As of today there is a new page dedicated to "Scotland's 100 Best Walks", as they were compiled by Cameron McNeish. Not long distance trails but 'other' walks: short, longer and a lot longer. Enjoy!

Today I added a new blog with more information on the almost 'elusive' Mary, Queen of Scots Way. Thank you Marta Pereira!!!

After a query from one of my 'followers' I decided to add the trail to my collection. It's an interesting trail with quite a few links to the turbulent days of Scotlands most famous queen.

All that time I simply couldn't be bothered with it. Now I'm finally back on track! All it took to rekindle my interest was the right day (gloomy and overcast), the right setting (a cup of coffee and always evocative Capercaille-"The Blood Is Strong" in the background) AND the sheer will to get on with it!

First point of order is to tackle the icons on the (many) maps. Untill now I've used different icons to represent specific "attractions" (castles, museums etc.). Although the result was exactly what I intended, the maps got very cluttered. I've decided therefore to use one icon (.) and to differentiate with specific colours. For visitors to the site that might entail a somewhat different approach but the maps themselves will be much clearer.

Second point of order: "Scotland's Finest Villages" needs a lot of attention and of course there is the region of Ayrshire and Arran! Later this season Glasgow and finally Fife will be tackled. I must admit I'll be very glad when all the different regions are finally done because than I can start adding new finds and maybe 'do' a page on transport.

I have changed this scenic route as I just was not happy with it. The new one is much better!!

I've added a separate page with a listing and scheme of the early rulers of Scotland.

Am very busy replacing the GPS codes with Plus codes while at the same time fine-tuning the layout.

During the process I noticed many inconsistencies which (of course) have to be tackled and all of that takes up time. That means that for the moment you might see GPS- and Plus codes. Both lead you to the same map, although Plus codes are a bit more accurate.

Why replacing GPS with Plus?

A GPS coordinate represents the exact same information but to get the required level of precision uses more digits and gives a messier looking "address". Also you have to have all the digits of a GPS address to have meaning, even in a local scale. With a grid reference you can strip off leading digits and operate within the box defined by the digits you stripped off and the remaining digits still have meaning.

In about a week's time I hope to finish.

1. Replacing GPS codes with Plus codes.
2. Changing the layout.
3. Completing Ayrshire & Arran.

This southern region is now part of Scotland's Finest. Has taken quite a long time. Will try to do better.

Look here!

The map will show only distilleries that can be visited. "Have a dram, will travel".

Just completed a fine walk in the Scottish Borders. Got to talk with the owners of the Gordon Arms at Mountbenger. Was quite interesting. Wrote a blog about it.

Yes, I receive a small commission but every penny helps the site to expand!

This page is slowly filling up with recommended routes. Scenic routes you wil certainly enjoy!

Yes, but it will be through a so called "Affiliation Program", meaning that I will receive a commission for every booking. I'm still somewhat hesitant whether this is really the route I want to travel, but on the other hand I've spent so many, many hours creating this site that it would be nice to get something (other than a lot of pleasure) out of it.

The new format should make a visit to the page a more 'holistic' experience.

Also the main page of the Trails has been overhauled (a new look and feel)

Not much extra information yet. Finally found myself again after a long period of inactivity! I will also be adding the last GPX files for the remaining Heritage Paths. Love this!

Added GPX file for the Heritage Path between the River Ayr Way (Muirkirk) and the Southern Upland Way (Wanlockhead).

Added GPX file for the Heritage Path between the Affric Kintail Way (Tomich) and the South Loch Ness Trail & The Great Glen Way at Fort Augustus.

Especially for long distance walkers:  I've added a GPX file for an interesting Heritage Path that connects the Affric Kintail Way with the Cape Wrath Trail. The file can be found on the pages dedicated to both these Long Distance Trails.

Judith has been doing the rounds of the Balmoral estate and was even tempted (only for a second!) to bag a real Munro!

Had an email from a 'well known' tickets platform asking whether they could have a mention on the LINKS page. That made me realize that the LINKS page didn't yet provide for this sort of information. All taken care of now!

This is an interesting option for those doing the Cape Wrath Trail or Scottish National Trail. A very interesting Heritage Trail that makes it possible to switch to the John o'Groats Trail. (See: Cape Wrath Trail)

If you're interested in the people, places and events in Scottish history (quote!) you really aught to have a look at the YouTube channel of the 'stand-up comic come tour guide' (another quote!) Bruce Fumey. A great many short 15 minutes videos in which Bruce tackles often complicated subjects. His presentation is unique! 'In the mean time let me tell you a story' (yet another quote!)

Just like the one from 10 October this blog has many personal undertones. It's time to get on with it!

One new blog from Judith and a very personal one from the 'undersigned'.

This video produced by David Linnett shows the grandeur of the North West Highlands. Breathtaking!

This B&B is a true Borders resort!

See below..a new blog on the Mound of Death.

Duncan Harley, author of The A-Z of Curious Aberdeenshire and The Little History of Aberdeenshire has been so kind to grace Scotland's Finest with an interesting titbit. Have a look at the Blogs page.

The Adventure People is committed to providing adventures that are original, ethical and great value for money. They provide small, guided groups that you can join as a solo traveller, as a pair or with your own group. You have the expertise of our local guides leading you and helping uncover the destinations’ best-kept secrets and you have like-minded adventurers to share the experience with. If you prefer a more independent experience try one of their self-guided tours, where they can equip you with everything you will need and you can explore at your own pace. Their experts can advise on the best trips according to your criteria and make suggestions to help you get the most out of your trip.

I never much bothered with the ownership of the pictures I used on this site, but then it started to dawn on me that this is a very serious 'thing' with possible very serious financial consequences.. So.....I have to look at every page whether the ownership has been made sufficiently clear. If not.....I'll make it clear! Could take a while. In the meantime Dumfries & Galloway is progressing slowly.

I've been wanting to do this for a long time. Wonder what you think of it!

There are 4 more regions to tackle. Due to personal circumstances it might take some time however before the next region comes online. Do stay with me in the meantime please! I will be back!!!

If you now pick a region you can from that particular page access the overall map!

A very accessible blog on Judith's fascination with the Orkney Islands.

The Orkney Isles, a heaven for those interested in ancient brochs, Vikings and Picts. Only a few entries. More to be added in the future!

As blogs go, you never know what stories and tales will pop up. I like this one!

It has taken a long time, but finally that region has been 'done'.........for the moment!

I've been to quite a few distilleries myself but Glen Garrioch sounds very.....attractive!

Twenty more to go!

Next to the existing categories (castles etc.) there will be a new category on the most pleasant, interesting or picturesque villages/small towns in Scotland.

Use the Contact page for enquiries!

A blog on the ancient treasures of Kilmartin Glen.

Perthshire now has my full attention. Will not take very long. Probably this week.

This takes way longer than I anticipated. There are not only glaring mistakes in the different descriptions but also the 'intersections' between the different trails require quite some looking into as do the maps. Sorry.

Still found quite a few omissions and blatant mistakes. Made me grumble! When 'filling' a new site with content one really has to be a multi-tasker (I'm not.....but I'm learning!)

Just have a look. This is really a wonderfull tool that offers near endless possibilities!

There was a certain redundancy contained in the texts on these pages. Combining these pages feels better.

There were a couple of interesting 'items' (15 to be exact) that needed to be included. To name just a few: Eas Mòr Waterfall , Wailing Widow Falls, Eas a Chual Aluinn Waterfall, Dumbarton Castle, Midhope Castle and Traquair House.

Although a few details still need attention I do consider this whole walking business as 'done' (for now)

It may seem as if I prefer working on the walking trails instead of getting more regions done. I think I actually do like getting the trails absolutely right. These trails, however, are also the backbone (with ribs) of the whole site. Once they are fully 'alligned' it will be much easier getting the regions on line.

The Long Distance Walks pages needed some doing as they had some issues when viewing them on a smartphone. Hope that's finally settled!

Finally a new region is to be added soon!

I came across this article and want to share it with all those who consider history as a total bore.

Two regions are done. I will not post more news on that item untill all regions are done.

Directly from the region page to the map!

New insights: I (slowly) started to realize that my present rating system is inherently 'flawed' (confusing to visitors of Scotland's Finest and unfair to owners and caretakers of the different sites). Before finally moving on to adding more places to visit I should get that done first.

Directly from the region page to the map!

Directly from the region page to the map!

Directly from the region page to the map!

A very, very interesting B&B!!!

Directly from the region page to the map!

Directly from the region page to the map!

Directly from the region page to the map!

Just to make it easier to provide a direct link from a region page to a particular visitable place on the map..

I've asked Mike and Lindsay to contribute to Scotland's Finest. Mike's blog will probably about the many joys of walking (he's an absolute fanatic) and Lindsay might very well............. Allright, let's just wait and see!

I feel a bit ashamed I have not included this wonderful drive earlier.

For those who don't have a clue: SEO = Search Engine Optimization. So, I'm doing some 'things' in the background that should have a positive effect on the site's relationship with different search engines. It is also more work than I anticipated. Nevertheless it has to be done!

A blog on the quandary I find myself in whether to promote or keep 'finds' to myself!

Reading the History page from the start I noticed there was hardly any information on the somewhat troubled  'relationship' between Scots and Vikings. That has been remedied.

These files are of major importance as you might want to import them in your own mapping software.

These are the last trails that will be added....for now.

I have a few more Ideas about the walks but that will have to wait. Problem is I can't find the gpx-files from the Heritage Paths. Would love to put these on the map as well.

Although not perfect, these new maps are better than the old 'home grown' maps.

A video made by one of their guests. Well done.

I can't spend much time on the website at the moment, but the flow of content will pick up in the next few days/weeks. There are still a few regions to go. Found also new interesting places to visit that must be included.

I've not seen and experienced such a stunning video in a long time. You will love it!

Although the site's visitor shouldn't notice anything, I promise to keep an eye on this administrative "hassle".

As I said; To bring these pages in line.

Just read it!

At the moment the Ayrshire Coastal Path and the Annandale Way. The others will follow shortly!

Calling upon the 'community' to communicate!

This is fantastic! Turn up the sound.......

Edward I gave it another go, but his successors failed in the end.

Although at first I really liked the animated banner, there was something irritating about it.

Makes it a lot easier for viewers to....share.

Simply to let you know that this is a sort of sabbatical. There are so many other 'things' going on that my priorities have changed for now. This is temporary! I will be back shortly!!!!!

A little later than expected but it's done! I love it!

Just adds a nice touch.

Looking at https://cameronmcneish.wixsite.com/cameronmcneish/bio I thought it would be nice to have a somewhat similar animated banner on this site. Still not really happy with the one I have right now. Hope to change that in the near future.

Visiting stunning Rosslyn Chapel.