Five action-packed weekend break ideas

APRIL sees the launch of the Great Glen Canoe Trail, Scotland’s first organised canoe trail, which runs from Fort William to Inverness, passing through Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, Loch Ness and Loch Dochfour. Kicking things off with a splash is Paddle Fest, at Fort Augustus from 23 to 25 March, offering various sea kayaking and canoeing workshops as well as exhibitions and a film.

greatglencanoetrail.info

On the Fringes It’s the Year of Creative Scotland, and fashion fans should not skirt around the Scottish Borders, which has been at the heart of Scotland’s textile industry for centuries. Its fabrics are sought after by major fashion houses including Vivienne Westwood, Chanel and Dior. The area’s equally renowned for arts and crafts, so why not visit Kelso, Peebles, Melrose and Selkirk to see their exhibitions, museums, craft shops, studios and galleries.

surprise.visitscotland.com

Tartan Day isn’t just for our US friends. There’s a raft of events taking place across Scotland, from 30 March to 8 April. But where better to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath than the five-star Brucefield Boutique B&B in the town itself.

tartandayscotland.com

Taking the scenic route has never been more appealing than with Great Rail Tours’ new season, starting in April. There are four tours in Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and the Highlands, and Western Highlands and the Hebrides, as well as two cruises – Scottish Islands and Lochs, and Edinburgh and Scotland’s West Coast. Prices from £435 to £3,530.

greatrail.com

Grab a piece of Glasgow’s heady musical history on foot. The Walking Heads Music Tour is a downloadable audio walking tour for smartphones and MP3 players that covers four different routes and takes in over 100 years of the city’s musical heritage. It includes interviews with Stuart Braithwaite, Emma Pollock and Greg Kane, among others, and is packed with facts.

walkingheads.net