Leave Glasgow and head west towards Loch Lomond, the first stop on our tour is Dumbarton Castle which has the oldest recorded history of any Scottish Fortress, dating back to the 5th century when Saint Patrick sent a letter to King Ceretic, it was the first written letter about a settlement there. Since then Viking Kings, William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth 2 have been here.

Leaving Dumbarton, it’s a short drive to your first view of ‘The Bonnie, Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond’. Those words are from the Scottish Folk song “You take the High Road and I’ll take the Low Road”. Loch Lomond has the largest surface area of any lake on the British mainland, It’s over 23 miles long. Just 10 minutes later we stop at Luss, one of Scotland's most popular villages to visit, Walk past the pretty sandstone and slate cottages to the pier for wonderful views up and down Loch Lomond and across the loch to the mountains. From the pier it’s a very short walk to the atmospheric church graveyard which has graves dating back to 600AD / 700AD with a Viking hogback grave stone as well.

Our route to Stirling from Loch Lomond is especially scenic with pretty villages, grand views and an optional stop at Glengoyne Distillery, available if you so chose. Just a quick stop to see the picturesque buildings, the shop and the yard full of whisky casks.

Approaching Stirling from the west, the Castle and The Wallace Monument are visible from quite a distance. Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland, historically and architecturally. The castle sits high on a volcanic outcrop, guarding the lowest crossing point of the River Forth. There is a lot to be discovered and enjoyed in the castle.

The William Wallace Monument Just a 8 minute drive from the Castle, this iconic monument is 220 feet high and sited on top of Abbey Craig hill above the fields, where in 1297, Wallace led his troops to victory at The Battle of Stirling Bridge. There are 276 steps to the top. A short drive from The Wallace Monument brings us to Stirling Bridge. The present Stirling Bridge was built in the 1400s replacing a succession of timber bridges. In 1297 William Wallace defeated Edward 1's forces at The Battle of Stirling Bridge. Today the bridge is one of the best medieval masonry arch bridges in Scotland.