Glenfinnan epitomises Scotland. It's picturesque. It's popular. It's got a story to tell.

If you head east from Fort William on the Road to the Isles, the road will take you to Glenfinnan.

Pull over and stop at the National Trust for Scotland car park for the Glenfinnan Monument. (NB. there's a small car park fee.) The visitors centre will provide you with a little bit of history about the area ... but essentially there are two things to do here.

1) Climb the Glenfinnan Monument (built 1815). It's a tall finger like column upon which a statue of Bonnie Prince Charlie stands proud. Inside there's a spiral stone staircase to brave ... but when you get to the top the views are worth the effort.

2) Climb the hill behind the National Trust visitors centre. Up here you'll get a great view over to the Glenfinnan viaduct and down Loch Shiel.

For more info see www.nts.org.uk/Property/26/ or simply google "Glenfinnan Monument"!

On the Road to the Isles, approximately 30 minutes by car from Fort William as you head out towards Mallaig.
Google map: tinyurl.com/32zu3j9

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Penicuik is not your normal tourist destination ... but if you're looking to see a bit of the real Scotland away from the pretty and popular tourist spots this is where to come.

Penicuik is an old mining community. It's gritty. It's seen better days. But it's got a lot of history and a lot of charm beneath it's hard exteria.

In days gone by you can really image the old town centre as the hub of Penicuik. The old town clock hangs above the square, and the old water pump still exists. Today there's the Peni Deli on the High Street and a little French bistro that are well worth popping into for a cuppa and a quick bite if you're here.

Where a lot of people in the past would have been employed in the local coal mine at Bilston (the Miners Club is still alive and kicking on the high street!) today it's mostly a commuter town for people that work in the city of Edinburgh.

In the past couple of years an excellent new sports centre and swimming pool have opened in Penicuik, and there's a skatepark and sports pitches nearby.

If you enjoy going for long walks/cycles it's possible to walk/cycle from Penicuik to Musselburgh along the old railway line. It's a full days trek so take some lunch with you!

10 miles south of Edinburgh, just outside of the city bypass.
To get there by public transport take a Lothian Bus from the centre of Edinburgh, numbers 15, 37 & 47. They are very frequent - approximately every 15 minutes.
Google map: tinyurl.com/36ht44l

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Padstow town and harbour. If you're down in Cornwall ... get yourself down to Padstow! It's a great little town full of little streets and shops to explore, and a great harbour in which to sit and watch the world go by. You'll not be disappointed.

There's also a great pizza restaurant overlooking the harbour. It's located in the first floor of a building above an ice-cream cafe.

Padstow is on the north Cornwall coast, across the estuary from Rock. For more info check out www.visitcornwall.com and search under Padstow.

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Peebles is a market town in the Scottish Borders. Located approximately 25 miles south of Edinburgh it's a great place to visit for a leisurely day out.

Dander down the high street browsing the variety of shops and boutiques. Pop into the Tontine Hotel for a coffee or a bite of lunch. Walk by the river. Take your kids to the swing park or local swimming pool.

If you're feeling slightly more energetic put on your walking boots and take a walk up some of the surrounding hills ... or head to Glentress for a spot of mountain biking.

For more info check out www.visitscotland.com and search under Peebles.

Peebles is approximately 25 miles south of Edinburgh (45 mins by car).
It's also possible to get there by public transport with First Buses - No 65.

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Shamwari is a private game reserve approximately an hour's drive east of Port Elizabeth. During my stay I was fortunate to see all of the Big Five which was a real privilege. The safari guides were fantastic, very knowledgable and friendly. The accommodation superb.

After the late afternoon game drive, which normally finishes just after sundown, you will be served an evening meal that will definiately impress and be a talking point. Cooking on the barbeque, or brie as the South African's call it, will be a choice of meats including warthog and kuku!

At meal times you eat with your guide and the other guests that will share your vehicle giving you a great opportunity to get to know each other. This reals helps everyone to bond and enjoy a shared experience together.

www.shamwari.com
Nearest airport is Port Elizabeth.
Best way to get there is to rent a car. Alternatively, Shamwari can arrange for you to be collected from PE airport, or your hotel.

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