The Highlands – Boat of Garten – 5800 yds – Par 69

One of Scotland’s most picturesque golf courses Boat of Garten lies in the shadow of the Cairngorms on the fringe of the Abernethy Forest and not far from the ski centre of Aviemore. The air is clear and crisp and the mountains, capped with snow for most of the year, are constant companions. A hundred species of wildlife wander the fairways. Deer have long since come to an amicable arrangement over sharing the fairways with golfers and the rare osprey can be seen here on occasions.

The James Braid layout is not long by modern standards but it presents a stern enough test for anyone, with the 6th hole regarded as one of the best in Scotland. The original nine-hole layout dates back to 1898 and served the club well until Braid was brought in back in 1930 to upgrade the course to a full 18 holes.