DK Travel : Scotland : Places of interest

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Landmark Forest Theme Park

A discovery and play centre on a tree theme. Join the squirrels on the Tree Top Trail, climb the tallest timber tower in the country or try sawing a log with a two-man cross-saw. There’s also a Spider-man’s delight of climbing apparatus.
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 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.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

The broad, friendly mountains and poetic scenery of Scotland’s first national park are ideal for the casual walker and watersport lover. Luss is the prettiest village. It hosts a popular Highland Games (see Highland Traditions) in June and has a welcoming tea shop or two. Cruises run from here, and from Balloch, Tarbet and Balmaha.
Loch Maree

You’ll pass this loch if you visit Inverewe Gardens (see Inverewe Gardens) . Wonderfully situated among imposing mountains, Loch Maree is a revered fishing loch by a nature reserve. Red deer occasionally swim out to the group of wooded islands in the centre and make temporary homes there.
Loch Morar

The rival to Loch Ness, Loch Morar is Scotland’s deepest loch (over 300 m/1,000 ft), and has long had its own legend of a monster – Morag (apparently identical to Nessie). Morar is easy to get to but little visited because its shores are largely inaccessible to cars, which makes it all the more delightful for walking. Nearby are spectacular beaches – the White Sands of Morar.
Loch Ness

Probably Scotland’s most charismatic loch, this deep body of water is a major draw because of the scenic splendour of the Great Glen, Urquhart Castle and the as-yet-unexplained sightings of monster Nessie (see Loch Ness and the Great Glen) .
Loch Ness

Ice Age glaciers gouged out a deep trench along a split in the land mass of Scotland, and the resulting valley is known today as the Great Glen. Loch Ness is its cause célèbre , with arresting views, the mystery of its reclusive monster and the evocative ruins of Urquhart Castle. Do not eschew a visit to the great loch! (see Loch Ness and the Great Glen)
Loch Skeen

The hidden treasure at the end of an utterly magical walk, Loch Skeen is a tiny loch high up in moorland hills. The walk to it climbs steeply alongside the spectacular Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall (note that it’s dangerous to leave the path en route). The visitor centre, situated near the falls, has a CCTV on a peregrine falcon nest.