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Scotland,
Sport & Activities
Golf: Scotland, where golf was invented, is home to some of the world’s most famous golf courses, notably the Old Course at St Andrews – the historic ‘home of golf’ (the prestigious Open Championship in July 2000 was held here). In total, Scotland has some 500 courses. Further Open Championship courses can be found in Carnoustie, Muirfield, Royal Troon and Turnberry. In addition, there is an abundance of world-class courses, such as Blairgowrie, Downfield, Murcar, Nairn, North Berwick, Royal Aberdeen, Royal Dornoch, Southerness and Western Gailes. Also available is a fine selection of natural links courses in the outlying areas. For details of golfing holidays, membership and golf courses, contact VisitScotland (see Contact Addresses section).
Equestrianism: One of the most popular equestrian activities is pony trekking on the native Scottish Highland pony. Beginners can try a one- or two-hour trek, while experienced riders may opt for a full day- or week-long trek. Many riding centres offer unaccompanied children’s holidays with the possibility of adopting a pony for a week. In the southeastern Borders area, which is known as ‘Scotland’s horse country’, and where horses play an important part in local festivities, accommodation often comes equipped with stables. Further information can be obtained from The British Horse Society (Scotland), Woodburn Farm, Crieff, Perthshire PH7 3RG (tel: (01764) 656 334; e-mail: chair@bhsscotland.org.uk; website: www.bhsscotland.org.uk).
Cycling: Scotland has an extensive network of signposted cycling routes and off-road trails for mountain biking. On small country roads there is often little traffic. Bicycle hire and cycling tours are available throughout Scotland. Bicycle transport facilities are widespread on Scottish trains, notably on InterCity services (between London and Scotland), where no extra charge applies (although reservations are compulsory). It is advisable to check in advance if a train will carry bicycles.
Fishing: Visiting anglers must generally have permission, usually in the form of a permit, available from the local tackle dealer, fishing club or estate. Local tourist offices can supply information on fishing in their area, the cost of permits and where to get them. There is no closed season for coarse fishing, though the rule is rod only and it is forbidden to fish with two or more rods simultaneously. Scotland is one of the world’s best destinations for salmon fishing. The statutory closed season for salmon varies from river to river, but is generally from November 1 until February 10-15 (visitors should check with local tourist offices). Fly fishing is the most accepted and traditional method of fishing for salmon. There are also excellent opportunities for trout fishing. Glacial lochs are home to the elusive Char, usually found in deep water. Boats and guides can be hired from hotels and angling clubs. The statutory closed season for brown trout is from October 7 until March 14 (both days inclusive). Sea angling can be practised along the coast, where boats and bait are supplied by local tourist offices and fishing clubs. More than 50 sea fishing festivals and competitions take place annually. For details, contact the Scottish Federation of Sea Anglers, Unit 28, Evans Business Centre, Mitchelston Industrial Estate, Kikcaldy KY1 3NB (tel: (01592) 657 520).
Watersports: There is 2560km (1600 miles) of coastline and thousands of lochs and rivers. Inland, canoeing can be practised on tranquil lochs or whitewater rafting on wild river stretches. Along the coast, a well-established sailing and yachting industry with modern marinas offers a range of sailing and boating facilities. Canal cruises are also possible, notably in the Crinan Canal, which links the Clyde and the West Coast of Scotland; and on the 96km- (60 mile-) long Caledonian Canal, with the option to charter a yacht, motor cruiser or stay on a hotel barge. A restoration project, the ‘Millennium Link’, restored 110km (69 miles) of the canal (from Glasgow to Edinburgh and the Forth to the Clyde). For further information on watersports, marinas, harbours and moorings, contact Sail Scotland Ltd, PO Box 8363, Largs, Scotland KA30 8YD (tel: (01309) 676 757; fax: (01309) 673 331; e-mail: info@sailscotland.co.uk; website: www.sailscotland.co.uk).
Walking and hiking: Scotland’s variety of scenery – from rocky peaks, moorland and rolling green hills to lochs, glens, and wild coastlines – makes it ideal for walking. The vast network of trails is steadily growing. Short-distance walks can usually be completed in a day. For advice on the best routes, contact VisitScotland. The best-known long-distance walks include three ‘official’ trails – the West Highland Way (the busiest, 150km (95 miles) from Milngavie, north of Glasgow, to Fort William, passing through some spectacular Highland scenery, and quite strenuous in the second half); the less demanding Southern Upland Way (Britain’s first official coast-to-coast footpath, 340km (212 miles), from Portpatrick to Cockburnspath, passing through moorland, conifer plantations and crossing a few major rivers); and the Speyside Way (a lowland route, 70km (45 miles), from Spey Bay to Tomintoul, running along one of Scotland’s most famous salmon-fishing rivers, the Spey). There is free access at all times to areas owned by the National Trust for Scotland (marked ‘NTS’ and ‘FC’ on Ordnance Survey maps). Most of the rest of the land is owned privately and, though Scotland is traditionally known for ‘free’ land access, walkers may be asked to change their routes during the deer stalking and grouse shooting seasons (from mid-August to October 20, and from August 12 to December 10 respectively). The Mountaineering Council of Scotland and the Scottish Landowners’ Federation co-publish a useful brochure, Heading for the Scottish Hills, with estate maps and telephone numbers for local advice. Visitors camping in the wild are legally required to ask the consent of the landowner. In addition, a respect of the environment and wildlife is essential and visitors may read the Scottish Natural Heritage booklet, Care for the Hills, for advice.
Wildlife: Red deer, golden eagles, peregrine falcons and wildcat are some of the creatures inhabiting Scotland’s mountainous regions, while the lower slopes of the central Highlands provide a sanctuary for red squirrel, capercaillie, crested tit, Scottish crossbill and pine marten. Wild salmon, trout and otter can be found in Scotland’s abundant and spectacular lochs, one of which – Loch Ness – is also the reputed home of ‘Nessie’, the famously elusive Loch Ness monster.
Wintersports: Scotland has five ski resorts: Cairngorm, Glencoe, Glenshee, The Lecht and the Nevis range. Snowfall varies according to the altitude and is most consistent (particularly between November and May) in the Nevis range or Braeriach, in the Cairngorms. Snowboarding is possible at all five resorts. Mountaineering and climbing expeditions (including guides) are also widely available.
Spectator sports: The most popular spectator sports are rugby and football, while the annual Highland Games season (see Special Events in the Social Profile section) also attracts many visitors.
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