Saturday, October 5Sports. Travel. Events

Scotland

Cycling holidays: e-bike from Land’s End to John O’Groats
Editor's Pick, England, Holidays & Trips, Scotland

Cycling holidays: e-bike from Land’s End to John O’Groats

The rise in popularity of electric bikes has opened up the world of cycling – helping people ride further distances and explore more of the places they’re visiting. For anyone that’s ever dreamed of completing the iconic Land's End to O'Groats (LEJOG) cycle ride, but have been put off at the thought of tackling the 1,000-plus mile journey on a traditional bike, cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has the answer. The Newcastle-based independent company has launched a new hybrid e-bike version of its 22-day Land's End to John O'Groats cycling holiday. The new e-bike trips in 2025 provide some added power behind each pedal, meaning more people can enjoy the epic ride from the Cornish coast to the Scottish Highlands. Despite the extra boost provided by the e-bikes, this is still a cha...
Sport in Scotland: events, activities and things to do
Events, Guides, Holidays & Trips, Scotland

Sport in Scotland: events, activities and things to do

It may be the land of whisky, Munros, the Highland Games and football's Old Firm, but for many people across the world Scotland is the home of one thing… golf. With some of the best courses in the world - Gleneagles, St Andrews Old Course and Carnoustie to name just three - Scotland is the place that every amateur and professional golfer wants to experience.  It’s not just golf that sports travellers should visit Scotland for though. With its magnificent terrains, lochs and mountains, the country is a haven for winter sports and outdoor activities.  Related articles Scottish golf bucket list ‘Water wellness’ in Scotland Book: ‘Blue Scotland’ by Mollie Hughes Best beaches in Scotland Major sporting events in Scotland Highland GamesEvents usually take place across Scotland throughout the ...
UCI Cycling World Championships attracts record crowds in Scotland
Events, Scotland, Sports Business, Sports Travel

UCI Cycling World Championships attracts record crowds in Scotland

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow and across Scotland have taken the sport to “new heights”, according to UCI president David Lappartient. It’s estimated that one million spectators turned out to watch the 11-day festival of cycling, while millions more tuned in around the world. The final event of the programme, the Women Elite Road Race, brought the curtain down on the inaugural event that has seen 13 UCI world championships combined into one mega event for the first time ever. Belgium’s Lotte Kopecky claimed the top spot following a thrilling finish to the race that saw tens of thousands line the route between Balloch and Glasgow. It was the first time the women’s elite road race has closed a UCI World Championship, with 207 riders (including women under-23) tak...
Links, lochs and isles: Hebridean Princess to host UK ‘golf cruise’ in 2024
Holidays & Trips, Scotland, Sports Travel

Links, lochs and isles: Hebridean Princess to host UK ‘golf cruise’ in 2024

For one week only in September next year, the Hebridean Princess cruise ship will treat golfers to an awe-inspiring Gaelic links, lochs and isles “golf cruise” in Scotland and Northern Ireland.  The Hebridean Island Cruises' luxury liner, which is part of the PoB Hotels collection, accommodates just 48 guests. Taking place from 10-17 September 2024, the golf cruise will start and end in the town of Oban, which is known as the “gateway to the Isles”. Guests will enjoy seven nights on board the Hebridean Princess and the trip includes two gala dinners.  Available for golfers of all abilities, many of the courses are set in spectacular rolling sand dunes with stunning coastal views. “The added benefit is that nobody needs to be an expert to enjoy this wonderful cruise,” Hebridean Islan...
Scottish cycling holidays: epic adventures with Wilderness Scotland
Holidays & Trips, Scotland, Sports Travel

Scottish cycling holidays: epic adventures with Wilderness Scotland

From 3-13 August Glasgow and Scotland will play host to the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, with the world’s finest cyclists set for fierce competition on the country’s trails, tracks and roads.  For those keen to experience their own two-wheeled adventure, specialist tour operator Wilderness Scotland offers a range of cycling trips across the Highlands and Islands. Either led by expert guides or self-guided, the trips offer challenging single tracks and sweeping roads, while the epic scenery of the Highlands unfolds at a slower, more immersive pace.  North Coast 500  Scotland’s answer to Route 66, the North Coast 500 is one of the world’s most renowned road routes, but one best enjoyed at the slower pace of two wheels. This week-long guided tour takes cyclists to the NC500...
Scottish golf bucket list: best golf resorts in Scotland
Guides, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts, Scotland, Sports Travel, Wales

Scottish golf bucket list: best golf resorts in Scotland

Here at Sports Tourism Media we love a bit of golf – and we also love Scotland. Okay, we're definitely not good enough to be swinging with the best of 'em on the top golf courses in the home of golf, but every hacker can dream, right? In this round-up – which is pretty much our Scotland golf travel bucket list – we pick out some of Scotland's best "stay and play" golf resorts and hotels (ranked in no particular order). These places are so picturesque that even if your game isn't up to scratch, they're worth a visit just to admire the scenery. And there's the bonus of a dram or two of Scotch, of course... Did you know? The East Lothian region is known as “Scotland’s golf coast”. Along 30 miles of coastal terrain there are 21 Scottish golf courses, which makes it the "g...
‘Blue Scotland’ by Mollie Hughes: a sports adventurer’s guide to Scotland’s wild waters
Guides, Holidays & Trips, Scotland, Sports Travel

‘Blue Scotland’ by Mollie Hughes: a sports adventurer’s guide to Scotland’s wild waters

In her new book – Blue Scotland: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Scotland’s Wild Waters – sports adventurer Mollie Hughes picks out her favourite places across Scotland to paddleboard, kayak, swim and surf.  Mixing world-class surfing breaks with kayaking adventures on the west coast, and urban paddleboarding along the Clyde with invigorating swims in the lochs of the Cairngorms National Park, the book shows how to access and enjoy these varied blue spaces.  Hughes includes her own personal experiences and tips, enabling wild water sports fans of all levels to make the most of the amazing opportunities Scotland has to offer. Here’s her pick of the off-the-beaten track places to visit in Scotland.   North Uist, Outer Hebrides  “The Island of North Uist in the Outer He...
An ace for British tennis: Glasgow to host 2022 Billie Jean King Cup finals
Events, Scotland, Sports Travel

An ace for British tennis: Glasgow to host 2022 Billie Jean King Cup finals

Glasgow in Scotland has been selected as the host city of the 2022 Billie Jean King Cup finals. The international women’s tennis team tournament returns to Great Britain for the first time since 1991 and fourth time in total.  Taking place from 8-13 November 2022 at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena, 12 teams will compete for the rose bowl trophy, including GB as the host nation.  Scott Lloyd, chief executive of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), hopes the event will “create special memories” and will “inspire the next generation of players”. He added: “We have said that we were ambitious to bring more major events to Great Britain and raise the profile of tennis across the whole year, and I’m delighted that Glasgow will be hosting the Billie Jean King Cup Finals as well as the Davis Cu...
15 very cool places to stay in the UK – for beach, outdoors and adventure
England, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts, Scotland, Sports Travel, Wales

15 very cool places to stay in the UK – for beach, outdoors and adventure

The Coolstays.com website has a collection of unique and unusual places to stay across the UK, Europe and worldwide. We pick out 15 very cool UK properties which have an active theme – options include by the sea, outdoors, wild swimming and more… Nagden House (Image credit: Coolstays.com) Nagden House Where: Faversham, Kent, EnglandAbout the property: “With stunning panoramic views across Graveney Marshes, Nagden House is a stylish and secluded rural retreat in Kent”Ideal for: groups, dog friendly, wild swimming, families, boating Details: sleeps 10, 5 bedrooms, 2 bathroomsPrice: from £1,969-£4,245 per weekHow to book: coolstays.com The Lodge in the Loch (Image credit: Coolstays.com) The Lodge in the Loch  Where: Portree, Isle of Skye, ScotlandAbout the property: “L...
Ski instructor marketplace Maison Sport expands to Scotland
Scotland, Sports Business, Sports Travel

Ski instructor marketplace Maison Sport expands to Scotland

Maison Sport, a platform created to connect people with the best independent ski and snowboard instructors, will expand into all major winter sports resorts in Scotland, including Cairngorm Mountain, Glencoe Mountain, Glenshee, Lowther Hills, Nevis Range and The Lecht. Building on success in France, Italy and Switzerland, the expansion will support instructors whose qualifications are recognised across Europe, but will now be unable to work in Europe this winter unless they find a way to obtain a work visa. Each instructor will have gained approval from the local ski resort that they can work alongside other ski schools in the area. Co-founder and CEO Nick Robinson, a former member of the British ski team, said: “Covid-19 and Brexit have undoubtedly hit the ski industry hard, but we...
‘Water wellness’ in Scotland: wild swimming, paddle boarding, walking and more
Guides, Holidays & Trips, Scotland, Sports Travel

‘Water wellness’ in Scotland: wild swimming, paddle boarding, walking and more

It has sculpted Scotland's world-famous landscape, sustained its stunning scenery and borne myths and legends like the Kelpies and Loch Ness Monster, and now the country’s pure waters are riding the wave of a growing wellness trend.  “Water wellness”, also known as Blue Mind (a term coined by marine biologist Wallace J Nichols), is linked to the positive influence water can have on our physical and mental health, that feeling of calm or peacefulness that is sparked when we are in or near water.   Thanks to its many lochs, rivers, canals and coastlines, Scotland is emerging as one of the hottest destinations in the UK to embrace the water wellness movement, with activities such as wild swimming and paddle-boarding quickly becoming lockdown hobbies.  YouGov rese...
#12NightsOutIn1Year: Cycling UK and Ordnance Survey launch ‘bikepacking’ challenge
Cardiff, Edinburgh, England, Holidays & Trips, London, Scotland, Sports Travel, Wales

#12NightsOutIn1Year: Cycling UK and Ordnance Survey launch ‘bikepacking’ challenge

Cycling UK and Ordnance Survey have announced details of a year-long “bikepacking” challenge to help more people discover and enjoy the great outdoors. The #12NightsOutIn1Year challenge will encourage entrants to head out on their bike and experience a night beneath the stars, in a tent, bivi bag or hammock, at least once a month over the course of a year and to photograph their experiences. Each month, participants who have posted their photos and experiences on Instagram using the #12NightsOutIn1Year hashtag will automatically be entered into a monthly competition to win a range of cycle and navigation related prizes. Nick Giles, managing director of Ordnance Survey Leisure, said: “We passionately believe in the benefits the great outdoors can bring to us all. Through our app, ...
Golf in Scotland | Gifts and experiences
Holidays & Trips, Scotland, Sports Travel

Golf in Scotland | Gifts and experiences

Scotland is the home of golf and boasts some of the best courses in the world. Here, we pick out some of the best Scottish golf breaks and experiences on offer from our affiliate partners such as BuyAGift.com, Red Letter Days, Expedia and LastMinute.com.  Editor’s note: Sports Tourism Media works in partnership with a number of affiliate companies, so we may earn a commission should you choose to book any deals or packages. All details are provided by affiliate partners. Prices subject to change and correct at the time of publishing.  Scotland holidays and hotels LastMinute.com Scotland holidays: lastminute.com/holidays/scotland Scotland hotels: lastminute.com/hotels/scotland The Kingdom of Fife Tee off at over 45 golf courses in The Kingdom of Fife Hotels in F...
Scottish Golf Tourism Week’s next edition will now be held in autumn
Scotland, Sports Business

Scottish Golf Tourism Week’s next edition will now be held in autumn

The staging of the 5th Scottish Golf Tourism Week, which was rearranged from November to this spring, has now been cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions.  Organised by PSP Media Group, the event had originally been scheduled to take place at Fairmont St Andrews from 5-11 November 2020, but was then postponed to 31 March-1 April 2021. However, the recent developments and subsequent announcements early in 2021 relating to the pandemic’s continued impact has led to the cancellation of the rescheduled event. Organisers will now focus their efforts and work in tandem with partners VisitScotland on the return of Scottish Golf Tourism Week later this year with the 2021 event taking place as normal in the autumn. Dates will be announced in due course. Tom Lovering, PSP Media commer...
A sports travel guide to… Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Guides, Holidays & Trips, Scotland, Sports Travel

A sports travel guide to… Edinburgh

A sports travel guide to... EDINBURGH Scotland’s historic capital city Edinburgh is not just home to a world-famous castle and arts festival, but also the national rugby union stadium and many superb golf courses. BT Murrayfield Stadium plays host to Scotland’s home international rugby fixtures as well as club games for Edinburgh Rugby. The city also has three main football clubs: Hibernian FC, Heart of Midlothian FC and Edinburgh City. One must-do activity for visitors to Edinburgh is take a walk and climb Arthur’s Seat. Teams, stadiums, golf and events in Edinburgh Teams, stadiums and venues Sports teams Football: Hibs, Hearts, Edinburgh City   Rugby union: Edinburgh Rugby  Ice hockey: Edinburgh Capitals Ameri...

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