EDINBURGH - #1 FAST FOOD LOCATION: Over the last few months I have featured top fast food locations around the Glasgow area. This time, I visited Lynne's Scrumptious Snax at the Hermiston Gait Retail Park, the number one 'quick bite' location according to Tripadvisor. I try the Badass burger, and it lives up to it's name.
A RUDE COMMENT BRINGS ME TO DUNDEE: I was last in Dundee around 18 months ago, and with just 90 minutes between trains, I decided to visit the V&A Museum. Unfortunately due to a fire evacuation, I wasn't able to enter. A viewer left me a very long-winded and slightly disturbing comment. As far as I could gather, he was disappointed at me voicing my disappointment, which I found disappointing. To make amends, I return to Dundee to visit the Victoria and Albert Museum, and to enjoy the 'Night Fever: Designing Club Culture' display.
GLASGOW BOTANIC GARDENS: Glasgow's weather can be a bit changeable at times, so the best activities are indoors. Another bonus is when entry is free. At Glasgow's West End is the Botanic Gardens, which features the amazing Kibble Palace. The Botanic Gardens include semi-arid, carnivorous and succulent plants, as well as hundreds of ferns. This is a great place to spend a few hours, expecially in winter when the air outside if cool, and the air inside is lovely and warm. Also, what lurks behind the bushes? @GlasgowBotanic
THE MYSTERIOUS CLOSES OF EDINBURGH'S ROYAL MILE: There are over 80 closes, or passageways, radiating off the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Most visitors to the city see these mysterious close entrances, but few know the stories behind them, or even explore them.
THE BEST HOTELS IN GLASGOW: I recently featured a video of Glasgow's worst hotels. To even things out, this video featured the five best hotels in Glasgow according to Tripadvisor rankings. Fun decor, a bar with stunning views and free cookies - a great day out. For research and information purposes I also had to pick up a cookie and have a beer. See the Doubletree by Hilton, Radisson Red, Ibis Styles, Dakota Glasgow, Grasshoppers and Pipers' Tryst.
GLASGOW TO BEN NEVIS: Okay, it's taken 15 years to get to this point, but here I am. I finally decide to walk the West Highland Way from Milngavie to Fort William. However, to up the ante a little, I decide to make it more difficult, by starting the walk on the banks of the River Clyde and finishing on the summit of Ben Nevis, over 7 stages, covering 187km or 116 miles. I'll be brutally honest, it was harder than I expected, and even the parts walked before still had their challenges:
Stage 1 - Glasgow to Milngavie
Stage 2 - Milngavie to Balmaha
Stage 3 - Balmaha to Inverarnan
Stage 4 - Inverarnan to Bridge of Orchy
Stage 5 - Bridge of Orchy to Kinlochleven
Stage 6 - Kinlochleven to Fort william
Stage 7 - Fort william to Ben Nevis
GLASGOW - MY 5 HAPPY PLACES: I actually can't remember what inspired me to make this video. I think I was lying in bed, and I thought of one of the happy places which was eventually mentioned in the video, and thought of others. They all came to me very quickly, and there are probably many others. This personal journey takes you to outer space and aliens, Glasgow airport, Scotland's largest train station, a little painting by Salvador Dali and an aborted trip to the tropics.
SCOTLAND'S ULURU: You can't climb Uluru in Australia's Northern Territory as it is now under the control of indigenous Australians, but you can climb Scotland's answer - the Greendykes Bing by Broxburn, west of Edinburgh. Whereas Uluru is a sacred site, Greendykes Bing is a sacred dump, made up of millions of tons of shale from a former shale oil mining site.
GLASGOW'S NUMBER ONE FAST FOOD: While playing around with Tripadvisor, I wondered what Glasgow's best and favourite 'quick bite' takeaway was. I guessed it would be something like kebabs, pizzas or fish and chips. The number one location was MacTassos who specialised in Greek and Mediterranean street food. I was seriously surprised and seriously impressed.
TIMETABLE CHALLENGE #2: Feeling brave, I decided to attempt a second Timetable Challenge. Although domestic travel is returning to some sort of normality, capacity is still restricted on public transport. I travel on 3 ferries, 6 buses and one train, passing through Inveraray, Tarbert, Claonaig, Lochranza, Blackwaterfoot and Brodick on the Isle of Arran.
FORTH & CLYDE CANAL: The length of the Forth & Clyde Canal is 35 miles, and if you feel so inclined it's possible to walk its entire length - but not be me and not today. 9 miles was enough, from Bowling to Maryhill. I pass 23 locks and have a close look at the Kelvin Aqueduct.
SCOTTISH SNACKS: What better way to learn about Scottish snacks and confectionery than from a Scotsman! Plenty of sugar, chocolate, coconut and crumbs. Items include Tunnocks Tea Cake, Tunnocks snowball, Tunnocks caramel wafer, fudge, tablet, macaroon, butterscotch, millionaire's shortbread, rock and Edinburgh Rock, Scottish shortbread, oatcakes and that unmentionable item!
EMBER ELECTRIC INTERCITY BUS: Ember of Edinburgh operate the UK's first fully electric long distance intercity bus service from Dundee to Edinburgh via Perth. This was my first time on a Chinese Yutong coach and I was pleasantly surprised. This is part of our new 'green' future, and it looks fabulous. I just hope these fine buses can stand the jolting of our roads.
SCULPTURES BY ANDY SCOTT: This was a personal journey. I wanted to see six sculptures by Scottish-born sculptor Andy Scott. I started in Dumbarton, then Partick, Cumbernauld, Dunbar, Aberdeen and ended in Falkirk with The Kelpies. Andy Scott concentrates on steel sculptures.
I TRAVEL 120 MILES FOR A MAC & CHEESE: With an 87% excellent rating on Tripadvisor, I wondered if the famous Mac & Cheese Toastie from the Cheesy Toast Shark in St. Andrews was worth a journey of 120 miles (240 miles round trip). I visit St Andrews University, the old course (home of golf) and the sites of this historic town before sitting on the beach to enjoy one of the best cheese toasties I had ever tasted.
GLASGOW'S WORST HOTELS: I love looking at 'Terrible' reviews on Tripadvisor. I wondered, based on this review, what the top 10 (or should I say bottom ten) worst hotels in Glasgow were. Some were predictable, but quite a few were a complete surprise to me. There was a good reason why I couldn't/wouldn't stay at the worst hotel in Glasgow.
THE SLOW TRAIN TO EDINBURGH: There are 5 direct rail journeys from Glasgow Queen Street low level station to Edinburgh Waverley. I decide to catch the slowest service which takes twice as long as the quickest. I had never travelled on this line before, so come and share the experience with me.
LARGS, WEMYSS BAY and GOUROCK: I visit Largs and Wemyss Bay in Ayrshire, and Gourock in Inverclyde. See stunning Glasgow Central station, the nods towards Largs' viking past, a beautiful station at Wemyss Bay, and the resort of Gourock. See some of the ferries which visit western Scotland's islands.
FALKIRK: Located between Edinburgh and Glasgow is the town of Falkirk. This was my first visit to the town, and based on the attractions, I was well overdue. This was my first sight of the historic Union Canal, the amazing Kelpies and the Roman Antonine Wall.
RAIL - Glasgow to Oban: I catch the Scotrail service from Glasgow Queen Street for the spectacular highland trip to Oban, but get off one stop early at Connel Ferry. I explore an impressive man-made structure and look over a natural wonder. I then walk to Oban airport. Walk to an airport?? How many people have ever done that?
ARRAN and GOAT FELL: I catch a train and a ferry and then follow the path to the summit. What could possibly go wrong. Goat Fell is the highest point on the Scottish isle of Arran. Climbing the hill was a little difficult. Coming back down and NOT getting lost was more difficult.
RAIL - GLASGOW TO DUNDEE: I could have caught a 90 minute direct train from Glasgow to Dundee but where's the challenge in that. I catch 5 trains, including a change at Edinburgh Waverley. The line in Fife skirts the sea and offers fine views. See the UNESCO World Heritage Forth Bridge and very long Tay Bridge as well.
DUNDEE: I had hoped to see the amazing V&A museum in Dundee, but due to an emergency evacuation, I had to give the museum a miss. Maybe next time. It gives me a reason to return to Dundee. See the RRS Discovery, HMS Unicorn and Desperate Dan. I buy Dundee Cake and enjoy a superb Chinese meal.
RAIL - DUNDEE-ABERDEEN-INVERNESS: Stunning coastal scenery by Intercity 125 and Strathspey region.
This was never to be a fast journey, but that just gave me more time to soak up the stunning scenery as the line from Dundee to Aberdeen skirted the North Sea. After Aberdeen the line winds through the north east region to the capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness.
INVERNESS: A quick (very quick) visit to the capital of the Scottish Highlands. I enjoy an amazing local, traditional meal, explore possibly Scotland's finest book shop, and superb Victorian architecture. Inverness is the crossroads on northern Scotland - north to John O'Groats, east to Speyside and the Scotch distilleries, south to the Cairngorm National Park and west to Loch Ness and the Loch Ness monster. I also visit the Caledonian Canal and interesting locks.
RAIL - Inverness to Brora: I catch a slow train from Inverness north to Brora. On this two hour journey by coastal train I witness beautiful North Sea scenery. I visit Brora Beach (very cold) watch Brora Rangers defeat Wick Academy in a Highland League match and enjoy a tradional pie at the footy.
RAIL - Inverness to Perth: Stunning highland scenery through central Scotland in first class.
Enjoy the stunning winter scenery of Scotland's central Highlands on this refurbished HST train trip from Inverness to Perth. We see river crossings, snow covered mountains and a Scottish distillery. A beautiful train trip.
GLASGOW AIRPORT: GHOST AIRPORT! - With cycling permitted by the UK Government, as a valid reason to leave the house during the Covid-19 pandemic, I rode the perimeter road of Glasgow Airport and saw one of the most amazing aviation sights I have ever seen - 14 parked BA aircraft. The terminal building was totally empty and there were aircraft all around the airport.
LOGANAIR: TIREE to GLASGOW - This was my first ever flight with Loganair, and it was to be on their Tiree - Glasgowroute, and how spectacurar was the view! I flew over Mull, the western isles of Scotland and the northern shore of the River Clyde. No inflight meal or entertainment because all of the entertainment was outside the window.
HEBRIDEAN AIR SERVICES: OBAN to TIREE - This was to be my most scenic flight ever! I flew Hebridean from Oban to Tiree. When the weather is kind, the scenery of western Scotland rivals anywhere, and on this video you will see the proof. The region might face the Atlantic Ocean, but the water colours hint at the Caribbean. I've heard of people booking this flight as a result of this video.
OBAN: Inspired by the Romans - I returned to Oban, Scotland after a period of 25 years (!) and visited a number of attractions - sadly closed due to the Covid-19 lock down. I still managed to visit a number of attractions, including the stunning McCaig's Folly, inspired by the Colosseum in Rome. Oban is a major gateway for Calmac / Caledonian MacBrayne ferry routes to Scotland's western isles.
EDINBURGH: After a wait of seven years, I re-visit Edinburgh and some secret, hidden attractions as well as some of my favourite places. This visit coincided with the usually manic time of the Edinburgh Fridge Festival, but being cancelled this year, the normally crowded and noisy city centre, is eerily quiet.
EDINBURGH - Authur's Seat: When you have the time, and you enjoy fresh air in your lungs, a walk to the top of Arthur's Seat is a must-do. It takes around 2 hours round trip, and the views of Edinburgh, Holyrood Park and the Firth of Forth make the climb worth while.
NORTH BERWICK - I went to North Berwick for one reason, to look at a whale jaw bone on top of a hill, knowing perfectly well, it wasn't there. I was surprised at how beautiful North Berwick was, with it's coastal scenery and 'fun' climb to the summit of North Berwick Law.
QUEENSFERRY - After a train and two-bus journey to Queensferry, I board a boat for a 1.5 hour cruise around the Firth of Forth. I spotted grey seals, and saw the historic Inchcolm Island and it's 9th century abbey. We sail under three amazing structures from three different centuries - the Forth Bridge, the Forth Road Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing.
RIVER CLYDE - Due to a Covid-19 downturn in demand, cruise ships have been tied up around the world. Glasgow is a temporary home to three Azamara cruise ships. In this urban adventure (with a travel twist) I try to see these ships from all possible angles, and survive a walk through probably the creepiest tunnel I have ever seen.
A FERRY TO THE FOREST - I catch a ferry to Dunoon and focus on the Clyde shore. It was a beautiful walk, and then headed inland to see a 10,000 year old chambered cairn, a 1,000 year old chapel site, and got lost in a 10 year old pine forest. The ferry out was with Caledonian MacBrayne (Calmac) and returned with Western Ferries. Sights included the Holy Loch, Ardnadam Cairn (Adam's Cave) and the chapel foundations.
TIMETABLE CHALLENGE - With Covid-19 affecting timetables and services, I decided to try my first ever timetable challenge:- to travel on 2 trains, 2 buses and 3 Calmac ferries covering 82 miles on a 7½ hour journey. I visit Gourock, Dunoon, Isle of Bute and Rothesay. I try the three most popular Scottish transport methods around the Firth of Clyde.
SAN FRANCISCO vs. ROTHESAY - I spotted this on a map a few weeks ago and I couldn't believe what I saw. I checked it again on Google StreetView and sure enough... a very winding road able to challenge San Francisco's Lombard Street, right here in Rothesay, Scotland. We visit Canada Hill for a sad story and enjoy the beautiful Firth of Clyde shore from the Isle of Bute.
DAY TRIP DISASTER - This day trip involved three buses - Glasgow to Fort William via Glencoe, Fort William to Inverness via Loch Ness (I looked for the monster) and Inverness to Glasgow. What happens when Covid-19 travel restrictions change overnight? Problems occur.
THE BORDERS RAILWAY - The Borders Railway is one of the few lines in Scotland I have not travelled on, so cross this off my list. I catch the train from Edinburgh Waverley to Tweedbank, follow the River Tweed, see Melrose Abbey and the town for the first time, see evidence of the fascination for rugby, including Melrose RFC, and go off the beaten track looking for a lost well and some mysterious towers.
THE COBBLER (Ben Arthur) - Ben More is a mountain near the Scottish village of Crianlarich. The Cobbler (Ben Arthur) is a different hill. It took me almost 30 years to realise this error. I climb up Ben Arthur, also known as The Cobbler, in the rain. It was challenging, but also rewarding.
LOGANAIR - I was the only passenger!: I was suffering from aviation withdrawal symptoms. The regional UK governments recommend no foreign travel until the current wave of Covid-19 settles down, so I decided to fly with Loganair from Glasgow to Campbeltown. On this scenic flight... I was the only passenger!
MACHRIHANISH & CAMPBELTOWN - The Jesus Cave: I start in Machrihanish, which is a golfers destination. I don't play golf, so admire the beach and then explore the village. I see Jura, Islay and Northern Ireland away in the distance. Mull of Kintyre is almost within reach. A bus to Campbeltown and a walk to Davaar Island to explore sea caves and one in particular. This features a 140 year old paining of Jesus on the cross.
RIVER CLYDE - The Sugar Boat Wreck: I first saw this ship wreck ten years ago on Google satellite and decided one day I would see it up close. Clyde Charters were operating a few hour-long cruises to the wreck, so how could I not go. The MV Captayannis was shipping sugar from East Africa and berthed off the coast by Greenock. A strong wind swept up the River Clyde, made the ship drift, she dragged its anchor, and keeled over. The ship is affectionally known as the 'Sugar Boat' by the people of Glasgow.
GREENOCK - Louisiana Street Food: I was recently at the marina taking a short cruise to see the 'Sugar Boat' ship wreck, and I discovered a food van called 'Jax Snax'. Unlike most food vans in the Glasgow area, this one sold Oriental cuisine and Louisiana street food. I would love to travel to Louisiana, visit New Orleans, Lafayette and Baton Rouge, but until Covid-19 settles down, the best I can do is to visit this little food van near Greenock, Scotland.
GLASGOW - Egyptian Street Food and history: How possible is it to focus on a foreign country's culture, history and food without leaving your country? I explore Egyptian street food and do some Egyptian tourism - right here in Glasgow. I had planned to visit a couple of other Egyptian eateries, and museums with Egyptian artefacts, but the Covid-19 lockdown was announced with little warning, so I stopped when I could.
OLD LARGS ROAD - Night Hike: I walked this road during the summer and decided this would make a good walk, but in reverse, and overnight. I walked over the moors, at midnight, on a full moon. There hadn't been reports of werewolves for weeks, so what could possibly go wrong. This was to be my first night hike and my first solo attempt. I passed creepy woods, heard weird noises, but it was an amazing experience.
TRAIN TO BRIDGE OF ORCHY - I catch the Scotrail service from Glasgow Queen Street for the spectacular highland train trip to Bridge of Orchy in the Scottish Highlands. At Crianlarich the train splits in two - one part goes to Oban, and my portion continues to Mallaig. The snowy scenery is spectacular.
WEST HIGHLAND WAY - Stopped by the Police!: The walk along the West Highland Way shouldn't have been a challenge. Catch a train to Bridge of Orchy, walk 10km to Tyndrum, and go home. Simple. Apart from the scenery and fresh air, I wanted to see one thing in particular - a giant horseshoe. The police intercepted me at the half-way point and told me I was not allowed to deviate from the main track, but didn't explain why.