Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Itineraries
The following itineraries plot routes through Scotland in all its variety, from the
royal castles of Edinburgh to the blackhouses of the Western Isles, the putting
greens of St Andrews and the Cuillin mountains' jagged ridges. Whether you're
after a whistle-stop week, a fortnight of utter escapism or you're looking for an
excuse to discover some of the finest tastes in Scotland, they will point the way.
A SCOTLAND PRIMER
A week is barely su
cient to do Edinburgh
justice, let alone a diverse nation, yet this tour
offers tasters of contemporary culture, heritage,
Highland scenery and even island life.
1
Edinburgh
The capital deserves two days of
any visit. Must-sees include the cobbled streets
and castle of the Old Town, the view from Calton
Hill, and perhaps the Museum of Scotland, or a
pub like
Bow Bar
if it rains.
See p.52
2
Fife
So close to Edinburgh, so different in
atmosphere, Fife has some highlights of Scottish
culture: lovely Culross village; a novice-friendly
putting green at St Andrews; and fresh lobster
for lunch in Crail.
See p.302
3
Stirling and the Trossachs
One of
Scotland's most iconic castles is reason enough
to visit Stirling. It's also the gateway for walks
and bike rides in the Trossachs, a sort of
Highlands-lite, and beyond them, the
much-mythologized Loch Lomond.
See p.276
4
Gigha
Sub-tropical gardens, golden beaches
and life in the slow lane - Gigha is the perfect
island introduction to the Hebrides.
See p.262
5
Glasgow
We bookend the route with the
great rival to Edinburgh. Vibrant, modern
Glasgow is all about the arts - don't miss the
Glasgow School of Art- and nightlife that is
glam and gritty by turns.
See p.178
A TASTE OF SCOTLAND
A whistle-stop tour around the regional culinary
highlights of Scotland - you'll have no trouble
finding porridge, broth, Cullen skink and haggis,
neeps and tatties wherever you go.
1
Edinburgh
With both Michelin-starred
restaurants and fine old drinking holes, foodies
have never had it so good here. Highlights
include
Wedgwood
and
The Kitchin
.
See p.92
2
Abroath
“A world-class delicacy” said chef
and writer Rick Stein of the humble haddock
after it has been smoke-cured here, and who
are we to argue? Head to the harbour and take
your pick from the family-run smokehouses.
See p.351
3
Speyside
Welcome to the heartland
of whisky country, nutured by pure cold
water and a gentle climate. Of the fifty
distilleries in the area, eight are on an o
cial
Malt Whisky Trail, from famous names like
Glenfiddich and Glenlivet to wee distilleries
like Strathisla.
See p.431
4
Skye for foodies
Small gourmet restaurants
like
Three Chimmneys
and
Glenview
are reason
enough to visit Skye. Expect innovative menus
of super-fresh produce that need not be as
expensive as you'd expect.
See p.491 & p.494
5
Islay
Peat and smoke define Islay single malts,
heavy pungent whiskies compared to the
ABOVE
CULROSS PALACE
