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Billed as Scotland's 'surprising southwest', it's only surprising if you expect magnificent mountain and coastal scenery to be confined to the Highlands.
National Express has coaches from London and Birmingham (via Manchester and Carlisle), and Glasgow/Edinburgh to Stranraer. Stagecoach Western (01387-253496) provides local bus services. Glasgow to Stranraer by rail is 3 hours.
ISLE OF ARRAN
Described as 'Scotland in miniature' because of its varied scenery, Arran is an hour's ferry ride from Ardrossan, conveniently accessible from Glasgow.
With 10 peaks over 600m, this is good walking country. A coastal road around the island provides good cycling (watch out for heavy traffic on summer weekends). The TIC (302140) in Brodick (the main town), has details of accommodation on the island. There's little to see here, although Brodick Castle is worth visiting. The best base is the peaceful village of Lochranza, 22.5km north. Lochranza Youth Hostel (830631) is a great place to stay, with beds for £9.25.
STRANRAER & CAIRNRYAN
Stranraer is more pleasant than the average ferry port, but there's no reason to stay. The bus and train stations, accommodation and TIC are close to the Stena and SeaCat terminals. The TIC (702595) has regional information and books accommodation Cairnryan is 8km north of Stranraer on the eastern side of the loch (accessed by bus from Stranraer).
The Southern Upland Way starts at Port-Patrick about 14.5km south of Stranraer and runs for 340km to Cockburnspath near Berwick-upon-Tweed. It offers varied walking country, but includes some long, demanding stretches. TICs stock guides and maps.
Frequent car and passenger ferries operate between Stranraer and nearby Cairnryan to Larne in Northern Ireland; Stena Line (0870-570 7070) runs to/from Stranraer and P&O (08702-424666) to/from Cairnryan. The fastest option is a SeaCat (0870-552 3523) between Stranraer and Belfast.
STIRLING
More than 40km north of Glasgow and occupying the most strategically important location in Scotland, Stirling (population 37,000) has witnessed many of the struggles of the Scots against the English. The cobbled streets of Stirling's attractive old town surround the castle. The TIC (475019), 41 Dumbarton Rd, opens all year.
The town is dominated by Stirling Castle (450000), perched dramatically on a rock. Mary Queen of Scots was crowned here and it was a favourite royal residence. Open daily, it's one of Scotland's most interesting castles.
Stirling Youth Hostel (473442, St John St) is central and an excellent place to stay. There are regular buses to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.
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