Travel: Hot spots

Going coastal

FROM Craster kippers to whale-watching off Ardnamurchan, the adventures thrown up by the UK's coastline would keep you busy for a whole year. That's the thinking behind 52 Weekends by the Sea, by writer Brigid Benson and photographer Craig Easton (Virgin Books, 18.99). A beautifully illustrated book with a foreword by Rick Stein, it's stuffed with places and plans that will have you desperate to hit the road.

camp crusade

John and Ellie Henderson are on a mission to attract happy campers to their Borders country house. When the 1,565-acre Chesters estate, on the banks of the Teviot, featured in Channel 4's Country House Rescue, presenter Ruth Watson recommended diversification. Now the mansion and grounds has been selected as a place where visitors can camp in comfort. Contact Country House Hideout (01420 549150, www.country house-hideout.co.uk)

Great day out

WHERE is your favourite picnic spot? The wilds of St Abbs Head nature reserve, the splendour of Mount Stuart, on the Isle of Bute, or the beauty of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh? These are just three of the places in the running to be named the nation's most popular view to a fill in a competition being run by VisitScotland and Warburtons to celebrate national bread week (from 3 to 9 May).

The winner will receive a 1,000 cash bursary for the site and a plaque to ensure all visitors know it's the UK's favourite place to picnic. Visit www.welovebread.co.uk to cast your vote

Grape Expectations

THE latest oenophile movie, Blood into Wine (www.bloodintowine.com), is already getting rave reviews, while the famous tourist destinations of Sedona, Cottonwood and Jerome look set to become even more popular with thirsty tourists. Focusing on wine-making partners Maynard James Keenan, best known as the frontman of rock bands Tool and A Perfect Circle, and Eric Glomski, owner of Page Springs Vineyards, the film reveals a friendship forged through wine-making.

May day

CELEBRATE the arrival of summer and the ancient festival of Beltane by walking in the footsteps of the Celts and lighting a flaming torch on top of one of Fife's highest hills. Fife Coast and Countryside Trust's ranger service is running guided walks around the region's ancient hill forts, from Craigluscar in the south, north towards Benarty Hill and across the Lomonds on the night of 30 April.

Booking is essential, with adults costing 5, children 3. Call 01592 656080 or see www.fifecoastandcountrysidetrust.co.uk

• This article was first published in Scotland on Sunday, April 11, 2010