■ Distance: 7¼ miles/11.6km ■ Time: 3½ hours ...

One of the most picturesque inland waterways in the world, the Caledonian Canal is a magnet for leisure boating, cycling and walking. It stretches diagonally across the Scottish Highlands, linking som

■ Distance: 10 miles/16km ■ Time: 4¼ hours ■ ...

■ Distance: 5¾ miles/9.4km ■ Time: 4 hours ■ ...

AS hotel names go, this one’s a little unusual. Across Church Street, where I’m standing in the Welsh Border town of Chirk, is the Hand Hotel. Parts of it date back to 1610, during the reign of James

Lochs, glens, forests, mountains and moors. Twists, turns and elevation. The very best of Scotland inside a few hours of thrilling, scenic riding…