Fergal MacErlean
Fergal has written for BBC Countryfile Magazine on places to see in Scotland since 2007. He has a deep knowledge of the country´s mountains, woods and valleys, with a special love for the wild west coast and the vast Highlands. A keen cyclist and walker, he believes the only way to experience the jewels of this stunning land is to get out there, leaving the car behind. He contributes most regularly to the Great Days Out section of BBC Countryfile Magazine, selecting the very best that Scotland has to offer while highlighting geological and historical features of note, alongside welcoming inns.
Recent articles by Fergal MacErlean
Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye: what to see and how to visit
Prepare for an encounter with the near supernatural at Fairy Pools, ringed by the Cuillin Hills on Scotland's dramatic Isle of Skye
Arthur's Seat walk, Edinburgh
BBC Countryfile Magazine's 2.5-mile walk from Holyrood Palace to the summit of Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh.
Inchnadamph Bone Caves walk, Scotland
Escape to Scotland's snow-capped Highlands and discover the Bone Caves – a network of hidden underground hollows, once hideouts for predatory prehistoric beasts
Duncansby Head, Highland walk
Starting at John o’Groats on the northern tip of mainland Scotland, this 6-mile walk skirts the coast to reach spectacular Duncansby Head and Duncansby Stacks
Faskally Forest walk, Perthshire
This wheelchair-friendly walk through Faskally Forest (or Faskally Woods) near Pitlochry in Scotland follows the shores of beautiful Loch Dunmore
Kerrera walk, Inner Hebrides
Catch the ferry to the Scottish Isle of Kerrera just south of Oban, then walk around the island, stopping along the way for a swim in a tranquil bay and refreshments at at the gorgeous Kerrera Tea Garden
Linn of Dee, Aberdeenshire walk
This short walk from the National Trust for Scotland car park explores the Linn of Dee, River Dee and Lui Water in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park
Stac Pollaidh, Highland walk
Explore one of Scotland's most dramatic landscapes on a short but challenging circular walk around Assynt's majestic Stac Pollaidh.
Walk: Bosta Beach, Isle of Lewis
This seven-mile circular walk explores a remote corner of the Isle of Lewis, leading you to beautiful Traigh Bhostadh (Bosta Beach) where there is a reconstructed Iron Age house.
Walk: Ben Nevis, Scotland
This 10-mile walk on the Mountain Track is the easiest and most popular route to the summit of Ben Nevis. For the best experience, pick a sunny day, start early and take plenty of food and water.
Ben Nevis guide: weather, height, walks, climbs and places to stay
Where is Ben Nevis, how high is it and where are the best places to stay in the area? Our guide explores all this, as well the best Ben Nevis walk, how long it takes to climb the mountain, and what you need to take with you.
Lost Valley walk, Glencoe, Highland
A beautiful 4.5-mile mountain walk through the Lost Valley – Coire Gabhail – in the Scottish Highlands' glorious Glencoe.
Walk: Corrieshalloch Gorge, Highland
View the thrilling Falls of Measach from a number of spectacular viewpoints on this short walk through Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve near Ullapool.
Bike ride: Caerlaverock Castle and WWT, Dumfries and Galloway
One of the most dramatic places to go birdwatching in the UK is the Solway Firth and Caerlaverock Wildfowl and Wetland Trust. Visit this wildlife haven on a 23-mile cycle from nearby Dumfries.
Walk: Balmoral, Aberdeenshire
Walk the woodland trails and loch-side paths of Scotland’s splendid Balmoral Estate, cherished by the royal family and hikers alike
Walk: Glen Tanar Estate, Aberdeenshire
The aromatic scent of Scots pine permeates this spring stroll, accompanied by a varied soundtrack of birdsong, including capercaillie and the sweet tones of the Scottish crossbill
Day out: Duart Castle, Mull
Fall for the charms of the Hebridean island of Mull like the lovers in the 1940s cult hit, I Know Where I’m Going!
Walk: Port Castle Bay and St Ninian’s Cave, Dumfries and Galloway
Discover an ancient seaside hermitage on Scotland’s historic Machars peninsula
Day out: River Avon, Tomintoul, Moray
Silver birch and mountain ash combine on the banks of this effervescent river, which carves and curves its way through some of the least-visited mountains in the Cairngorms
Walk: Inchcailloch, Loch Lomond, Stirlingshire
Soft white sands, a delectable swim and a mini mountain await on the enchanted island of Inchcailloch, part of the Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve
Day out: Bracklinn Falls, Stirlingshire
Children delight in running through the woodland on this much-loved walk to tumultuous falls, where a beautiful timber and copper bridge crosses the racing water
Walk: Bridge of Allan to Dunblane, Stirlingshire
The earthy scent of mosses, ferns and wild garlic are heavenly on this exquisite riverside 3 mile ramble, where fish leap, herons stalk and weirs rumble
Walk: Glen Sligachan, Isle of Skye
This rugged wilderness trail in Scotland guides intrepid walkers into the nucleus of the Cuillin Mountains, past gushing burns and striding ridges to a dramatic, sea-kissed bay
Bike ride: The Kelpies, Stirlingshire
The largest equine sculptures in the world set the stage for a meandering canal-side cycle – listen closely and you can almost hear the hoofs that once trod these historic banks