5 Best Day Trips from Glasgow for American Tourists

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Day Trip: Scottish Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities

Okay, so you're in Glasgow, right? And you're thinking, "Scotland is beautiful, but I want *more* beauty! More lochs! More mountains!" Well, my friend, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is calling your name. This place is HUGE – we're talking mountains, lochs (duh!), forests, and villages all rolled into one epic day trip.

Think of it as Scotland's greatest hits album. You get a little bit of everything. You can take a boat tour on Loch Lomond (highly recommended – the views are insane), hike up a mountain (Ben A'an is a popular choice for a decent challenge with amazing payoff), or just wander around a cute village like Luss, which is postcard-perfect.

What to do: Boat trips, hiking, cycling, exploring villages, whisky tasting (more on that later!), and generally just soaking up the Scottish scenery.

Getting there: You can drive (about 45 minutes from Glasgow), take a train to Balloch (at the south end of Loch Lomond), or join a guided tour. Tours are great because they handle the transportation and often include stops at multiple scenic locations.

Product Recommendation: For this trip, comfortable walking shoes are essential. I highly recommend the Merrell Moab 3. They're durable, waterproof (because, Scotland), and provide excellent support for hiking. They retail for around $100-$130. Another great option is the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX, which are a bit more expensive (around $150-$180) but offer even better grip and stability, especially if you're planning on doing some serious hiking. For a budget-friendly option, consider the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot (around $80-$100). These are a good all-around choice for lighter hikes and exploring villages. Consider bringing trekking poles if you're planning on more challenging hikes. Leki and Black Diamond both make excellent trekking poles.

Stirling Castle Day Trip: Scottish History and Royal Intrigue

History buffs, this one's for you! Stirling Castle is one of Scotland's most important castles, and it's only a short trip from Glasgow. Think William Wallace (Braveheart!), Mary Queen of Scots, and centuries of royal drama. The castle itself is stunning, perched on a volcanic crag overlooking the surrounding countryside. You can explore the Great Hall, the Royal Palace, and the Chapel Royal, and imagine what life was like back in the day.

Stirling itself is also a charming town with plenty of shops, restaurants, and pubs. You can climb the Wallace Monument for even more incredible views (be warned, it's a lot of stairs!), or visit the Church of the Holy Rude, where King James VI was crowned.

What to do: Explore Stirling Castle, climb the Wallace Monument, visit the Church of the Holy Rude, wander around Stirling town, and learn about Scottish history.

Getting there: Stirling is easily accessible by train from Glasgow (about 30 minutes). You can also drive (about 40 minutes).

Product Recommendation: A good travel guide is essential for this trip. Rick Steves Scotland is a popular choice, offering detailed information about Stirling Castle and the surrounding area. It's available on Amazon for around $20. Alternatively, the Lonely Planet Scotland guide is another great option, offering a broader overview of the country but still containing plenty of useful information about Stirling. Consider a portable charger for your phone to keep your GPS running all day. Anker makes reliable power banks.

Glengoyne Distillery Day Trip: Whisky Tasting and Scottish Tradition

Okay, let's be honest, you can't go to Scotland without trying some whisky! Glengoyne Distillery is one of the closest distilleries to Glasgow, making it a perfect day trip for whisky lovers (or anyone who wants to learn more about Scotland's national drink).

You can take a tour of the distillery, learn about the whisky-making process, and of course, sample some of their finest single malts. Glengoyne is known for its unhurried approach to whisky making, using air-dried barley and slow distillation to create a smooth and complex spirit.

What to do: Take a distillery tour, sample whisky, learn about the whisky-making process, and buy a bottle to take home as a souvenir.

Getting there: Glengoyne is best accessed by car (about 30 minutes from Glasgow). You can also take a bus to a nearby village and then take a taxi to the distillery. Consider booking a tour in advance, especially during peak season.

Product Recommendation: A whisky tasting journal is a great way to keep track of the different whiskies you try and your impressions of each. Several options are available on Amazon, ranging in price from $10 to $20. Consider a small notebook and pen if you prefer a more basic approach. A Glencairn whisky glass is the perfect way to savor your whisky. They're designed to concentrate the aromas and enhance the tasting experience. They retail for around $10-$15 each.

Culzean Castle & Country Park Day Trip: Coastal Scenery and Robert Burns History

Looking for something a little further afield? Culzean Castle is a stunning castle perched on a cliff overlooking the Firth of Clyde. It's a bit of a drive from Glasgow (about 1.5 hours), but it's well worth it. The castle is beautiful inside and out, and the surrounding country park is perfect for a walk or a picnic.

Culzean Castle has strong connections to Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet. You can visit the Robert Burns Centre in the castle and learn about his life and work. The grounds are extensive, with walled gardens, woodland walks, and even a beach. It's a great place to spend a whole day exploring.

What to do: Explore Culzean Castle, walk around the country park, visit the Robert Burns Centre, and enjoy the coastal scenery.

Getting there: The best way to get to Culzean Castle is by car. You can also take a train to Ayr and then take a bus to the castle.

Product Recommendation: A comfortable daypack is essential for exploring Culzean Castle and Country Park. The Osprey Talon 22 (for men) or Tempest 20 (for women) are excellent choices, offering plenty of space for water bottles, snacks, and other essentials. They retail for around $120-$150. Sunscreen and a hat are also recommended, especially on sunny days. Consider a pair of binoculars for enjoying the coastal scenery. Nikon and Bushnell both make excellent binoculars in a variety of price ranges.

Inveraray Day Trip: A Charming Town on Loch Fyne

Inveraray is a picturesque town located on the shores of Loch Fyne. It's known for its stunning architecture, its historic castle, and its delicious seafood. The town was rebuilt in the 18th century by the Duke of Argyll, and it's a great example of Georgian architecture.

Inveraray Castle is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, and it's open to the public. You can explore the castle's grand rooms and learn about the history of the Campbell clan. Loch Fyne is famous for its oysters and other seafood, so be sure to try some while you're there. The Inveraray Jail is also a popular attraction, offering a glimpse into the harsh realities of 19th-century prison life.

What to do: Explore Inveraray Castle, wander around Inveraray town, visit the Inveraray Jail, and enjoy the seafood.

Getting there: Inveraray is best accessed by car (about 1.5 hours from Glasgow). You can also take a bus from Glasgow.

Product Recommendation: A good camera is essential for capturing the beauty of Inveraray and Loch Fyne. The Sony Alpha a6000 is a popular choice for its compact size and excellent image quality. It retails for around $600-$700 with a kit lens. Alternatively, the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is a more budget-friendly option that still offers great image quality. Consider purchasing an extra battery for your camera to ensure you don't run out of power during your trip. A waterproof jacket is also a good idea, as the weather in Scotland can be unpredictable. Patagonia and The North Face both make excellent waterproof jackets.