“Spending time outdoors at this time of year can lift your mood” The best winter walks in Scotland “to combat SAD” have been revealed by experts. Picturesque hikes around the country were included on the roundup. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during specific times of the year, most often winter. Among the symptoms are feelings of sadness, a lack of energy, and a loss of interest in usual activities. Treatments include regular exercise and getting as much natural sunlight as possible. Off the back of this, the experts at AllTrails have put together a list of five of the top-rated winter walks in Scotland to help people reduce the effects of SAD. READ MORE: The Edinburgh winter ‘spa escape’ available to book for better than half price READ MORE: Scotland’s best high streets named including ‘elegant and charming’ coastal town Hikes in the Highlands, Stirlingshire, and even Edinburgh are included on the roundup. Chief medical advisor Dr Hackenmiller commented: “Winter is the ideal time to embrace the Nordic concept of Koselig-creating warmth, comfort and connection with nature or loved ones. “Spending time outdoors at this time of year can lift your mood, counteract lower vitamin D levels, and help combat Seasonal Affective Disorder.” Read on for the five top-rated winter walks in Scotland to combat SAD according to AllTrails. 1. Loch Ness from Dores Inn, Highlands This gentle 6. 3-kilometre circular trail, suitable for casual hikers and beyond, starts at the Dores Inn pub and winds through woodland before opening onto views across the famous loch. Keep an eye out for red squirrels in the trees and birdlife on the water-it’s a walk where scenery and wildlife compete for attention. More information can be found on the AllTrails website. 2. Ben A’an, Stirling The 3. 7-kilometre trail to Ben A’an stands high above Loch Katrine and Loch Achray, with panoramic views of both. Known as one of Scotland’s most iconic small summits, the trail rewards hikers with panoramic views over Loch Katrine and the surrounding Trossachs. More information can be found on the AllTrails website. 3. Conic Hill, West Dunbartonshire This is a stunning 4. 2-kilometre out-and-back route that begins in Balmaha and takes you through Balmaha Plantation to the top of Conic Hill. The latter is a very popular summit, with amazing views over Loch Lomond and the surrounding mountains. More information can be found on the AllTrails website. 4. More information can be found on the AllTrails website. 5. Caerketton Hill, Edinburgh This is a five-kilometre circular walk that takes you up Caerketton Hill, where you will be rewarded with excellent views across Edinburgh and beyond. Highlights of the view include Arthur’s Seat, the Lothian coast, Bass Rock, the Lammermuir Hills, the rest of the Pentlands, and the Firth of Forth to Fife.
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/scotland-now/best-winter-walks-scotland-to-36261384
Best winter walks in Scotland ‘to combat SAD’ and lift your mood
