Moray
Firth Route - 80 miles long
The Moray Firth route takes you in a semi circle
around three of the most beautiful inlets on the east coast of Britain
- the Beauly, Cromarty and Dornoch Firths - as it heads north from Inverness
into the heart of the northern Highlands. On the way you can enjoy wonderful
scenery (the Struie viewpoint over the Dornoch Firth will take your breath
away), seals and clan history at Foulis Ferry, salmon leaping at Schin
Falls, whisky being made at Glen Or and Highland wine at Moniack Castle.
You can walk to the Fyrish monument folly, visit Beauly Priory or learn
about the archaeology of the north at Ferrycroft, Lairg - or you can enjoy
the shopping for crafts and woollens in the towns and villages along the
route.
Highland Tourist Route - 118 miles long
From Aberdeen take the Highland tourist route
to Inverness. On the way you can visit the Grampian transport museum at
Alford. Continue through the lovely valley of upper Deeside and on up the
heather clad slopes of the Lecht to Tomintoul in the fringes of the Cairngorms.
Here you will find yourself at the heart of whisky country. Take a guided
tour round one of the many distilleries and your passengers can enjoy a
complimentary "wee dram" - which should set them up for the last lap through
Grantown-on-Spey, a popular salmon fishing centre and then onto Inverness,
the capital of the Highlands.
Argyll Coastal Route - 149 miles long
From Tarbet on the bonny banks of Loch Lomand,
climb steadily to a famous beauty spot that goes by the apt name of 'Rest
and be Thankful'. Descend to Inveraray and continue to follow the shores
of Loch Fyne to Lochgilphead. Turning north, pass the lovely Crinan Canal
and proceed to the bustling holiday town of Oban. Here there is an exceptionally
fine view across the Firth of Lorn and the Sound of Mull to the Inner Hebrides.
From Oban cross the impressive Connel bridge and journey on up through
Ballachulish to Fort William, which nestles at the foot of Ben Nevis.
Deeside Tourist Route - 107 miles long
Follow the Deeside route from the "Fair City"
of Perth all the way to Aberdeen. The area around Blairgowrie has long
been associated with soft fruit growing and Blairgowrie itself is a popular
touring base. Thereafter, the Highland landscape takes over as the route
climbs 2182 feet on Britain's highest main road. Enjoy wild views in every
direction as you pas through the Glenshea Ski Centre before descending
to Braemar. In Royal Deeside drive past Balmoral Castle (summer residence
for British Royal Family). Progress through the delightful villages of
Ballater, Aboyne and Banchory before finally reaching Aberdeen, the Granite
City.
Fife Coastal Route - 85 miles long
Between the Firths of Forth and Tay lies the historic
Kingdom of Fife. Best known is St Andrews, which is the home of golf and
the famous university. Just to the south of St Andrews are the picturesque
villages of the East Neuk with their distinctive pantiled roofs and unspoiled
beaches. More golden sands can be enjoyed at Burntisland and Aberlour.
Less than 30 minutes from Scotland's modern capital is the country's
ancient capital, Dunfermline, which was the final resting place of Robert
the Bruce. Don't miss Deep sea world at North Queensferry where the longest
underwater safari will take you exploring far beneath the waves. Further
west is the 16th century Culross, and outstanding example of a 16th century
town. Whether you approach the Fife coastal route from Edinburgh to the
south or Dundee from the north you can be sure of spectacular scenery and
first class attractions.
Angus Coastal Route - 58 miles long
The Angus coastal route begins in Dundee - City
of Discovery - with its fascinating industrial heritage and maritime traditions
and takes you north to Aberdeen - the Flower of Scotland - a stunning city
of glittering granite. Along the way you will discover a spectacular coastline
with picturesque seaside resorts - Broughty Ferry, Monifieth, Carnoustie,
Arbroath (famous for its smokies), Montrose, Inverbervie, Stonehaven, sandy
beaches, championship golf courses, nature reserves, country parks, and
a fertile countryside reaching inland through the Mearns and the Vale of
Strathmore to the scenic splendour of the Angus Glens and the Grampians.
Borders Historic Route - 95 miles long
Forget the traffic and discover the dramatic scenery
along the Borders historic route. Travelling in either direction between
the great border city of Carlisle and Scotland's capital Edinburgh, savour
the area which has been at the heart of Scotland's history and culture
for centuries and a major inspiration for Sir Water Scott's romantic novels.
Follow in the footsteps of the rivers crossing the Border between England
and Scotland at Scot's Dyke and explore the Royal Burghs, woollen mills,
market towns, historical houses and visitor centres. Sample true Borders
hospitality, local goods, crafts and culture in an outstanding environment
making this journey a memorable start or finish to your visit to Scotland.
Clyde Valley Route - 42 miles long
Turn off the M74 motorway at Abbington (or Hamilton
from the opposite direction) and you can follow the River Clyde through
an area of contrasting landscapes rich in historical interest. Attractions
include the nominated World Heritage Village of New Lanark, the model community
brainchild of philanthropist, Robert Owen, founded by his father in law
David Dale. Visit the magnificently restored Chatelherault, the David Livingstone
centre at Blantyre or the cluster of fascinating museums around the market
town of Biggar. Or take advantage of the extensive watersport facilities,
theme park and nature trails at Strathclyde Country Park.
Forth Valley Route - 39 miles long
This short route from Edinburgh to Stirling takes
in the attractive of burgh of South Queensferry, dominated by the Forth
Bridges. Nearby are Dalmeny House and the elegant Hopetoun House, one of
Scotland's finest mansions. Alternatively, take a trip on the Union canal
from Ratho or delve in to the Lothian's clay mining heritage. Visit the
bustling town of Falkirk with its own impressive mansion, Callendar
House, or take a nostalgic ride on the Bo'ness and Kinneil Steam railway.
Perthshire Tourist Route - 45 miles long
The Perthshire tourist route begins just north
of Dunblane and takes you to Ballinluig near Pitlochry. A very attractive
alternative to the main A9 trunk road. The route runs through fertile rolling
farmland before arriving at the pleasant hillside town of Crieff. Thereafter
the lush cultivated landscape changes dramatically and gives way to the
rugged splendour of the Sma'Glen with its Bonnie Prince Charlie associations.
Descend from here to the holiday centre of Aberfeldy and pass the fast
lowing River Tay on the A827 before you rejoin the A9 neat Pitlochry.
North & West Highland Route - 140 miles
long
This route boasts some of the most magnificent
scenery in Europe - wild mountains and lochs, foaming salmon rivers, rugged
coastlines with mighty sea cliffs and secluded sandy bays, isolated crofts
and large farms, small fishing villages and bustling towns. Starting at
the thriving fishing village of Ullapool the route winds its way through
magnificent mountain country, passing the picturesque villages of Achiltibuie,
Lochinver and Kinlochbervie as it makes for Durness. From Durness the rote
heads west through gradually softening scenery to John-o'-Groats, taking
you from one end of Scotland's north coast to the other.
Galloway Tourist Route - 96 miles long
This route stretches from Gretna to Ayr and links
the Robert Burns attractions in both Ayr and Dumfries. En route it gives
the visitor an introduction to the relatively unfamiliar countryside of
the Galloway forest park and the industrial heritage of the Doon Valley.
Seek out the Old Blacksmiths Shop at Gretna Green, the award winning Robert
Burns centre and Bridge House museum in Dumfries, or the Carsphain heritage
centre. Enjoy the peace and quite of the colourful Threave gardens, or
ponder over the bloody history of Threave Castle, ancient stronghold of
the "Black Douglas". The Galloway tourist route connects with the Solway
Coast heritage trail at Dalbeattie providing an opportunity to visit an
abundance of castles, abbeys, gardens and harbours further west.
Thanks goes to the Scottish Tourist Board for
providing the information on this page.
|
