Outside Inn

Just because it’s all short days and bleak weather at the moment doesn’t mean you have to keep your January recreation to that old local-TV-bed routine. Shake off those post-festive blues by fleeing the city – here’s our guide to the best refreshment stops so you’ll never have to patronise another Little Chef again, Heston Blumenthal pickled onion atomiser or no.

A walk along a blustery seafront is always a good, moodily romantic choice. Zip up your anorak and channel your inner Truffaut. Once you’ve finished your Gauloises smoking and pebble-kicking routine, line your belly the traditional way. The Fish Bar at Anstruther in Fife (www.anstrutherfishbar.co.uk) is the undisputed home of Scotland’s best fish supper; for something outwith batter try the little green seafood shack at the gateway to the isles, Oban (www.templeseafood.co.uk). Whilst the town is home to many a high-end fish restaurant that will do your wallet some serious damage, the hugely popular shack will sell you crab claws, oysters et al for just a few quid. Just find a bus shelter, huddle up and enjoy.

Those with a more athletic bent can head to Scotland's winter sports hub, Aviemore (www.aviemoreski.co.uk). Every snow-centric activity, from husky racing to snowboarding, is on offer; get some apres ski at the Alpine-themed Glenmore Cafe who do a mean hot chocolate, seriously laced with rum and brandy.

Whether you've been hurtling down a hill or ambling through the woods, nothing beats a defrost in front of a pub fire. The Moulin (www.moulinhotel.co.uk), in a picturesque Perthshire village square at the base of Ben-y-Vrackie mountain has its own microbrewery plus epic portions of locally sourced grub and not one but two log fires. Alternatively, head down to St Mary’s Loch in the Borders – in the summer it heaves with paragliders and windsurfers, but see it on a frosty, isolated winter’s day and it’ll be breathtaking and likely all yours. The cheery Tibbie Shiels Inn (www.tibbieshiels.com) overlooking the loch has local game on the menu, acoustic jam sessions and that all-important log burner to toast your tootsies.

For the ultimate in extreme latte consumption, why not head up to Scotland’s most remote cafe? Ozone is part of the Steveson-designed lighthouse at Cape Wrath, Scotland’s most Northwesternly point (www.capewrath.org.uk). To visit, simply cross the Kyle of Durness by dinky ferry then hike across the cliff tops for about 8 miles (or give Mrs Mackay a bell on her mobile to see if the mini bus is running); bit of an effort for a brew, but think how good it’ll taste when you get there.