Strathclyde
Strathclyde is located in the west-central part of the country, stretching from the coastline facing the Isle of Mull on its northwestern border to the outskirts of Dumfries and Galloway on its southern edge.
Second only to the Highlands in size, it encompasses several counties including Argyll and Bute, Ayrshire, Dunbartonshire, Lanarkshire, and Renfrewshire.
The geography of Strathclyde is diverse and boasts a wide range of landscapes. The region is characterized by a stunning mix of rugged mountains, serene lochs, and lush forests, with a wild and remote coastline that’s a haven for wildlife.
Strathclyde is also known for its rivers and lochs, the two most famous being the River Clyde which flows through the heart of Glasgow to its source in the Moffat Hills, and Loch Lomond which is the largest body of water by surface area in the United Kingdom.
Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, is brimming with tourist attractions and features artistic murals, Victorian architecture, and a wide array of museums and galleries as well as a beautiful cathedral and some of the best dining experiences in Scotland.
The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is arguably the crown jewel of the entire region, renowned for its sparkling lochs and enormous forests. A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, it offers near-limitless activities from hiking up Ben Lomond to cycling through the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.
Tourists in Strathclyde can also explore the region’s fascinating history.
The area is dotted with castles and historic sites that tell tales of Scotland’s past including the 18th-century Inveraray Castle which is a must-visit, and Dumbarton Castle which presents stunning views of the Clyde from its viewpoint on top of a promontory overlooking the river.
There are several islands within the Strathclyde region that are also worth mentioning, the highlight of which has to be the Isle of Arran, often referred to as ‘Scotland in Miniature’.
This island is a microcosm of Scotland at large and features a landscape that comprises mountain peaks (Goatfell is a fantastic climb), soft sandy beaches and expansive forests.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a city explorer, Strathclyde has something for everyone.
Find places to visit and things to do in Strathclyde with these visitor guides.
11 Best Free Attractions in Argyll and Bute
Visiting Scotland’s tourist attractions can be an expensive business, especially for those visitors travelling with a family. In this article you will discover a list of completely free-to-visit attractions in Argyll & Bute that are suitable for all ages, including historic buildings, walking routes, museums, and public parks.
Ardmucknish Bay Visitor Guide
Within the heart of Scotland’s picturesque Argyll and Bute region lies a breathtaking destination that often goes unnoticed by tourists: Ardmucknish Bay. This unspoiled haven boasts a mix of golden sand and pristine sheltered waters which are a popular destination for nature lovers and holidaymakers alike. In this article, we’ll explore the many facets of…
Arduaine Garden Visitor Guide
Tag: Parks & GardensNestled on the shimmering Argyll and Bute coastline, Arduaine Garden is a haven of botanical beauty that’s guaranteed to captivate all visitors. This spectacular garden, basking in a stunning location on Scotland’s west coast, spans 20 acres and is a testament to the vision of its creators, the Campbell family, who established it in 1898.…
Arran Coastal Way & A841 Ring Road Visitor Guide
Tag: Trails & RoutesThe Arran Coastal Way is a circular cycling and walking route around the perimeter of the Isle of Arran on Scotland’s west coast. This easy-going trail rewards visitors with stunning views at every section of its 65-mile length and there are plenty of opportunities to deviate onto nearby attractions along the way.
Balloch Castle Country Park Visitor Guide
Tag: Parks & GardensBalloch Castle Country Park is a 200-acre public park located at the southern end of Loch Lomond. This popular green space offers visitors easy access to the loch as well as a number of nature trails, ornamental woodland, play parks and formal gardens. The centre of the park is home to the 19th-century Balloch Castle…
Ben Cruachan Dam Visitor Guide
Tag: Mountains & HillsA visit to Ben Cruachan (which isn’t actually a mountain – it’s a Munro) rewards walkers with some of the finest views in the Southern Highlands, especially if they make it to the very top of its summit and gaze down at the multitude of rocky satellites below it.
Bonawe Iron Furnace Visitor Guide
Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace near Taynuilt, Argyll, is a restored ironworks that was founded in 1753. Although operations ceased in the 1870s it has since come under the management of Historic Environment Scotland and it is now a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the abandoned smelting buildings, storehouses and ironworks for a small fee.…
Brodick Castle Visitor Guide
Tag: CastlesBrodick Castle, former seat of power of the Dukes of Hamilton, is a grand 19th-century castle located a few miles north of the town of Brodick on the Isle of Arran. The castle is surrounded by an exceptionally large and well-maintained garden and country park and is currently managed by the National Trust for Scotland.
Brodick Visitor Guide
Tag: Towns & VillagesBrodick is the main village on the Isle of Arran which is situated on the west coast of Scotland. The town lies halfway along the eastern side of the island where it overlooks Brodick Bay and Goatfell mountain. It is the arrival point for most visitors due to the ferry port but is popular in…
Dunstaffnage Castle Visitor Guide
Tag: CastlesDunstaffnage Castle is perched on top of a rock overlooking the Firth of Lorn. It is located close to Oban and makes an ideal stopping-off point for visitors waiting for a ferry to the west coast islands. The castle was built in 1240 AD as the stronghold of the MacDougall clan, but it’s now managed…
Forests on Arran Visitor Guide
Tag: Forests & WoodlandsThe forests of Arran offer some of the best mountain biking routes of any of the west-coast islands and any cycle ride is almost guaranteed to include sightings of Arran’s famed red squirrels. The most popular wooded areas are; Brodick Castle, Dyemill, Glenrickard, King’s Cave, North Sannox and South End.
Glen Loin & Coiregrograin Visitor Guide
Tag: Trails & RoutesThis scenic walking route runs through the dramatic mountain peaks and glens of the Arrochar Alps in the Strathclyde region. At around 11 miles the route offers an enjoyable walk on paths that vary between tarmac and muddy woodland on a circuit that’s mostly level with a few minor climbs. Along the way, walkers will…
Glen Nant Nature Reserve Visitor Guide
The Glen Nant National Nature Reserve in Argyll is an enchanting woodland sanctuary that breathes life into the term ‘natural beauty’. This 836-acre wildlife paradise is a testament to the region’s diverse flora and fauna, providing a home for an array of species from delicate wildflowers to elusive red squirrels. Packed with a mosaic of…
Goatfell Visitor Guide
Tag: Mountains & HillsGoatfell is an 874-metre mountain on the Isle of Arran on Scotland’s west coast. The mountain (designated a Corbett) is one of four on the island and is located three miles west of Brodick Castle. Although Goatfell is the highest point on the Isle of Arran the walk to the summit is quite easy with…
Holy Isle Visitor Guide
Tag: IslandsHoly Isle is located close to the eastern shore of the Isle of Arran on Scotland’s west coast. This small (one square mile) island has a rich religious history dating back hundreds of years and the tradition of quiet seclusion continues to this day thanks to the Centre for World Peace and Health located on…
Inveraray Castle Visitor Guide
Tag: CastlesInveraray Castle in Argyll is situated on the shore of Loch Fyne in western Scotland where it has been the home of the Dukes of Argyll since the 18th century. The castle is open to the public for self-guided tours and visitors are welcome to walk around the beautiful gardens during their visit. Discover this…
Isle of Arran Visitor Guide
Tag: IslandsThe Isle of Arran on Scotland’s southwest coast is home to popular attractions including Goatfell mountain, Brodick Castle, Brodick town and Machrie moor. Discover this stunning island with this comprehensive guide and learn why it truly lives up to its nickname ‘Scotland in miniature’.
John Muir Way, Balloch Visitor Guide
Tag: Trails & RoutesThis walk on the John Muir Way takes you on a journey through Balloch Castle Country Park, past the fantastic views of Loch Lomond, and over the Kilpatrick Hills to Strathblane. Along the way you’ll get to experience a real sense of the wildness that this part of the country is famous for. Discover this…
John Muir Way, Helensburgh Visitor Guide
Tag: Trails & RoutesThe walk from Helensburgh to Balloch is a perfect opportunity to appreciate Helensburgh with its lovely beach and numerous cafés, as well as the countryside that extends across this stunning area of the Trossachs in South-West Scotland. Discover this beautiful and under-appreciated region of Scotland with this complete visitor guide.
Kilchurn Castle Visitor Guide
Tag: CastlesKilchurn Castle is located near the A85 at the foot of Loch Awe in Argyll. The castle was built in the 15th century as the power base of the Campbells of Glenorchy but it is now managed by Historic Environment Scotland. Admission is free. Discover Kilchurn Castle with this complete visitor guide.
Loch Lomond Visitor Guide
Tag: Lochs & RiversWith a surface area of 27.5 square miles, Loch Lomond is Britain’s largest body of freshwater. This immense loch is situated within the beautiful Trossachs National Park, surrounded by forests, quaint villages, and soaring mountain peaks. The loch is one of the most-visited natural attractions in Scotland due to its proximity to Glasgow. It is…
Lochranza Visitor Guide
Tag: Towns & VillagesThe village of Lochranza on the Isle of Arran is located in an exceptionally picturesque area on the north of the island. Although it is mostly visited for the small ferry terminal that connects the island to Claonaig on the mainland, Lochranza is also worth visiting for its tourist attractions. The village lies at the…
Luss Visitor Guide
Tag: Towns & VillagesLuss is an attractive conservation village situated on the shores of Loch Lomond in The Trossachs National Park. The village has a long history dating back to the early 6th century but it wasn’t until the 1980s that it became a tourist destination when the popular Scottish TV drama Take The High Road was filmed…
McCaig’s Tower Visitor Guide
McCaig’s Tower is situated on a hill overlooking the centre of Oban, where visitors are rewarded with panoramic views across the town and the islands beyond. The ‘tower’ is actually a circular wall ringed with open windows that was built as a monument to the wealthy McCaig family in the early 1900s, but today it’s…
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