Win a magnificent retreat in Scotland
20th June 2012
Let VisitScotland point you in the right direction for historic castles, coastal scenery and a dram on the world’s only Malt Whisky Trail…
From adventure activities to hidden heritage, Scotland guarantees off-the-beaten-track wanderers an authentic travel experience – a wealth of history and heroics right on your doorstep.
Just a short train journey out of Glasgow is the Firth of Clyde ferry crossing to the Isle of Arran, where you can see the Neolithic standing stones of Machrie Moor or get a unique bird’s eye view of the Ayrshire & Arran coastline with an adrenalin-rushing paragliding lesson.
If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, venture further south to Dumfries & Galloway and take in the night sky in Galloway Forest Park: the UK’s first Dark Sky Park is an inspiring place to gaze up at a twinkling blanket of stars and to spot the Milky Way.
The historic town of Dumfries, ‘Queen of the South’, is perhaps most famed for its connection with Scotland’s national bard Robert Burns and a great base from which to explore Scotland’s creative heritage.
Spirit of adventure
If the great outdoors is calling out to you, escape to the north-east coast. The Orkney Islands boast 1,000 miles of coastline, and over 8,000 years of history. Take in the scenery and explore the islands’ past. From the imposing prehistoric Ring of Brodgar and the Neolithic village at Skara Brae to the not-so-well known Knap of Howar on Papa Westray (the UK’s oldest dwelling house) and WW1 wrecks, each has left its indelible mark on the landscape.
The unspoilt Moray Speyside coastline offers adventures on both land and sea; you can admire the playful resident dolphin colonies, or take to the Speyside Way, which runs from Spey Bay to Aviemore through forests and along part of the old Strathspey Railway. To get a flavour of the true spirit of the area, top off your trip with a dram from one of the distilleries along the Malt Whisky Trail, the only such trail in the world.
Castle country
Boasting the Cairngorms National Park and a dramatic coastline, Aberdeenshire can hold its head as high as its scenic neighbours. Keep your eyes on the sky for powerful golden eagles soaring above the Coastal Trail, which covers 165 miles of coastline. Or, just aim for a birdie at some of the world’s oldest golf courses, including Cruden Bay, Murcar and Royal Aberdeen.
You’ll also soon discover why the area’s known as ‘Castle Country.’ Home to over 300 heritage houses, there’s even a dedicated Castle Trail half an hour from the heart of Aberdeen – the Granite City. Try the fairytale Craigievar Castle or the haunting ruins of Dunnottar for the perfect crowning experience of your journey.
Enter now for your chance to win
VisitScotland is offering a two-night stay at an Aberdeenshire retreat for two, plus £150 spending money and up to £100 towards your travel expenses. You’ll stay at the Logie Country House – a fortified tower house at the foot of Bennachie – tee off on a round of golf for two at the beautifully landscaped Fyvie Golf Course and get into the spirit of Scotland with a tour of Glen Garioch Distillery.
To enter this prize draw, simply go to www.visitscotland.com/explorewanderlust
Terms and Conditions
Draw closes 25/09/12. No purchase necessary. Open to all residents of UK, IoM, Channel Islands and RoI.
Promoter: VisitScotland, Edinburgh EH6 6JH.
For full Terms and Conditions visit: www.visitscotland.com/explorewanderlust
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