Discover world heritage sites steeped in history
Choose this route for coastal hot spots, gorgeous gardens, maritime heritage and woodland walks
Choose this route for lush valley scenery, heritage sites, outdoor pursuits and family days out
CLYDE SEA LOCHS TRAIL LENGTH: 65 miles (104km) LOCATION: Dumbarton to Arrochar Village DRIVE TIME: 1 hour, 35 minutes
THE bonnie banks of Loch Lomond are among Scotland’s most popular visitor spots, beloved by locals and tourists alike. But there is much more to savour if you venture on.
The Clyde Sea Lochs Trail takes you into the heart of the coastal communities to the south-west of the picturesque Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
The route is well sign-posted and easy to follow, with information panels located at each of the points of interest along the way, and all offer good car parking.
You set off from Dumbarton, with a visit to Dumbarton Castle. Set high on a volcanic rock, there are 500 steps to the top but the views over the Clyde are worth the hike.
Take in the artillery fortifications to see fine examples of early 18th century military architecture, and enter the Governor’s House, a fine Georgian residence and home to a number of intriguing artefacts.
Also in Dumbarton is the Scottish Maritime Museum, where you can learn about the Clyde’s shipbuilding heritage. See historic vessels, personal items and a huge collection of tools and machinery.
Follow the A824 out of Dumbarton and through Cardross. It is believed Robert the Bruce died at his manor house here in 1329.
Stop for a wander a Geilston Garden, a 200-year-old walled garden on the banks of the Clyde, and treat yourself to something delicious – such as afternoon tea – at the Ardardan Estate. The farm shop here is packed with goodies – from meats, cheeses and preserves to sweet treats.
Back on the road and near Helensburgh you will find the must-visit Ardmore Point. This is a great spot to capture panoramic views of Gare Loch and the River Clyde. Keep your eyes peeled for seals and birds and marvel at the unique rock formations.
Take a minor detour to stop off in Helensburgh and visit Hill House, Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s architectural masterpiece.
Soak up the stunning blend of arts and crafts, art nouveau, Scottish baronial and Japonism architecture and design.
North of Helensburgh in Rhu, book a guided tour of Glenarn, a private garden overlooking the Gare Loch that is famous for its collection of rare rhododendrons. It is open from March to September.
Follow the route through Garelochhead, turning left onto the shore road along the B833. Gare Loch has a fjord-like appearance and the views are best enjoyed over a picnic at Whistlefield.
Continue south for the highlight of this road trip, the Rosneath Peninsula. It is popular with tourists thanks to its holiday parks, shops, cafes and range of watersports.
There are also several walled gardens with exotic plants because the peninsula benefits from the warmth of the Gulf Stream.
At the southern end of the peninsula is Kilcreggan, a wonderful village in which to spend an hour or two.
Take in the stunning views of the Firth of Clyde, Gare Loch and Loch Long, and enjoy a stroll along the pier, built in 1848. There are many woodland and coastal walks to enjoy before treating yourself to an ice cream from the Cafe at Kilcreggan.
Continue on the B833 through Cove and follow Shore Road, then take a right onto Peaton Road before going left on the B833 back towards Garelochhead. We now want to take the A814 towards Arrochar, the final destination on our trip.
Wander along the lochside and take the Hidden Heritage Trail, an easy, firm-pathed cicular walk covering 3.5 miles between Arrochar and Tarbet.
CLYDE VALLEY TOURIST ROUTE
LENGTH: 38 miles (61km) LOCATION: Abington to Hamilton DRIVE TIME: 45 minutes THIS scenic journey follows the River Clyde through lush farmland and rolling hills.
Along the way you can spot wildlife, visit historic castles and enjoy outdoor pursuits.
We start our trip with a stop at the Biggar and Upper Clydesdale Museum, which preserves the area’s rich archaeological, social and historic heritage.
Learn about 14,000 years of rural and small-town life and wander down Gladstone Court, a reconstruction of a Victorian street scene. Children will enjoy playing games and making a call from the telephone exchange. Don’t forget to explore the historic market town of Biggar itself and take a hike up Tinto Hill – there is a summit cairn dating from the Bronze Age. Pack a picnic and enjoy some time outdoors at Lanark Loch, east of the historic market town of Lanark. The parkland surrounds a 20-acre loch, with a nine-hole pitch and putt, plus a play area. If you don’t fancy taking your own al fresco lunch, stop at the Inn on the Loch. If the weather is wet, pop into Lanark Museum to discover the fascinating link between the town, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. The Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve, near New Lanark, is unmissable. It is home to falcons, jays, pine martens, otters and badgers – see what you spot on a woodland walk. At the river, admire waterfalls such as Corra Linn. After your stroll, visit New Lanark – one of Scotland’s six Unesco World Heritage Sites. Wander the cobbled streets and explore the buildings where 18th century cotton mill employees lived and worked. Children will love the old schoolhouse and the Annie McLeod Experience, a ride back to the 1820s. Our next stop is the ruins of Craignethan Castle, open until the end of
September. This artillery fortification, overlooking the River Nethan, was built around 1530 by Sir James Hamilton of Finnart.
The extensive defences include a caponier – a stone vaulted artillery chamber – which are rare in Britain.
The surrounding woodland is a site of special interest and you might see hawks, kestrels and buzzards.
When the sun is out, head to Chatelherault Country Park near Hamilton. There are five nature trails – with walking times of 45 minutes to three hours at a gentle pace – along the River Avon and through ancient woodland.
See 600-year-old oaks, cross an 80ft gorge on Dukes Bridge and pass the ruins of Cadzow Castle. There is also an adventure playground and you can enjoy lunch or snacks at the Oak Tree Café.
Your last stop should be Low Parks Museum in Hamilton. Here, you can learn about the local regiment, the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), plus there are regular fun activities for children.
DEESIDE TOURIST ROUTE
LENGTH: 108 miles (174 km) LOCATION: Perth to Aberdeen DRIVE TIME: 2 hours, 55 minutes THIS enchanting route takes in the towering splendour of the Cairngorms National Park, the fruitgrowing farmland around Blairgowrie and the lush landscapes of Royal Deeside. We start off at the Black Watch Museum in Perth, where you will learn the story of Scotcheese land’s oldest Highland Regiment. See weapons, medals, uniforms and diaries, plus there is a delightful café and shop. This family-friendly spot is one of the top visitor attractions in Perthshire.
Just outside the city is Scone Palace – a must-visit. This was the crowning place of Scottish kings including Macbeth, Robert the Bruce and Charles II, and was also the former home of the Stone of Destiny. Tour the opulent rooms, see precious treasures and stroll the beautiful grounds. Children will love the peacocks in the gardens, the fun adventure playground and star-shaped maze of 2,000 beech trees. Nearly halfway through the trip is Mar Lodge Estate, a paradise for walkers and wildlife enthusiasts. It is Britain’s largest national nature reserve spanning more than 29,000 hectares.
Scale one of the 15 Munros or embark on a low-level walk from Linn of Dee car park to enjoy views of heathered moors, Caledonian pine forest and waterfalls.
Soak up some history at Braemar Castle before taking a tour of Royal Lochnagar Distillery in Crathie, near Balmoral Castle, to learn about how whisky is made.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert – keen whisky drinkers – were the distillery’s first visitors. Designated drivers can take home their free sample.
Stick with the royal theme and visit Balmoral, the Highland home to the Royal Family. Nearby Crathie Kirk is often visited by the Queen during her stays.
If whisky is not really your thing, perhaps is. Learn about the traditional art of cheese-making at Cambus O’May Creamery.
Sample their different varieties of cheese – including Cambus O’May, Lairig Ghru and Lochnagar – and buy some to enjoy later after a day of sightseeing. Don’t forget some fine Scottish oatcakes!
If you fancy a picnic, stop at the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, part of the Cairngorms National Park.
Work up an appetite first by exploring the woodland and heathland, admire the loch and look out for wildlife and wildflowers.
There are great trails, including an easy mile to the reserve’s most famous feature, the Burn O’Vat, a giant pothole carved during the Ice Age.
Other waymarked paths range from one to four miles in length and include Loch Kinord, Parkin’s Moss and Little Ord.
If you are feeling energetic, tackle the Tarzan swings, zip wire and rope ladders on the treetop assault course at Go Ape! at Crathes Castle.
For something more tranquil, tour the turreted Crathes Castle, which boasts period rooms and beautiful gardens.
Take a ride to the past on a steam train at Royal Deeside Railway, the line formerly used by Queen Victoria, and stop at Drum Castle, which dates back to medieval times and is one of Scotland’s oldest tower houses.
There is something for everyone, from the historic High Hall to modern art exhibitions.
In the grounds are centuries-old oak trees and magnificent roses. It is a wonderful final stop before you reach Aberdeen.
FIFE COASTAL ROUTE
LENGTH: 77 miles (124 km) LOCATION: Kincardine to Newport on Tay DRIVE TIME : 2 hours, 10 minutes ENJOY views of the magnificent Forth bridges, sparkling coastline, rolling farmland, pretty seaside towns and beautiful beaches.
With the Kincardine Bridge and Tay Bridge at either end, the route follows the glittering Firth of Forth coastline, passing the Royal Burgh of Culross, the fishing towns of the East Neuk and historic St Andrews.
Devilla Forest is the first stop on this journey. Not only is it one of the best places in Scotland to see the elusive red squirrel, it is an excellent location for active families.
Cycle, walk or run between the towering Scots pines, follow the Red Squirrel Trail and explore the wider forest and four lochs.
The plague grave marks the spot where three children were laid to rest after succumbing to the disease in 1645, while Maggie Duncan’s stone is said to have been scarred by a witch’s apron strings.
Other things to look out for include an abandoned church and a Second World War explosives research station.
The white-harled houses, red-tiled roofs and cobbled streets of historic Culross will be recognisable to fans of TV’s time-travelling drama Outlander, as will the Mercat Cross and the rooms and gardens of Culross Palace.
Choose this route for stunning views of the Cairngorms National Park, castles and its links to the Royal Family Choose this route to explore the coast, enjoy rich history and see charming, traditional fishing villages
Walking through the town is like stepping back in time – check out the Town House where witches were tried and held while awaiting execution.
Make a slight detour to visit Dunfermline Palace and Abbey, initially founded as a priory by Queen Margaret in the 11th century. Admire the impressive Romanesque architecture and magnificent nave, and marvel at the monks’ refectory.
King Robert the Bruce is buried here – without his heart, which was taken on crusade and then to Melrose Abbey – along with seven other Scottish kings.
For a fun-filled family day out, head to Deep Sea World in North Queensferry, which is home to hundreds of fish and marine life – from piranhas and amphibians to sea horses and seals.
Here, you can see Europe’s largest collection of sharks and wander through one of the world’s longest underwater walkways.
Discover the mysteries of the deep at the daily talks and demonstrations, and learn about the facility’s conservation work.
Back on the road, our next stop is Aberdour Castle, believed to be Scotland’s oldest standing castle. The hall-house is the oldest part, built in 1100, with extensions in later years. Some of the castle is ruined but the east range is intact.
Aberdour Castle is also a location for Outlander, doubling as the Abbey of Ste Anne de Beaupre monastery in France.
Wander the fragrant walled garden and along the terraces overlooking the Forth and stop off at the nearby St Fillan’s church – one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in the country.
Don’t miss a walk along the beautiful Aberdour Silver Sands, one of the most popular beaches on the Fife Coast.
Art fans will enjoy Kirkcaldy Galleries, the town’s cultural hub. There is an impressive range of artwork, including paintings by Fife-born Jack Vettriano, and a Moments in Time exhibition spanning 300million years to the modern day.
Children will love Beveridge Park, which has play areas, a boating pond, a bog garden – with tadpoles, frogs and insects – and woodland walks.
In Anstruther, learn about our nation’s fishing heritage at the Scottish Fisheries Museum, which tells the story of the fishing industry, its boats, harbours and communities, and find out how Scotland became world-famous for fish, crabs and lobsters.
Leaving Anstruther, you will pass a number of picturesque East Neuk villages, including Crail, Elie, Earlsferry, Kingsbarns, Pittenweem and St Monans.
The next stop on the route is St Andrews, the home of golf, and it is worth spending at least a few hours here.
Enjoy the panoramic views of the North Sea over a picnic before a stroll at West Sands, the vast sandy beach made famous in Chariots of Fire.
The Botanic Garden is packed with exotic plants and hot houses, while the British Golf Museum – located only a short walk from the Old Course – is a must-visit for fans of the sport. Be inspired by the history of the game and explore it through the ages through displays and interactive exhibits.
The cobbled streets of the town itself are home to independent, family-run stores and no trip here would be complete without some fish and chips by the sea. Before you reach the end of your journey at the Tay Bridge into Dundee, take a tiny detour to Tentsmuir Forest and follow in the footsteps of the first settlers here some 8,000 years ago.
Follow the waymarked trails through the pine trees, looking for red squirrels and roe deer as you go. Breathe in the sea air and explore the sand dunes – you might see seals basking on the sandbars.
FORTH VALLEY TOURIST ROUTE
LENGTH: 43 miles (69km) LOCATION: Edinburgh to Stirling DRIVE TIME: 1 hour, 30 minutes
GET your camera ready – this fascinating route takes in the iconic Forth bridges, Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel.
You will wind along the Firth of Forth, through West Lothian and into the Forth Valley as you head from South Queensferry to Stirling.
The route begins with a look at the engineering wonders that are the Forth Bridge, Forth Road Bridge and the new Queensferry Crossing.
The 1.5 mile Forth Bridge, opened in 1890, is one of Scotland’s six Unesco World Heritage Sites and the world’s longest cantilever bridge.
The Forth Road Bridge, opened in 1964, is is one of the world’s most significant long-span suspension bridges, while the Queensferry Crossing – which opened in August 2017 – is now the main route for vehicles from Edinburgh to Fife, and is the longest three-tower, cable-stayed bridge in the world. Learn about the building of the bridges at the Queensferry Museum.
Film and TV fans will enjoy the first stop on the trip, Blackness Castle, used as a filming location for Outlander, Hamlet and last year’s blockbuster Mary, Queen of Scots.
Built in the 15th century, it is often referred to as ‘the ship that never sailed’ because the fortifications make it look like a great stone vessel. The castle has a fascinating history and has been a royal castle, a prison and an ammunition depot.
Our next stop is unmissable – Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of James V (1512) and Mary, Queen of Scots (1542). This lochside treasure was a favoured residence of Stuart monarchs and the great hall and chapel are particularly fine.
Take a walk around the ancient burgh, including the traditional high street, by Linlithgow loch or beside the Union Canal.
Moving on, and it’s full steam ahead to Bo’ness for a tour of the Museum of Scottish Railways and a ride on the heritage railway line.
The short train ride passes through beautiful countryside and passengers can stop to explore at three stations, including the local nature reserve.
Meet the train driver and, at weekends, treat yourself to afternoon tea on board. Next, step back in time at Kinneil Estate, which is home to a section of the Antonine Wall – another Unesco World Heritage Site.
From Roman soldiers to inventors, the area has a colourful history and this is the ideal starting point to learn all about it.
A short walk from Kinneil Museum and you will find remains of the Antonine Wall, remnants of a Roman Fortlet, a 12th century church and tranquil woodland with ponds and wildlife.
If history is not quite keeping children entertained, then Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre certainly will. This rich habitat and haven for wildlife offers a range of activities, including pond dipping, mini beast hunting and den building.
The centre is free to visit and you can happily spend a few hours here – take a picnic or borrow one of the barbecues.
Just over halfway into the route you will come across the magnificent sight of the Kelpies at Falkirk’s Helix Park.
The world’s largest equine sculptures – by Andy Scott – are 100ft high, made of stainless steel and weigh 300 tons each. Visiting is free but you can also book a guided tour.
Helix Park is also home to cycle paths, pedalo boats, a visitor centre, adventure zone, splash area, café and souvenir shop.
A little farther along is the Falkirk Wheel, a mechanical marvel and the world’s only rotating boat lift, which connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal.
Take a boat trip and soar 115ft in the air and find out more about how it works at the visitor centre.
You can also hire canoes, bikes or boats, or play in the adventure park.
Back on the road, it’s time to rally the troops for some excitement at the Battle of Bannockburn Experience.
This 3D, immersive attraction really brings Scottish history to life and makes learning fun. Take command on the battlefield, recreate the fight and interact with warriors, pages, archers and knights.
Outside, follow in the footsteps of Robert the Bruce in the memorial park, and visit the battleground and monuments.
As you approach Stirling, the final point on this route, you will see the peaks of the Ochil Hills along with Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument.
At the castle, guides in costume can tell you about 16th century life. Families will have fun in the palace vaults, where children can dress up and play instruments. Finally, work up an appetite by climbing the steps of the Wallace Monument, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Loch Lomond, the Pentland Hills and Fife.
Each level of the tower tells the story of the national hero and how his role in the history of Scotland has been recognised.
Choose this route for Unesco World Heritage Sites, magnificent feats of engineering and royal connections