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Home , Colonsay, Glen Nant, Inveruglas, Portavadie

Glasgow & The best of both on 's Adventure Coast

Riverside Museum,

Inveraray Castle

The Way The view of from the

Glasgow is the perfect place to find your urban adventure, from Explore the city by bike and hire one of the many keeping active indoors to cycle routes, riverside walkways and Nextbikes, located at various hiring stations throughout even exhilarating water adventures, all alongside a rich cultural the city, or join Glasgow Bike Tours for a guided tour. offering, renowned shopping and a vibrant nightlife. There are various walking tours too, from the more traditional to bespoke music, and eating and drinking Discover the works of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, whose tours, where the experts are your guide. influence is seen throughout the city. From The Mackintosh House within the Hunterian Art Gallery and Kelvingrove Art From the vibrant city lights of Glasgow less than an hour Gallery and Museum to the sympathetically restored Mackintosh away, welcome to Scotland’s adventure coast where at The Willow, where you can sit and have tea in the only mountains, beaches, lochs, islands and forests provide an surviving Tea Rooms designed for Miss Kate Cranston. awe-inspiring setting for outdoor adventures, all within easy proximity of Glasgow. So why not experience the Delve into the exciting art scene at various studios and galleries heart and soul of both? including the Gallery of Modern Art, Centre for Contemporary Arts or Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre. Be entertained by The Royal A spellbinding fusion of dramatic Highland terrain, Scottish National Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra glorious beaches and beautiful gardens bursting with or the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland before sampling colours, Argyll & The Isles is a glorious coastal region of gastronomical delights at countless eateries across the city glittering sea lochs, islands, hills, forests and glens just including Finnieston in the West End, described as one of the waiting to be explored. ‘top coolest neighbourhoods’ in Europe by The Independent. From surfing to kayaking, long distance walking to mountain biking, get off the beaten track and find your own adventure. Go island hopping, walk in the wilderness, EVENTS breathe pure air, watch magnificent sunsets and see starry january Celtic Connections, Glasgow skies that will take your breath away. Get up close to www.celticconnections.com wonderful wildlife on boat trips to uninhabited islands, in National Nature Reserves and forest parks. From mighty m ay ScapaFest, Ardkinglas, sea eagles and seabirds on the Isle of Mull, to playful www.scapafest.com otters at the Taynish National Nature Reserve and beavers at Forest, who knows what you’ll encounter? july Bute Fest, Isle of Bute www.butefest.co.uk Fall in love with the inspiring scenery and heart and soul of Glasgow and Argyll & The Isles. Thanks to excellent september Mendelssohn on Mull, Isle of Mull transport links available year-round, it’s never been easier @MendelssohnonMull to explore this enchanting corner of Scotland.

For more ideas and contacts go to www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com or email [email protected] Day 1 - glasgow

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–the only surviving Kelvingrove Art Galley & Museum – one Riverside Museum– this multi-award winning Mackintosh at the Willow Shopping / eating out – the city is a mecca of Glasgow's best loved attractions, this 22 Riverside Museum is home to over 3,000 Tea Room designed by the renowned Charles for shoppers of all tastes and budgets, gallery strong treasure trove is packed full of objects that detail Glasgow’s rich past from Rennie Mackintosh, this iconic 200 seat with specialty stores, designer labels, high an astonishing 8,000 objects. Exquisite art, its days as a maritime powerhouse to a restaurant recently reopened after extensive street brands and vintage boutiques. Look historical artefacts, animals and much more, glimpse into daily Glasgow life in the 20th refurbishment and can be found at 217 out for Glasgow's Style Mile with its high and don't miss the extensive programme of Century. The fine collection ranges from cars, Sauchiehall Street. Relax in the sumptuous concentration of shops. And the city's food exhibitions and displays. Opened in 1901, bicycles, trams and locomotives to prams and surroundings of Mackintosh's designs, lovingly & drink is second to none too - including the the collections within are wide-ranging and skateboards! restored to their 1903 glory. trendy West End. internationally significant. T: 0141 287 2720 T: 0141 204 1903 www.peoplemakeglasgow.com/things-to- T: 0141 276 9599 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] do/shopping (for larger bookings) E: [email protected] www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums www.mackintoshatthewillow.com www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums

Day 2 - & AROUND

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Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch – this stunning Cruise Loch Lomond, Tarbet – Loch Lomond Clyde Sea Lochs Trail – take a fascinating and Hill House, Helensburgh – anyone with a visitor destination offers shopping, eating, is renowned for its natural beauty, history scenic journey of discovery. Don’t miss the passion for design and architecture will love outdoor activities and events for all the and tranquillity. Experience the serenity of stunning viewpoints at: Ardmore Point (car the Hill House, Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s family. Bike, pedal boat, segway and canoe the ‘bonnie banks’ from the comfort of one of park); Denny Tank, Dumbarton; Helensburgh; domestic masterpiece on a grand scale, hire services are available on the beach. Or seven vessels in the fleet. Or you could hire a Gareloch A817; Whistlefield; Arrochar; Clynder; beautifully restored by the National Trust for how about a 45-minute boat cruise on Loch bike and take in Loch Katrine in the , Kilcreggan and Cove. For the more active, Scotland. Inside, admire a visually arresting mix Lomond with Sweeney’s Cruises?. hike up Ben Lomond, check out the RSPB take a cycling tour, with more than 35 miles of of Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau, Scottish Baronial www.lochlomondshores.com Nature Reserve or Rob Roy MacGregor’s cave. dedicated cycle ways and quiet roads. and Japonisme architecture and design. T: 01301 702 356 www.lovelochlomond.com/loch-lomond- T: 0131 458 0204 E: [email protected] and-clyde-sea-lochs-trails E:[email protected] www.cruiselochlomond.co.uk www.nts.org.uk

Day 3 - INVERARAY & PENINSULA

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Inveraray Castle & Gardens – the ancestral Ardkinglas Woodland Garden – situated on Loch Lomond and the Cowal Way – enjoy Benmore Botanic Garden – enjoy this home to the Clan Campbell provides a the shores of Loch Fyne, Ardkinglas offers a glorious scenery on one of Scotland’s Great magnificent mountainside setting including fascinating insight into Scottish heritage and range of walks and is renowned for its fine Trails, known as ‘Scotland in 57 miles’, starting an impressive avenue of Giant Redwoods, the way our ancestors lived. The castle’s collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, plants at on Loch Fyne and ending at arguably one of the finest entrances to any beautifully maintained garden and expansive and conifer trees, including one of Britain’s on Loch Lomond. You’ll get a botanic garden in the world. Established in estate offers some fantastic beautiful walks tallest tree. Families will enjoy searching for tantalising taste of everything the Highlands has 1863, these majestic giants now stand over alongside first-class holiday accommodation. the Gruffalo amongst the trees or following the to offer, from coastline to glen, forest to hill, or 50 metres high. Enjoy seven miles of beautiful T: 01499 302203 treasure trail. ruined castle to historic houses. trails from the restored Victorian Fernery, to E: [email protected] T: 01499 600261 www.lochlomondandcowalway.org exotic plants from Bhutan, Chile or Japan. www.inveraray-castle.com E: [email protected] T: 01369 706 261 www.ardkinglas.com www.rbge.org.uk

ITINERARIES FOR GLASGOW AND ARGYLL AND THE ISLES The best of both on Scotland's Adventure Coast ››››

search Tobermory, Mull

Please note some attractions have seasonal opening hours. Please check opening times with the attraction.

For more ideas and contacts go to www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com or email [email protected] Day 4 - MID ARGYLL

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Crarae Garden – cared for by the National Trust Kilmartin Glen & Museum – explore one of Dunadd Fort – clamber to the top of this Atlantic Islands Centre, Isle of – for Scotland, this exotic garden is a Himalayan- Scotland's richest prehistoric landscapes with spectacular rocky outcrop fort that’s been discover the Atlantic Islands of Argyll and style glen. The sparkling Crarae Burn form the over 800 historic monuments, cairns, standing occupied since the Iron Age and discover the explore this former slate island on foot, bike or centrepiece for a paradise of rocky gorges, stones, stone circles and rock art dating back Gaelic Kingdom of Dalriada . It was home to a car. In this exciting new visitor destination, you’ll wooden bridges and thickets of maple, birch over 5000 years. Marvel at these artefacts in the fort 2,000 years ago, and a royal power centre find a wonderful community hub, natural and and evergreens, blending with colourful flowers. museum gallery and then step outside into the of Gaelic kings in the 500s to 800s AD. Discover cultural heritage exhibitions that showcase the There is a visitor centre (open seasonally), which landscape to enjoy the sites and monuments some extraordinary features carved into the Atlantic Islands of Argyll, a great restaurant with includes a gift shop and small café where they were found. rock, including two human footprint shapes.. stunning sea views and quality local produce. T: 0131 458 0204 T: 01546 510278 T: 0131 668 8831 T: 01852 314096 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/crarae-garden www.kilmartin.org www.historicenvironment.scot www.atlanticislandscentre.com

Day 5 - AND NEARBY

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Oban Distillery & Visitor Centre – this is one of Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel, Dunbeg – Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds, Oban McCaig's Tower – built in 1897 by local banker the oldest distilleries in Scotland and one of the visit the mighty stronghold of the ‘Kings of the standing on a rocky ridge by the sea, Dunollie John Stuart McCaig, the aim of the tower was smallest with just two pot stills. The distillery’s Isles’ where Jacobite heroine Flora MacDonald Castle housed Clan Chiefs and Lords of Lorn to provide work for local stonemasons and a tours offer visitors the chance to witness the was believed to have been held in prisoner. On ruling large areas of Argyll for more that 1000 lasting monument to the McCaig family. The traditional craftsmanship of whisky production an immense rock stands the remains of one of years. Today, it remains the seat and ancestral climb from the town centre is worth the effort first-hand before enjoying complimentary the oldest stone castles in Scotland. Stand in home of Clan MacDougall. Explore the Museum, with spectacular views across Oban Bay to the drams of the Oban 14 year old West Highland awe of the daunting curtain wall explore the Castle and Grounds, learn about the history Atlantic Islands. The gardens inside the tower Malt. special 13th-century Dunstaffnage Chapel. through exciting exhibitions and displays. are well maintained and are a peaceful escape. T: 01631 572004 T: 0131 668 8831 T: 01631 570550 www.oban.org.uk E: [email protected] E: [email protected] [email protected] www.malts.com www.historicenvironment.scot www.dunollie.org

Day 6-7 ISLAND HOPPING

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Isle of Colonsay – one of Scotland’s most Isle of – sitting some six miles west of Mull & Treshnish Islands – take a boat trip Isle of Lismore – easy to reach by boat from peaceful islands, Colonsay is the perfect far out in the Atlantic, the Hebridean island and discover the wonder of Staffa’s caverns, Oban, Lismore is a tranquil and unspoiled weekend retreat. Take in the sands of Kiloran of Coll is the place to get away from it all. nicknamed the “Island of Pillars” by the island surrounded by stunning mountain Bay or travel to the of Oronsay and Walk on the sandy beaches, discover a wealth Vikings. Painted by Turner, it also inspired scenery; the ideal place to get away from it all. admire the beautiful ruins of Oronsay Priory of wildlife and marvel at the dark sky. It's Mendelssohn to compose his hauntingly The island is is steeped in history and a great and medieval carvings of warriors and saints. also one of the best places in the UK to spot beautiful Overture. place to spot wildlife, cycle or walk along the Don't miss the island's larder such as its award- basking sharks One of the most romantic and dramatic of coastline. winning oysters, honey, local ale and gin. www.visitcoll.co.uk Scotland's many uninhabited islands. www.isleoflismore.com www.colonsay.org.uk T: 01688 400242 E: [email protected] www.turusmara.com

Day 8 BACK TO GLASGOW

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Bonawe furnace – visit the most complete Kilchurn Castle – look out over Loch Awe from Cruachan, the hollow mountain – Cruachan TreeZone, Loch Lomond – high in the charcoal-fuelled ironworks in Britain, at the the powerbase of the Campbells of Glenorchy Power Station lies at the heart of Ben treetops, this is the ultimate Aerial Adventure head of . Learn the history of the iron and one of the most photographed castles Cruachan - one kilometre inside. A guided Course - Zip wires, balance beams, hanging furnace and the chemistry of iron making – in Scotland. Kilchurn Castle was a fortress, a tour takes you on a short journey deep into platforms, tight-ropes, scramble nets, white and see cannonballs and iron pigs on display. comfortable residence and later a garrison the mountain past sub-tropical plants that knuckle bridges & gap jumps, set on the shores Visit the nearby Glen Nant National Nature stronghold, and contains the oldest surviving grow well with the warm humid conditions of the awesome Loch Lomond. Reserve and walk through the oak woods that barracks on the British mainland. inside the mountain and then onto the visitor's T: 0138 949 6055 supplied the fuel for Bonawe. T: 0131 668 8831 viewing gallery. E: [email protected] T: 0131 668 8831 E: [email protected] T: 0141 614 9105 www.iye.scot/treezone-loch-lomond/ E: [email protected] www.historicenvironment.scot E: [email protected] www.historicenvironment.scot www.visitcruachan.co.uk

Please note some attractions have seasonal opening hours. Please check opening times with the attraction.

For more ideas and contacts go to www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com or email [email protected]