Book boating holidays in Scotland for an active break

Thursday, 18 August 2011 2:34 PM

If you enjoy taking part in activities during time away from home, why not consider booking boating holidays in Scotland for your next vacation?

The rugged, picturesque scenery of the nation makes it the ideal spot for spending time in the great wide open, whether you enjoy hiking, climbing or playing golf.

In fact, golf breaks are particularly popular, no doubt as a result of Scotland's reputation as the home of the sport.

Visit as part of a holiday and you'll find numerous great spots to practise your swing.

Travelling by boat means you get to learn a new skill but this isn't the only benefit of journeying in this way. Taking a canal boat break allows you to see parts of places you might not otherwise reach and also means you often have a tranquil place to return to when night falls.

An added bonus is having the freedom to do as you please, unconstrained by typical holiday-related irks like check-in or out times. You can spend as much - or as little - time onboard as you like.

Begin your break at the Laggan - rich in picturesque landscapes comprising heather-clad hillsides.

The village in the Cairngorms National Park is the ideal place to stretch your legs in idyllic surroundings so if you enjoy walking strap on your hiking boots here. Alternatively, you might be in need of some excitement, in which case you could give mountain biking a try instead!

As you journey along the Caledonian Canal you'll reach the settlement of Benavie - home to the UK's highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

This is one landmark you're sure to want to see and you can even spend some time scaling the peaks in the area if you enjoy climbing.

Those without the ability, however, might prefer to take Britain's only mountain gondola and journey 2,150 ft into the air up Aonach Mor, which is beside Ben Nevis. From here you can take in some truly spectacular views.

Journey on to Fort William next, which is only a short distance away, and moor up to explore the area. You'll discover a popular attraction in the form of the Hogwarts Express - a steam train that was featured in the Harry Potter series of films.

Take a ride on the train along the West Highland Railway line and you might just feel like you're an extra from the movies!

Not far from here is Fort William Golf Club, home to a par 67, 18-hole course set among the mountainous landscape - the perfect place for a round or two.

The next stop on UK short breaks along the Caledonian Canal could well be Gairlochy Locks. Here you can visit Achnacarry House - the founding spot for the commandos during World War II.

You're also likely to notice the stunning Grey Collies mountains here and if you fancy a bit of climbing where better to indulge your passion?

Journey on to Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness and keep an eye out for the infamous monster. Even if you don't catch a glimpse of Nessie, you might enjoy taking a stroll around the ruined Urquhart Castle.

Fort Augustus is a pleasant place to visit for some retail therapy and you may also want to call in at some of the museums here. Visit the Clansman Centre, where you can have your photograph taken in period costume, or stop off at the Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre to find out more about the waterway's history.

The area is also home to one of the Highlands' most scenic golf courses, so visit the local club and test your skills on a traditional heathland green with nine holes. Renowned as a challenging play, the course consists largely of narrow fairways and undulated greens, so you can expect an exciting game.

Alternatively, head into Inverness - home to the Highland Games and a well-known centre for bagpipe music - to admire the kilts on sale.

There's a golf course here too, dating back to 1883. Pit your abilities against 18 holes spread across parkland.

Pay a visit to the old village of Invergarry and explore the ruins of the castle or take in the exhibits at the Heritage Centre before heading to the picturesque location of Loch Oich.

The lake is home to abundant wildlife and if you look carefully you might spot Atlantic salmon migrating from the sea if you travel in the autumn.

Around the loch is a prime spot for walking so spend some time admiring the natural scenery before heading back onboard and concluding your break. It won't be long before you start planning UK boat holidays for the future!