Best place to run

1 BRAIDS AND BLACKFORD HILL, EDINBURGH

Take the bridle path that winds through the golf course up to the summit of the Braid Hills. Sweeping views over the Forth from the Bridges to Bass Rock and everything in between will take your already ragged breath away. Head to Blackford Hill through the peaceful Hermitage of Braid. Banish wobbly bits by building in some of the steps and steeper inclines around Blackford - especially the killer staircase on the west face.

2 LEWS CASTLE GROUNDS, STORNOWAY, LEWIS

Follow the path that winds around the coast - the view stretches across Stornoway to the harbour and the start of the Eye Peninsula. Choose any of a number of shaded woodland paths to take you inland. Climb up to top of Gallows Hill to see the chambered cairn before running back toward the derelict castle and finally back to town.

3 ISLAY

Almost every one who passes you running on Islay's quiet roads will gee you on with a toot of the horn or a shout of encouragement. Long sandy beaches, like Machir Bay, or those around Loch Gruinart give calf muscles a tough workout. Finish with a cool-down jog through the chilly Atlantic surf. But the best thing about running on Islay comes later - a couple of tots of single malt.

4 GIGHA

At just seven miles from north to south, you can run the length of the island in about an hour with a delicious sea breeze to keep you cool. Gentle inclines and nothing too arduous, the sensational views over to the Kintyre peninsula and, on a clear day, across to Northern Ireland as well as the occasional glimpse of a seal will keep you distracted.

5 OCEAN TERMINAL TO CRAMOND LOOP, EDINBURGH

Pace yourself on the flat, fast Forthside half-marathon course. Race around the docks and take in the urban regeneration around Granton and Trinity, through to Silverknowes. Around the halfway mark, there's an exhilarating downhill stretch with a great view over the Forth to Cramond island and Fife. Loop back along the promenade to Leith and don't forgot to clock your time.