DON'T lament the passing of summer, instead look forward to Scotland’s chillier months by embracing the activities, destinations and quality accommodation that come to the fore in the depths of winter.
FOR ADVENTURE LOVERS
Embark on high-octane husky sled rides at Stonehaven’s Huskyhaven. Temperatures must drop below 12C before the huskies can hit the road, so they only run from September to May (if it’s cold enough). Drive your own team of pure-bred Siberian Huskies, whose names all begin with letter K, from Koyuk and Kasper, to Kaos, Kroozer and Kovid (guess when that puppy was born?).
Choose your mushing package, starting from a one-hour 3.5km trail at £55 per person. At the end of the day, cosy up with sea views at the self-catering Bayview Apartments.
huskyhaven.co.uk bayviewstonehaven.com
FOR COUPLES
The Enchanted Forest is often viewed as a family event, which it certainly can be, but book a later slot when the babes are asleep for a romantic stroll around the sparkling illuminated Faskally Wood. The theme this year is Symphony of Nature, inspired by Beira, the goddess of winter, celebrating the harmony and power of the natural world.
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After the lights go out, take your prince or princess back to Fonab Castle Hotel, Pitlochry, for a romantic overnight in five-star luxury. Indulge in its woodland spa, pool, and three AA rosette restaurant Sandemans.
enchantedforest.org.uk fonabcastlehotel.com
FOR FAMILIES
Families seeking a winter break should make a beeline for Aviemore. The kids can go nuts at the renowned Landmark Park with its Dinosaur Kingdom, Bamboozeleum illusions and Lost Labyrinth maze.
Meet Scotland’s polar bears, and get up close to Scottish wildcats at the Highland Wildlife Park, before plunging into the pool, flume and wave machine at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort. Tuck into fish and chips at the resort’s new Highland Fish Bar, before hitting the community ice rink for an ice skating disco.
The resort also has a host of winter family packages available from Toddler Hogmanay and Santa breaks to Family Christmas breaks.
landmarkpark.co.uk highlandwildlifepark.org.uk macdonaldhotels.co.uk/aviemore
FOR THE EASILY SPOOKED
Make the most of the long nights by telling ghost stories round the fire at the spooky Macbeth’s Hillock in Brodie near Forres.
Its cosy, heated glamping pods are shaped like witches hats, with curtains decorated with black cats.
It’s said to be the site where Shakespeare’s Macbeth met the three witches. Book now for the perfect Halloween escape as Macbeth’s Hillock closes for the season at the end of October.
macbethshillock.co.uk
FOR THE STAR GAZERS
Book a weekend of stargazing at the Selkirk Arms Hotel, which includes talks, a trip to the new Dark Sky Planetarium in Kirkcudbright and the Galloway Dark Sky Park. Guests are joined by astronomer Steve Owens of the Glasgow Science Centre.
Make the most of the long nights in the Scottish Borders with these packages that run on November 8-9, 2024, and February 7-8, 2025, £299pp dinner, bed and breakfast.
selkirkarmshotel.co.uk
FOR THE FOODIES
Winter is the natural time to eat more and eat well. The historic and elegant Douneside House in Royal Deeside has reinstated its much-loved six-course tasting menu, served within the intimate confines of its elegant library.
As well as being awarded three AA rosettes, it’s just received the coveted and rare AA red star accreditation.
dounesidehouse.co.uk
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