Discover the ultimate European Roadtrip
Highland Fling
Glasgow - Glasgow
Highland Fling
Stop 1: Glasgow 1/11
Forever locked in an (almost-friendly) rivalry with Edinburgh, the proud city of Glasgow serves up a heady mix of heritage and culture. Set in one of the old shipyards where Glasgow’s shipbuilding industry once flourished, the Riverside Museum of Transport and Technology houses a century’s worth of objects, from skateboards to trains, along with fascinating interactive exhibits. Afterwards, take a stroll down Buchanan Street – Glasgow’s main pedestrian boulevard is lined with architectural jewels and some of the city's best stores.
Highland Fling
Stop 2: Loch Lomond 2/11
Loch Lomond and the surrounding Trossachs showcase Scotland at its most mesmerizing. A magnificent mountain backdrop, rolling hills, hidden waterfalls and lush greenery set around the serene waters of the loch make for a heady mix in this expansive national park. There’s too much incredible scenery to be enjoyed in a single day – if you’re the outdoors type, pitch your tent overnight or retreat to a nearby hotel, before doing it all again in the morning.
Highland Fling
Stop 3: Glencoe 3/11
You don’t need to jet off to the Alps in search of stunning slopes – Glencoe more than holds its own, with scenic views, rolling hills and mountain trails to explore. The winter snowfall creates some fantastic skiing, with 20 trails of varying difficulty to choose from. In the summer, you’ll still find plenty of activities to get stuck into, from mountain biking to ‘tubing’. However, just heading out for an invigorating walk still allows you to soak up unforgettable views of iconic Buachaille Etive Mor.
Highland Fling
Stop 4: Fort William 4/11
Ben Nevis – Britain’s tallest peak at more than 4,000 feet – awaits hardy adventurers. But if you’re not quite up to tackling a mountain climb, there’s still plenty of adventure to be had nearby. You can hitch a lift on the mountain gondola for views from the face of Aonach Mor, or enjoy the mountain from afar with a walk through neighboring Leanachan Forest. A short hop away, the town of Fort William features the fascinating West Highland Museum where you’ll find exhibitions on regional life and insights into the area’s history.
Highland Fling
Stop 5: Isle of Skye 5/11
Linked to the Scottish mainland by road bridge, there seems to be magic in the air on the Isle of Skye. The picture-perfect capital of Portree is a highlight, with its pretty pastel houses overlooking the bay. Warm up with a walk around The Lump park with its magnificent harbor views, then head to see Lealt Falls in full flow. The most popular walk is a fairly easy clamber up the Old Man of Storr – the most iconic of Skye’s countless rock formations with spectacular views out over the Sound of Raasay.
Highland Fling
Stop 6: Ullapool 6/11
Travel along the ‘North Coast 500’ route to discover the village of Ullapool. It’s situated on the tranquil waters of Loch Broom, which supplies the town’s fishing industry. Though it may seem a little out of the way, Ullapool is plugged in when it comes to culture, with a calendar full of live music performances from big names and literary festivals celebrating the best of Gaelic writing. A gateway to the Northern Highlands, Ullapool is a must-visit on your Scotland road trip.
Highland Fling
Stop 7: Loch Ness 7/11
You simply can’t miss out on seeing Scotland’s most famous natural wonder – the beautiful Loch Ness. Whether the waters are inhabited by the mythical Nessie or not, it’s still worth bringing your binoculars to catch a glimpse of the sensational surroundings and wildlife. Overlooking the loch, Urquhart Castle is a grand 16th-century fortress. It’s mostly in ruins now, but you can climb to the top of the tower to peer into the prison cell that still remains.
Highland Fling
Stop 8: Aviemore 8/11
The Cairngorms National Park is 1,700 square miles of natural beauty, including a sprinkling of villages and towns each with their own distinct identity. Visit the Strathspey Steam Railway for fun and adventure on an old-time train ride, or stay in Aviemore for activities including winter walks, rugged cliff-side climbs and a feast of winter sports. A prehistoric stone circle bears testament to the site’s historical importance, while there are several spots in town to go and get a view of the beautiful Cairngorms.
Highland Fling
Stop 9: Scone Palace 9/11
This stunning example of Georgian Gothic architecture will fill your mind with historic wonder. See regal finery from centuries past and tour the very chambers where Scottish kings such as Robert the Bruce were crowned. Cap it off with a stroll through the grounds, where Britain’s first ever Douglas firs were planted. Manicured lawns, perfectly trimmed topiary and a star-shaped maze make your walk a memorable one – as will the peacocks busy strutting their stuff.
Highland Fling
Stop 10: Edinburgh Castle 10/11
Perched high on an extinct volcano overlooking the city’s Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s most recognizable symbols. Discover royal secrets with a guided audio tour of the magnificent rooms, including the Great Hall with its stunning wooden roof and display of fearsome weapons, then gaze at some of Britain’s oldest crown jewels. The Stone of Destiny is an iconic sight within the castle. This sacred symbol of Scottish history was once part of the King’s throne, and witnessed many a coronation.
Highland Fling
Stop 11: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum 11/11
Finish your Scotland road trip where it all began. Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum contains more than 20 galleries, honoring the work of icons and newcomers alike. This is great place to indulge in a day of culture among some of the world’s best-known art. The French Gallery features works by the likes of Monet and Van Gogh, while the Arms and Armor collection showcases the history of European warfare through stunning pieces including complete suits of armor.
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