SCOTLAND’S COASTS AND WATERS 2020 Glasgow, Ayrshire & Arran, Dumfries & Galloway, Argyll & the Isles search River Clyde, Glasgow search Loch Doon, Carrick, Ayrshire search Rockcliffe Beach, Dumfries & Galloway search Iona from Fionnphort, Isle of Mull, Argyll There’s a saying that ‘Glasgow made the Clyde and the Clyde region and into Ayrshire, features many miles of scenic coastline as made Glasgow’, which you can understand when you look up well as beautiful areas populated by hills, glens, forests and lochs. and admire the splendid Victorian architecture of Glasgow Gaze out at the blue horizon at the Mull of Galloway, Scotland's city centre. Beautiful carvings of Poseidon, sailing ships, most southerly point. globes, fish and jutting prows tell the story of how the famous Stop off at delightful towns and villages, from Wigtown to River Clyde has defined the fortunes of this area since the 6th Portpatrick, visiting historic attractions and a variety of cafes and century. You can experience the famous river for yourself with restaurants as you go. Other attractions include Galloway Forest one of the operators offering boat trips from paddle steamer to Park with its 12 scenic lochs. powerboat. Argyll has been described as the place where ‘the Highlands meet The Isle of Bute is an easy day trip from Glasgow. The jewel the Lowlands and both meet the sea’ – a very apt picture of an area in the crown of this lovely island is Mount Stuart, one of where you’ll find some of Scotland’s most impressive shorelines. Scotland’s most stunning and unusual stately homes, where the extensive grounds include seafront walks. The Ayrshire This is a land of sea lochs, inlets and peninsulas. Most magical of coastline has miles of scenic beaches, perfect for picnicking all are the islands of the Inner Hebrides, including Mull, Islay, Coll, and walking, admiring the views all the while. Golf fans are Jura, Colonsay and Tiree, where the annual Tiree Wave Classic spoiled for choice as there is a high concentration of excellent surfing championships are held. golf courses here, with the wonderful coastal views coming as Whether your passion is sailing, wildlife watching, visiting sites a bonus. that are rich in history such as Kilmartin Glen, or simply enjoying Off the mainland,the Isle of Arran is often known as ‘Scotland the tranquillity of island life, you’ll find it here. This is also an area in Miniature’. A castle, distilleries, wonderful scenery and popular with golfers due to the tremendous range of golf courses amazing food and drink – Arran has the lot! The circular Arran with amazing views, from well known courses such as Machrihanish Coastal Way is very popular with cyclists. or the 9-hole hidden gem on the Isle of Gigha. CalMac Ferries offer a range of services and ticket options in this area. Dumfries & Galloway is where you’ll find the South West Coastal 300. This 300 mile circular driving route around the For more ideas and contacts go to www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com or email [email protected] Glasgow & Clyde Valley 1 2 3 4 5 Glasgow's shipbuilding heritage – Cruising on the Clyde – There are Seaside towns – Discover beautiful New Lanark Visitor Centre – The Loch Lomond – Loch Lomond is one Unearth the city's maritime history as various ways to set sail on the River coastline and picturesque towns in magnificent waterfalls known as the of the most famous lochs in you board The Tall Ship at Riverside, Clyde to explore the river and Inverclyde. At Inverkip, tour the Falls of Clyde run through the heart Scotland, and is celebrated in the one of only five remaining Clyde built beyond. Take a trip to the Cowal historic Ardgowan House and its of New Lanark Heritage Village. This famous song ‘The Bonnie Banks of sailing ships. Following an extensive Peninsula or the islands of Bute, stunning gardens, and in summer enchanting and beautifully Loch Lomond’. It’s unusual in that restoration the TS Queen Mary, the Arran or Cumbrae on the Paddle enjoy open air swimming at the preserved cotton mill village is now there are 22 islands in the middle of last Clyde built turbine steamer, will Steamer Waverley, the world’s last heated Gourock Pool, with amazing an award-winning UNESCO World the loch. To explore its beauty set also be berthed in Glasgow. This sea-going paddle steamer, or join views over the Clyde Estuary. Explore Heritage site where you’ll step back sail with one of the local cruise historic vessel, dating from 1933, will Pacific Quay Powerboats to discover miles of walking and cycling routes as in time to discover the fascinating companies such as Cruise Loch become one of the UK’s largest the historic Govan shipyard or make well as many water-based activities in story of how it was founded in the Lomond or Sweeney’s Cruises. interactive maritime exhibits. a relaxing visit to Rhu Marina. Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. 18th century. DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY 1 2 3 4 5 South West Coastal 300 – On this Galloway Forest Park – Often Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve – Loch Ken – With its picturesque Dumfries – As well as being the final 300 mile circular route, discover referred to as ‘the Highlands of This reserve takes its name from the setting, Loch Ken is the ideal place home of celebrated poet Robert beautiful bays, sandy beaches and the Lowlands’ and established in mesmerising Grey Mare’s Tail to get active on the water. Loch Ken Burns, the market town of Dumfries rugged coastline. There are plenty of 1947, Galloway Forest Park is home waterfall – one of the UK’s highest. Water Ski School not only offers is home to the Devorgilla Bridge over places to visit as you go, from the to dramatic ancient woodland, The name is inspired by its tall, thin water skiing lessons, but also River Nith, one of Scotland’s oldest. charming waterside Artists' Town of magnificent scenery and an line of white frothing water. Hike up activities such as banana boat rides In this area you can also explore Kirkcudbright to the tropical astonishing range of local wildlife, the steep slopes to its source at Loch and speed boat trips. Nearby historic Sweetheart Abbey and paradise of Logan Botanic Garden. as well as a tearoom. It also has 12 Skeen, or challenge yourself to reach Galloway Activity Centre also offers a Caerlaverock Castle, with its unique scenic lochs offering varied fishing the summit of White Coomb for the range of water and land based moated, triangular design. opportunities and is home to the awe-inspiring views. activities for all ages. UK's first Dark Sky Park. AYRSHIRE & ARRAN 1 2 3 4 5 Isle of Arran / Cumbrae – Arran has Scottish Maritime Museum – The Beautiful beaches – Ayrshire has Great golf courses – With three Ailsa Craig – Lying off the coast of so many things you’d want from a Ayrshire town of Irvine is home to this riches of stunning beaches. Maidens Open Championship venues, five of the town of Girvan, Ailsa Craig is one Scottish island - an ever-changing fascinating museum, where you can Beach is a popular destination for the UK's top 100 golf courses and of Scotland’s best known landmarks. coastline, dramatic mountain peaks, explore a national collection of watersports, picnic areas and horse golf passes, it's easy to see why The island is home to Europe's sheltered beaches, fascinating historic boats, maritime art and ship riding. On Arran, exploring Kildonan Ayrshire & Arran is one of Scotland's biggest gannet colony and an attractions and wealth of tasty local building machinery. Hear stories of Beach is a must. It is one of the most top regions for golf. There are nearly increasing number of puffins. Its blue produce. The Isle of Cumbrae has a Scottish invention, boat building and beautiful beaches on the island, plus 50 in total, many of which have hone granite is considered ideal for lovely Victorian promenade in the derring-do. The museum also it boasts incredible views across to stunning coastal settings and superb the manufacture of curling stones, main town of Millport and is a mecca manages the Denny Ship Model the mainland. You may even be views, such as Royal Troon and used in the popular winter sport. A for activities such as golf, cycling and Experiment Tank in Dumbarton joined by some seals! Croy Beach Prestwick Golf Course. number of operators offer boat trips watersports. where you can step back in time to has great views towards Ailsa Craig. to explore Ailsa Craig close up. the world of Victorian ship design. ARGYLL & THE ISLES 1 2 3 4 5 Inner Hebrides island hopping Crinan Canal – Completed in 1822, it Wildlife cruises – In an area so Loch Fyne – A picturesque sea loch Distinctive whiskies – Argyll is known The islands of the Inner Hebrides off was built to provide safe passage abundant in wildlife, islands and in a wonderful scenic location as Scotland’s whisky coast, and with the coast of Argyll offer the ideal and a short cut, saving sailors the stunning coastline, taking to the between the Cowal and Kintyre good reason. This is where some of island hopping opportunity. Board long trip round the Mull of Kintyre. waters offers the ideal way to spot Peninsulas. At the entrance to the the world’s best loved malt whiskies CalMac ferry services to experience There is a magical network of paths, many species of seabirds and marine loch is Portavadie Marina, an ideal originate. The most distinctive are these magical islands, from the lock gates, towpaths and shoreline to creatures, including the opportunity stop off point thanks to its Five Gold those from the Isle of Islay – an island grandeur of the Isle of Mull to the explore.