Touring The Scottish Highlands

M isty Lochs, landscapes         getaways. The following four are   rich in history and            among the prettiest itineraries    heritage and tartan-clad       you’ll encounter on your travels.  locals proud of their unique                                             traditions - in ‘bonny Scotland’      1. Loch Lomond                     you’ll discover a country that is                                        refreshingly different from many      From Glasgow, head out on a        other UK destinations. The city       scenic drive through the villages  of Glasgow is the ideal base from     of Doune and Callander, until you  which to plan your travel             reach The Trossachs area of lochs  adventures through Scotland.          and mountains. This route takes    Driving through the Scottish          you past some spectacular areas    countryside, you’ll encounter a       of natural beauty including Loch   plethora of picture-perfect           Venachar, Dukes Pass and the       landscapes, mirror-like lakes and     picturesque village of Aberfoyle.  brooding mountains. Wherever you      Finally you’ll come to Loch        travel in the Highlands, you’re       Lomand where you can pay a visit   always guaranteed to find             to the Loch Lomond National Park   beautiful backdrops and               Visitor Centre or take a cruise    inspirational scenery. It’s easy      at your leisure from Balloch.      to see why this region of                                                Scotland has long been a popular      2. Loch Ness                       retreat for artists and                                                  musicians. The peaceful, tranquil     Driving northwards from Glasgow,   scenery as well as the easy pace      follow signposts to the stunning   of life offers a welcome break        Glen Coe Valley. From here, drive  from the stressful hustle and         as far as the town of Fort         bustle of the big city. With car      William, situated at the           hire in Glasgow, the city becomes     foothills of Ben Nevis.            a gateway to a range of scenic        Continuing your journey from here  will take you to Inverness. On        whole region is steeped in         the way you’ll pass Loch Lochy,       history and legend, from stories   Loch Oich and Loch Ness. Follow       of Rob Roy to tales of Ivanhoe.    signs for Fort Augustus, the          Continuing south from Abbotsford   pretty village, which leads into      will take you directly to the      Loch Ness. A visit to the nearby      heart of Border country, where     Urquhart Castle recommended. Loch     you’re guaranteed to be dazzled    Ness itself provides many             by the breath-taking scenery.      opportunities for photographs and                                        you can even take a cruise on the     4. West Coast Tour                 famous lake. Who knows-you might                                         even spot ‘Nessie’! Cruises on        Leaving Glasgow, head for the      the lake are possible, costing        city of Paisley, where local       around €15 per person, an             attractions include the Abbey and  experience that is guaranteed to      the weavers’ cottages where the    be memorable.                         famous Paisley textile patterns                                          originated. From here make a       3. Border Country                     journey to the west of Loch                                              Lomond until you reach the town    Travelling South from Glasgow,        of Inveraray, where the pretty     follow signposts for New Lanark,      fairytale castle is guaranteed to  the World Heritage site, where a      catch your eye. Driving a little   restored 18th century cotton mill     further on you’ll come to          can be visited. From here, drive      Kilmartin, the home of ancient     on through the town of Peebles,       stone circles and burial           where you’ll witness spectacular      chambers.                          views of the Tweed Valley. This        About the Author Fiona writes for Argus Car Hire and Car Hire Scotland Published At: www.Isnare.com