One of Glasgow's attractions is its location near a diverse array of rural scenery, whether amid the hills and mountains to the north or the sea coasts to the west. A short journey in almost any direction will present visitors with open spaces and clean, fresh air.
As Sir Walter Scott dominates Lothian and the Borders, the prominence of 18th century poet Robert Burns is felt southwest of Glasgow in Ayrshire. The heart of "Burns Country" is there, although it extends to Dumfries, as well. Down the Clyde Coast is another popular tourist attraction: Culzean Castle. Pronounced approximately "cul-lane," it is more of a mansion than a castle, with extensive and picturesque gardens and woods all around.
In this region are some of the world's great links golf courses, including world-famous Royal Troon and Turnberry, with windswept coastal views and gorse-filled dunes. Although the heyday of resort towns such as Rothesay, on the isle of Bute, may be gone, they remain pleasant, relaxing places to visit. Or, go a bit further afield to the peninsulas west of Glasgow (where you might be lured by the scenery into spending a night). Short of that, day-trippers can easily reach Helensburgh and visit one of architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh's singular achievements: the residence known as Hill House.
Glasgow is also an excellent gateway to explore the southern reaches of the Highlands. Within an hour, you can be on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, with the mountains looming the distance. Finally, the city of Stirling and Trossachs range of mountains can be visited in a single day.
Ayrshire & "Burns Country"
Ayrshire and southwest Scotland is possibly best-known as "Burns Country," the region where Scotland's favorite bard, Robert (Auld Lang Syne) Burns, spent most of his life. But in addition to the historic sites of the famous poet, the region is one of the best places to golf in all of Scotland, especially on rambling links-style courses. Given its southwest exposure to the Gulf Stream influences, this is the most temperate area in Scotland. In addition to year-round golf, there is ample hiking and fishing, while the back roads and minor highways are ideal for road cycling.
Arran: "Scotland in Miniature" -- The Isle of Arran, in the Firth of Forth off the coast of Ayrshire, is often called "Scotland in Miniature'" because it combines pasture-filled lowlands with mountainous highland scenery. Indeed, the so-called Highland Boundary Fault Line bisects the island diagonally, just as it does the Scottish mainland.
In addition to the geographic and topographic mimicry, Arran offers a castle, half a dozen golf courses (including one with 12 holes), and a whisky distillery. It is a popular camping and cycling destination. Various attractions and activities range from hiking and rock climbing to pony trekking and sailing -- plus good stretches of sandy, if wind swept, beaches.
For ferry information, call CalMac at tel. 0870/565-0000.
