Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
half-board, B&B and self-catering options are often available. Rooms are usually let out
from late June to mid-September.
Activities
Scotland is a brilliant place for outdoor recreation and has something to offer everyone,
from those who enjoy a short stroll to full-on adrenalin junkies. Although hiking (
Click
here
)
, golf (
Click here
)
, fishing and cycling are the most popular activities, there is an
astonishing variety of things to do.
Most activities are well organised and have clubs and associations that can give visitors
invaluable information and, sometimes, substantial discounts.
Visit Scotland
(
www.visitscotland.com
)
has information on most activities. Its website has useful pages
on fishing, golf, skiing, cycling and adventure sports. They also produce a good booklet,
Active in Scotland
, available at tourist offices.
Some other useful sources:
Birdwatching
The
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
(RSPB;
01950-460800;
www.rspb.org.uk
)
should be any birdwatcher's first port of call. The
Scot-
tish Wildlife Trust
(
www.swt.org.uk
)
manages several nature reserves, and the
Scottish
Ornithologists' Club
(
www.the-soc.org.uk
)
website has a useful section on where to
watch birds.
Cycling
There are many excellent routes throughout the country.
Sustrans
(
www.sustrans.org.uk
)
is the first place to go for more information. For mountain-biking,
check out the
7Stanes website
(
www.7stanesmountainbiking.com
)
if you're going to be in
the south of the country.
Fishing
Seasons and permits vary according to locality. Permits can usually be obtained
at the local tackle shop.
VisitScotland
(
www.visitscotland.com
)
produces a useful
magazine,
Fishing in Scotland
, available free in tourist offices. Their website also has
some useful information on permits and seasons.
Business Hours
In the Highlands and islands Sunday opening is restricted, and it's common for there to be
little or no public transport.
Opening hours are as follows:
Banks
9.30am to 4pm or 5pm Monday to Friday; some are open 9.30am to 1pm Saturday.
