If you love Wildflowers

If you love wildflowers – take A Walk on the Wild Side in Scotland

Scotland is quite rightly famous for its whisky, its rebellious history, lochs (lakes)
Hills, the hospitality of its people and of course, golf. It is less well known for the beauty and diversity of its wildflowers, yet there is a floristic treasure trove to be discovered by those who look into the wet bog or the woods as they admire the sweeping vistas so typical of the country.

The best way to experience wildflowers in Scotland sits between the beginning of May and the middle of September, with May and June being the best. I try to go home every spring so I can see my favorite flowers such as Bluebells. The Scottish name for this flower is Cuckoo’s Socks, an apt name since it always appears when the first cuckoos start to call and its flower could be said to look like a long sock.

If you love flowers, you should visit Dollar Glen (National Trust for Scotland). This woodland gorge carves its way into the Ochil Hills which run east from Stirling. Take road A91 to the glen. Castramon Wood (Scottish Wildlife Trust) is the largest of four oak woods in the Fleet valley. In spring, the bluebells are spectacular. Take the main road from Dumfries to Stranraer, then two miles north of Gatehouse of Fleet, branching off the B796.

South Uist, Berneray and Harris are definitely off the beaten track. The islands form part of the Outer Hebrides. Best time to see the islands are June and July. The ferry ride is a lovely way to see this special part of the world. Go see the woolen mill, famous Harris Tweed. I always buy a handbag and a hat. Smashing shop.

Ben Lawers (National Trust for Scotland) Sitting in the heart of the Scottish mountains beside the town of Killin, this is one of our highest mountains and is considered a botanical mecca for its alpine flora. A wildflower nature trail has been created next to the car par at the mountain visitor center for those who don’t want to walk up to the summit. Best time, late June to August. It is six miles north east of Killin, off A827.

Kittochside, Scottish Museum of Country Life, East Kilbride, Glasgow. It not only includes a museum but it also has a wildflower rich summer meadow on the farm. Guided wildflower walks are led by the National Trust in July. Take M74 south from Glasgow towards Carlisle until you see signs for the A725 to East Kilbride.

Every castle in the land has wonderful gardens and if you are up in the Western Highlands, you must see Inverewe Gardens near Ullapool. Marvellous shop - I always find something I can't live without.

Pick a sprig of Heather for good luck.

Maureen Jones

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