Glasgow is the perfect city break - a thriving metropolis with a country feel and a natural larder on its doorstep that is a haven for foodies. Allison Morris writes
AMONG our nearest and dearest neighbours - close in language, culture, weather and humour - the Irish and the Scots have a historical bond that has endured for centuries. While Glasgow may be the city break of choice for shopping and football it has so much more to offer. Just 30 minutes away from the buzz of the city is the rural, tranquil and ridiculously pretty Trossachs National Park, a combination of lochs, mountains and dramatic scenery that will impress even the most committed city slicker. I stayed in the stunning, world renowned Cameron House, right on the edge of Loch Lomond on the West Highland Way. Arrival in this five-star venue with its Michelin-rated restaurant feels like you have really arrived. Traditional, though not a Disneyfied tartan cliche, it is luxuriously reassuring. The reception alone, with its deep pile carpets and dark wood carvings, screams class. Despite the quality of the surroundings Cameron House is not at all stuffy - it's a hotel that caters for people keen to tackle the famous West Highland Walk. So while this is a crunchy driveway and expensive linen type of hotel, it's also the kind of place you can rock up to the reception in your muddy boots and fleece straight from a lengthy walk and not feel like the hired help. We ate in the Boat House, the hotel's New England-style seafood restaurant is a short walk from the main building. It has a more relaxed, chilled-out vibe, coupled with excellent food and a view of the mountains and loch. Days are filled talking lengthy walks along the well marked out West Highland Way, stopping off at a local pub such as the homely Oak Tree Inn where the huge portions and cold pints are popular with weary walkers. But if you want to experience the remarkable surroundings in a more unique, adrenalin-pumping way the hotel can also arrange a seaplane journey. The bright yellow seaplane uses Loch Lomond as its runway, zooming along the water before taking off into the sky giving a bird's eye view of the stunning surroundings. The huge expanses of water were used to test the bouncing bombs during the Second World War. Views are of the hundreds of small islands including Inchcailloch where local people claim a nudest group often meet. Given the unpredictable Scottish weather members must be made of tougher stuff than me. Many of the remote beaches dotted throughout were also used for training exercises ahead of the D-day landings. Flying over Loch Lomond and the west Highlands is something that will stay with you forever.
If you'd rather stay at ground level there are also a number of small ferries, including an old mail boat that will take you to one of the many small islands for a spot of exploration. After a night of unadulterated luxury in Loch Lomond, I tore myself away for the short car journey back to Glasgow to take part in pastimes I'm much more familiar with - shopping and socialising. I stayed in the citizenM hotel in Renfew Street Glasgow, a modern concept hotel with pod-like rooms, all-white fittings and coloured lighting with platform style beds. All this in a prime location - just walking distance from the city's restaurants, shops and museums. Much like our own main cities, Glasgow is undergoing a transformation with some serious money being pumped into upgrading the public spaces.
With Scotland being a natural larder there are no shortage of amazing destination restaurants to visit. Jamie Oliver has opened one of his expanding chain of Italian restaurants in the city but if you're after something a little more bespoke try the family owned Cail Bruich on the Great Western Road. Head chef Chris Charalambous is not just talented but like his beautiful food is a bit of a looker, it's a perfect place for a lengthy girly lunch ahead of hitting the shops. After a meal that included a hot smoked salmon starter, Dornoch lamb main with haggis and sweetbreads and a hay and buttermilk parfait pudding I was one happy, well-fed punter. Glasgow is a city break with a country feel, the best of both worlds, with quality restaurants to satisfy the most discerning of foodie. I travelled with Stenaline to Cairnryan and I recommend taking the upgrade to Stenaline Plus: with the comfy chairs and first class lounge style you'll arrive in a stress free, relaxed state ready to hit the ground running. Like visiting a favourite cousin and is just a short ferry ride away.