Grand Tours of Scotland

In the 1800s, Scotland was regarded by English tourists as an exotic destination-a very different world of novelty and adventure. To find out about the allure of Scotland for early tourists, Paul boards a traditional gypsy caravan to travel through Kelso, Melrose, New Lanark, and up to Glasgow.

Paul braves the weather by journeying on foot to experience nature in all its elements-which, in Scotland, sometimes means four seasons in one day! He begins on Loch Maree, where he visits the unique "island within an island" of Eilean Subhain, before venturing into the wilds of Assynt and Cape Wrath, and ending his odyssey at the northernmost part of mainland Scotland, Duncansby Head.

For generations, the Firth of Clyde was a favorite holiday destination for millions of Scots. Here they could enjoy healthy sea breezes, take a dunk in the briny water, mess about in boats, and enjoy a glass of their favorite tipple. Paul begins his island-hopping escapade at Rothesay on Bute before heading over to Cumbrae and finally the iconic island of Ailsa Craig.

Paul travels by vintage bike through the Central Highlands to appreciate the charms of nature. He starts in Glen Lyon and takes in the beautiful village of Fortinhall, home to the oldest tree in Scotland-believed to be an incredible 2,000 years old. His tour then takes him onto the popular tourist destinations of Pitlochry and Newtonmore, before ending in the stunning Cairngorms National Park.

Paddling his own replica of an original Rob Roy canoe to follow a network of now-forgotten steamer routes, Paul searches for the true spirit of Scotland. Beginning at Loch Eck, he travels to Argyll, stopping off to visit Inverary and the ancient site of Dunadd at Kilmartin Glen, before traveling to Islay.

Paul searches for sunshine on the east coast, which claims to have the best record for sunlight in Scotland. To chase the sun and capture the spirit of summer holidays, Paul travels in a Morris Minor car up the east coast from Carnoustie to Montrose, Stonehaven, and finally to Aberdeen.