ADVENTURE CENTRE
South Plate Hill, Ratho, 0131 333 6333, www.eica-ratho.com
The Big Daddy of indoor climbing. Edinburgh's indoor arena in Ratho is built within a former quarry, making it the world's largest indoor climbing complex and a rock climber's paradise. Located eight miles west of central Edinburgh, highlights include 50ft high overhangs. a sheer 90ft ascent and several 15ft high bouldering challenges. Adrenaline junkies can career 75ft off the ground for aerial assault course. the SkyRide.
BELLAHOUST ON PARK
Dumbreck Road, Glasgow, 0141 427 0558, www.houseforanartlover.co.uk/artpark-glasgow Opportunities abound in this pretty park whether it’s wandering into the House for an Art Lover, or checking out the multitude of walking. cycling and orienteering routes. Green fingered visitors should make a beeline for the walled garden to take in the park's breathtaking views of the city.
BLAIR DRUMMOND SAFARI PARK
Blair Drummond, by Stirling, 01786 841456, www.blairdrummond.com
Fun for both big and little kids, the animals are only part of this safari park's charm with the funfair, wooden castle and pirate ship likely to take up more of your day than the lions and tigers. The sea lion show and giant astraglide are both included in the admission price.
THE BURRELL COLLECTION
Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, 0141 287 2550. www.9lasgowmuseums.com
Boasting over 9000 artworks, this purpose-built building, features reconstructions of rooms from Sir William Burrell's home. alongside medieval art. tapestries and alabasters. as well as works by Degas and Cezanne plus a treasure trove of artefacts from ancient China. Egypt, Greece and Rome. The more creative little one can take part in the Ftying lfites activity day on Tuesday 7 April, where visitors and invited to decorate and make their own kites for Easter.
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DAYSOIIMEE
From cycling, pirate ships, dolphin watching and woodland walks to face-painting, castles, beaches and alien designs, Anna Millar handpicks some of the finest days out and events this Easter, whether you're a big or a little kid
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CALTON HILL
3 Calton Hill, Waterloo Place, 0131 473 2000
Situated just east of Princes Street. Calton Hill boasts a handsome melee of buildings and statues. the most famous of which is Edinburgh's Disgrace. the unfinished William Playfair-designed National Monument which, when funding dried up, was never finished. A gentle climb to the top offers incredible views of Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat. Year- round the more gregarious party animal shouldn't miss the Beltane Fire Festival (pictured, right) on Thu 30 Apr, an infamous night of mayhem celebrating the arrival of summer at the top of the Hill.
CAMPERDOWN PARK
Coupar Angus Road, near Dundee, 01382 431818, www.camperdownpark.com
From the cycling centre. family fun fair and adventure playground to the leisure park and stately Camperdown House. this park pretty much has something for everyone.
CHARLES RENNIE MACKINTOSH TRAIL 0141 946 6600, www.crmsociety.com
The legacy of Glasgow artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh remains strikingly writ across the city's skyline, museums and galleries. A CRM Trail Ticket includes entry to the Mackintosh House at the Hunterian Art Gallery, the Lighthouse. the Hill House in Helensburgh and the Mackintosh Church. headquarters of the CRM Society, plus unlimited travel on public transport. Hardcore fans should check out Mackintosh 100 at The Glasgow School of Art, a programme of exhibitions. talks and tours and activities at the school.
CLYDE AND LOCI-I LOMOND CYCLEVIAY 0845 113 0065, www.visitscotland.com
Beginning in the heart of Glasgow at Bell's Bridge by the Exhibition Centre and finishing on the bonny
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Cramond
banks of Loch Lomond, the Clyde and Loch Lomond Cycleway is a beautiful 20-mile ride. The route is almost traffic free and runs close to a railway all the way to Balloch, so there IS ample opportunity to pick up your bike and hop on.
CRAMOND Four miles northeast of Edinburgh Along with the River Almond, a golf course. a beach
and a harbour, the picturesque Cramond boasts a
15th century church tower and the famous Cramond Inn. Explore the remains of a Roman Fort dating back to AD 142. or better still, when the tide is out
walk to Cramond Island in the middle of the Forth
Estuary.
CULZEAN CASTLE Maybole, South Ayrshire, 01655 884455,
www.culzeanexperience.org
Perched dramatically on a clifftop, the stunning location, interior and country park surroundings of Culzean (pronounced 'CUllane') have made this not
only a top tourist attraction but also the National
Trust for Scotland's most visited property. Dating back to the 12th century, it was converted in the 18th century by the architect Robert Adam as a bachelor residence for the tenth Earl of Cassillis.
2—16 Apr 2009 THI LIST 19