Page 14 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Scotland

12  INTRODUCING SC O TLAND DISC OVERING SC O TLAND  13

Day 5: Skye to Inverness Day 7: Macbeth and Whisky
Cross over the sea to Skye Shakespeare probably invented
(Easter–mid-Oct; fewer ferries Macbeth’s association with
in winter) (pp156–7) and use Cawdor Castle (May–Oct)
it as a stepping stone back to (p150), but visit this wonderful
the mainland by means of the small building anyway. Every-
bridge near the quaint village of thing about it is bewitching.
Kyleakin. Soon you’ll pass the Lunch by the sandy lagoon of
very picturesque Eilean Donan Findhorn and then drive to
Castle (p155). Take a slightly Dufftown, the capital of
longer route via lochs Garry and Speyside whiskies (pp148–9).
Oich to charming Fort Augustus Even if you don’t like the taste of
and the Caledonian Canal to the “water of life”, a distillery tour
reach the day’s highlight – Loch is fas cinating. Sleep wherever
Ness (pp152–3), mysterious and the whisky trail takes you!
inspiring whether you believe Dufftown is a good option.
in monsters or not. Judge the Gardens at Cawdor Castle, still the stately
evi dence for yourself at exhibi- Day 8: Deeside to home of the Thanes of Cawdor
tions in Drumnadrochit, where the “Antarctic”
you’ll also find the ruins of From Dufftown a roller-coaster cathedral and its carefree
Snow-capped pinnacle at the entrance of Glencoe Urquhart Castle. Sleep in road leads past ski slopes into student atmosphere. Then find
Inverness (pp150–51). Queen Victoria’s favourite a place for lunch on the drive
Ten Days in the Aberfoyle drive up the Bunessan for a boat trip landscape, Royal Deeside around the East Neuk coastline
Highlands & Islands western shore of Loch (Apr–Oct) to Fingal’s Cave Day 6: Around Inverness (pp148–9). Go to Ballater and (p128), which shows, without
Lomond (p121), taking in the (p137) – a wonder of volcanic Spend the morning on a take the route south which question, Scotland’s most
• Arriving Glasgow or pretty village of Luss on the rock formations on the Isle of Jacobite Cruise (Mar–Sep) gives the option of visiting picturesque harbour villages.
Edinburgh airport. way, then over the mountains Staffa. Weather permitting, the (p151) on Loch Ness, ideally one Balmoral Castle (limited Nowadays there are more
• Transport A car is essential. to Loch Fyne, famous for its boat will motor into the cave that includes the Caledonian opening) or Scone Palace artists than fishermen here.
seafood. Catch a glimpse of and let you land. You may even Canal rather than just the loch. (Apr–Oct) (p126), or shopping Tear yourself away in time for
• Booking ahead Loch
Inveraray Castle (p134) as spot a puffin. If the boat is Alternatively, hunt for dolphins in the fair city of Perth (p126) a visit to Falkland Palace
Katrine cruise; Oban–Mull you head for the superb cancelled due to bad weather in the Moray Firth or, depend- if the other sights are closed. (summer only) (p128), a
ferry (return); Fingal’s Cave
boat trip; Mallaig–Armadale Crarae Gardens (p134). (or you have time afterwards), ing on your interests, plan to Leave enough time to spend stunning Renaissance hunting
drive on to Fionnphort to visit
Here you can wander among
lodge designed for the Stuart
at least one-and-a-half hours
spend part of the morning at
ferry (one-way); Golf at
St Andrew’s (book months exotic flora from around the Iona (p137), a gem of the Culloden (p150) or Fort George in the Antarctic, brilliantly kings, and a favourite haunt of
world – always delightful but
Hebrides. The ferry is reliable
(p150). To really understand
recreated at Discovery Point
Mary, Queen of Scots. Return to
ahead); all Highland
Games events. at its best in spring. In the and you don’t need to book for Highlanders and their history, in Dundee (p127). Spend the your favourite East Neuk spot
afternoon you can afford to the narrow crossing. The abbey, see the moving exhibition on night in this friendly wee city. for the night.
enjoy time out in the town once with broad influence the Battle of Culloden which
of Lochgilphead and to make across Europe, is hugely popular ended the old clan culture. A Day 9: St Andrews and the Day 10: East Neuk Back to
Day 1: Stirling and the most of the scenery on with visitors. The isle has walk around Fort George, among East Neuk the Start
The Trossachs the sinuous road to Oban dazzling beaches too. Return the best examples of military The famous golf course is The distances from East Neuk
Start early and climb by foot (p136). Spend two nights in to Oban for the night. fortification in Europe, is equally always fully booked months to the start of this whole tour
or car to crag-top Stirling this bustling harbour town. impres sive. Stay a second night ahead, but visit St Andrews are short so the final day’s
Castle (pp124–5) to see far- Day 4: Oban to Skye in Inverness or move on to Nairn. (p127) for its golfing museum, route possibilities are many.
reaching views. Admire the Day 3: Fingal’s Cave and Iona A route of stunning scenery Dunfermline Abbey (mid-
best Renaissance architecture Pack a picnic, board the Oban– starts with Loch Awe (p136) Mar–mid-Oct) (pp128–9) is
in Scotland, particularly the Mull car ferry, and then drive to which lives up to its name but the last of the imposing
Palace and Great Hall. You’ll is completely overshadowed landmarks well worth a visit,
need two or three hours to by the massive rent in the or head to the beautifully
do it justice. Drive to Callendar mountains that comes later at preserved 16th-century village
for lunch and then continue Glencoe (p138). Call in at the of Culross (p129). Walk a
on to the beauty of The Visitor Centre and learn about section of the Fife Coastal
Trossachs national park the tragic massacre in 1692. Trail (p199) or, if you missed
(pp122–3). Take a trip Have lunch here or below Ben them, take in either the
aboard a genuine Victorian Nevis. At Fort William you’ll magnificent Stirling Castle
steamship on Loch Katrine join the scenic Road to the (pp124–5) or the impressive
(Apr–Oct) to best appreciate Isles Tour (pp140–41). Falkirk Wheel (p129). If you
the wildlife and rugged Glenfinnan has a moving return to Edinburgh you can
mountains. Spend the memorial to Bonnie Prince see the amazing Forth Rail
night at Aberfoyle. Charlie (p157) and is the Bridge (p75) on the way and,
location of the 21-arch viaduct time permitting, follow in the
Day 2: The Trossachs to Oban featured in the Harry Potter Queen’s footsteps on board
This is a day of lochs, both Boats moored in the bright blue waters off movies. Overnight in the the former Royal Yacht
freshwater and sea. From the shore of Iona fishing port of Mallaig (p141). The Caledonian Canal at Fort Augustus, along the scenic route to Loch Ness Britannia (p74).
For practical information on travelling around Scotland, see pp216–23
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