy winter days. Choose your day and enjoy the Cairngorms.

Your best match · In AviemoreThe Cairngorm Brewery and lunch at the Cairngorm HotelOn foot, about three hours.See the day

Out from Aviemore

About 3 miles awayAviemore, Rothiemurchus and Glenmore: two lochs, the reindeer and Cairn GormA day by car, about 24 milesAbout 3 miles awayA Day in the Cairngorms – Rothiemurchus & Glen MoreA day by car, about 11 milesAbout 5 miles awayOspreys, Castle Roy and the old forest at Loch GartenA day by car, about 36 milesAbout 5 miles awayThe Zip Trek at AlvieBy car, about three and a half hoursAbout 5 miles awayLoch Morlich beach and lunch at the Allt Mor CaféOn foot, about two and a half hoursAbout 5 miles awayA walk to the Green Lochan on the Ryvoan TrailBy car, about two and a half hoursAbout 5 miles awayMeall a' Bhuachaille and lunch at the Winking OwlBy car, about six hoursAbout 5 miles awayThe Green Lochan with the dog and lunch at Route 7By car, about four hoursAbout 5 miles awayThe reindeer hill trip and lunch at the Pine Marten BarOn foot, about three and a half hoursAbout 6 miles awayLoch Garten's red squirrels and old pinewoodBy car, about two and a half hoursAbout 6 miles awayLandmark and Loch Morlich with the kids and the dogBy car, about six hoursAbout 6 miles awayLandmark Forest Adventure Park and lunch in CarrbridgeOn foot, about three and a half hoursAbout 6 miles awayCarrbridge's packhorse bridge and a pint at the Cairn HotelOn foot, about two hoursAbout 6 miles awayCarrbridge's packhorse bridge and the Carr Plantation walkBy car, about two and a half hoursAbout 6 miles awayThe Lochside Loop walk at Kincraig on Loch InshBy car, about an hourAbout 7 miles awayThe Cairngorm Mountain Railway and Loch MorlichBy car, about five hoursAbout 8 miles awayUath Lochans and Farleitter Crag walkBy car, an hour, or two and a half hours for both trailsAbout 8 miles awayThe Lettoch Trail walk up the River NethyOn foot, about three and a half hoursAbout 8 miles awayThe Broomhill Trail walk at Nethy BridgeOn foot, about three hoursAbout 8 miles awayUath Lochans and lunch in KincraigBy car, about three hoursAbout 8 miles awayBreakfast at Nethy House and the bridge at Nethy BridgeOn foot, about an hour and a halfAbout 8 miles awayThe Highland Wildlife Park's animalsBy car, about four hoursAbout 9 miles awayA walk round Castle Roy and Abernethy Old KirkBy car, about two and a half hoursAbout 11 miles awayThe Invertromie Trail walk at Insh MarshesBy car, about two hoursAbout 12 miles awayRuthven Barracks at sunset and supper in KingussieBy car, about two and a half hoursAbout 12 miles awayThe Beachen Orange Trail walk at Grantown-on-SpeyBy car, about two hoursAbout 12 miles awaySpey Bank Studio and afternoon tea at the Boat Country InnBy car, about two and a half hoursAbout 13 miles awayThe Highland Folk Museum with the children and the dogBy car, about four hoursAbout 14 miles awayThe Wildcat Trail walk round NewtonmoreBy car, about four hoursAbout 17 miles awayThe Tomintoul Country Walk to Queen Victoria's ViewBy car, about three hoursAbout 18 miles awayThe Linn of Dee and Braemar CastleBy car, about five hoursAbout 18 miles awayThe Linn of Dee and lunch at the BothyBy car, about three hoursAbout 18 miles awayThe Glenmulliach Viewpoint walk near TomintoulBy car, about two hoursAbout 19 miles awayA walk to the Falls of Truim and the Centre of Scotland stoneBy car, about two and a half hoursAbout 19 miles awayThe Linn of Quoich and lunch at Gordon's Tea RoomBy car, about three and a half hoursAbout 20 miles awayThe River Dee path and a pint at the Flying StagOn foot, about three and a half hoursAbout 21 miles awayAn art tour and afternoon tea at the Fife ArmsOn foot, about two and a half hoursAbout 21 miles awayBraemar Castle and lunch in BraemarBy car, about three and a half hoursAbout 21 miles awayRound Morrone, above BraemarOn foot, about six hoursAbout 21 miles awayUp Creag Choinnich, above BraemarOn foot, about three hoursAbout 21 miles awayClava Cairns at sunset and supper at the Cawdor TavernBy car, about three hoursAbout 22 miles awayThe Scalan Heritage Trail walk in the Braes of GlenlivetBy car, about two hoursAbout 22 miles awayCulloden Battlefield and afternoon tea at Culloden HouseBy car, about three and a half hoursAbout 22 miles awayCulloden, Cawdor and Nairn: a day east of InvernessA day by car, about 40 milesAbout 22 miles awayA walk on the old military road at Corgarff CastleBy car, about five hoursAbout 23 miles awaySpending the Day in Speyside Whisky CountryA day by car, about 28 milesAbout 24 miles awayInverness Botanic Gardens and lunch at Café BotanicsOn foot, about two and a half hoursAbout 24 miles awayCoffee and cake at Logie Steading near ForresOn foot, about two hoursAbout 24 miles awayInverness Leisure, the Botanic Gardens and Whin ParkOn foot, about six hoursAbout 24 miles awayThe wave pool and lazy river at Inverness LeisureBy car, about three hoursAbout 24 miles awayA wet day in InvernessA day by bus and on footAbout 24 miles awayA Day in InvernessA day on foot, about 3 milesMembersAbout 24 miles awayInverness Museum and Art Gallery and lunch at RocpoolOn foot, about three hoursAbout 25 miles awayWhin Park, the Ness Islands and a hot chocolate at XOKOOn foot, about three and a half hoursAbout 25 miles awayThe River Ness and a pint at the Castle TavernOn foot, about three hoursAbout 25 miles awayInverness's old town: the Victorian Market, the Old High Church, Leakey's, the cathedral and the castle hillA day on foot, about 2 milesAbout 25 miles awayBalmoral's grounds and gardensBy car, about two and a half hoursAbout 26 miles awayThe Cairnwell chairlift at GlensheeBy car, about two and a half hoursAbout 26 miles awayA sauna at dusk at Stravaig, facing LochnagarBy car, about three and a half hoursAbout 27 miles awayNairn's East Beach, harbour and piers walkBy car, about an hour, or two to three hours for the 6.25 miles to Culbin and backAbout 27 miles awayNairn beach, the harbour and lunch at Basil Harbour CaféOn foot, about two hoursAbout 28 miles awayUp Ben Rinnes, above SpeysideBy car, about four and a half hoursAbout 28 miles awayChanonry Point and the Fairy Glen with the kids and the dogBy car, about five and a half hoursAbout 28 miles awayChanonry Point's dolphinsBy car, about two hoursAbout 28 miles awayHunting for History on the Black IsleA few hours by car, about 9 milesMembersAbout 28 miles awayThe Tall Trees Trail walk in Reelig GlenBy car, about three-quarters of an hourAbout 28 miles awayThe Bunzeach Trail walk at StrathdonBy car, about two and a half hoursAbout 28 miles awayBrodie Castle and lunch in its Castle CaféOn foot, about three and a half hoursAbout 29 miles awayA walk up Glen Tilt to Gilbert's BridgeBy car, about four hoursAbout 29 miles awayCoffee at Bakhoos and Fortrose CathedralOn foot, about an hour and a halfAbout 29 miles awayAberlour to Craigellachie and Telford's Bridge walkOn foot, about four hoursAbout 29 miles awayThe Black Isle Brewery and lunch at the Black Isle BarBy car, about three hoursAbout 29 miles awayA walk round Sanquhar Loch in ForresOn foot, about two hours with lunchAbout 29 miles awayLinn Falls and lunch in AberlourBy car, about two and a half hoursAbout 29 miles awayA barrel sauna on Rosemarkie beachOn foot, about two and a half hoursAbout 29 miles awayThe Fairy Glen with the dog and lunch in RosemarkieBy car, about three hoursAbout 29 miles awayThe Falls of Bruar and lunch at the House of BruarBy car, about two and a half hoursAbout 30 miles awayBlair Castle's grounds with the children and the dogBy car, about five hoursAbout 30 miles awayBlair Castle on a wet day with the childrenBy car, about three and a half hoursAbout 30 miles awayA walk to Invermoriston Falls and Telford's old bridgeBy car, about half an hourAbout 30 miles awayAn e-bike ride to Blair Atholl and lunch at the WatermillBy bike, about three and a half hoursAbout 30 miles awayThe Munlochy Clootie Well and its woodland walkBy car, about two hours with lunch; three quarters of an hour for the two pathsAbout 30 miles awayA walk up Cluny Hill to Nelson's Tower in ForresOn foot, about two hoursAbout 30 miles awayKnock Castle and lunch at the Rothesay RoomsBy car, about two and a half hoursAbout 31 miles awayLoch Muick and Ballater: a day in Glen MuickA day by car, about 18 milesAbout 31 miles awayThe Hill 99 Trail walk in Culbin ForestBy car, about two hoursAbout 31 miles awayKilliecrankie with the dog and lunch at the visitor centreBy car, about three hoursAbout 31 miles awayBallater and Crathie: a royal day on DeesideA day by car, about 17 milesAbout 31 miles awayThe Seven Bridges walk at BallaterBy car, about four and a half hoursAbout 31 miles awayThe Mackenzie Memorial walk at BallaterBy car, about two hoursAbout 31 miles awayUp Craigendarroch, above BallaterOn foot, about three hoursAbout 31 miles awayA wander round Ballater and afternoon tea at Darroch LeargOn foot, about three hoursAbout 31 miles awayBallater's Riverside Walk and a pint at the Balmoral ArmsOn foot, about two and a half hoursAbout 31 miles awaySpeyside Cooperage and lunch at the Spey InnBy car, about two and a half hoursAbout 31 miles awayDufftown's Town Walk from the Clock TowerBy car, about 20 minutesAbout 31 miles awayCardhu and the SpeyA day by car, about 21 milesAbout 31 miles awayLoch Muick and a picnic at Glas-allt-ShielBy car, about four and a half hoursAbout 31 miles awayWhisky, Castles & Pyramids - A 35-Mile Trail Through Aberdeenshire’s Royal HeartlandA day by car, about 11 milesMembersAbout 31 miles away1 day in Royal DeesideA day by car, about 36 milesMembersAbout 32 miles awayThe Keith and Dufftown Railway and lunch at the SidingsOn foot, about three hoursAbout 32 miles awayThe Allt na Criche Trail walk above Fort AugustusBy car, about an hourAbout 32 miles awaySpending a Whole Day Around Loch NessA day by car, about 71 milesAbout 32 miles awayLoch Ness by RIB to Urquhart CastleOn foot, about three hoursAbout 32 miles awayA canal walk at Fort Augustus to Loch Ness and the PepperpotBy car, about an hour and 20 minutesAbout 33 miles awayCambus o' May bridge and an ice cream at Shorty'sBy car, about two and a half hoursAbout 33 miles awayAn evening by Findhorn Bay and a pint at the Kimberley InnOn foot, about two and a half hoursAbout 33 miles awayWinter birds on Findhorn BayBy car, about three hoursAbout 33 miles awayFindhorn Beach and lunch at the Captain's TableOn foot, about four hoursAbout 33 miles awayA walk round Faskally Wood and Loch DunmoreBy car, about an hour and a halfAbout 33 miles awayA walk up to Moulin and a pint at the Moulin InnOn foot, about two and a half hoursAbout 34 miles awayA round at Pitlochry Golf CourseBy car, about six and a half hoursAbout 34 miles awayA picnic by the Cambus o' May bridgeBy car, about two hoursAbout 34 miles awayA pedalo on Loch Faskally and a hot chocolateBy car, about two hoursAbout 34 miles awayLoch Kinord walk to the Kinord CrossBy car, about an hour and a halfAbout 34 miles awayLoch Kinord and pizza at Kite in DinnetBy car, about three hoursAbout 34 miles awayAn evening at the Enchanted Forest in Faskally WoodBy car, about two and a half hoursAbout 34 miles awayUdale Bay's wigeon and wadersBy car, about an hour and a halfAbout 34 miles awayA spa day at the Atholl Palace in PitlochryBy car, about four hoursAbout 34 miles awayThe Atholl Palace Museum and afternoon teaOn foot, about three hoursAbout 34 miles awayPitlochry Dam at dusk and supper at Port-na-CraigOn foot, about three hoursAbout 34 miles awayDolphins and the Moray Firth: a day over the Kessock BridgeA day by car, about 53 milesAbout 34 miles awayThe community sauna in CromartyOn foot, about three hoursAbout 34 miles awayKildrummy Castle and lunch at the Kildrummy InnBy car, about three hoursAbout 35 miles awayA walk in Roseisle Forest and along its beachBy car, about an hour, or two for the Wildlife WalkAbout 36 miles awayThe Invergordon mural trail walkBy car, an hour to an hour and a halfAbout 37 miles awayThe flume and soft play at Moray Leisure CentreBy car, about three and a half hoursAbout 37 miles awaySchiehallion and a late lunch at Victoria'sBy car, about seven hoursAbout 37 miles awayA walk up Craig Varr above Kinloch RannochOn foot, about three and a half hoursAbout 37 miles awayElgin Cathedral and afternoon tea at Johnstons of ElginOn foot, about three and a half hoursAbout 37 miles awayElgin and Pluscarden: cathedral, mill and abbeyA day by car, about 13 milesAbout 37 miles awayThe Burghead and Clarkly Hill walkBy car, about two and a half hoursAbout 37 miles awayThe Annat Loop walk above Loch RannochBy car, about four hours
Today’s day out

The shore walk from John o' Groats to Duncansby Head

Clear across Scotland today, so a day outside. A few hours by car.

Short and sweet

One place, and somewhere for lunch.

Not every day out needs to be a big one. A castle and a café, a walk and lunch, a museum when it rains: one place, somewhere good to eat close by, and the time between worked out.

Argyll and Bute

Islay Woollen Mill and lunch at the Bridgend Hotel

By car, about two and a half hours.

Sutherland

Hot chocolate at Cocoa Mountain and Dornoch Cathedral

On foot, about an hour and a half.

Scottish Borders

Floors Castle and afternoon tea in the Terrace Café

On foot, about three and a half hours.

Edinburgh

Coffee at Steampunk and the Coastal Communities Museum

By train and on foot, about two hours.

Caithness

An evening by the River Thurso and a dram at the Ulbster Arms

By car, about two and a half hours.

Dumfries and Galloway

An evening round Portpatrick harbour and supper by the sea

On foot, about two hours.

Wester Ross

Lunch at the Badachro Inn and Redpoint beach

By car, about three and a half hours.

Ayrshire

Sunset on Ayr's Esplanade and supper at the Fox & Willow

By car, about two and a half hours.

Inverness-shire

A walk to Plodda Falls by Tomich

By car, about three hours.

Morayshire

An evening by Findhorn Bay and a pint at the Kimberley Inn

On foot, about two and a half hours.

Argyll and Bute

The Hebridean Whale Centre in Tobermory

On foot, about two hours.

Scottish Borders

Kailzie Gardens near Peebles

By car, about two and a half hours.

Dumfries and Galloway

A kayak taster on Loch Ken and lunch in Castle Douglas

By car, about four and a half hours.

Isle of Arran

Eas Mòr and lunch at the Forest of the Falls

By car, about two and a half hours.

Wester Ross

A walk up the Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail

By car, about five hours.

Glasgow

The Kelvin Walkway and lunch at Inn Deep with the dog

On foot, about two and a half hours.

Aberdeen

A seaside sauna on Aberdeen beach at Footdee

On foot, about three hours.

Sutherland

A walk to the Wailing Widow Falls and lunch at Kylesku

By car, about two and a half hours.

Glasgow

A Play, A Pie and A Pint at Òran Mór and the Kibble Palace

By Subway and on foot, about four hours.

Aberdeenshire

A picnic by the Cambus o' May bridge

By car, about two hours.

Sutherland

Coldbackie Beach and lunch at the Brass Tap in Tongue

By car, about two and a half hours.

Glasgow

The Tennent's brewery tour and lunch at Drygate

On foot, about three and a half hours.

Ross and Cromarty

The community sauna in Cromarty

On foot, about three hours.

Sutherland

Strathnaver Museum and lunch at the Store in Bettyhill

By car, about two and a half hours.

Dundee

V&A Dundee and afternoon tea at Tatha

On foot, about three and a half hours.

Easter Ross

Ardmair Beach and fish and chips at Deli-Ca-Sea

By car, about two and a half hours.

Dundee

Broughty Ferry harbour and a pint at the Fisherman's Tavern

By bus and on foot, about three hours.

Aberdeen

Breakfast at Figment and Johnston Gardens

On foot, about two hours.

Outer Hebrides

The Calanais Stones at sunset and a pizza from Crust

By car, about an hour and a half.

Orkney

Kirkwall harbour and a drink at Helgi's

On foot, about an hour and a half.

Shetland Islands

Clickimin Broch and lunch at Fjarå

On foot, about three hours.

Glasgow

Voltaire & Rousseau bookshop and soup at Naked Soup

By Subway and on foot, about three hours.

Dundee

A Tay boat trip from Broughty Ferry and lunch at Gracie's

On foot, about three hours.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen Art Gallery and afternoon tea at Cup

On foot, about three hours.

Edinburgh

Dean Village, the Water of Leith and lunch at the Pantry

On foot, about two and a half hours.

Orkney

Stenness at sunset and supper at the Standing Stones Hotel

By car, about three hours.

Glasgow

Kelvingrove Park at sunset and supper at Stravaigin

By Subway and on foot, about three hours.

Aberdeen

Footdee at the harbour mouth and supper at the Silver Darling

On foot, about three and a half hours.

Angus

Lunan Bay and an Arbroath smokie at the Old Brewhouse

By car, about three hours.

Orkney

St Magnus Cathedral and coffee at the Real Food Café

On foot, about an hour and a half.

Inverness-shire

Culloden Battlefield and afternoon tea at Culloden House

By car, about three and a half hours.

Stirlingshire

The Kelpies at dusk and supper at Indian Cottage

By car, about three hours.

Glasgow

The Hidden Gardens and lunch at Ranjit's Kitchen

By train and on foot, about three hours.

Argyll and Bute

Rubha nan Gall lighthouse and a pint at the Mishnish

On foot, about two and a half hours.

Lothian

The Bass Rock by boat and lunch at the Rocketeer

On foot, about three and a half hours.

Shetland Islands

Burn of Valayre and fish and chips at Frankie's in Brae

By car, about two hours.

Cairngorms

Spey Bank Studio and afternoon tea at the Boat Country Inn

By car, about two and a half hours.

Ayrshire

Dunure Castle, the harbour and lunch at the Anchorage

On foot, about two and a half hours.

Inverness-shire

Clava Cairns at sunset and supper at the Cawdor Tavern

By car, about three hours.

Stirlingshire

Breakfast at Mhor Bread and a stroll by the Teith in Callander

On foot, about two hours.

Ross and Cromarty

A dolphin boat trip from Avoch and lunch at IV10

By car, about three hours.

Sutherland

The Big Burn walk at Golspie

By car, about two hours with lunch.

Scottish Borders

Eildon Hills and lunch at Burts in Melrose

On foot, about three and a half hours.

Edinburgh

The Writers' Museum and afternoon tea at the Signet Library

On foot, about three and a half hours.

Lothian

Hailes Castle and lunch at Bostock in East Linton

By car, about two hours.

Caithness

A wood-fired sauna at Castletown Beach, Dunnet Bay

On foot, about three hours.

Wester Ross

Supper by the fire at the Old Inn in Gairloch

By car, about two and a half hours.

Ayrshire

Rozelle House and afternoon tea at the Fox and Willow

By car, about three hours.

Glasgow

Kelvingrove and afternoon tea at the Hidden Lane Tearoom

By Subway and train and on foot, about five hours.

Dundee

Sunset on Magdalen Green and supper at Piccolo

On foot, about three and a half hours.

Ross and Cromarty

The Black Isle Brewery and lunch at the Black Isle Bar

By car, about three hours.

Edinburgh

Calton Hill at sunset and supper at Howies Waterloo

On foot, about two and a half hours.

Lothian

Tantallon Castle and lunch at Drift

By car, about three hours.

Wester Ross

A wildlife cruise from Gairloch harbour

By boat and on foot, about four hours.

Cairngorms

Breakfast at Nethy House and the bridge at Nethy Bridge

On foot, about an hour and a half.

Ayrshire

Burns Monument Gardens and afternoon tea at the Brig o' Doon

On foot, about two and a half hours.

Inverness-shire

Nairn beach, the harbour and lunch at Basil Harbour Café

On foot, about two hours.

Isle of Skye

Scorrybreac at dusk and supper at the Cuillin Hills Hotel

On foot, about three hours.

Glasgow

The Merchant City and a pint at Babbity Bowster

On foot, about two and a half hours.

Dundee

A fudge doughnut at Fisher & Donaldson and Desperate Dan

On foot, about an hour.

Ross and Cromarty

Coffee at Bakhoos and Fortrose Cathedral

On foot, about an hour and a half.

Lothian

Dunbar harbour, the Battery and lunch at the Creel

On foot, about three hours.

Inverness-shire

The River Ness and a pint at the Castle Tavern

On foot, about three hours.

Angus

Montrose Air Station Museum and lunch at Roo's Leap

By car, about four hours.

Scottish Borders

Breakfast at Twelve Triangles and Melrose Abbey

On foot, about two and a half hours.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh Gin's distillery tour and lunch at Howies

On foot, about three hours.

Lothian

South Queensferry and lunch at the Hawes Inn

On foot, about two and a half hours.

Fife

The Cocoa Tree and St Fillan's Cave in Pittenweem

On foot, about an hour and a half.

Ross and Cromarty

Black Rock Gorge and lunch at the Storehouse

By car, about two and a half hours.

Edinburgh

An evening at the King's Theatre

On foot, about four and a half hours.

Lothian

North Berwick harbour at dusk and a pint at the Ship Inn

On foot, about two and a half hours.

Fife

Crail to Anstruther on the coastal path and fish and chips

By bus and on foot, about five hours.

Scottish Borders

Scott's View at sunset and supper at the Buccleuch Arms

By car, about two and a half hours.

Lothian

North Berwick Law and lunch at the Herringbone

On foot, about three and a half hours.

Fife

A seaside sauna on Elie harbour and lunch at the Ship Inn

On foot, about three hours.

Outer Hebrides

A wood-fired sauna at Reef Beach, Uig

By car, about four and a half hours.

Orkney

The Orkney Brewery tour at Quoyloo

By car, about two hours.

Scottish Borders

The Borders Distillery and lunch at the Heart of Hawick

On foot, about two and a half hours.

Orkney

An evening at the Phoenix Cinema in Kirkwall

By car, about four hours.

Morayshire

Coffee and cake at Logie Steading near Forres

On foot, about two hours.

Sutherland

A dolphin boat from Cromarty and lunch at Sutor Creek

On foot, about three and a half hours.

Caithness

Reiss Sands with the dog and lunch at Puldagon Farm

By car, about two and a half hours.

Shetland Islands

A wood-fired sauna on Lerwick's waterfront

On foot, about three hours.

Perthshire

A walk up to Moulin and a pint at the Moulin Inn

On foot, about two and a half hours.

Ayrshire

Troon's South Beach and fish and chips at the Wee Hurrie

By train and on foot, about three hours.

Scottish Borders

Hume Castle and afternoon tea at Ednam House

By car, about two and a half hours.

Edinburgh

The Shore at Leith and a dram at Teuchters Landing

By tram and on foot, about two and a half hours.

Outer Hebrides

An evening at An Lanntair in Stornoway

On foot, about four hours.

Shetland Islands

An evening at Mareel in Lerwick

By car, about four hours.

Perthshire

The Falls of Acharn and a floating sauna on Loch Tay

By car, about four and a half hours.

Cairngorms

The Cairngorm Brewery and lunch at the Cairngorm Hotel

On foot, about three hours.

Ayrshire

Coffee and sourdough at Narture and the Auld Brig in Ayr

On foot, about an hour and a half.

Ross and Cromarty

A community sauna on the shore at Applecross

On foot, about three hours.

Edinburgh

Brunch at the Pantry and Circus Lane

On foot, about two and a half hours.

Perthshire

Dewar's, the Watermill and the Scottish Crannog Centre

By car, about five and a half hours.

Dumfries and Galloway

Breakfast at Streetlights and Carlingwark Loch

On foot, about two hours.

Sutherland

A Kylesku boat trip and lunch at the Kylesku Hotel

On foot, about three hours.

Fife

Bowhouse market weekend and lunch in the courtyard

On foot, about two and a half hours.

Perthshire

An e-bike ride to Blair Atholl and lunch at the Watermill

By bike, about three and a half hours.

Morayshire

Elgin Cathedral and afternoon tea at Johnstons of Elgin

On foot, about three and a half hours.

Dundee

A lochside sauna at Forbes of Kingennie

By car, about three hours.

Argyll and Bute

A wood-fired sauna on Ganavan Sands, Oban

By car, about two and a half hours.

Fife

Sunset at the Lady's Tower and supper at the Ship Inn in Elie

On foot, about two and a half hours.

Dumfries and Galloway

Southerness Lighthouse and lunch at the Steamboat Inn

By car, about three hours.

Ayrshire

Gogo Glen and the Greeto Falls walk above Largs

By car, about three hours with Nardini's.

Lochaber

A film at the Highland Cinema and a pizza in its restaurant

On foot, about three and a half hours.

Perthshire

Paddleboarding at Willowgate and lunch by the Tay

By car, about three hours.

Argyll and Bute

A spa day and a seaweed bath at Portavadie

By car, about three and a half hours.

Sutherland

An evening at the Ceilidh Place in Ullapool

By car, about three hours.

Fife

Maspie Den waterfall and lunch at Pillars of Hercules

On foot, about three hours.

Stirlingshire

Rob Roy's grave and the riverside sauna at Monachyle Mhor

By car, about three and a half hours.

Lochaber

The Nevis Range gondola and lunch at the Larder Café

By car, about three and a half hours.

Dumfries and Galloway

The Dee Walk at dusk and supper at the Selkirk Arms

On foot, about two and a half hours.

Perthshire

The Black Watch Museum and afternoon tea at Effie's

On foot, about four hours.

Lochaber

Glencoe Visitor Centre and tea at the Isles of Glencoe

By car, about three hours.

Glasgow

An Aufguss sauna at SWG3, then Kelvingrove

On foot, about four hours.

Dumfries and Galloway

Cairn Holy and lunch at the Ship Inn

By car, about two and a half hours.

Shetland Islands

A tour of Lerwick Brewery

By car, about two hours.

Lochaber

The Commando Memorial at sunset and supper at Crannog

By car, about three hours.

Fife

The Wardlaw Museum and afternoon tea at the Old Course Hotel

On foot, about four hours.

Dumfries and Galloway

Carrick shore and a seafood lunch at Swally n' Scran

By car, about two and a half hours.

Lochaber

A tour at Ben Nevis Distillery and lunch at the Larder Café

By car, about three and a half hours.

Glasgow

Paddleboarding at Pinkston and lunch at Ocho on Speirs Wharf

By Subway and on foot, about four hours.

Aberdeenshire

A sauna at dusk at Stravaig, facing Lochnagar

By car, about three and a half hours.

Sutherland

Breakfast at Cult Cafe and the Ceilidh Place bookshop

On foot, about two hours.

Fife

An evening along The Scores and a pint at the Jigger Inn

On foot, about two and a half hours.

Dumfries and Galloway

Robert Burns House and afternoon tea at the Cairndale

On foot, about three hours.

Perthshire

St Mary's Church and hot chocolate in Grandtully

By car, about an hour and a half.

Dumfries and Galloway

The Nith at dusk and supper at the Cavens Arms

On foot, about two and a half hours.

Lochaber

The Old Fort, the Town Pier and a pint at the Ben Nevis Bar

On foot, about two and a half hours.

Isle of Skye

The Rha waterfall in Uig and lunch at the Galley

By car, about two hours.

Sutherland

Stac Pollaidh and lunch at the Seaforth in Ullapool

By car, about five hours.

Lochaber

Breakfast at the Wildcat and the end of the West Highland Way

On foot, about an hour and a half.

Glasgow

Breakfast from Deanston Bakery and the view from Queen's Park

By train and on foot, about two and a half hours.

Aberdeenshire

An art tour and afternoon tea at the Fife Arms

On foot, about two and a half hours.

Sutherland

Knockan Crag and lunch at the Elphin Tearooms

By car, about two and a half hours.

Argyll and Bute

A wildlife boat to the Gulf of Corryvreckan

On foot, about three and a half hours.

Dumfries and Galloway

Gracefield Arts Centre and lunch in its Studio Café

On foot, about two and a half hours.

Shetland Islands

Busta House garden and supper by Busta Voe

By car, about two hours.

Perthshire

Kenmore beach on Loch Tay and lunch at the Courtyard

On foot, about two and a half hours.

Argyll and Bute

The Big Strand and afternoon tea at the Machrie

On foot, about two and a half hours.

Aberdeenshire

The River Dee path and a pint at the Flying Stag

On foot, about three and a half hours.

Perthshire

Dunning and a drink at the Kirkstyle Inn

By car, about two and a half hours.

Argyll and Bute

Isle of Mull Cheese farm and lunch in the Glass Barn

By car, about three and a half hours.

Perthshire

Cairn O'Mohr winery tour and lunch at the Pickled Peacock

By car, about three hours.

Isle of Skye

Talisker Distillery and lunch at Carbost

On foot, about four hours.

Argyll and Bute

Tobermory Distillery tour and lunch at MacGochans

On foot, about two and a half hours.

Perthshire

Breakfast at ARAN and the Birnam Oak

On foot, about two hours.

Lochaber

The Old Boat of Caol and lunch at An Cafaidh Mara

By car, about two hours.

Isle of Skye

St Columba's Isle and afternoon tea at Skeabost House

By car, about two hours.

Aberdeenshire

A wander round Ballater and afternoon tea at Darroch Learg

On foot, about three hours.

Isle of Skye

A stroll by Loch Harport and a pint at the Old Inn

By car, about two hours.

Aberdeenshire

Loch Kinord and pizza at Kite in Dinnet

By car, about three hours.

Argyll and Bute

Historic Kilbride and lunch at the Barn at Cologin

By car, about two hours.

Aberdeenshire

Cambus o' May bridge and an ice cream at Shorty's

By car, about two and a half hours.

Argyll and Bute

St Conan's Kirk and afternoon tea at the Oban Bay Hotel

By car, about three hours.

Morayshire

Knock Hill and an ice cream in Portsoy

By car, about two and a half hours.

Isle of Skye

A sea eagle boat trip from Portree and fish and chips

On foot, about three and a half hours.

Aberdeenshire

A boat trip from Stonehaven and lunch at the Tolbooth

By car, about four hours.

Argyll and Bute

Clachan Bridge and a pint at Tigh an Truish

By car, about two hours.

Fife

Cellardyke's tidal pool and fish and chips in Anstruther

On foot, about three hours.

Argyll and Bute

The Falls of Lora and lunch at the Oyster Inn

By car, about two hours.

Isle of Skye

Brunch at Birch and the Donnie Munro mural in Portree

On foot, about an hour and a half.

Perthshire

Pitlochry Dam at dusk and supper at Port-na-Craig

On foot, about three hours.

Argyll and Bute

Port Charlotte's shore and a dram at the Port Charlotte Hotel

On foot, about two and a half hours.

Perthshire

The Tay at sunset and supper at the North Port

On foot, about three hours.

Argyll and Bute

Bowmore Pier at sunset and supper at Peatzeria

On foot, about two and a half hours.

Argyll and Bute

A boat trip from Oban's North Pier and lunch at Ee-Usk

On foot, about four hours.

Argyll and Bute

Sunset at McCaig's Tower and supper at the Waterfront Fishouse

On foot, about three hours.

Edinburgh

The Spear Sauna at Lost Shore, near Edinburgh

By car, about two and a half hours.

Argyll and Bute

Oban's Railway Pier and breakfast at Food from Argyll

On foot, about an hour and a half.

Lochaber

A Saturday night at the Chlachain Inn in Mallaig

By car, about four hours.

Argyll and Bute

A Seal Island cruise and lunch at the Highland Cinema

On foot, about three and a half hours.

Perthshire

A walk to the Reekie Linn and lunch at Peel Farm

By car, about two hours.

Aberdeenshire

A picnic in Dunnottar Woods at Stonehaven

By car, about an hour and a half.

Aberdeenshire

A picnic at Haughton Country Park in Alford

By car, about two hours.

Aberdeenshire

A picnic in Scolty Forest at Banchory

By car, about an hour and a half.

Dumfries and Galloway

Chocolate at the Cocoabean and the Dark Space Planetarium

By car, about six hours.

Aberdeenshire

A picnic at Aden Country Park

By car, about two hours.

Aberdeenshire

A picnic at Balmedie Country Park

By car, about two hours.

Aberdeenshire

A picnic watching the gliders at Aboyne

By car, about an hour and a half.

Aberdeenshire

Stonehaven's open-air pool and fish and chips from The Bay

On foot, about three hours.

Perthshire

The Atholl Palace Museum and afternoon tea

On foot, about three hours.

Argyll and Bute

Round the Appin Rocks to Clach Thoull at Port Appin

On foot, about three hours, with lunch.

Aberdeenshire

The Falls of Feugh and an ice cream in Banchory

By car, about an hour and a half.

Aberdeenshire

Aboyne Green and a pint at the Boat Inn

On foot, about two hours.

Argyll and Bute

The farm walk on Ulva and lunch at the Boathouse

On foot, about three hours.

Aberdeenshire

Little Oaks at Drum Castle and lunch at the Mains of Drum

By car, about three hours.

Argyll and Bute

A hilltop sauna at Woodlands Glencoe and Glencoe Lochan

By car, about four hours.

Locals’ recommendations

Where the locals go.

The people we have met along the way, the makers, owners and writers, on the places they love most, in their own words.

The Birks of Aberfeldy, Perthshire
“…stroll up to The Birks of Aberfeldy from The Memorial Arch, soaking up the woods and waterfalls that once inspired Rabbie Burns.”

Zanna Wilson, artist and gallerist who runs The Watermill Gallery in Aberfeldy, Perthshire

Hinba, Oban, Argyll and Bute
“My absolute favourite café with the best coffee in town.”

Lorna Freytag, artist and illustrator based in Oban, with a studio overlooking Oban Bay

Calgary Bay Co, Argyll and Bute
“The best veggie and vegan breakfast around. Epic cakes and great coffee.”

Shelley Richmond, freelance photographer and creative based in Dervaig, Isle of Mull, who publishes The Isle of Mull Journal

Cottonrake Cafe, Glasgow
“The breakfasts here are incredible.”

Karen Harvey, owner of Hoos and InHoos, two homeware shops on Great Western Road in Glasgow's West End

Fife Coastal Path, Fife
“We particularly love doing sections of the Fife Coastal Path, especially through the East Neuk villages of Crail, Anstruther, Pittenweem, St Monans and Elie.”

Joy and Nick, own Airdit, a woodland treehouse stay above St Andrews, Fife

Falls of Foyers, Inverness
“A visit to the Falls of Foyers is a must.”

Anna Low, co-owns and runs Foyers Lodge, a small boutique hotel overlooking Loch Ness

Isle of Raasay Distillery, Isle of Skye
“I’m a big fan of the Isle of Raasay Distillery.”

Katy Fennema, whisky Ambassador at the Fife Arms Hotel in Braemar, and runs Braemar Highland Experience with her husband Julian

Temptation Hill, Isle of Skye
“…amazing panoramas all the way up to the Old Man of Storr.”

Calum Gillies and Leonie, artist Calum Gillies and his wife Leonie run The Exchange, a gallery and coffee spot in the old telephone exchange at Clachan, Isle of Raasay

Nethy House, Cairngorms
“The Nethy House Café is a regular spot for lunch or coffee.”

Sarah and Phil, run The Lazy Duck, an off-grid eco-holiday site with cabins, a bunkhouse and a campsite in Nethybridge, Cairngorms National Park

Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh
“I would definitely recommend Arthur’s seat in Holyrood Park.”

Kirsty Campbell, knitwear designer from Banchory, Deeside, behind RYVOAN, who knits in her Edinburgh studio

The Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye
“…the Old Man of Storr, Quiraing and Fairy Pools etc are all incredible natural wonders to see.”

Jennifer Pearson, jewellery designer and founder of ÒR, two creative retail stores in Portree, Isle of Skye

Oldshoremore Beach, Sutherland
“Exploring the incredible beaches of Oldshoremore, Polin, Achmelvich, Sandwood Bay all within 30-40 minutes drive, all with their unique character.”

Catherine Sinclair, textile designer behind Cove*, who also runs Kylesku Lodges on the north-west coast

Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire
“Both are incredible ruined castles on the coastal cliffs and have such interesting history alongside spectacular views.”

Laura (Fernweh), designer and maker of waxed-canvas bags and accessories at Fernweh UK, with a studio at Deemouth Artist Studios in Aberdeen

Leith Hall, Aberdeenshire
“Leith hall, Drum Castle and Crathes Castle gardens are all personal favourites.”

Hollie Berries, sustainable florist running Hollie Berries Flower Studio and Cutting Garden in Aberdeenshire

Blackford Hill, Edinburgh
“Blackford Hill is my very favourite spot in Edinburgh.”

Emily Hogarth, papercut artist and illustrator who lives in East Lothian and works for Edinburgh clients, including Hidden Scotland's folklore illustrations

The Lobster Shack, Lothian
“…head down to the Harbour for Lobster & chips at either ‘The Rocketeer’ or ‘The Lobster Shack’.”

Stephanie Lothian, co-owns The Barn at Williamstone Farm Steadings, a holiday cottage in North Berwick

Your own trip

Make a day your own.

Every day out has a Customise button: give it your own name and date, say where you are staying, move or drop a stop, and keep it in your account to share with whoever is coming.