Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
UP HELLY AA
Half of Shetland dresses up with horned helmets and battleaxes in this spectacular re-en-
actment of a Viking fire festival, with a torchlit procession leading the burning of a full-
size Viking longship. Held in Lerwick on the last Tuesday in January. See
February
The coldest month of the year is usually the best for hill walking, ice-climbing and
skiing. The days are getting longer now, and snowdrops begin to bloom.
SIX NATIONS RUGBY TOURNAMENT
Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, France and Italy battle it out in this prestigious tourna-
ment, held February to March; home games played at Murrayfield, Edinburgh. See
FORT WILLIAM MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL
The UK's Outdoor Capital celebrates the peak of the winter season with ski and snow-
board learning workshops, talks by famous climbers, kids events and a festival of moun-
taineering films. See
www.mountainfilmfestival.co.uk
.
April
The bluebell woods on the shores of Loch Lomond come into flower, ospreys arrive
at their Loch Garten nest. Weather improving, though heavy showers are still com-
mon.
RUGBY SEVENS
A series of weekend, seven-a-side rugby tournaments held throughout the Borders region
in April and May, kicking off with Melrose in early April. Fast and furious rugby (sevens
was invented here), crowded pubs and great craic. See
www.melrose7s.com
.
