Enjoy a spot of golf on boating holidays in Scotland

Thursday, 18 August 2011 2:02 PM

If you're looking for a relaxing getaway where you can do as you please, travelling by boat is the perfect way to do so. And there's no better location for a UK short break combining golf, beautiful landscapes and rich culture than Scotland.

The nation is known as being the home of golf, so if you enjoy the sport this is certainly the place for you.

Choosing to get around by boat can really enhance your experience, giving you the freedom to spend your leisure time however you like while passing through picturesque scenery.

Do away with typical holiday-related irks like check-in or out times and noisy accommodation by selecting a peaceful retreat on the waterways of Scotland - you'll be glad you did!

For a short trip, why not book four days in the Highlands? Take in places such as Benavie, Fort William, Gairlochy and Fort Augustus as you make your way around the region.

Start boating holidays in Scotland from the beautiful spot of Laggan, where you'll find heather-clad hillsides and rousing history awaits you.

The village in the Cairngorms National Park is ideal if you enjoy long walks in natural settings, or, for something a little more exhilarating, why not rent a bicycle and go mountain biking? The settlement is a top spot for the sport so you're sure to find some exciting rides!

If you'd prefer something more sedate, however, climb into your luxury boat and follow the course of the Caledonian Canal to Benavie. The settlement is close to Fort William and is also home to the UK's highest mountain - Ben Nevis.

You're sure to want to take in this magnificent sight, so climb aboard Britain's only mountain gondola and travel up to 2,150 ft as you are carried up Aonach Mor, beside Ben Nevis.

Afterwards, head for Fort William, where you'll find an 18-hole, par 67 golf course. Established in 1976, the course here benefits from the local mountain scenery.

While you're in the area, be sure to take in another popular attraction - the Hogwarts Express. The steam train was featured in the Harry Potter series of films and runs on the West Highland Railway local line here, so why not take a trip?

Make your way to Gairlochy Locks next, where you can admire spectacular views of the Grey Collies mountains. You might also want to call in at Achnacarry House where the commandos were formed during World War II.

The next stop on your canal boat break might be Fort Augustus on the shores of the world-famous Loch Ness.

Take in the beautiful scenery of the Great Glen and wander around the village for a spot of retail therapy.

Pay a visit to the Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre to find out more about the waterway's history or call in at the Clansman Centre where you can have your photograph taken in period costume!

If you're craving another round on the green, Fort Augustus is an ideal location to stop at during golf breaks in Scotland. Home to one of the Highlands' most scenic golf courses, here you can enjoy a traditional heathland course and nine challenging holes. Comprising undulated greens and narrow fairways, the course is a real test of ability.

Wander around Loch Ness and keep your eyes peeled for the monster before heading to the ruined Urquhart Castle or making your way to the hustle and bustle of Inverness - home to the Highland Games and a thriving centre for bagpipe playing.

There's also a golf green here that dates back to 1883 and you're sure to enjoy testing your swing on this 18-hole parkland course.

Before your short break comes to an end, visit Loch Oich, where you can spot a variety of wildlife. If you travel in the autumn you might catch sight of the Atlantic salmon migrating from the sea as you wander around the outskirts of the loch.

This is a prime walking area and how better to stretch your legs before climbing back onboard and concluding UK boat holidays in Scotland?

Make a short visit to the old village of Invergarry and poke around the Heritage Centre or take in the ruins of Invergarry Castle before you start thinking about the journey home.