Best of the rest

BEST WALK

Kelso to Roxburgh by Teviotside, about eight miles return.

Pick up a Border Abbeys Way leaflet at the tourist office in the town hall. Leave Kelso via Bridge Street doing a bit of window shopping in the selection of shops there (don't buy yet, it's too far to carry – come back after your walk). Look into the historic abbey, it's free, and the cloistered burial ground of the Dukes of Roxburghe as you pass. Go into the well-kept war memorial too, and then make over Rennie's Kelso Bridge, seeing the lamps from London Bridge on the far end.

Head up Tweedside passing the junction pool, sit and watch the anglers who have paid unbelievable sums to fish here in one of the most famous salmon pools. Keep going up the pavement over the Teviot Bridge and on to the riverbank as posted. The noise of the traffic ceases and you are now looking up the Teviot towards the ruins of Roxburgh Castle.

Walk up the path sharing the silvery river with the ducks, the herons and the ever-hopeful cheerful local fishers. Take a detour over the top of the ruins and see how close the two rivers are and how defensively strong the position was.

Wander peacefully up the track with the river rippling alongside you until you reach Roxburgh village. Keep on the Abbeys Way until you reach the magnificent railway viaduct. Here you can cross by the footbridge and return to Kelso on the disused railway or turn round, retrace your steps and savour the Teviot walk best with the evening sun in your back. You will want to return often, I hope.

BEST EXPRESSION
As a teacher, I heard a Fife lad say to a fellow: "See you! You've got a face like a coo's arse on a frosty morning".

BEST NINE-HOLE GOLF COURSE
Milnathort, Perthshire (5,985 yards, par 71). A most attractive, deceptively difficult course, close by its better-known two neighbouring courses at Kinross. It is a parkland local village course with lush fairways and excellent, well-kept greens. There are some double greens and alternative tees make the second round somewhat different. Great views over the surrounding countryside.

BEST CAMPSITE
I am surprised that nobody has yet recommended Resipole campsite on the Ardnamurchan peninsula as "Best campsite with a view" so I am doing it now. A great campsite with first class owners and views straight on to Loch Sunart. We stay there throughout the camping season and regularly see porpoises in the loch and eagles overhead. Idyllic.

BEST FLORIST
I have used Gloriosa several times and I have always had a very high standard of flowers and service. The owners are friendly and have always time and effort to match my needs.

BEST END-OF-ROAD EXPERIENCE
How about Achmelvich Beach, in Sutherland, with its stunning white sands and remote location. It can be reached by driving north west of Lochinver but a longer approach up the single track B869 from near Unapool is well worth the trip for the views.

BEST WORD
Doup and fair for fochen.

BEST GRAFFITI
My favourite has nothing to do with football: "Jesus saves – but I'm with the Woolwich".

BEST THING NAMED AFTER BURNS
John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men.

BEST OF THE BORDERS
The hauntingly beautiful and sinister Hermitage Castle near Liddesdale, steeped in history, folklore, legends and hauntings, especially in the mist.