The Scottish capital, Edinburgh , is a handsome and ancient city, famous for its magnificent castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse as well as for a world-acclaimed international arts festival and some excellent museums - not least the outstanding National Museum of Scotland . A short journey west is Glasgow , a sprawling industrial metropolis that has done much to improve its image in recent years and can now boast a range of fine museums and galleries to complement the impressive architectural legacy of its eighteenth- and nineteenth-century heyday.
Southern Scotland , often underrated, features some gorgeous scenery, but nothing quite to compare to the shadowy glens and well-walked hills of the Trossachs , or to the Highlands , whose multitude of mountains, seacliffs, glens and lochs cover the northern two-thirds of the country. Inverness is an obvious base, although Fort William , at the opposite end of the Great Glen near Ben Nevis , Britain's highest mountain, is an alternative.
Some of Britain's most thrilling wilderness experiences are to be had on the Scottish islands, the most accessible of which extend in a long rocky chain off the Atlantic coast, from Arran through Skye (the most visited of the Hebrides) to the Western Isles , where the remarkably hostile terrain harbours some of the last bastions of the Gaelic language. At Britain's northern extreme lie the sea- and wind-buffeted Orkney and Shetland islands, whose rich Norse heritage makes them distinct in dialect and culture from mainland Scotland, while their wild scenery offers some of Britain's finest birdwatching and some stunning archeological remains.
Loch Fyne Hotel |
 |
|
| |
| Rooms From
: £ 45 - 55
|
Rating |
| Inveraray, PA323 8XT, Scotland
|
Situated in the Royal Burgh of Inveraray overlooking Loch Fyne, the Loch Fyne Hotel has 80 bedrooms and leisure suite with swimming pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. There is a comfortable lounge bar, excellent restaurant and intimate bistro. The town of Inveraray is a short stroll away and the hotel is situated 55 miles from Glasgow, making the hotel the perfect touring base for Oban, and Glencoe. Inveraray Jail and Inveraray Castle are a short stroll away.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| Rooms From
: £
|
Rating |
| Great Western Road, Glasgow, G12 0TA, Scotland
|
Set in the heart of Glasgow's fashionable West End, the Hilton Glasgow Grosvenor Hotel provides easy access to the city centre and a variety of local attractions including the Botanic Gardens and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. The hotel has well equipped bedrooms, a free car park and offers 24 hour room service.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Agenda Hotel |
|
|
| |
| Rooms From
: £ 55
|
Rating |
| 92 St Johns Road, Edinburgh, EH12 8AT, Scotland
|
Recently refurbished in May 2004, Agenda offers 28 spacious bedrooms, a superb restaurant and lively bar.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
