Top 5 Places to Visit on a Budget

What could be better or more life-affirming after the excesses of the Christmas period than a bracing walk on a Scottish beach? Or how about discovering some of the best places to visit across the country without spending a fortune?

December 2005 saw the launch of the latest version of Peter Irvine’s guide book 'Scotland the Best', a firm favourite amongst Scots themselves and anyone looking for the real places that make Scotland a great place to visit.

We asked Peter Irvine to give us his Top 5 places to visit in Scotland on a budget and according to Peter, even in winter Scotland has plenty to offer:

"I saw a lot of positive changes across the country when I was updating my guide. Things are getting better for visitors especially in the Highlands and Islands.

"There are a lot of outdoor places open, the beaches and lochs have their own special quality in winter, and just going for a walk can become both bracing and life enhancing.

"What makes Scotland so good is the fact that you have two very different but vibrant cities, both really positive and both within shouting distance of beautiful countryside. The compact nature of Scotland makes it the perfect location.”

Roslin Glen – Edinburgh

"Spiritual, historical, enchanting (and now very famous because of Dan Brown's 'The Da Vinci Code'), with the chapel, a ruined castle and woodland walks along the River Esk.

"From Edinburgh follow the A701 from Mayfield or Newington (or bypass, turn off at Penicuik, A720 then fork left on A701 to Roslin). There is some parking at the chapel, 500 metres from the corner of Main Street and Manse Road, or you can follow the B7003 to Rosewell (also marked Rosslynlee Hospital) and 1 kilometre from the village the main car park is to the left."

Yellowcraigs – East Lothian

"Perfect for a windy beach walk in the New Year is Edinburgh’s nearest decent beach.

"Follow the A1 or the bypass, then A198 coast road. Turn left the other side of Dirleton for 2 kilometres then park and walk 100 metres across the links to fairly clean strand and sea.

"Gullane Bents, a sweep of beach, is nearby and can be reached from the village main street. It connects westwards with Aberlady Reserve."

Mugdock Country Park –  Glasgow

"One of Glasgow's nearest and easiest escapes. The park which includes Mugdock Woods and two castles is north west of Milngavie.

"The regular train from Queen Street station takes 20 minutes. Follow the route of the West Highland Way for 4 kilometres across Drumclog Moor to the south edge of the park. 

"By car to Milngavie by the A81 the park is 5 kilometres north and well sign posted. There are five car parks. The main one includes the Craigend Visitor Centre (open from 9am to 9pm), the Stables Tearoom (open 10am to 5pm every day), discovery room and theatre.

"Many trails are marked out and further afield rambles. This is a godsend between Glasgow and the Highland hills."

Plodda Falls- Near Tomich near Drumnadrochit

"Take the A831 from Loch Ness to Cannich (20 kilometres), and then 7 kilometres to Tomich, a further 5 kilometres up mainly woodland track leads to a car park. Walking 200 metres down through woods of Scots Pine and ancient Douglas firs leads to one of the most enchanting woodland sites in Britain, including a Victorian iron bridge over the brink of the 150 metre fall into the churning river below.

"The dawn chorus here must be amazing. In winter it freezes into a winter wonderland (ice climbers from Inverness take advantage). There is a good hotel in the village."

Landmark Centre – Carrbridge

"A purpose-built tourist centre with audiovisual displays and a great deal of shopping, it's great for kids who can mess about in the woods on slides, in a 'maze' and the large adventure playground,  Microworld or (especially squealy) the Wildwater Coaster. 

"The tower may be too much for Granny but there are fine forest views. Open all year round, seven days till 5pm in winter.

As well as finding all the very best hidden secrets for us to visit around Scotland, Peter is also the Managing Director of Unique Events , the company that produces most of the major public events in Edinburgh and Glasgow including Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations and the Glasgow Art Fair.

In 2000 he was awarded the Scottish Tourist Board's Outstanding Achievement Award and received an MBE for services to the City of Edinburgh and Hogmanay in 2001.

His best selling independent guide to Scotland 'Scotland the Best' is published by Collins and is now available in all good bookshops.