00:00Welcome to Travel Smart Weekly, the new insiders travel guide from Independent TV.
00:06This is the series in which we share our opinions and advice on the best destinations to visit,
00:12plus how to make the most of your trips worldwide.
00:17In this episode, we're heading to Scotland to explore how to spend summer in a country of beautiful landscapes,
00:23wonderful coastline, exceptional food and drink, and fun cultural hubs.
00:30Making the most of the warmer temperatures and brighter skies of July and August comes easy,
00:41with gloriously long days bringing Scotland's great outdoors to the fore.
00:47With landscapes varying from dramatic mountains and open countryside to the corrugated coastline,
00:55it's easy to see why hiking, biking and kayaking are among the top attractions.
01:06If you're keen to explore on foot, you'll find a wealth of routes in the Highlands.
01:11You might not know the Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail, but you'll recognise one of its highlights,
01:17the spectacular viaduct that saw the Hogwarts Express steaming across it in the Harry Potter films.
01:25Along the two-and-a-half-mile way, you can soak up the views of Loch Shield,
01:30which hopefully will be glistening in the sunlight.
01:34For something a little trickier in the Highlands, set up from Glen Afrik,
01:37one of the country's most beautiful glens, to reach two waterfalls.
01:42Over the sometimes uneven and steep slopes, there's Dog Falls within the National Nature Reserve,
01:47a large patch of woods, locks and moorland, and a haven for birdwatching.
01:52There's also Plodder Falls on the southern side of the glen,
01:55where the water tumbles straight down more than 150 feet,
01:59the tallest waterfall in the area and still regarded as something of a hidden treasure.
02:04And of course, if heading upwards ticks your holiday box,
02:07there's Ben Nevis to climb, the highest mountain in the British Isles.
02:11It's a challenging landscape to summit, one that requires a decent level of fitness and appropriate clothing,
02:16but the rewards for reaching the top are well worth it.
02:20Away from the mainland, a brilliant way to experience Scotland during the summer
02:24is by heading out to its islands.
02:27Oban and Kenickraig are the main departure points to set sail to the Inner Hebrides.
02:32One popular choice is the southernmost island, Islay,
02:35where you can pack days with distillery visits to sample the local whisky,
02:39kick back on unspoilt beaches, or get out on the water in a kayak.
02:44Further west, on a bright day the waters around Guia are more reminiscent of the Caribbean than Scotland,
02:49deep blue from a distance and crystal clear as you paddle through.
02:53This small island, home to less than 200 people, is just 20 minutes from the Kintyre Peninsula.
02:59For the freshest seafood caught only metres from the kitchen,
03:02make an al fresco stop for lunch at the Boathouse.
03:06If puffin spotting is on your Hebridean agenda, the best months are May, June and July.
03:13Boat trips can take you to the Treshnish Isles, a string of eight uninhabited islands,
03:20where you can see the colourful beaks of these beautiful birds up close.
03:25For a country of its size, Scotland has an absurd amount of coastline,
03:31and along it hundreds of beautiful beaches, some of the best in the world,
03:37with turquoise waters lapping pure white sand.
03:42Some pretty good surfing as well.
03:49Yellow Crate Beach on the North Sea is said to have influenced Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island
03:55and makes for a day lying on the shore or discovering rock pools.
04:00On the North West Coast, Sandwood Bay remains one of the wild stretches of beach
04:06where the sand is tinged pink and you'll find rolling dunes.
04:11My pick for the best surf beach in Scotland goes to Tyree, the most westerly of the Inner Hebrides.
04:19For most of the year it picks up swell from the Atlantic,
04:24creating power breaks near the beach and peeling waves for longboarders.
04:35Scotland also provides great options for summer in the city.
04:39The big hitters include Glasgow, where there are parks in the East and the West that are perfect for picnics.
04:44There are music festivals throughout the summer and there's plenty of art.
04:48On a clear day, follow the incredible city centre mural trail for street art.
04:54If it's wet, you can hide away in Kelvin Grove Art Gallery and Museum,
04:58which is free to enter and holds some impressive work,
05:01such as Salvador Dali's Christ of Saint John of the Cross and others by Rembrandt and Monet.
05:07If you're after a bite to eat, head to the city's West End.
05:11The food scene has grown into something truly impressive in recent years.
05:15Whether you're after Korean-style fast food or authentic Glaswegian meals,
05:20vegan bites in a lively bar or eclectic sharing plates, there's something to satisfy every appetite.
05:29That's all from this episode of Travel Smart Weekly, but the next one will be along soon.
05:34You can watch it at independent.co.uk forward slash travel on the independent mobile app or on your smart TV.
05:43And for all the latest travel news, reviews and advice,
05:46be sure to check out independent.co.uk forward slash travel and Simon Calder's daily podcast.
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