Lochaber: The Outdoor Capital of the UK

Loch Leven and the Pap Lores

They don’t call Lochaber the “outdoor capital of the UK” for nothing!  At Springwell, close to where Glencoe meets the coast, not only do we have superb views of the sea and the towering Glencoe mountains from our 17 acre hillside site, but there is heaps to do as well. 

Glencoe Activities bring together watersports, golf, fishing and even Segway, and the walking and cycling are second to none.  The new coastal cycle path from Ballachulish to Connel and the local walking in the woodlands at Glenachulish, (3 miles) are memorable, particularly with the autumn colours coming on.  There are also swimming and leisure facilities at the Isles of Glencoe Hotel.  Fort William is just 10 miles to the north, with Ben Nevis and the cable car at Aonach Mor a few miles beyond.

Our wildlife and sea life are spectacular – golden and sea eagles, pine marten, red squirrel, red and roe deer; and on the loch, grey seals, otters, porpoises and sometimes dolphins.  The Corran Ferry, (3 miles) gives access to the superb Ardnamurchan peninsula, one of the last strongholds of the wildcat, “the highland tiger”, and with its wonderful beaches which look north to Skye and the Small Isles.

And if  that doesn’t exhaust you there are some great places to eat out.  Firstly our local, the Onich Hotel, just 5 minutes walk away, is handy for a pint and bar supper.  Or you can treat yourself to fantastic seafood at the Loch Leven Sea Food Café (8 miles) or the Holly Tree at Kentallen (6 miles).

Guest post by Richard Cooke

October in Argyll and Stirlingshire

Stirling Castle

Looking for inspiration for your October holiday?  Planning a romantic weekend away or a family holiday?  Whether you're looking for a weekend city break, a coastal getaway or a relaxing countryside retreat, why not head to Argyll and Stirlingshire and enjoy the region's spectacular natural beauty cloaked in fiery autumnal shades?  From castles and city shopping, to the rugged West Coast and the picturesque Lowlands, you can enjoy a wide range of activities and events, against a backdrop of breath-taking scenery.

Events
Cowalfest, Cowal Peninsula, 5th - 14th October
The Cowalfest Walking and Arts Festival is one of the largest walking festivals in Scotland, featuring a range of walks for all ages and arts events.  The walks are led by knowledgeable guides.

Glen Ample Deer Rut, Glen Ample, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, 8th October
A six mile guided walk through Glen Ample in the beautiful Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, giving you the opportunity to watch deer rut.

Renaissance Revelry, Stirling Castle, 11th - 16th October, 12 noon - 4pm daily
A great family day out, with a programme of fun activities.

Halloween at Achnabreac Forest Park, Kilmartin House Museum, 26th October, 7-9pm
A fun family event with face painting, lucky dip, a scary trail and ghostly games.  Make sure you wrap up, bring a torch and wear sensible footwear.

Activities

From autumn walks to delving into the area's past, here are a few ideas for things to see and do on your next holiday in Argyll and Stirlingshire.

• Enjoy the autumnal beauty of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park - whether it's on foot or out on a boat, you can refresh the spirit surrounded by majestic mountains, lochs and glens
• Step back in time at one of the many castles in the area, such as Kilchurn Castle, Inveraray Castle and Castle Stalker
• Visit the award-winning Kilmartin House Museum for a fascinating look into Argyll's past (Kilmartin is one of Scotland's richest prehistoric landscapes)
• Explore the charming city of Stirling and its historic sites such as the impressive Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument, and the Bannockburn Heritage Centre
• Explore the Argyll coast, including Oban, 'the seafood capital of Scotland', Mid Argyll and the Kintyre peninsula

For freedom and flexibility to really make the most of your holiday in Scotland, why not stay in a local holiday cottage?  EmbraceScotland has a selection of self catering in Stirlingshire and Argyll cottages, as well as more ideas on what to see and do in Argyll and Stirlingshire.

Special Offers for Scottish Winter Breaks

If you're thinking ahead to a winter break, why not take a peek at some Extra Special Winter Offers for self-catering holidays in Scotland?  Starting from 1st November, these offers run until 28th February 2013, and all offer something extra - whether it's extra discount, a night free, or something complimentary.

Winter is a magical time to take a self-catering holiday, not just because of the great value for money.  Enjoy the beauty of Scotland's winter scenery - and the empty beaches, peaceful countryside and the atmosphere of city markets and winter festivals.  Whether you're thinking about outdoor adventure at one of Scotland's five winter sports centres, a weekend break for some Christmas shopping, or just a short break to relax in the run up to the festive season, you can find the perfect log cabin, chalet, cottage, apartment or lodge to spend a winter getaway.

If you're already imagining warming your toes on an open fire or wood burning stove, going for winter walks in the countryside or drinking mulled wine at a German market, why not take a look at self catering accommodation for Scottish winter breaks or cottages with log fires.

What would be your ideal winter break in Scotland?  Leave your comments below.

The Links Effect: Ideas for Golf Breaks

Shiskine Golf Course, Isle of Arran

With over 550 courses and backdrops of breath-taking scenery, Scotland is an ideal destination for the keen golfer.  Whether you're looking for challenging courses or somewhere to enjoy a leisurely 9 holes, you'll be spoilt for choice in The Home of Golf.  Scotland is known for its fantastic links courses - from the world famous to the more hidden gems.  So if you're planning an autumn break in Scotland, why not play a round or two at one of Scotland's coastal courses and soothe the soul with sea views?

Scottish Links Courses

There are over 100 links courses in Scotland to explore.  VisitScotland have created The Scottish Links Collection, which includes 30 Scottish links courses from the Ayrshire coast to the Highlands.  As well as five Open Championship courses, you can discover other fantastic coastal courses across Scotland, such as Brora in the Highlands, Cruden Bay in Aberdeenshire, Crail, Balcomie in Fife, and Shiskine on the Isle of Arran.  If you're planning a holiday in Scotland, why not take a look at what courses are nearby?

Or if you prefer to watch some golf on your next trip to Scotland, you can catch the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship from 4th - 7th October.  The championship is a celebration of links golf, where some of the world's greatest golfers team up with leading amateurs.  The event is held at the Old Course in St Andrews, Kingsbarns and Carnoustie.

Accommodation for golf breaks

If you're thinking about a short break in Scotland this autumn, or a family trip in the October holidays, and are searching for holiday accommodation with golf courses nearby, take a look at some self-catering holiday homes for golfing in Scotland.  Choose from a selection of accommodation near links courses and other golf courses in Scotland - and while you enjoy the fantastic courses, your family can explore the local area from a cosy cottage or spacious lodge.

Cosy Autumn Breaks: Scottish Cottages with Log Fires

Autumn - the season of fiery colours and blushing landscapes, a time to wrap up and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors cloaked in autumnal shades.   What could be more relaxing than soaking up beautiful views of the countryside, city or coast from your own home-from-home, and curling up in front of an open fire at the end of the day?  If your ideal autumn break includes the cosiness of a real log fire or wood-burning stove,  take a look at these cottages with log and open fires.

Highlands and Skye

• Mountview Self-Catering, near Lochinver
• Duck Keeper's Cottage and The Woodman's Hut, near Nethy Bridge
• Easter Duiar, Grantown-on-Spey

Perthshire, Dundee and Angus

• Cloag Farm Cottages, near Perth
• Dunalistair Holiday Houses, near Pitlochry

Dumfries and Galloway

• Precinct House, near Newton Stewart

Argyll, the Isles and Stirlingshire

• Cardross Holiday Homes, near Stirling

Glasgow and Clyde Valley

• Carmichael Country Cottages, near Lanark

Ayrshire and Arran

• Noddsdale Estate, near Largs
• Bennan House, near Ayr

Scottish Borders

• Press Mains Cottages, near Eyemouth
• Glebe House, near Kelso

Warm your toes after a day's walking or sightseeing, curl up with a good book on a rainy day or just unwind in front of hypnotic flames on an autumnal evening.  Whether it's a romantic break for two or a family holiday for the October half term, a holiday home with a cosy log fire is ideal for a relaxing autumn break. 

Embrace autumn in Scotland with EmbraceScotland.

Rural Getaways in Scotland

A country which is famous for its distinctive tartan, unique delicacies and colourful history, Scotland remains a popular holiday destination for those travelling from both within and outside the UK.  Whilst most visitors may associate trips to the country with city breaks to the likes of Edinburgh and Glasgow, the truth is there is far more to be found in this wonderful landscape.

For those looking for rural getaways, this northern territory is covered by an extensive rail network.  Finding East Coast Rail Tickets which can transport you from some of the country’s most famous cities to more secluded spots of natural beauty is therefore anything but difficult.

1. Loch Lomond

Situated just outside of Glasgow, this secluded spot is perfect for those who want a relaxing break surrounded by nothing but natural beauty.  Once you’ve arrived at this idyllic location there is plenty of opportunity to explore further, with a water bus operating trips between the area and other shore locations such as Luss, Balmaha and Rowardennan.

Activities are varied both on and off the water, with canoeing, water skiing, fishing, sailing, cycling, horse riding, climbing and golf all on offer.

2. Balnakeil

Boasting impressive beaches and stunning attractions, Balnakeil is the perfect place to spend a quiet weekend.  The castle is a magnificent structure and offers impressive views of the sunset over the surrounding land for anyone visiting it at this time of day.  This is a virtually untouched landscape which boasts a number of attractive features and a calming atmosphere which those looking for a short break away are sure to love.

With an extensive rail network covering the country, reaching destinations such as Balnakeil is relatively easy. All travellers need to do is look for affordable rail tickets departing from nearby locations.

3. Glen Torridon

For those who want to experience the diversity of the landscapes found in Scotland, Glen Torridon is the place to go.  Stretching 15 miles from Loch Torridon to Kinlochewe, it passes through a range of different landscapes including mountains, valleys and lochs.  The Beinn Eighe nature reserve is also passed through on this course – an impressive attraction when you consider it is the largest nature reserve in Britain at 1,000 acres.

For those keen to explore this landscape by foot, there are plenty of hiking opportunities to take advantage of.  A popular example includes Liathach – which boasts a steep terrain that attracts a vast number of travellers.

So, whether you’re looking for a rural getaway just outside of the hustle and bustle of major cities or a secluded safe-haven far away from the rest of the world, the Scottish landscape is sure to have everything you need – and more!  Take a trip to this diverse northern setting and discover the allure which only rural getaways in Scotland can provide.


Guest post by Kat Prescott