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Spring has sprung, flowers are blooming and eggs are cracking, which can only mean one thing – its Easter and it is time to embrace the fresh spring air and get and about! Our resident hiking enthusiasts at Pentland Jaguar have put together their top 5 walking destinations which are only a short drive away in your Jaguar.
Loch Lomond is Britain’s largest freshwater lake, stretching over 24.5 miles (39 km) and 5 miles (8 km) wide, and boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the world – from its snow tipped mountains to the idyllic glens – it’s the perfect place to get lost and recharge your batteries.
The Lochs breath-taking scenery is also celebrated in song. ‘The Bonnie Banks O’Loch Lomond’ is a traditional ballad published in 1841 and resonates with people across the world – many of whom haven’t visited, but the song certainly inspires them too!
Whatever your fitness ability, Loch Lomond can cater for you. There are plenty family walks or demanding hikes if you’re feeling adventurous. If you’re not exhausted from all the walking, you can try your hand at Kayaking, canoeing and even wind surfing!
Edinburgh: 77 miles / 2 hours by car
Perth: 71 miles / 1.5 hours by car
Cupar: 88 miles / 2 hours by car
Elgin: 158 miles / 4 hours by car
For nature lovers, Ben Lawers is a must! You can look out for ravens, ring ouzels, black grouse and skylarks along the nature trail that leads to the summit of Ben Lawers. If animals aren’t your thing, you can trek along the Kiltyrie hidden history trail for a peek into the lives of the people who lived there many years ago.
If you fancy tackling the hike up the steep summit, you are greeted with an array of artic-apline flora, yellow saxifrage, rose root and globeflower spread across the reserve – the perfect place to take some family Easter snaps!
Edinburgh: 81 miles / 2 hours by car
Perth: 57.2 miles / 1 hour 45 min by car
Cupar: 71 miles / 2 hours by car
Elgin: 132 miles / 3 hours by car
The Loch Leven Heritage trail is approximately 21 km (13 miles) in length and allows you to experience the perfect mix of natural, historic and cultural heritage first hand.
The path is suitable for all abilities, for the trail is level and barrier free for most of its length - making it more than suitable for cyclists! If you want to tackle the full distance around the Loch it will take around 6 hours, however there are 5 shorter routes available that are much less strenuous.
No matter what path you follow, you will be gasping at the beauty that surrounds you! The Loch is considered a ‘Sparkling jewel’ in the spring, as its many plants and flowers are beginning to bloom. If you’re lucky, you might spot a baby duckling as the Loch is often home to over 1,000 pairs of tufted duck and mallard.
Edinburgh: 26 miles / 1 hour by car
Perth: 18 miles / 25 mins by car
Cupar: 20 miles / 52 mins by car
Elgin: 135 miles / 3 hours by car
Up north, you’ll find the beautiful Burghead Bay, which stretches for 11 miles from the western town of Findhorn to the peaceful Eastern fishing village of Burghead in the highlands. So, if you are looking for peace and quiet this Easter, you’ll be going to the right place!
The walk heads out through the fine sands and grassy paths of the bay, but returns via a rougher terrain track though Roseisle Forest – which has numerous paths available if you’re not so keen on sand! There are lots of picnic areas scattered along the path with breath-taking scenery– the office favourite being the viewpoint at Findhorn.
If you’re a history buff, be sure to look out for WWII pillboxes and tank taps along the dunes, which are slowly being engulfed by the sand. Another highlight, Is the visitor centre, which takes you back in time to the era of 4000AD to learn about the Pictish Burghead fort and the Dark Age Burghead Well.
Edinburgh: 163 miles / 3 hours 45 mins by car
Perth: 120 miles 2 hours 44 mins
Cupar: 142 miles / 3 hours by car
Elgin: 12 miles / 25 min by car
Right on Edinburgh’s doorstep lies our favourite place of all, the Pentland Hills, and not just because they are our namesake! The Pentland Hills offer stunning views of the capital and the countryside – making it the perfect Easter escape.
The Pentland Hills range is around 20 miles (32 km) in length, and run south from Edinburgh towards Biggar and the upper Clydesdale. If you’re looking for breath-taking views, take the Allermuir Hills walk. However If time is on your side, try taking one of four circular routes around the hills, which are around 2 miles each – the ‘Harlow Woodland Walk’ being a family favourite as it offers a Biodiversity trail for children.
Whilst you’re exploring the hills, lookout for the special Pentland hills producer’s signs dotted around the park. The farmers are more than happy to give you information about how the natural assets of the hills allow their animals to thrive – if you’re lucky, you might even be able to buy fresh eggs from them directly!
Edinburgh: 20.1 miles / 48 mins by car
Perth: 88.2 miles / 1 hour 43 mins by car
Cupar: 62.4 miles / 1 hour 26 mins by car
Elgin: 191 miles / 4 hours by car
