Scotland has seven cities – and five are on the coast. SIMON BALDWIN takes a tour of them with recommendations on what to see, unique places to stay and where to enjoy some of the finest food and drink
Miles of words have been written about the North Coast 500, so we’re steering clear on this occasion and focusing on Inverness and the immediate coastline that can be enjoyed on a break.
The city divides two firths – Beauly and Moray. On the western side, why not cycle the Beauly Firth Loop, an exploration of stunning landscapes, historic villages and wildlife that skirts the coastline on a 26-mile ride? You’ll enjoy views of the sea and mountains as well as heritage sites, including the 17th century Wardlaw Mausoleum that starred in the film Outlander.
Bring your walking boots and explore the Highland capital with trails and paths that take you in and around the city – along the River Ness, canal locks and shoreline. For the more adventurous, you can make Inverness your starting point to take on the 146-mile John O’ Groats Trail.
Where to stay? The city has a wealth of hotels and guest houses. Looking for something different? Try the Ghillies Lodge on the banks of the Ness in the city. It sleeps up to six and is pet-friendly. On the tidal Ness you’ll find one of the best places to enjoy local fayre: the Mustard Seed Restaurant. Created in a former church building, it has kept many of the original features. Best of all, they’ve added a top floor terrace with great river views for dining alfresco – and to enjoy a cocktail or two.
They have lunch, early evening and dinner menus – cater for kids – and also have a great whisky ‘scatter graph’ that lays out their collection showing light versus rich and delicate versus smoky: a great introduction to those trying malts for the first time.
Across to Scotland’s north east coast and the Granite City of Aberdeen that has grown up over centuries around the mouth of the River Don. In fact, the city’s very name translates as ‘Mouth of the River Don’ with records dating back to 1180.
Wherever you walk, there’s no escaping the granite. So fine was the stone from the now defunct Rubislaw Quarry that around six million tonnes of it were used to help build not only Aberdeen’s finest buildings but also London’s Waterloo Bridge and the Palace of Westminster’s River Terrace.
Softening the granite landscape is an incredible array of parks and gardens – more than 40 in total – where millions of daffodils, crocuses and roses provide a breathtaking splash of colour and has seen Aberdeen win the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom Best City title on ten occasions.
Where to stay? Be…enlightened! Book in advance to secure your accommodation in one of the city’s most historic landmarks, t
