Ready, Set, Go Rural!

Heading to Edinburgh this August for the Festival?  Why not add an authentic rural experience to your holiday plans?  Go Rural has information, suggestions and offers to help you plan a rural getaway in the countryside within 90 minutes of Edinburgh, from day trips to short breaks.  Discover the attractions and activities in the countryside surrounding Edinburgh, as well local events, and where to get up close with farming, nature and wildlife.  With great ideas for family visits, GoRural can help you plan an ideal break for the whole family, giving the children a chance to learn more about life in the country.

For a truly authentic experience of the beautiful Scottish countryside, why not stay on a working farm?  You can also search EmbraceScotland for a wide range of accommodation in or near working farms.

Things to see and do in Aberdeen, Grampian and Moray in August

Balvenie Castle, Dufftown

Whether you're looking for a short city break or a relaxing retreat in the beautiful Scottish countryside, head to the Aberdeen, Grampian and Moray area this August.  Encompassing the regions of Aberdeenshire, Banffshire and Moray, the region includes the UK's largest national park, picturesque fishing villages, beautiful Royal Deeside and the 'city of flowers', Aberdeen.   From city shopping to castle, whisky and coastal trails, you can fill your days with a wide variety of activities and events, and surround yourself with breath-taking scenery.

Events

Aberdeen International Youth Festival, Aberdeen, 1st - 11th August
One of the biggest festivals of youth arts, featuring theatre, dance, opera, orchestras, jazz and world music.

Powis Gates, Old Town, Aberdeen

Aberlour Strathspey Highland Games, Alice Litter Park, Aberlour, 4th August
Enjoy some traditional Highland Games, with heavy and light events, haggis hurling and tug o' war.

Aboyne Highland Games, The Village Green, Aboyne, 4th August
Traditional Highland Games, with heavy events, massed pipe bands and Highland dancing.

Turriff Show, The Haughs, Turriff, 5- 6th August
Agricultural show with a food and craft fair, trade stands and ringside entertainment.

Ballater Highland Games, Monaltrie Park, Ballater, 9th August
Traditional Highland Games featuring dancing, track and field events and a hill race.

Keith Show, Seafield Park, Keith, 12-13th August
Agricultural show including a sheep dog demonstration, pipe band, children's entertainment and craft fair.

Lonach Highland Games and Gathering, Bellabeg Park, Strathdon, 25th August
The march of the Lonach Highlanders is followed by traditional Highland Games in the afternoon.

Activities

Explore Aberdeenshire and Moray from the city to the coast - here are a few ideas of things to see and do on your next holiday in the North East:

• Aberdeenshire is home to Scotland's only castle trail - a selection of 17 castles to explore, including Dunnottar Castle, Craigievar Castle and Fyvie Castle.  
• If you're a keen golfer, there are top class golf courses in the Aberdeen area, as well as many links courses along the Moray Coast.  Why not book some tee-time at Donald Trump's new golf course at Balmedie in Aberdeenshire?
• Enjoy stunning views along the coastal trail and walk sections of one of Scotland's Great Trails, the Moray Coast Trail. 
• The rivers Spey, Findhorn, Deveron, Dee and Don snake across the area offering fantastic trout and salmon fishing.  
• For a real taste of Scotland, visit some of the distilleries dotted around the Aberdeenshire-Moray area, and follow Speyside's Malt Whisky Trail.

For more information on sights, activities and events in the Moray Speyside area, visit Greater Speyside.

Near Pennan, Aberdeenshire

For all the flexibility and freedom you need to really explore Aberdeenshire and Moray Speyside, stay in a local holiday home - browse a selection of self catering Aberdeen, holiday cottages in Moray and Grampian self catering holidays on EmbraceScotland.

Are you planning a trip to Aberdeen, Grampian or Moray this August? Or do you have recommendations on things to see and do?  Leave your comments or questions below.

5 Ideas for October Breaks in Scotland

Thinking ahead to the October holidays?  October is a beautiful time of year in Scotland, with the glow of autumnal shades lighting up the landscapes.  Whether you're looking for somewhere to spend a weekend break in October or the half term holidays with the family, take advantage of these fantastic offers for October holidays Scotland and find the perfect place to really embrace Scotland.

If you're looking for some inspiration, here are 5 ideas for ways to spend an October break in Scotland.

Fishing
Plan a fishing holiday in Scotland and enjoy stunning autumn scenery from the many rivers and lochs.  Take time to recharge the batteries and immerse yourself in peaceful, tranquil surroundings.  The salmon and trout seasons vary across Scotland, but you can fish some rivers until the end of October (the brown trout season ends on 6th October).  There is salmon and sea trout fishing on the rivers Esk, Don and Deveron until the 31st October, and on the Tweed until the end of November.  Click here for more information on the Scottish salmon and trout seasons.

Golfing 

Where better to enjoy a golfing holiday than The Home of Golf?  Make the most of Scotland's top class golf courses in their autumn glory, from the world-famous courses to the more hidden gems.  Whether you're looking to play a championship course or enjoy soothing sea views at one of Scotland's traditional links courses, there are over 550 golf courses to choose from.  VisitScotland has more information and recommendations on autumn golf breaks.

Walking
From hill walking and Munro-bagging to leisurely walks in the countryside and coastal trails, why not admire the fiery autumnal shades of Scotland's beautiful landscapes on a walking holiday?  Whichever part of the country you visit in October, you're sure to be swept off your feet by the gorgeous displays of autumn colours.

Highland Perthshire Autumn Festival
If you've never been to Highland Perthshire, why not plan a trip this October during The Highland Perthshire Autumn Festival?  As well as experiencing the beauty of the Perthshire countryside in autumn, you can enjoy events such as The Enchanted Forest (an award-winning sound and light show), music festivals, ghost tours and adventure activities.  Fun for all the family this October half term!

City Break 
Thinking about city breaks in October?  Autumn is a great time to explore Scotland's cities (without the crowds of the summer months).  Whether it's a romantic escape or a family holiday, why not plan a Scottish city break and embrace the culture and history of cities such as Edinburgh, Stirling and Glasgow.


Whether you want to be active in the outdoors or simply curl up in front of an open fire with a good book, you can plan your ideal October break with EmbraceScotland.


Which of the above ideas would you choose?  Are you planning an October holiday in Scotland?  Leave your comments or questions below.

Room For All The Family: Large Holiday Homes in Scotland

If you're looking for self-catering with space for large groups or family holidays, you can find a wide range of large holiday homes on EmbraceScotland.  Whether it's for a reunion, walking party or summer gathering, there are large houses all across the country that are ideal for supersized celebrations or relaxing family breaks.

Make the most of family time together in a large holiday home - imagine relaxing in your own living space, with all the comforts of home, whilst the children roam extensive grounds.  Or enjoy a group holiday in quality assured large self-catering with plenty of space to do your own thing.  From luxury homes to spacious lodges, converted churches and mills to cottages on beautiful Scottish estates, you can find a holiday home to suit your holiday needs.

Large self-catering accommodation gives you:

Leisurely holidays at your own pace
All the independence and flexibility you need
Room to enjoy your holiday in comfort
Great value for money
Everything you could need under the one roof!

So this summer, why not go large in Scotland!  Visit EmbraceScotland for more information on large holiday homes.

Top of the Walks: 10 of Scotland's Great Trails

Make the most of the long summer days and explore Scotland on foot.  Whether you want to soak up panoramic views, immerse yourself in the peace and quiet of a forest circuit, be enchanted by the interplay of mountains and sea, follow historical trails, or simply bask in beautiful scenery, a walking holiday in Scotland is sure to soothe the soul.  There are walking routes all across Scotland which are ideal for discovering the varied landscapes and getting up close with nature - why not try one of Scotland's Great Trails on your next holiday?  Here are 10 of the Great Trails to inspire you, ideal for short day trips or as long distance walks.

Great Glen Way
Spanning 79 miles between Fort William and Inverness, the awe-inspiring Great Glen Way can be walked in 5-6 days.  (Keep a look out for the Loch Ness monster!).

Speyside Way
The scenic Speyside Way runs for 65 miles between Buckie on the Moray Coast and Aviemore on the edge of the Grampian mountains.

Moray Coast Trail
Explore the picturesque coastal villages along 50 miles of the Moray Coast, from Findhorn to Cullen.

West Highland Way
Starting in Milngavie, outside Glasgow, the West Highland Way stretches up to Fort William in the Highlands, through some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery.

The Three Lochs Way
This low level route, linking Loch Lomond, The Gareloch and Loch Long can be walked in 3 to 4 days, and is also ideal if you're looking for short day walks.

Rob Roy Way
Follow tracks and trails used by Rob Roy MacGregor, Scotland's most notorious outlaw, in the 17th and 18th centuries.  Starting at Drymen on the West Highland Way, the route winds across the Southern Highlands of Scotland and finishes in Pitlochry.

Fife Coastal Path
Running from the Forth Estuary in the south to the Tay Estuary in the north, the Fife Coastal Path offers beautiful views of fishing villages and award-winning beaches. 

Ayrshire Coastal Path

From Glenapp to Skelmorlie, the Ayrshire Coastal Path runs along a stunning stretch of Scotland's coastline, with the mountains on Arran as a backdrop.

Southern Upland Way
This coast to coast route runs 212 miles from Portpatrick in Dumfries and Galloway to Cockburnspath in the Scottish Borders and is perfect for those seeking a challenging walk.

Borders Abbeys Way
If you want to delve into Scottish history, the Borders Abbeys Way connects the ruins of four abbeys in the region - Kelso Jedburgh, Melrose and Dryburgh.

To really enjoy the freedom of a walking holiday in Scotland, why not stay in a local holiday cottage?  At the end of a day's walking, you can return to your cosy home-from-home and relax in your own living space.  Find the perfect base to explore a range of walks in the area - browse a selection of self catering accommodation for walking holidays Scotland on EmbraceScotland.

Do you have a favourite place for a Scottish walking holiday? Have you been on any of these walks? Leave your comments below.