Family Trip off the beaten path!

There are a number of threads on touring the Scottish Borders, Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire.

In fact I did a long one on D and G.

You could at some point take in the isles of the Firth of Clyde (Bute, Arran and Great Cumbrae)- from Wemyss Bay, Ardrossan and Largs respectively.
From Arran or Bute you could take the lead well travelled road off- the Lochranza and Colintraive/Portavadie ferries respectively to Kintyre and the less well visited garden isle of Gigha, and the whisky isle of Islay- Islay especially has many treasures apart from whisky, then over to the remote Isle of Jura.
Then drive back round through Lochgilphead, Inveraray and Loch Lomond. If you have time diverting to Loch Katrine and the Trossachs, ending with a final flourish at Stirling Castle.
It's pick and choose our of that as there is 3 to 4 weeks touring there.

isn31c has nailed it with some excellent suggestions. Dumfries and Galloway is very much the forgotten part of Scotland but it has so much going for it from good scenery, some serious mountains, lochs , ruined castles as well as stately homes. Throw in gardens, ruined abbeys and the early Christian heritage, plus lots lots more...

Have a look at Undiscovered Scotland for lots of ideas.

I must admit I'm tempted by isn31c's suggestions and I live in Scotland! Great ideas for a memorable trip.

Thank-you so much! I was wondering why there is little mention of the south in the Rick Steves' book....maybe everyone likes more crowded places? ;)

maybe everyone likes more crowded places?

So many people seem scared to do something different...