Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

Brodick Bay with Goat Fell, Isle of Arran, Scotland

This evening, I am focusing on the Isle of Arran which is located off the west coast of Scotland and relatively close to Glasgow. Arran is often described as ‘Scotland in Miniature’.

Most visitors arrive via the approximately one hour ferry crossing from Ardrossan which arrives at the island’s principal town of Brodick . Once disembarked visitors are free to explore the many facets of this compact island which includes:

• Geology: Arran is one of the world’s classic geological locations which attracts many students of the subject. In the distance past Arran has variously formed part of the ocean bottom or massive continents now gone.
• Prehistory: Good examples of stone circles and rock art with Machrie Moor  and Stronach Wood respectively being the prime examples.
• Castles: Lochranza  and Brodick.
• Walking Routes: There is a continuous path around the island which includes stretches of roadway, forest track, coastline and mountainous terrain. It is also possible to scale Goat Fell, the islands tallest mountain.
• Wildlife and Sightseeing Tours: Boat trips around Arran and nearby islands.
• Isle of Arran Heritage Museum: Learn about the way of life from the remote past to the 1920s.
• Isle of Arran Distillery: Tour one of Scotland’s youngest whisky distilleries.
• Island Products: Include cheese shop, chocolate shop, fish smokery, brewery and aromatics.
• Golfing: Seven courses plus driving range and pro-shops.
• Holy Island : A small island accessible from Arran which is now, primarily, a Buddhist retreat.
• Cycling: Coast road for road cycling plus ideal terrain for mountain biking.
• Wildlife: Red squirrels, seals and deer can be spotted with diligence.
• Photography: Seascapes, landscapes, wildlife and castles all provide good subjects.
• Beaches: Sandy beaches facilitate swimming- in summer time.

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  Lochranza Castle, Arran, ScotlandDeer at Lochranza, Scotland

Machrie Moor, Standing Stones, Arran

Highland Cow, Arran, Scotland

 

Clearly, Arran’s diverse range of attractions and interests will satisfy the needs of many visitors.

Lower Falls, Glen Nevis, Scotland

This evening, I am focusing on Glen Nevis near Fort William in the Scottish Highlands.

To some extent this might be called a ‘hidden gem’ as the glen (valley) is accessed via a small road in a southerly direction form the centre of Fort William. Fortunately, the vast majority of tour buses and related traffic by-passes the road and hence it is possible to enjoy a quiet and peaceful drive down to the Lower Falls and beyond. The return trip takes about 1 hour and en-route it is possible that an encounter with a herd of photogenic Highland Cattle  may occur.

The glen and nearby mountain (ben) are named after the River Nevis which in turn may be derived from the Gaelic neimh (pronounced ‘nev’) which translates as ‘poison’ or ‘evil’.

Glen Nevis  is noted for a number of features including:

• Last stage of the West Highland Way, a hiking trail which takes about 8-9 days to cover the distance from Glasgow to Fort William.
• A favorite area for camping and caravanning.
• Close to Ben Nevis , Britain’s highest mountain which attracts many climbers.
• Near to the Nevis Range of mountains and the Aonoch Mor  Chair Lift.
• Has been as a backdrop for a number of films including Braveheart, Harry Potter and Rob Roy.
• Scenic Lower Falls ( per images above and below) and Steall Falls.

Lower Falls, Glen Nevis, Scotland

Whenever possible I try to fit in a visit to Glen Nevis during my tours of the Western Highlands.

Bridge over River Teith, Callander, Scotland

This evening, I am focusing the popular town of Callander which sits on the banks of the River Teith and on the edge of the Scottish Highlands. This area is also known as the Trossachs which benefits from some stunning scenery comprising lochs ( such as Venachar and Katrine) and mountains. This area has long associations with the legendary ‘outlaw’  Rob Roy Macgregor. Within a short drive range of Callander can be found:

• Kilmahog, home of the famous ‘Hamish’  Highland Cow.

Hamish, Highland Bull, Kilmahog

• Doune Castle
• Stirling Castle
• Killin and the Falls of Dochart.
• Loch Katrine
• Loch Lomond.
• Lake of Menteith
• Blair Drummond Safari Park

Overall, a great base for sightseeing whilst avoiding the need for travelling long distances.