The Skinny's Summer Daytrips from Glasgow 2022

If you're in town long enough, take advantage of Glasgow's position on the central belt and hit the road to the islands/Highlands/Lowlands or anywhere in between. Since you're already on the west coast, make your first mission to see some water.

Head for the hills just north of Glasgow to visit Loch Lomond (of song fame) and the Trossachs National Park. Although great for camping, cycling and walking, try ferry rides on Lochs Lomond and Katrine for the most exciting view of the landscapes.

Just to the west, you can follow the Clyde Sea Loch Trail, which takes you around the beautiful tidal inlets of the Firth of Clyde. The route passes through Helensburgh, where you can visit the Charles Rennie Mackintosh-designed Hill House mansion, and ends at Dumbarton Castle, an Iron Age stronghold nestled in the dramatic volcanic basalt of Dumbarton Rock.

Dumbarton

If you have strong seafaring legs, the west coast has a never-ending supply of islands to explore. From Largs you can head out to Cumbrae, which you may hear called Millport after the island’s sole town. Hiring bikes (for one, two, or seven passengers) is a Millport rite of passage, but watch out for cars as you’re passing the ferry terminal! Bute (accessible via Wemyss Bay) plays host to Mount Stuart, a striking neo-gothic mansion built in the late 19th century, while you can catch the ferry to Arran from Ardrossan to enjoy the island that some call “Scotland in miniature” (it’s easy to see why – after all, it does have hills, castles, golf and whisky).

Fancy a swim? Ayrshire’s the place for you – with 84 miles of coastline, there’s a beach for everyone. Troon and Ayr itself are easily accessible by public transport, or head for Dunure Beach to bathe under the ruins of Dunure Castle. Alternatively, if you like swimming but are scared you might bump into a basking shark, the Gourock Outdoor Pool is a heated saltwater lido with breathtaking views across the Firth of Clyde. Get food on Kempock Street afterwards and revel in the beauty of the seaside.

Daytripping from Glasgow doesn’t have to include water though (witches breathe a sigh of relief); on the west coast alone you’re spoilt for choice with cultural and historical landmarks. Back in Ayrshire there’s a wealth of museums and monuments dedicated to Scotland’s Bard – in his birthplace of Alloway you can find the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Burns Cottage and Burns Monument.

The spectacular Culzean Castle sits a little further down the coast, perched on the cliffs, surrounded by its sprawling grounds and deer park. For a middle-aged castle with a modern twist, visit the Kelburn Country Estate, where you’ll find a 16th century castle that has been covered in graffiti by a team of leading Brazilian graffiti artists and local Scottish talent – the result is quite dramatic.

If you want to learn more about Scotland’s history, David Livingstone Birthplace in Blantyre attempts a balanced examination of the life of the Scottish explorer. Its exhibits present Livingstone against the backdrop of Victorian-era Scotland, and use him as a vehicle through which to educate about Scotland’s industrial past as well as its role in colonialism. Moving further south, New Lanark, one of Scotland’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is an 18th century mill-village of striking proportions. It’s accessible via local coach from Lanark bus station, or direct from Buchanan Street – details for both services can be retrieved by calling Stuart's Coaches on 01555 773533.

New Lanark

In the centre of Scotland lies Stirling, one of Scotland’s ancient capitals. Stirling is just a half-hour train journey from Glasgow, and is built around what we will, perhaps controversially, name ‘Scotland’s Best Castle’. Take the tour, and be invited to sit on a reconstruction of the King’s throne, or stand on the battlements and look out over miles of historic battlefields as the wind whips through your hair and you pretend to be in an episode of Outlander.

Scotland’s modern-day capital, Edinburgh, is within easy striking distance of Glasgow – a mere 50 minutes by train from Queen Street Station. It’s full of historic hills and mounds to climb, and beautiful views to reward you when you do. Investigate the galleries and museums scattered across the centre, or mosey into the various and distinct neighbourhoods to shop and appreciate the architecture (Dean Village is relatively central, and generally less saturated with tourists than spots like the castle). As August approaches, the city will play host to the famed Edinburgh festivals, which will see thousands of visitors return to see shows across the Edinburgh International Festival, Fringe, Art and Book festivals among others. Even if you don’t want to take in a show, a trip through is worth it for the atmosphere alone – food trucks, street performers, and a 5am clubbing licence are just some of the attractions of Edinburgh in August. For a more in-depth guide around the capital, check out The Skinny Guide to Edinburgh, or for a dissection of the city’s festival offerings, pick up a copy of our sister publication Fest (issuu.com/festmag).

If you’re willing to travel just a little further (an hour and a half on the train), and would like to investigate one of Scotland’s smaller cities, head for Dundee. Upon walking out of the station you’ll immediately be struck by Scotland’s first design museum – the V&A Dundee sits centrally among such other features of the city’s waterfront as the RRS Discovery, Jannettas Gelateria and the striking Tay Whale sculpture. For a proper expedition into the city, you can grab some fish and chips and head for the top of the Law (fish and chips optional), or head down the Perth Road stopping at every pub, shop and gallery along the way.