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.

Liathach

You could pick any of the famous Torridon mountains and guarantee not to be disappointed, but this is a beauty. A massive mound of red sandstone topped with white quartzite, Liathach has distinctive parallel bands of escarpments. At 1,053 m (3,456 ft) this is a relatively difficult and strenuous mountain to climb, but worth every bit of effort.
Linen Room, Dumfries

Not many tourists get to Dumfries & Galloway in the far south west of Scotland but it's a delightful corner and the Linen Room makes it all the more worth going out of your way for. It's bang up-to-date with very tasteful, monchromatic decor to greet you. The food is very definitely Scottish but none the worse for that! Local ingredients are exploited to the full, on a menu that's varied and offers the unexpected. The wine list is comprehensive, prices of the middle order. Overall - a treat, highly recommended.
Linlithgow Palace

One of only four royal palaces in Scotland, Linlithgow was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and provided a temporary safe haven for Bonnie Prince Charlie during the Jacobite Rebellion (see Moments in History) . Solid and fortress-like on the banks of Linlithgow Loch, the palace still looks majestic in its semi-ruined state. This was the finest building of its day, and its master masons have left a wealth of carvings. Look around the Great Hall and chapel and marvel at the expertise of the craftsmen who laboured upon this wonderful building.
Linoleum

This revolutionary floor covering was first produced by Frederick Walton in 1860.
Lismore

Situated in splendid scenery, this once important church island is now a quiet holiday retreat. Very green and fertile, it’s name is said to mean “great garden”.
Loch Awe

A long sliver of a loch, twisting sinuously through forested hills. The magnificent ruins of Kilchurn Castle (begun 1440) stand at one end and testify to the stormy past of clan Campbell. Take the southern road for the best scenery, and don’t be in a hurry. Close by is the defunct but preserved Bonawe Iron Foundry.
Loch Fitty

You can catch salmon here, but this well-stocked loch is best known for its trout (rainbow and brown). Fish from the bank or from a boat every day of the week during the season. There are B&Bs and a caravan park nearby, and The Halfway House Hotel – (01383) 731661 – is especially welcoming to anglers.
Loch Fyne Oyster Bar

Long-established in this converted stone cattle byre, the oyster bar offers two vegetarian dishes daily and an ocean of the freshest seafood. Bring a hearty appetite and have a go at the lobster platter.
Loch Katrine

Famous as the inspiration for Sir Walter Scott’s Lady of the Lake , this loch is the pearl of the area known as the Trossachs. Now incorporated into the National Park with Loch Lomond, it is sheer tranquillity compared with the other’s bustle. The must-do here is to take a boat tour – the SS Sir Walter Scott(naturally) has been doing the job for over a century.
Loch Lomond

The largest surface of fresh water in Scotland, Loch Lomond’s beauty is celebrated in literature, song and legend. Now the country’s first National Park, in conjunction with the Trossachs, the loch is revered for its islands, lofty hills and shoreside leisure facilities.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
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