We can all be guilty of sticking to what we know so when weekends come around it’s often the same routine – a bit of housework, various dog walks, maybe a nice bite to eat at the local, and then before we know it, another weekend has flown past and Monday strikes again. Now there’s nothing wrong with that, but it doesn’t mean every weekend needs to look the same…
By Isla McGraw
Stroll Through Time Walking Tour
I thought I knew Glasgow’s West End pretty well after countless days of wandering around the same beautiful streets and popping into my usual favourite spots. But the Stroll Through Time Walking Tour had me seeing it all with fresh eyes – suddenly, every cobbled lane, grand building, and tucked-away corner held stories I’d never known before.
We kicked things off outside Hillhead Subway, hearing that it’s part of one of the oldest underground systems in the world. It set the tone for the whole tour: familiar places, completely reimagined. From there, we headed down Byres Road, and what normally feels like just a busy stretch of shops suddenly became a story about how the West End grew – shaped by wealthy merchants, industry along the Clyde, and people wanting to move away from the crowded city centre.
Then we hit the famous Ashton Lane. I’ve always thought of it as just a nice place for a drink, but there’s so much more behind it. Tucked into those cobbled stones are stories about Glasgow’s social scene evolving over time, and even small details – like the history of the cinema there – made me realise how much the area has changed while still keeping its character.
West End Wander
I’ve seen the University of Glasgow building loads of times, but hearing about the people connected to it really brought it to life. Learning about figures like James McCune Smith, the first African American to earn a medical degree, who then went on to become a pioneering physician and abolitionist. It didn’t take long to realise it’s not just an impressive building, it’s been a place where history was made.
The route through Kelvingrove Park was probably the most relaxing part of the tour. It’s such a peaceful spot, but even then, there were stories hidden in plain sight – from how the park came to be to details about Glasgow’s past that you’d never notice on your own. It made me appreciate how much thought and history goes into spaces we usually just walk through without thinking.
By the time we reached Great Western Road and finished near Botanic Gardens, I felt like I’d been shown a completely different version of the West End. It wasn’t about overwhelming us with facts but about shaping how we see the place.
A Passion for our West End
A huge part of that comes down to guide Martin, who brings the tour to life with genuine enthusiasm and an obvious passion for the area’s history. What really stood out was how personal the whole experience felt. It didn’t feel like a scripted tour – it was closer to being shown around by someone who truly loves the West End and wants you to see it the way they do. He turned what could have been a simple walk into something far more special. With a ‘pay what you feel’ approach, it’s great value for such a memorable experience.
Overall, it made me realise how easy it is to take places for granted, especially ones we think we know. This tour reminds you that there’s always more to discover – and sometimes all it takes is a different perspective to fall in love with somewhere all over again.
Lochs, Bens and Glens Cycling Tours
There are weekends that blur into one another and then there are the ones that stay with you. For me and my partner Josh, that moment came on a bright Saturday when we decided to try something a little different: the LBG Explorer tour with Lochs, Bens and Glens.
We set off early toward Sandbanks, just outside Dunoon – originally planning to catch the ferry, but with the sun shining and the urge for a road trip, we opted to drive instead. By ‘we’ I of course mean Josh. In hindsight, I was glad he’d taken on the drive there and back – especially once I realised just how much our legs would have to give later that day.
From the moment we met Fiona and Lance, the experience felt personal. Having made the move from South Carolina to Dunoon to build a life centred around cycling and the outdoors, their connection to the area is so heartwarming. There was no sense of being rushed or herded along; instead, it felt like meeting old friends who just happened to know this incredible part of the world inside out.
LBG Explorer
It also slightly exposed how little I knew about a place I probably should have explored more by now – but Fiona and Lance wasted no time in putting that right. Over the course of the day, they opened our eyes to just how lucky we are to have scenery like this practically on our doorstep. And it didn’t take long to see that their love for cycling – and for Argyll itself – is infectious.
The LBG Explorer isn’t just a bike ride. It’s a carefully woven journey through some of the most beautiful landscapes you could hope to see. Over the course of around five hours, we covered winding roads and off-road paths, taking in views of Holy Loch, the peaceful charm of Kilmun, and a stretch of Loch Long. Each stop came with a story – snippets of local history, bits of folklore – the kind of details you’d never discover on your own.
What made it especially memorable, though, was how it balanced activity with moments to pause and take it all in. The ride itself was incredibly manageable thanks to the e-bikes (a blessing on the hills), which meant we could focus less on effort and more on enjoying the surroundings – and each other’s company.
A Perfect Day
One of the highlights of the day was the optional hike up to the Loch Eck viewpoint. It’s about a three-mile trek, and while there were moments when we questioned our choices on the way up, reaching the top made it completely worthwhile. The view was breathtaking – the kind that makes you stop talking for a moment just to take it in.
And then came one of those small but perfect touches: Fiona and Lance had brought along flapjacks from a local bakery, along with sweets from a nearby shop. Sitting at the top, windswept and well ready for a break, those snacks went down a treat. It was a simple gesture, but one that summed up the care they put into the whole experience.
By the time we made our way back, a little tired but completely content, it felt like we’d had a full day in the best possible way. It wasn’t just about the scenery or the cycling, though both were incredible – it was about stepping away from our usual routine and sharing an experience together.
For couples, friends, or anyone looking to try something a bit different, Lochs, Bens and Glens offers exactly that: a chance to reconnect, explore, and see a stunning corner of Scotland through the eyes of people who truly love it. And for us, it’s a day we’ll be talking about for a long time to come.
Why not tie in your trip with the first ever Dunoon food and drink festival, Taste Dunoon, taking place on the 25th and 26th of July, with talks, tastings, cooking demonstrations and more.
It’s the perfect way to refuel and reward yourself after a day exploring. For more information go to dunoonpresents.co.uk
