Fitness
6 Reasons Scotland Is Good for the Soul
One thing the last year has brought home to many of us is the restorative power of nature. Just getting out into green spaces and spending time soaking up the vitamin D can really boost the mood.
When it’s safe to travel again, we can’t wait to indulge in this new appreciation of the great outdoors – and, handily, we have plenty of wide open spaces, beautiful waterways and adrenaline-boosting activities right on our doorstep. Here’s why Scotland is good for the body, mind and soul.
The walks are incredible
Forget laps around the local park. In Scotland, you could be hiking around glistening lochs, up icy Munros or through fairytale glens. Our pick is the scenic Berwickshire Coastal Path in the Scottish Borders. Along the way, you’ll pass through the picturesque fishing villages of St Abbs and Eyemouth, and you’ll have plenty of time to spot the famous local birdlife, including kittiwakes and razorbills.
You can go off-grid
Want to switch off and just let yourself breathe for a while? We recommend booking yourself into Guardswell Farm in Perthshire, where there’s no wi-fi on site and guests are encouraged to take a digital detox. The farm is nestled amid 150 acres of rolling green hills, which you can explore at leisure, and you can choose to stay in either the cosy farmhouse guest rooms, self-catered cottages or the romantic hilltop escape with its very own stargazing window.
It’s the perfect place for a dip
The Scots are currently celebrating the Year of Coasts and Waters, and during lockdown, many have found a form of therapy in wild swimming, thanks to the emotional release that comes with plunging into freezing water. If you fancy a cathartic (if chilly) dip, head to Loch Morlich in the Cairngorms National Park for the most incredible views. After your swim, you can also enjoy a warming cup of tea in the Boathouse Cafe on the shore.
It’s important to always put safety first when swimming outdoors. Never go out alone, know your limits and follow the advice of the Outdoor Swimming Society.
The spas are next level
The spas in Scotland really make the most of their stunning surroundings. You’ll find wellness retreats inside castles and loch-side plunge pools. Our pick is the Portavadie Spa, which sits beside Loch Fyne in Argyll & The Isles. As well as a Scandinavian sauna, gym facilities and outdoor spa pools, it has a stunning heated infinity pool with unrivalled views across the loch. That’s where you’ll find us as soon as it’s safe to travel.
You can give back
If you want to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands and help to conserve its ecosystem at the same time, we recommend a stay at the Alladale Wilderness Reserve. You can get involved with a range of rewilding activities, including alpine tree planting in Glen Mor and Glen Alladale. Then, at the end of the day, you can head back to your eco-friendly lodgings for a delicious meal made with locally sourced, seasonal produce by head chef Natasha Buttigieg.
The accommodation has 5-star views
The Scottish countryside is dotted with little huts called bothies that were formerly used as farm workers’ shelters and hikers’ refuges. Many were restored as part of the Bothy Project in 2011 and are now used as accommodation for travellers wanting to get back to nature. Book yourself into the stylish Tahuna Bothies by the sea in Newburgh, Aberdeenshire, for incredible panoramic views of the coastline from your bedroom window.
You’ll find the Newburgh seal colony just a five-minute walk from your door and you can spend your days exploring the long stretches of unspoilt beach and dunes.
Always check the latest government restrictions relating to Covid-19 before travelling. For more information go to the VisitScotland website
Plan your next wellness break at VisitScotland. Keep an eye out for businesses using the We’re Good to Go logo, book ahead and travel responsibly
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