There are so many places to walk in Scotland, that offer so much to see! This season if you book a walking holiday with EasyWays you will have the chance to see the beautiful Scottish Salmon in their prime.
QUINTESSENTIALLY Scottish as the roaring red deer stag, soaring golden eagle or red grouse hidden among the heather, the majestic Atlantic salmon undertakes one of the most complex migrations in the animal world.
Our Salmon Friends
Salmon are one of Scotland’s premier natives, being central to the culture, religion and day-to-day lives of its people for thousands of years.
This particular animal is anadromous. This means they divide their lives between freshwater and the ocean. Salmon are born in freshwater, develop at sea and return to their natal streams to spawn a new generation.
As one of nature’s more unusual events, migration attracts a significant amount of interest from tourists and locals who love to watch them leap.
Where can I see the salmon?
Thankfully, there are many places in Scotland where salmon can be observed:
- The Falls of Shin, Sutherland, Highlands
- Buchanty Spout, Easter Glenalmond, Perthshire
- Linn of Tummel, Pitlochry, Perthshire
- Pitlochry Dam Fish Ladder, Pitlochry, Perthshire
- Philiphaugh Salmon Viewing Centre, Selkirk, Scottish Borders
A Walking Holiday Which Includes
Viewing salmon leaping can be a real highlight of any holiday – especially for nature lovers!
Salmon on the Rob Roy Way
Another one of the popular places to walk in Scotland is the Pitlochry area! Many of our holidaymakers enjoy the Pitlochry Dam Fish Ladder on the final day of the Rob Roy Way.
It’s a spectacular sight, being used by 5,000 fish every year and is easily accessed from the Pitlochry Train Station with a short 0.3 mile journey.
We’ve created directions which can be accessed here.
Tips for seeing the Salmon
Our friends at Visit Scotland have some excellent advice:
- Fish tend to be more active in the early morning and evening so time your visit to make the most of your salmon spotting.
- Note the weather conditions – a sudden wet spell after a dry period often provides the perfect conditions for the salmon to leap.
- Find a good vantage point – bridges and weirs are ideal. Once you’ve identified where the salmon are leaping, you can move closer to the river for a better view. However, be careful on wet slippery banks!
- Take the same approach as you would when doing any other kind of wildlife watching. It helps to be patient and keep still, as fish, like many other wild creatures, are sensitive to vibrations and noises.
- You could see a salmon on any day of the year, but peak times are September to November (winter run) and February to March (spring run)
Viewing Nature
There are so many options when it comes to places to walk in Scotland.
The Arran Coastal Way has an amazing array of birds, butterflies and plants.
Or, how about the North Highland Way where otters, seals and many more animals can be seen!
Credits:
Places to Walk in Scotland With EasyWays
What about booking a holiday for all the family? Look at our last post to find out more!
Are you interested in learning more about the walking holidays in Scotland? There are so many places to walk in Scotland, this is made easier by the convenient service EasyWays offer. Don’t hesitate to get in touch.
