Your first holiday away is a test to see if you really are cupid’s perfect match but it can also be stressful, expensive and may end really, really badly.
So why not swap the fight over the map in the backstreets of Amsterdam for a cheaper and simpler local getaway to test the waters?
Try a romantic holiday within Scotland this summer, there’s loads of places to choose from and you might even bump into Kanye West…
Isle of Arran
Arran is the largest island in the Firth of Clyde and is only a short ferry ride away from Ardrossan to Brodick. Ardrossan is a mere 38 minutes from Glasgow Central station and costs under a tenner one way.
Pictures will never do it justice, the landscape is breathtaking so pack camping gear as well as decent walking shoes and wander through the magnificent valleys, just be careful you don’t get lost!
There’s lots to be discovered, such as Scotland’s mysterious answer to Stonehenge…
If hiking isn’t your thing then take a pony trek or a wildlife safari through the mountains then relax at the spa afterwards.
Arran is home to also Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park which is packed with historical wonders dating back nearly 1000 years. The site is also a gorgeous spot to take a picnic break.
Aviemore and the Cairngorms
Everyone who lives in Scotland has got to visit the Cairngorms at least once, it is the number one place for skiing and during the summer it is just as exciting with lots of water sports on offer.
The plan is: rent a cute chalet or a log cabin to cosy up in, book a space on the reindeer trek to get up close and personal with “Britain’s only free-ranging reindeer herd” then go sailing and kayaking on Loch Morilich.
The Cairngorms is national park status and has Britain’s highest mountain Ben Nevis for you to conquer. Plus there are trails upon trails of amazing walks to choose from, each with its own beautiful scenery and natural wildlife.
Aviemore is easily accessible by car, bus and train (with one change over in Perth).
Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is Scotland’s kayaking capital and many claim a journey down the loch will take you through the most beautiful place in all of Scotland.
On land you can venture on to the Sea Life aquarium then visit the lochside shopping complex which is under a backdrop of the mountains.
To get to Loch Lomond all you need to do is hop on a 45 minute train ride to Balloch that departs from Queen St.
Road trip! Embark on Scotland’s Route 66
Blaze a trail through the Highlands on Scotland’s answer to America’s famous Route 66.
The trail kicks off at Inverness and covers over 500 miles of Scotland’s rugged landscape. It explores the coast up to John o’ Groats, along to Durness and south through to Ullapool and down to Applecross before closing the loop back to Inverness.
Travel Now magazine placed it in the top six best coast road trips on the planet plus John Lennon often holidayed in Durness, you can even visit his memorial garden! Tour the mysterious Smoo Cave and take a trip to Cocoa Mountain to satisfy your chocolate kick.
Route highlights include Sutherland Castle and plenty of watersports so what are you waiting for? Hire a motorbike or motorhome and have an adventure!
Check out more here.
Isle of Harris and Skye
Skye served as the location for Kanye West’s latest music video. There’s a reason he picked Scotland, the magnificent views.
Jaw dropping scenes feature Highland Coos, mystical castles and plenty of opportunities for gin and whisky tasting, its all going on!
There’s plenty to explore, ferry hop in between the pieces of land amongst the sea lochs and bountiful wildlife.
You can get the train from Glasgow to Mallaig then ferry over to Skye.
Make sure you’re prepared! Save money by picking up some free condoms from the GCU Students’ Association Advice Centre, open from Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm.
Find out more here.
