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.

Ardnamurchan

This peninsula – with its rugged mountains, pretty villages and what is one of the most delightful roads in the country, ending in a parade of white sand – is as lyrical in nature as it is in name. Acharacle is a famed den of musicians (try the hall or Glenuig Inn), while Glenmore is home to a Natural History Centre with a “living building”. Wild deer sometimes graze on its roof. From Kilchoan you can catch a ferry to Tobermory on Mull.
Ardoe House

Granite mansion with an up-market restaurant. A la carte or table d’hote menus prepared by a much-lauded chef.
Arduaine Gardens

A dazzling assembly of rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias and hosts of exotics from the Pacific Islands to the Himalayas. Arduaine is beautifully situated on a promontory between sea lochs, and glories in the warm winds from the Gulf Stream (see Arduaine Gardens) .
Arduaine Gardens

Overlooking the sea, this garden has another famous rhododendron collection, but also includes exotic blue Tibetan poppies, giant Himalayan lilies and Chatham Island forget-menots. Painstakingly restored to glory by two brothers (see Arduaine Gardens) .
Arran

Long a favourite of Glaswegians, Arran is often described as “Scotland in miniature”. Goat Fell is its craggy core, while the surrounds of Brodick Castle offer more urbane, forest-path walks.
Arran Aromatics

Scottish made beauty products, candles and toiletries from the Isle of Arran. This city centre store stocks an extensive range of their products and gift sets.
Arthouse Hotel

Extravagant (almost) to the point of kitsch, this velvet-clad, gold-trimmed hotel is in the funky Philippe Starck mould. The rooms are spacious, with big beds and pillows you could nest in.
Arthur's Seat

A rugged rocky hill right in the center of the city giving spectacular views in every direction, overlooking the city and and out over the Firth of Forth. All the well known places can be spotted and photos taken will give lasting memories of your visit.
Arthur's Seat

Situated within Holyrood Park Arthur's Seat is an extinct volcano and one of the seven hills of Edinburgh. Although only 250m (823 feet) is a notable landmark, dominating the city which offer without question the best views of the city overlooking to the west the impressive Edinburgh Castle. It provides for the outdoor enthusiast a great green space in the heart of the city with many different walks for everyone.
Assynt Lochs

Superlative trout fishing in scenery to match. Walk into the hills with lunch and tackle, and find your own secluded loch from a choice of over fifty.

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Hotel price categories

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