926 Glasgow – Campbeltown

This is one of the most amazing journeys possible. The hustle and bustle of Glasgow is left behind as the coach goes over the Clyde with wonderful views down the river, then it's to lovely Loch Lomond which is visible on the right hand side. Past the Loch Lomond Golf Centre, then the delightful Duch Bay, the journey meanders past farmland and with the Loch never far away until Tarbet emerges and a great connection for hour long tours of Lomond.

Arrochar Tea Rooms is soon into view, overlooking the Loch and then it's ever so serene as the coach goes through forest land but with the sight of Loch Long. Rising higher and higher, the view is incredible, aerial like on the side of the mountains, looking down on the still Loch Restil.

Stunning views of Loch Fyne emerge and then round the coach goes into Inveraray, with rocks on the shore and tree branches straddling the bay. The famous castle is on the right and the coach stops for just over 10 minutes, enabling a quick photo-stop of the harbour. Inland slightly through the small town the coach makes its way, past the jail, nearly trimmed bushes and perfectly manicured gardens and then the scenery becomes even more incredible, caressing the coast and the Mull of Kintyre, past Westport Bay and then into the picturesque Campbeltown, with its many monuments and fabulous harbour providing the most idyllic denouement to a truly perfect picture postcard journey.

Start your journey in Glasgow, a city that blends bold architecture, creative energy and a famously warm welcome. Begin the morning wandering through the elegant streets around George Square and Merchant City, where grand Victorian buildings now house independent cafés, galleries and boutiques. Art lovers should not miss the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, home to everything from Salvador Dalí to natural history displays, while the nearby University of Glasgow offers Hogwarts-like cloisters and sweeping views across the West End. Before leaving the city, take time for a coffee in one of the many independent cafés around Finnieston or stroll through Kelvingrove Park along the River Kelvin.

Leaving Glasgow behind, the landscape quickly transforms as the road heads north into the Highlands’ gateway. Your first stop is Tarbet, sitting on the shores of Loch Lomond within the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Here you can step aboard a scenic boat tour across the vast, shimmering waters of the loch. Surrounded by wooded hills and scattered islands, the cruise offers a completely different perspective on Scotland’s most famous loch. Keep an eye out for wildlife, breathe in the crisp air and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the water before continuing the journey.

From Tarbet the route winds through spectacular Highland scenery towards Inveraray, a picturesque whitewashed town on the banks of Loch Fyne and an ideal place to spend the night. Inveraray Castle, the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, is the town’s most famous landmark, with grand rooms and beautifully landscaped gardens to explore. The Inveraray Jail is another highlight, offering an immersive glimpse into 19th-century prison life. In the evening, stroll along the lochside promenade before enjoying dinner at one of the town’s cosy restaurants. Fresh seafood is a speciality here, particularly oysters and langoustines from nearby waters.

The following day, continue along the spectacular west coast towards Campbeltown, a harbour town at the southern tip of the Kintyre peninsula. Once known as the whisky capital of the world, Campbeltown still proudly celebrates its distilling heritage. A tour of one of the local distilleries such as Springbank or Glen Scotia offers a fascinating insight into traditional whisky production. Wander along the harbour, visit the Campbeltown Heritage Centre to learn about the town’s maritime past, or take a short drive to nearby beaches and coastal viewpoints where the Atlantic stretches endlessly westward.

As evening falls, settle in for dinner overlooking the harbour and a pint or wee dram at the Black Sheep pub. Traditional Scottish pubs and seafood restaurants serve hearty dishes made with local produce, from freshly landed fish to rich Highland stews. With the sea breeze drifting in and the lights reflecting across the harbour, Campbeltown provides a memorable and fitting end to this two-day journey through some of western Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes.