The magic of Scotland wouldn't be what it is without its fabulous castles immortalised by Walter Scott and Robert-Louis Stevenson!

 

On a 230 mile trip, you'll discover no less than 13 castles, equally mysterious and steeped in history.

 

The ideal departure point is of course the verdant capital Edinburgh (Great Britain's most beautiful city?) which stretches over a set of volcanic hills. Its 11^th century castle, perched on the strategic Castle Rock (where the old town's main street starts) looks as though it's a cinema set! Walk from here to its majestic neighbour, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official residence in Scotland.

In the West Lothians, halfway between Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling, you'll find amid impeccably mowed lawns Hopetoun House. Admire the most significant furniture and collections of British paintings in the panelled staterooms of this imposing 18^th century classical mansion.

 

To the south of Scotland, in the wild Lowthers with their grazing sheep, spectacular Drumlanrig Castle stands in a splendid site which has been the fiefdom of the Douglas family since the 14^th century.

 

Another marvel not to be missed on the east coast in Stonehaven Bay is DunnottarCastle, said to be Scotland's most spectacular! Facing the roaring sea, its ruins overlook inaccessible rocks above which seagulls and crows swirl and swoop... Why go to the other end of the world when such marvels are to be found on our doorstep?