Looking far for adventure is a silly thing to do, especially when your neighborhood has a lot to offer to you.  Scotland is one destination that is sure to allure you with its natural and picturesque surroundings and a number of recreational adventure sports. What can be better for an active traveler or an adrenaline junky than to try some of the world’s most captivating and incredible adventure sports? My trip to Scotland in search of an ideal trail route turned out to be quite fulfilling as not only did I discover the best tracks that run through beautiful terrain and suburbs, but I was fortunate enough to have been surrounded by the verdant fields and to have a merry time celebrating their festivals and appreciating their fine culture.

As an avid traveler, I have a few rules that I make sure I follow. Trail running has been my passion and getting to know new places and trail routes excites me like nothing else in the world. A friend, who has completed trail routes all over Scotland, filled me up with a lot of advice before I went ahead with my exploration of Scotland. Apart from the world-famous Standing Stones of Callanish, Susie my author friend updated me with more than 70 ideal trail routes, including islands, distant valleys and the enticing wilderness.

Mentioned below are 5 suitable trail tracks that Susie recommended to me for my winter season trailing expedition. Hankering to explore the unknown beauty of Scotland? If yes, then give this blog a read once.

Mugdock Country Park

The mix of grass paths, gravel, and tracks make this site a great start to your journey. The Mugdock Country Park Visitor Centre is the start/finish point and is situated on the north side of Glasgow. This 2.5 miles of easily accessible trail track has a simple circuit that runs around Mugdock Loch and the ruins of Mugdock Castle. This trail route extends further to the Campsie Fells.

This spot is best for those cold wintery days and is well connected. There are several smaller and muddier woodland trails in the vicinity too.

Braid Hills

Being known as the hilly capital, this Georgian New Town with a spectacular old fortress is a delight to visit.

Starting at Braid Hills Golf Course Clubhouse, one can follow the golf course track, which is usually muddy. This 3-mile route has gravel track and paths. Experience the breathtaking and marvelous panoramic view over the city and countryside by heading to a trig point.

This track can lead you to the Pentland Hills, Hermitage of Braid etc.

Arthur Seat is the main peak of the group of hills in Edinburgh and is a simply-must-visit site. As R.L Stevenson once said "a hill for magnitude, a mountain in virtue of its bold design".

Loch Ossian

The Highlands are my favorite as I am more of a hilly person. Winter running is a better way of adjusting to the cold temperature. Land Rover track is spread around the loch stretch that encompasses 9 miles of distance and has a stony, gravel terrain. The summits of the Corrour Munros are what blew my mind when I first visited this place. The track, though, is flat, but you can always climb the hills to stimulate your senses.

The dawn brings a new shine to this beautiful place that has the pristine, crystal clear waters of Loch Ossian flowing by the shore along with the famous Scot pines on the islands.

Eildon Hills

When the mountains have a lot to offer, what more could you ask for? The isolated triple peak Eildon Hills has a number of smaller summits that start either in Melrose or at Bowden. The nearby village of Lilliesleaf can give you the peace and tranquility you have been long searching for.

Slippery and wet, the terrains will not disappoint you with the 6-mile track area it covers.

Culbin Forest

Experiencing wilderness at its best, Culbin Forest has a spread of evergreen pines, along with subtly hued lichens filling up the surroundings with a spectrum of colors throughout the year.

Europe’s largest sand dunes form here and the 19th century planted conifers were thought to bring stability to this sandy area. There are innumerable track junctions in this trail. Covering a distance of 8 miles, the trail starts at Wellhill and features forest tracks and sandy beaches.

Ideal for cycling, walking, and even running, this forest has a small town nearby that shines bright under the winter sun. The Findhorn Bay adds to the beauty of this place.

Who wouldn’t be impressed and awe-struck when all that one can find is nature’s glory and human civilisation going hand-in-hand. Enjoying every single moment during the trail has always been a priority for me. Everything else is secondary. However, I couldn’t resist but look for more places in this mesmerizing place called Scotland to enjoy just the scenic beauty.