When the mile-thick ice sheets finally retreated from the north of Britain at the end of the Pleistocene epoch, they left in their wake a topography gnarled, fissured and pockmarked by violent glaciation. The result is some of the wildest country in Europe; mountain massifs, rift valleys, riven volcanoes and crinkle-cut islands are just some of the extraordinary features of the Scottish landscape.

Unsurprising, then, that the country has become something of a mecca for adventure travel enthusiasts, with every imaginable pursuit on offer. So whether you surf or ski, sail or kayak, hike or bike, a Scottish holiday is bound to have something special for you.

Here are 5 fantastic resources to inform, inspire and plan your next holiday in Scotland.

1. Photography to inspire.  Scotland in the gloaming is a beautiful blog showcasing the best photography of Scotland bathed in that colourful ambience that comes at dusk.


2. A guide to your ramblings.  Trailblazer publish fantastically well researched guide books.  We used one ourselves when we travelled on the Trans-Mongolian rail route.  In Scotland, they offer a hillwalking guide to the Scottish Highlands.  If you are happy to scour the web for your route guide then check out Walk Highlands a fantastic and exhaustive guide to walking in Scotland.


3. A must have transport timetable.  Calmac operate the famous lifeline of the Islands with their extensive ferries throughout the Hebrides and Clyde.  Grab a car, a good map and a Calmac timetable and explore the islands at your own leisure.


4. The one film to watch.  OK, Scotland has featured in many great films and picking one is a tricky task.  I'd have to recommend Local Hero, for its warm funny storyline and superb cinematography of the Scottish Isles.


5. Get under the skin of Scottish culture.  Pining for the West is a blog very much written from the heart, featuring Scottish recipes, reviews of Scottish literature and tales of travelling throughout Scotland.  Highly recommended!