Leave Glasgow and head west towards Loch Lomond, the first stop on our tour is Dumbarton Castle which has the oldest recorded history of any Scottish fortress, dating back to the 5th century when Saint Patrick sent a letter to King Ceretic, it was the first written letter about a settlement there. Since then Viking kings, William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth II have been here.
Leaving Dumbarton, it’s a short drive to your first view of ‘The Bonnie, Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond’. Those words are from the Scottish folk song “You take the High Road and I’ll take the Low Road”. Loch Lomond has the largest surface area of any lake on the British mainland, It’s over 23 miles long.
Just 10 minutes later we stop at Luss, one of Scotland's most popular villages to visit, Walk past the pretty sandstone and slate cottages to the pier for wonderful views up and down Loch Lomond and across the loch to the mountains. From the pier it’s a very short walk to the atmospheric church graveyard which has graves dating back to 600AD / 700AD with a Viking hogback grave stone as well.
Heading north from Luss, we round the head of Loch Long, which is a sea loch, a long narrow inlet of the sea similar to a fjord in Scandinavia, the tour now climbs to The Rest and Be Thankful, a famous pass that divides Glen Kinglas from Glen Croe.
Stopping at a viewpoint, enjoy beautiful views in all directions and of being very closely surrounded by the rugged Highlands with heather, mountainside and forest.
Leaving The Rest and Be Thankful we travel down to Loch Fyne, another sea loch, noted for its seafood. The Loch Fyne Oyster Bar at the top of the Loch has a restaurant (open 5 days, closed on Tuesday and Wednesday) and a delicatessen (open 7 days). Inveraray, on Loch Fyne is a lovely village in a grand scenic setting on the western shore of Loch Fyne. As well as strolling in the village, a walk to the picture perfect Inveraray Castle is very popular for visitors. The castle grounds are open all year round, you can stroll right up to the front door although entrance inside the actual castle and its gardens is from April to the end of October (open 5 days, closed on Tuesday and Wednesday)
Depending on time and your preferences we can also visit two other attractions. Kilchurn Castle, built around 1450, is a long-abandoned but impressive castle at the top of Loch Awe. Ringed by near and distant mountains, it makes for a dramatic photo location. Another place you may wish to visit is St Conan's Kirk. Just 5 minutes from Kilchurn Castle, it is a very unique and beautiful church perched on the edge of Loch Awe. Described as enchanting, magical and fascinating, a wonderful stop. Return to Glasgow.
Your Tour is custom made as well….you may have some places you want to visit and/or things you wish to experience. Tell us and we will do our best to include it in your tour.
