Stirling

Stirling is the ancient capital of Scotland, laying at the heart of the nation’s history and linked to two of its best-known heroes, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. Occupying a strategic position in the cultural heartland of Scotland, it is surrounded by glorious countryside and yet under an hour away from both Edinburgh and Glasgow. The cobblestoned streets of the Old Town wind upwards towards the Castle, set on a craggy outcrop 250 feet above the surrounding landscape. Past activities have included, Stirling Castle or the Wallace Monument.

Hadrian's Wall and the Borders

Having conquered most of what is modern day England, the Romans decided that the Scots were simply too ferocious to do battle with. They retreated south and built the infamous Hadrian’s Wall – which runs close to the modern day England-Scotland border. Nowadays sections of the wall still remain intact, as do the ruins of many of the forts the Romans built along the wall’s length to defend themselves. An amazing opportunity to step back in time and imagine life in Roman Britain!

Students will also have a chance to explore the Scottish Borders, a region covering about eighteen hundred square miles. Rolling hills and moorland and lush agricultural plains characterize this sedate and peaceful part of the country. It is home to several beautiful ruined abbeys and imposing stately homes.

Oban and Isles of Mull and Iona

Although perhaps not as famous as some of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides which include Mull & Iona are not to be missed. Mull is the largest of these islands and features a variety of landscapes including the rolling hills of Glen More and stunning bays visible from the arrival on the ferry. And of course, what would a Scottish island be without a few castles thrown in for good measure as well?

Iona lies to the southwest of Mull. With a population not even hitting triple figures, it might not seem like much but the island is of great importance to the history of Christianity and is thought to be the birthplace of the religion on the British mainland. The island is surrounded by crystal blue water and covered in lush green grass. It is an ideal peaceful and tranquil getaway from the hustle and bustle of Scotland’s mainland.

All this is accessible from the idyllic coastal town of Oban – a seafood lover's paradise and home to unique local wildlife. Students are bound to fall in love with this part of Scotland!

Loch Lomand and the Trossachs National Park

Loch Lomond is the largest freshwater lake in the UK and Scotland’s second most famous loch after Loch Ness. You may be familiar with the loch from the song “Loch Lomond”. The loch certainly lives up to the description it is given in the song – that is as having “bonnie, bonnie banks” (bonnie is a Scottish word for pretty!). At the south end the landscape surrounding the loch is fairly flat but as it reaches the north banks the landscape becomes more mountainous and imposing, meeting with Scotland’s Highlands. There are various viewing points and charming little villages surrounding the loch. Part of the West Highland Way, a 96-mile walk undertaken by many visitors to Scotland, which goes from just outside Glasgow up to Fort William runs by the banks of the river.

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a stunning medieval city and home to the oldest university in Scotland where Prince William and Kate Middleton studied and met. It is also, of course, the home of golf. There are several golf courses in the town including the world famous Old Course and the town also has its own Golf Museum – great for those of us maybe not keen to play but who want to find out more about this famous sport! On top of all this is a stunning medieval cathedral and a beautiful ruined castle, which both played an important part in the reformation here in Scotland, surrounded by beautiful blue flag beaches!

Loch Ness

Steeped in history and legend, the Highlands of Scotland is one of the last pristine regions of Europe. This is a land of high mountains, breathtaking islands, spectacular glens and deep, mysterious lochs. There is nature and wildlife to enjoy, imposing castles to explore and tales of folklore, heroes, and legends to savor. You will find beautiful sites such as Glencoe with its Three Sisters, a trio of iconic stunning mountains. Also, there is Glenfinnan, home to the Glenfinnan Viaduct – most famous for its appearance in Harry Potter as the bridge that the Hogwarts Express crosses. And of course, last but not least, Loch Ness – home to the Loch Ness monster. People have claimed to have spotted the infamous monster for hundreds of years but you can make up your own mind!

Stirling

Stirling is the ancient capital of Scotland, laying at the heart of the nation’s history and linked to two of its best-known heroes, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. Occupying a strategic position in the cultural heartland of Scotland, it is surrounded by glorious countryside and yet under an hour away from both Edinburgh and Glasgow. The cobblestoned streets of the Old Town wind upwards towards the Castle, set on a craggy outcrop 250 feet above the surrounding landscape. Past activities have included, Stirling Castle or the Wallace Monument.

Hadrian's Wall and the Borders

Having conquered most of what is modern day England, the Romans decided that the Scots were simply too ferocious to do battle with. They retreated south and built the infamous Hadrian’s Wall – which runs close to the modern day England-Scotland border. Nowadays sections of the wall still remain intact, as do the ruins of many of the forts the Romans built along the wall’s length to defend themselves. An amazing opportunity to step back in time and imagine life in Roman Britain!

Students will also have a chance to explore the Scottish Borders, a region covering about eighteen hundred square miles. Rolling hills and moorland and lush agricultural plains characterize this sedate and peaceful part of the country. It is home to several beautiful ruined abbeys and imposing stately homes.

Oban and Isles of Mull and Iona

Although perhaps not as famous as some of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides which include Mull & Iona are not to be missed. Mull is the largest of these islands and features a variety of landscapes including the rolling hills of Glen More and stunning bays visible from the arrival on the ferry. And of course, what would a Scottish island be without a few castles thrown in for good measure as well?

Iona lies to the southwest of Mull. With a population not even hitting triple figures, it might not seem like much but the island is of great importance to the history of Christianity and is thought to be the birthplace of the religion on the British mainland. The island is surrounded by crystal blue water and covered in lush green grass. It is an ideal peaceful and tranquil getaway from the hustle and bustle of Scotland’s mainland.

All this is accessible from the idyllic coastal town of Oban – a seafood lover's paradise and home to unique local wildlife. Students are bound to fall in love with this part of Scotland!