Scotland Guide
Central Scotland
Central Scotland, the strip of mainland north of the densely populated Glasgow– Edinburgh axis and south of the main swathe of Highlands, has been the main stage for some of the most important events in Scottish history. Stirling, its imposing castle perched high above the town, was historically the most important bridging point across the River Forth. From the castle battlements you can see the peaks of the forested Trossachs region, filled with archetypal Scottish scenery. Popular for walking and, in particular, cycling, much of the Trossachs, together with the attractive islands and "bonnie banks" of Loch Lomond, form the core of Scotland's first national park.
To the east, between the firths of Forth and Tay, lies the county of Fife, a Pictish kingdom that boasts a fascinating coastline sprinkled with historic fishing villages and sandy beaches, as well as the historic university town of St Andrews, famous worldwide for its venerable golf courses. A little to the north, the ancient town of Perth has as much claim as anywhere to be the gateway to the Highlands. Spectacular Highland Perthshire begins north and west of Perth – an area of glorious wooded mountainsides and inviting walks, particularly around Rannoch Moor.
Highlights
1 Stirling Castle Impregnable, impressive and resonant with history. If you see only one castle in Scotland, make it this one.
2 The Trossachs Pocket Highlands with shining lochs, wooded glens and noble peaks. Great for hiking and mountain biking.
3 Himalayas putting green, St Andrews The world's finest putting course right beside the world's finest golf course; a snip at £1.50 a round.
4 The East Neuk Buy freshly cooked lobster from the wooden shack at Crail's historic stone harbour or dine in style at TheCellar restaurant in the fishing town of Anstruther.
5 Forth Rail Bridge An icon of Victorian engineering spanning the Firth of Forth, floodlit to stunning effect at night.
6 Rannoch Moor One of the most inaccessible places in Scotland, where hikers can discover a true sense of remote emptiness.