I am planning my second visit to Scotland. The first time we went to the classic "must see" places, Edinburgh, the Highlands, Mull, Iona and Staffa, and Skye, as well as the Orkney Islands. This time I would like to spend some time in Glasgow, the Borders, and Perthshire, and places within driving distance of these locations. Can you give me some ideas about "ought to see" places that might not be the typical tourist destinations? I like castles, preferably ruined, but two or three would be plenty. I'd also like to get some good food, and see some well-preserved smaller old towns.
Posted by
Royaume-Uni nul points, pas plus
2507 posts
What about the south west - Dumfries and Galloway? Plenty of castles and small towns less visited by tourists.
Explore the linked interactive map for more info
https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/usmapindexes/southwestern.html
and for the Borders
https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/usmapindexes/southern.html
Posted by
California
132 posts
I second the vote for Dumfries and Galloway. I spent 2 weeks in this area and the Borders on my third trip to Scotland and couldn't figure out why it had taken me so long to get there. If it's villages you're looking for, I enjoyed spending time in both New Abbey and Kirkcudbright. I love ruins too, and there are lots of ruined castles and abbeys in the area. My favorite castle was Caerlaverock. And for abbeys you can't beat Dundrennan and Sweatheart Abbey.
If you decide to stick to the Borders, I can recommend Dryburgh Abbey, Melrose Abbey and Jedburgh Abbey. (I did warn you that I love ruins.) We actually stayed at the Dryburgh Abbey hotel, which had beautiful grounds and you could walk to the Abbey. Hope this helps!
Posted by
OP
63 posts
Thanks for your suggestions, and for the link to the map. I will definitely add these areas and sites to my planning.