Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SIDE TRIPS
FROM
GLASGOW
One of Glasgow's attractions is its proximity to a
diverse array of rural scenery, whether the hills
and mountains to the north or the sea coasts to
the west. A short journey in almost any direction will pres-
ent visitors with open spaces and fresh air.
As Sir Walter Scott dominates Lothian and the Borders, the prominence
of 18th-century poet
Robert Burns
is felt southwest of Glasgow in
Ayrshire. The heart of “Burns Country” is there, although it extends to
Dumfries, as well. Down the Clyde coast is another popular tourist
attraction:
Culzean Castle.
Pronounced approximately “cul-lane,” it is
more of a mansion than a castle, with extensive and picturesque gardens
and woods all around.
Some of the world's great links golf courses are in this region, includ-
ing world-famous
Royal
Troon
and
Turnberry,
with windswept coastal
views and gorse-filled dunes. Although the heyday of resort towns such
as Rothesay on the Isle of
Bute
or Brodick on the Isle of
Arran
may be
gone, these islands in the broad Firth of Clyde are great relaxing places
to visit. Or, go a bit further afield to the peninsulas further west--such
as
Kintyre
--where you might be lured by the scenery into spending
more than a night or two. Short of that, day-trippers can easily reach
Helensburgh and visit one of architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh's
singular achievements: The residence known as
Hill House.
Glasgow is also an excellent gateway to explore the southern reaches
of the
Highlands.
Within an hour, you can be on the bonnie banks of
Loch Lomond,
with the mountains looming in the distance. Finally, the
city of
Stirling
and the
Trossachs
range of mountains can be visited in
a single day. See p. 49 for a map with an overview of excursions from
Glasgow (“Glasgow & Side Trips” in 1 week, chapter 4).
20
WEST COAST HIGHLIGHTS
Some fairly spectacular scenery can be found by exploring the coastal
regions west of Glasgow. The
Firth of Clyde
begins the display, but as
you keep going, the terrain gets less populated and wilder. Depending
