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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Carla Jenkins

Glasgow and west coast island hopping named as the best road trip in the UK 2021

Lonely Planet has revealed its top six recommended road trips for exploring Great Britain - and of course, Glasgow is top of the list!

The leading global travel authority has selected six (one for each region) out of the 36 routes listed, which best represent the rich and diverse natural, cultural and historic attractions available to Brits planning their staycations.

All of the findings have been published in their new guidebook titled Great Britain’s Best Trips - which of course will be super popular ahead of this summer's staycations.

Out of the eight road trip routes recommended to explore Scotland, the Ferry Hopping route from Glasgow to Tobermory has ranked as number one in the country.

Lonely Planet bosses say it is "thanks to the combination of vibrant, cosmopolitan city life in Glasgow and enchanting, laidback island lifestyles". You are SO welcome, Lonely Planet!

Recommending 'Ferry Hopping', those at Lonely Planet write: "Jumping around the enchanting islands of the west coast on the ferry network – celebrating laidback lifestyles, seafood and sipping whisky along the way, is one of Scotland’s iconic pleasures.

Glasgow - Tobermory was another attraction that helped us top the list. (Getty)

"Starting in the intoxicating vibrant city of Glasgow, filled with excellent art, design, food and pubs, this tour takes in four of Scotland’s most enticing islands and offers an in-depth exploration of southwestern Scotland.

"Incorporating the stunningly scenic Arran, Islay’s welcoming distilleries, Oban’s seafood scene, Mull’s heart-lifting landscapes and the enchanting holy isle of Iona, and ending in the pretty town of Tobermory.

"The ferry trips themselves offer sensational coastal perspectives and wildlife-spotting opportunities – are part of the adventure."

The other recommended Scottish road trip routes are: The Borders, Lower West Coast (Aberfoyle – Campbeltown), Upper west coast (Portree – Durness), Stirling & Fife coast, Royal Highlands & Cairngorms, Great Glens (Glen Coe to Inverness) and the Whiskey Trail.

A recent Lonely Planet survey of more than 1,000 travellers, found that nearly half of Brits (41 per cent) had not taken a British road trip before and that the combination of concern about countries going on to the amber / red lists (48 per cent) alongside Britain having many has beautiful places they would still like to explore (49 per cent) are influencing staycation choices.

The research also found the prospect of avoiding PCR testing (39 per cent), the ease of domestic adventures (34 per cent) and no need for a vaccination (25 per cent) is all adding to Britain’s appeal.

Lamlash Bay and Holy Isle from Dun Fionn. (Getty.)

UK based Tom Hall, Lonely Planet’s Head of Experience commented: “There has never been a better time to explore Great Britain.

"Taking a road trip means you can explore more of the rich cultural heritage, natural beauty and incredible experiences on our doorstep.

"Great Britain’s Best Trips covers England, Scotland, and Wales, providing suggestions for alternative destinations to visit, away from the busy tourist hotspots. Combining towns and cities, with coast and countryside, soaking up history, culture and British hospitality along the way to truly get to know our amazing isles."

You go Glasgow - you're always our winner!

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