PERTHSHIRE, ANGUS & FIFE

Approaching the eastern part of central Scotland, where the Grampians dominate the horizon, it appears at first glance to be mountain country. In fact much of the area is low-lying, with flat woodland and agricultural land bordered by gentle, rounded hills and an attractive North Sea coastline. Perthshire has enough lochs to vie with Cumbria's Lake District. Dunsinane Hill and the site of Macbeth's castle can be seen on the Sidlaw Hills in Strathmore, Angus, and there are also coastal walks around the Fife peninsula, with its waterfront villages, sheltered harbours and sandy beaches.