DK Travel : Scotland

Scotland has an overwhelming abundance of natural beauty, hundreds of castles stand proud from its long and turbulent past, and an innate flair for enterprise and travel has endowed the nation with artistic treasures from around the world. The culture remains vibrant today, and there’s much to celebrate. Here’s a distillation of Scotland’s best.

Glen Cloy Farm Guesthouse, Arran

Lovely ivy-clad home in a peaceful glen just outside Brodick. A short distance away are the castle, golf course and paths to Goat Fell. Homemade short-bread and preserves, eggs from runabout hens and other healthy farm produce.
Glen Isla

Very picturesque glen noted for its rare plants. At the end, a former drove road climbs to give wonderful views from Monega Hill and Glas Maol.
Glencoe

To Dickens this was “a burial ground of a race of giants”, and, indeed, there is something ominous in the raw terrain of this region. It is a magnificent, sublime landscape, chilled by the history of the bloody 1692 massacre (see Glencoe) .
Glencoe

A rugged mountain range gathered into gorgeous scenery through which the twisting main road seems to creep submissively. A favourite skiing, mountaineering and walking area, and infamous for the terrible 1692 massacre of clan MacDonald (see Glencoe) .
Gleneagles

Another legendary group of courses, in beautiful moorland attached to a luxurious hotel. Queen’s Course is the shortest, then comes King’s and finally Monarch’s, a marathon 6,475 m (7,081 yards). No handicap certificates required. Andrew Fairlie’s delectable restaurant is listed on pages 65 & 89.
Glenfarclas

One of the few independent companies and justly proud of it. Established in 1836, this distillery is still owned and managed by the fifth generation of the Grant family. Tour the gleaming copper stills and then take a dram in the splendid Ships Room.
Glenfinnan House Hotel, Glenfinnan

An imposing 18th-century pine-panelled stately home which overlooks Loch Shiel. Excellent value, the rooms ranging in price according to views, this hotel has good home cooking and a bar where folk musicians often gather.
Glenfinnan Monument and Jacobite Steam Train

Another memorial to the Jacobite uprising led by Bonnie Prince Charlie (see Moments in History) , this time on the site where his campaign began. Here, a visitor centre explains the history. The monument is impressive, but the chief attraction is getting here – the scenery en route is stunning. Take time to marvel at the nearby viaduct (featured in the Harry Potter film) and wait for a passing steam train – even better, be in a passing steam train.
Glenfinnan Sleeping Car, Glenfinnan

The most unusual beds in Scotland are to be found in a railway sleeping coach, which has ceased rolling and now stands at Glenfinnan Station Museum. Sleeps ten, and you can pay by the night or hire the whole wagon by the week. All-day light meals served in adjacent coach.
Glengorm Castle

A winding roads leads from the fishing village of Tobermory to Castle Glengorn, on a most northerly headland of the Isle of Mull - one of the dramatic islands to make up the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland.

The castle is something from a fairy tale with its majestic turrets and crow-stepped gables, and is surrounded by pungent rhododendrons bordering a well-kept lawn. The backdrop is the Atlantic Ocean, the peninsula of Ardnamurchan and, in the far distance, the neighbouring islands of Coll, Muck and Eigg.

The bedrooms are treasure troves of lovely antiques, some of which are obviously family heirlooms. The décor, far from the sleek minimalism of many modern hotels, is playful and traditional: silver mirrors and bowls, antique secretaries, heavy armchairs, and four-poster beds decorate the rooms.

The castle is not far from the wild and craggy coastline. Several paths lead you past windswept trees and moss-covered rocks to the coves, cliffs and salty ocean spray. Sea eagles, dolphins and even Minke whales have been spotted here, making this a true nature-lover’s paradise.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under £50
- £50–100
- £100–150
- £150–200
- over £200