7 Days of Iconic Sightseeing in The West of Scotland

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See all the city's best bits from the top seat of a double decker bus! With multi-lingual guided tours, a great view of the city and plenty of fascinating facts, this is a fabulous way to get acquainted with a brand new city.

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Right in the heart of Glasgow, The Lighthouse is Scotland's Centre for Design and Architecture. Housed in the former Glasgow Herald building, it was the first public commission of Glasgow's own Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Admire the panoramic views of the city from the top floor, and check out the artworks and exhibitions on display.

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Glasgow's trendy West End is home to Kelvingrove, a free museum packed with over 8,000 intriguing objects and artefacts. The museum houses an extraordinary collection of art, from the Dutch Old Masters and the French Impressionists, to perhaps its most famous piece, Christ of St John of the Cross by Salvador Dali.

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Afterwards, take a wander along Byres Road, a pleasant, bustling street lined with a variety of independent shops. You'll find some great places to eat and drink in this part of town - be sure to try Ashton Lane for a few local favourite spots. Glasgow also has superb accommodation options, so you can rest and recharge your batteries after a busy day in the city.

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Indulge with a lengthy luncheon at this magnificent baronial mansion, where you'll find a selection of restaurants and brasseries, including the Michelin-star Martin Wishart at Loch Lomond. Golfers can tee off at the 18-hole championship course, and there's a tranquil spa, complete with a rooftop infinity pool.

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Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is a hiker's paradise, with stunning vistas in every direction. Lace up your boots and explore the Luss Heritage Trail, a lovely short walk around a quaint loch-side village. Or, why not spend another day here and challenge yourself to something a little more strenuous? The most southerly Munro Ben Lomond, Ben A'an, and The Cobbler are all rewarding climbs nearby.

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Take in the glorious views of Loch Lomond from the top of this 8 m high, pyramid-shaped viewing platform on the west side of the loch, made entirely from sustainable timber. The perfect spot for a selfie! 

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Explore this wee port town with its distinctive row of pastel-coloured houses. There is a distillery, a local museum and several pubs here too. 

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Stretch your legs by taking the short climb from Oban town centre up to McCaig's Tower to admire the views across the bay and towards the isles. 

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If you haven't yet experienced this region's top quality seafood, what are you waiting for? Oban is Scotland's Seafood Capital and is famous for its flavoursome feasts. Along the harbour, fresh catch is hauled straight from the shores and onto your dinner plate. Enjoy!

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The glen has lived through a turbulent and dramatic history, leaving an atmospheric imprint on the landscape. Stop for a cup of tea at the educational visitor centre, before going on a short walk to the infamous location of the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692.

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With towering peaks looming out of every window, this cosy inn has made room for weary travellers for over 300 years. It's the perfect place to stop and refuel after a day outdoors. Get to know the locals and try some of the local ales and beers, or settle down for a hearty pub dinner. 

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Broadford lies in the shadow of the imposing Cuillins, and is the first town you come to after crossing the Skye bridge. 

Catch the bus service to Elgol, a remote community on the west coast of Skye offering boat trips as well as wonderful scenery of the Cuillins. This is often described as Scotland's finest mountain view, so have the camera charged and ready for some snaps!

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Gazing out at these peaks might help you understand why Skye's name comes from the ancient Norse meaning 'cloud island'. The mist-enshrouded Cuillin peaks will delight all walkers, whether you fancy a gentle amble or an energetic hike. Please visit Walk Highlands for more information about routes or watch our 360° video. Always check the conditions before you head out.

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Portree is a lovely place to stay while you're on Skye. It's one of the island's most thriving spots, with plenty of accommodation options and places to eat and drink. 

Explore local attractions around Portree. The award-winning Aros Centre covers the heritage of Skye and the lives of the island's sea eagles, and also has a great exhibition on St Kilda, a remote archipelago off the west of Scotland which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, take a stroll around the harbour.

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A place that sparks the daydreams of walkers, photographers and geologists is the Trotternish region. Here, you can see the Old Man of Storr, one of the most characteristic pinnacles of Skye and if you have time, it's worth continuing further north to complete walking the loop of the Quiraing.

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This castle is set on a spectacular location on a rocky perch beside a loch, surrounded by verdant woodland. And its history is bound to impress too - it's the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and it's been the ancestral home of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years.

Outside, explore the grounds and get a seal-eye view of the castle as you enjoy a boat trip on Loch Dunvegan.

Time to explore

3 hours

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The original distillery on the Isle of Skye, set on the shores of Loch Harport with dramatic views of the Cuillins. Take a distillery tour and enjoy the sweet tastes of Skye's full-bodied whisky.

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Drive to the majestic Eilean Donan Castle. A true icon of the Scottish landscape, it's distinguished by its long arched bridge and lochside setting. This location is pretty special - strategically it is set on its own little island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and it overlooks the Isle of Skye. Unsurprisingly, it's one of the most photographed places in the country.

Inside, see period furniture, Jacobean artefacts, displays of weapons and fine art, and learn about the tough battles the castle endured during one of Scotland's most violent eras.

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The magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct was featured in the Harry Potter films. The famous viaduct carries the railway to Glenfinnan Station across a 1,000 ft span, 100 ft above the ground. Experience your own magical train journey by taking a trip on the Jacobite Steam Train between Fort William and Mallaig in summer months, with regular trains available the rest of the year.

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A lovely little half-way stop, the Green Welly has become a famous place for road trippers travelling through Scotland. Take a well-earned break here, pick up some Scottish souvenirs in the gift shop and enjoy a cup of tea and a homemade scone in the café.

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It's certainly been a busy seven days, but all good things come to an end. Your camera will be bursting with beautiful pictures and memories from the west, so once you're back in Glasgow, enjoy a little bit of chill time to reflect on your adventures. 

Next time you come to Scotland, why not consider doing seven days in the east of Scotland?