National Trust for Scotland: The most romantic local walks in Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland has picked out Scotland’s best romantic walks, area by area, across the country. Perfect for Valentine’s Day!
Article Source: Issued on behalf of National Trust for Scotland by Frame PR.
Last Updated: 13 February 2021 12:33
Stunning strolls right on your doorstep on Valentine’s Day
Love in a pandemic climate means that Valentine’s Day will be very different in 2021.
Candlelit dinners in restaurants, days on the town, trips to the cinema, shows and concerts, one by one we have chalked off all of the tried and trusted favourites as we’ve planned for a day spent in lockdown.
The pandemic has inspired are plenty of alternatives and some of us will receive cook at home kits and special deliveries from our favourite haunts, which are always best eaten after a long walk. And, if anything, the recent snowfall – which is expected to continue this weekend – will make our favourite scenic strolls even more beautiful.
The National Trust for Scotland has, over the past 12 months, reported record visitor numbers at the natural locations it cares for across the country. Scotland’s national conservation charity has urged people to stay within their areas during lockdown and, with their castles and built properties currently closed, look to the gardens, parks and hills in their local area.
Here we pick out Scotland’s best romantic walks, area by area, across the country.
ANGUS: HOUSE OF DUN & MONTROSE BASIN NATURE RESERVE
The garden and estate at this grand Georgian House are open. The house, shop, tearoom and toilet facilities remain closed during this latest lockdown. Montrose Basin is a short distance from the house and offers further spectacular walks for visitors. The tidal basin, which makes up part of the estuary of the River South Esk, is home to over 80,000 migratory birds and you should keep an eye open for otters, roe deer and red squirrels along the way.
ABERDEENSHIRE: DRUM CASTLE
One of Scotland’s oldest tower houses is surrounded by sprawling grounds and the Old Wood of Drum, which has oak trees dating from the 1700s. The Royal Forest and Tower of Drum were actually given to the former owners, the Irvine family, by Robert the Bruce in 1323 and it is a property closely connected with the Jacobite story. When walking the ancient oak forest, you may be lucky enough to spot red kites, roe deer, red squirrels and badgers.
ARGYLL AND BUTE: CRARAE GARDEN
One of the jewels of Argyll and Bute and the finest example of a Himalayan-style garden in the UK. The peaceful paradise has a gorge, rippling burn, waterfalls and cliffs and has a different look all year round as each new season brings fresh blooms. Crarae Garden is open daily and an accessible toilet is available at the property.
CLACKMANNANSHIRE: DOLLAR GLEN
The path takes you up through woodlands, past the Burns of Care and Sorrow, which plunge down tumbling waterfalls. Overlooking this peaceful glen stand the ruins of Castle Campbell, the 15th-century stronghold of Clan Campbell. Dollar Glen has been declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest, due to its habitats and geology and it stands as a beautiful sanctuary, tucked away in the shadow of the Ochils.
DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY: ROCKCLIFFE
Often described as one of Scotland’s most beautiful stretches of coastline, Rockcliffe also has a bird sanctuary on Rough Island, which can only be reached on foot at low tide and a lost citadel at the ancient hilltop, Mote of Mark. Dogs are welcome but must be kept under close control and visitors should watch for nesting birds and livestock grazing in the meadows.
EAST LOTHIAN: NEWHAILES
You can still enjoy woodland walks and stroll along the historic paths recently uncovered by National Trust for Scotland staff and volunteers. Newhailes also offers beautiful views across the Forth. The estate spans across 34 hectares of historical landscape and has numerous paths and walks for visitors.
CITY OF EDINBURGH: MALLENY GARDENS
A hidden treasure amid the suburban bustle of Scotland’s capital, Malleny Gardens is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere. Stepping inside the iron wrought gates, you can leave the world behind, wandering among 400-year-old yew trees. The garden is a sight to behold when it’s collection of roses in full bloom, but a joy whatever the time of year.
FALKIRK: THE PINEAPPLE
This extraordinary folly remains one of Scotland’s most unusual buildings. Built in 1761 by the Earl of Dunmore as a summerhouse and has stunning views across his old estate. Today the Pineapple remains surrounded by acres of woodland and you can spot the local wildlife down at the former curling pond.
FIFE: HILL OF TARVIT
Originally known as Wemyss Hall, the 17th century mansion and grounds were transformed in 1904 by owner, Frederick Sharp. He commissioned architect Robert Lorimer, who also designed the landscaped gardens, with formal lawns, yew hedging, flowering borders and a sunken rose garden. The property includes a 9-hole hickory golf course, but this remains closed at this moment in time.
GLASGOW CITY: POLLOK HOUSE
‘Scotland’s Downton Abbey’ remains closed, but the surrounding country park is a sanctuary within the city. You can also stroll along White Cart Water, south of the house and say hello to some of Glasgow’s best loved residents, the park’s herd of Highland Cows. If you are feeling adventurous, Pollok Country Park also has cycle tracks and more rugged trails for mountain bikers.
PERTH AND KINROSS: THE HERMITAGE
A truly magical place. Visitors can stroll beneath giant Douglas firs, which are among the biggest trees in Britain, along the River Braan, past the Ossian’s Hall folly and look out over the crashing Black Linn Falls. And there is adventure in the woods. Keep an eye open for the ‘hidden’ totem pole, tucked away between the trees.
SOUTH AYRSHIRE: CULZEAN CASTLE
The castle’s vast country park, the walled garden, Adventure Cove and toilet facilities at Home Farm are open Thursday to Monday. The castle itself remains closed until further notice. There remains so much to explore and you can lose yourself for hours, wandering through woods, along beaches, parkland and cliffs. And you can still say hello to some of Culzean’s most famous residents down at the Swan Pond or at the deer park.
You can find all of the National Trust for Scotland’s walks and locations that are in your local area on their website: nts.org.uk. Simply visit the charity’s website, search for your town or postcode and plan your next big adventure – right on your doorstep. You can also find the Scottish Government’s latest advice on Covid-19, travel restrictions and safety measures here.
Image: Perth and Kinross - The Hermitage, River Bran
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.
READ MORE
William Wallace Running Festival seeks Teams of Bravehearts
Teams of runners have the chance to race through Scotland’s most historic battlefields and stunning landscapes during an exciting new event - the William Wallace Running Festival.
READ MORE
Cheers to 30 years: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now open
Scotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Unplugged is coming this weekend!
Loch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!
READ MORE
Restored Memorial to be unveiled in Stirling
Restored memorial to be unveiled in Stirling's old town cemetery to mark the 250th anniversary of the American War of Independence.
READ MORE
Dig into summer fun at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting children to come along to its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club, taking place across the country this June.
READ MORE
Aldi to gift year supply of free beer to biggest beer lover in Scotland
Aldi Scotland is on the hunt for the nation's biggest beer lover, as it revamps its popular Best Home Bar Competition by expanding the criteria.
READ MORE
Milestone year for Refugee Festival Scotland
Refugee Festival Scotland has officially unveiled the programme for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, running from 13 – 22 June.
READ MORE
Vue to host marvellous superhero season welcoming classic X Men films back to the big screen for 25th anniversary
Film fans, families and comic book enthusiasts are invited to rediscover the original big screen superhero team as a series of classic X-Men films return to the big screen at Vue this month.
READ MORE
Kids Fly FareFREE on new Loganair routes
Families can take advantage of Loganair's new Kids Fly Fare-FREE offer, allowing children aged 11 and under to travel without paying an airfare.
READ MORE
Find out how foster caring in Stirling could work for you at drop in event
A drop-in event to attract new foster carers is being hosted by Stirling Council at the Raploch Campus on Friday, May 16th.
READ MORE
Delight as Wallace High Senior Girls retain Scottish Cup in style
Wallace High Senior Girls are the pride of Stirling after retaining the Scottish Cup in stunning style on Friday night in front of hundreds of delighted fans.
READ MORE
Lorraine Kelly meets the Loch Ness Monster Milker delivering Nessie Nectar across the UK
IRN-BRU XTRA has launched a custom milk float delivery service bringing limited-edition Nessie Nectar straight from the shores of Loch Ness to doors across the UK.
READ MORE
Safety and family time driving surge in adult swim lessons
Scottish adults are being encouraged to learn to swim this summer to boost water safety skills for the whole family.
READ MORE
New documentary tells the story of world record breaking Scottish brothers
A new documentary - now live on STV Player - tells the story of the Maclean Brothers and their self-confessed “piss poor” preparations the ocean adventure that lay ahead.
READ MORE
Wallace High Girls bid again for Scottish Cup glory
People across Stirling are being urged to cheer on Wallace High Senior Girls on Friday night (9 May) as they bid to retain the Scottish Cup.
READ MORE
David Attenborough and Eurovision steal the spotlight at Vue venues in Scotland this month
Audiences are invited to travel the globe - both musically and visually - this May, as both David Attenborough and Eurovision head to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
The Royal Yacht Britannia Exhibition and Retail Experience are shipshape and ready to welcome visitors
2025 marks the next chapter in The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust’s legacy with the opening of a brand-new, world-class visitor centre with exhibition and retail experience.
READ MORE
Pavilion Festival rounds off biggest event yet with Happy Mondays and STREETrave Classical
Pavilion Festival has rounded off its biggest ever event with over 16,000 music fans enjoying three days of non-stop live music and feel good vibes on Ayr’s iconic Low Green.
READ MORE
Cineworld announces first ever 4DX Family Day
For one day only, families can experience Moana, Paddington, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in immersive 4DX at all 34 Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide.
READ MORE
Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates
Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.
READ MORE
Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience
This June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.
READ MORE
Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes
Nominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.
READ MORE
Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland
The Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.
READ MORE
Culture Night Stirling 2026 announced
Stirling Council and local partners are delighted to announce a new annual celebration of culture, which will see the area come alive at night with an exciting range of events and activities.
READ MORE
IRN BRU proposes Kelpies mythical makeover to honour our national animal
IRN-BRU thinks it’s time for Scotland’s unicorns to finally toot their own horn - by giving one of the country’s most iconic sculptures a magical makeover.
READ MORE
Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open
Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!
READ MORE
Major milestone reached in new flood defence scheme for Bridge of Allan
A new £16 million flood prevention scheme for Bridge of Allan has taken a significant step forward following approval to procure a contract to design and build the defences.
READ MORE
Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15
To celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.
READ MORE
This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!
Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links