CULTURE LOVING FOODIES
If you are driven by taste and sensation – and authenticity – then don’t miss the chance to explore the epicurean delights of Scotland’s Adventure Coast during your visit to Glasgow. Once you’ve tasted Argyll, we’re pretty sure you’ll be making plans to come back for more! The region’s seafood and game is appreciated by food lovers around the globe, and there’s an array of fabulous restaurants, cafés and hotels serving up delicious locally sourced food. And all this is served alongside a big dose of art and culture.
The Clyde Sea lochs
Helensburgh, with its piers, promenades, shops and eateries, is a mere 45-minutes by rail from Glasgow. With Scotrail trains running from first light to just before midnight, there’s scope to enjoy an epic day out from Glasgow, packed with unforgettable cultural and culinary experiences. Loads of new restaurants have opened up recently, as well as some fabulous new cultural attractions. Helensburgh has strong connections with Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The Mackintosh Club in the heart of the town is believed to be his first complete commission. Hill House, universally regarded as Mackintosh’s finest domestic creation, sits at the top of the town. It’s closed during 2018 for some major works so you’ll have to save this treat for 2019. The Clyde Sea lochs are a must to explore and for this you’ll need your own wheels – bike or car – or a luxury chauffeur driven trike ride.
Mull & Iona
Mull and Iona are must-visit destinations for any food lover, and there’s a wonderful Mull and Iona Food and Drink Trail to guide you. Follow the trail to discover seafood hauled fresh from the surrounding Atlantic waters, artisan treats and an abundance of eateries in which to enjoy all this fabulous local produce. The fishing port of Tobermory is home to many producers, including Isle of Mull Cheese, Tobermory Chocolates and Isle of Mull Ice Cream. The historic Tobermory Distillery is well worth a visit too. There are lots of lovely galleries to browse while along the harbour front. And any trip to Mull is likely to feature some wildlife watching. Mull is known as ‘eagle island’, with white-tailed and golden eagles sharing this Highland habitat.
It’s easy to add a visit to Mull and Iona to your Glasgow getaway. Catch the
train or bus to Oban and cross to Mull on a Calmac Ferry for a West Coast Tours trip across Mull to Iona and back. You can also charter the local Mull & Iona Community Trust mini bus with a driver to follow the Food & Drink Trail.
Kintyre & Gigha
The Mull of Kintyre was immortalised in the hit song by Paul McCartney and Wings. Since then, the wild and remote area that inspired it has developed a vibrant music scene of its own and is serving up amazing food and drink experiences with its fascinating fishing, farming and whisky heritage. Campbeltown, Kintyre’s main town, was once the whisky capital of the world. There are now three working whisky distilleries, as well as the celebrated Ardshiel Hotel whisky bar where you’ll find over 700 single malts. Head along the east coast of Kintyre to discover Anthony Gormley’s sculpture at Saddell Bay and Beinn An Tuirc Distillery’s gin experience at Torrisdale. Take a detour to Skipness to explore the ruins of the 13th-century castle, visit the Skipness Smokehouse and enjoy the freshest scallops, mussels and oysters at the Seafood Cabin. From the west coast, catch a Calmac ferry to the beautiful island of Gigha, home to Gigha Halibut and the Michelin-listed Boat House Restaurant. Tarbert at the top end of Kintyre has its own fishing fleet in the historic harbour and many opportunities to sample the local catch.
You can fly from Glasgow to Campbeltown in a day with Loganair and hire a car or bike. Alternatively, for a longer break come by bus or bring a car or bike across by Calmac ferry from Ayrshire and return by the mainland. 1: Cattle & Creel, Helensburgh 2: Bute Brew 3: Chef Roger, Loch Melfort Hotel 4: Glen Scotia Distillery 5: Isle of Mull cheese 6: Mackintosh Club, Helensburgh 7: Pennygate Lodge, Mull