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We’re delighted to be back with a new ‘Hidden Scotland Weekly’. We really hope that you enjoy reading.

Have a great Sunday!

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We will begin shipping early October. 

5 Great Walks on the Isle of Skye

Few are the visitors who come here without hiking boots. Skye holds some exceptional walking routes, ranging from sedate strolls to thigh-burning scrambles. The Old Man of Storr ascent is the island’s most popular (and busiest) option – here are ten other trails that, to our mind, can hold just as much magic.

Neist Point Lighthouse (1.5 miles)

Rubha Hunish (4.5 miles)

Head out to Skye’s northernmost tip – on the Trotternish Peninsula – for spectacular views, few fellow walkers and a great chance to watch for marine life. Wonderful on a clear day.

Armadale Woods (3.5 miles)

Armadale Castle is a draw in itself, but this lovely circuit through the tree-lined hills above the house gives a new perspective on both the surrounding woodland and the mainland beyond.

Scorrybreac Circuit (2 miles)

This is one of the simplest circular routes on the island, but it’s a joy to walk when conditions are fair. Beginning in the centre of Portree, make your way above the harbour and north of town, before heading down Scorrybreac Road to the Cuillin Hills Hotel. From here, an obvious path begins an anti-clockwise loop around the shoreline. The headland has a long connection with the Clan Nicolson – to whom a memorial is located along the route – and links too with Bonnie Prince Charlie, who’s said to have sailed from here to Raasay to escape Hanoverian forces. 

Quiraing (4 miles) 

There’s no getting away from the fact that this is a well-frequented walk – one look at the car park will tell you that – but the nature of the trail itself, which winds through otherworldly bluffs and pinnacles, means it feels less crowded the more you progress. It also gives numerous route options, including a spectacular descent to Flodigarry on the coast, but the option described here is a loop that brings you back to the parking area. Be aware that the main path, regardless of your route, has sections that require careful footing and sturdy boots.  

From the car park, the path contours along the hillside, soon serving up magnificent scenery. You’ll pass iconic landmarks the Prison and the Needle before passing underneath an overhang. Cross a stile, then at a fork in the path stay left, entering what feels like a hidden glen. Continue on this path until another stile, at which point you have the option of a detour to climb to the crest of Sròn Vourlin, overlooking the coast from a majestic height. If heading straight back, however, turn left at the stile to climb the hillside and return back – sometimes soggily – towards the descent down to the car park.  

Want more? Check out our new Isle of Skye Guide Book here.

The Brave Sacrifice Of Roderick Mackenzie

For months after the battle of Culloden, Bonnie Prince Charlie was hunted relentlessly by government forces across the Highlands and Islands. Despite a £30,000 reward on his head, none of those who knew his location were willing to give him up, while plenty were willing to give their life for his protection instead.

One man did more than most, Roderick Mackenzie the son of an Edinburgh goldsmith. He was the spitting image of Charles, becoming close friends with the prince and being appointed as his body double and personal guard. Like most Jacobites, he was on the run in 1746, finding a good hiding place in a cave in Glen Moriston.

Unfortunately, one day while down by the river, Roderick was spotted and captured by soldiers. He knew his own time was up but saw an opportunity for one last act of loyalty to his leader. The prisoner turned to face his captors and declared that their search was over, he was Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Taking no chances, the soldiers immediately shot brave Roderick, whose final words were "You have murdered your prince!" Cutting off his head, the delighted redcoats took it to Fort Augustus to claim the reward. While nobody would positively identify it, the Duke of Cumberland was convinced enough to call off the manhunt and follow the head down to London.

Thanks to Roderick’s sacrifice, Bonnie Prince Charlie was able to slip through the net and by the time their mistake was discovered, it was too late.

Words by Graeme Johncock

Around Scotland with Graeme Johncock

Graeme Johncock, the travel blogger and storyteller behind Scotland's Stories, is now bringing his adventures to us in a weekly column. He will journal about his explorations around Scotland, sharing fascinating stories and highlighting unique places to visit. Accompanied by his dog Molly, Graeme continues to uncover and share the rich history and beauty of Scotland.

As much as I love spending time around the islands and peninsulas on Scotland’s west coast, I’m still a born and bred east-coaster at heart. This side of the country doesn’t get enough attention, but last week I had the opportunity to show off the region of Angus.

We started at one of my favourite historical sites. The red, turreted Glamis Castle is like something plucked from a storybook. 650 years old, once home to the Queen Mother and still lived in by the Earl of Strathmore, it’s packed full of history, mystery and ghosts. Among the many spooks haunting these old rooms is the Grey Lady.

Said to be Janet Douglas, she was unfairly executed by the King in Edinburgh, but her spirit returned home to Glamis. She’s often seen in the chapel, always in the same chair. If you want to know which one, then you’ll need to visit for yourself and hope you don’t accidentally sit on her lap.

For those who like their history a little older, Angus is also famous for its collection of Pictish stones. Usually carved with strange symbols that we’re yet to decipher, they date from around the 6th to 9th centuries.

The Aberlemno Kirkyard Stone is one of the most interesting. A battle plays out on one side, believed to show the Picts defeating an invading Northumbrian army. The other face of the stone has an enormous Celtic cross alongside strange mythological beasts.

All that history works up an appetite, calling for a trip to the seaside to sample a local delicacy - Arbroath Smokies. The salted haddock is cooked in pairs over a wood fire and while the result is obviously smoky, it’s also far sweeter than you’d expect!

From the seaside, it was time to show the full range of what Angus can offer by heading into the mountains. Five Angus Glens cut deep inland, each with their own personality, but my pick is Glen Esk.

The long drive through the glen proves that you don’t need to head west for dramatic, Scottish scenery. We were treated to purple heather carpeting the hillside, blooming brighter than I’ve ever seen. With a brief stop to explore local history at the Glen Esk Folk Museum, we eventually made it to the end of the road.

Most visitors to Glen Esk are hikers destined for the surrounding hills, but we made the short walk to Loch Lee. It’s an incredibly peaceful spot, with the ruins of a church founded by St Drostan in the 7th century reflected in the water. Standing there, surrounded by natural beauty, I wouldn’t have traded it for anywhere else in Scotland

Written by Graeme Johncock

Isle of Islay by Simon Hird

Have you got your 2025 calendar yet?
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We are delighted to be back with our wall calendar for 2025. Enjoy a selection of stunning photography that captures some of Scotland's best bits throughout the year.

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