TO THE SECOND EDITION. THE very rapid sale and extensive circulation of an unusually large impression of this little Volume, has called for another Edition, which the Proprietors have much confidence in offering to the Public. The object of the first part of the Work is, to give an abstract and account of the most interesting and agreeable Routes, principally in the Highlands of Scotland,-those which celebrated Tourists have travelled and described; and the observations have been made up, partly from the hints which their works afford, and principally from very recent and correct personal observation. Previous to introducing the TOURS, it has been thought adviseable to give a slight description of the environs of the different cities, from which travellers proceed to the Highlands:-EDINBURGH, as being the metropolis of this ancient kingdom, distinguished of old as the residence of a long line of illustrious monarchs, amongst whom are numbered the bravest soldiers, the most accomplished men, and the best scholars that ever graced the historic page;-and eminent in latter days as the seat of science and philosophy, the great mart of literature, famous for its University, and distinguished in all the walks of art and literature.-The neighbourhood of GLASGOW is likewise extremely interesting, from its exuberant fertility, and from its being watered by some of the finest rivers, along whose banks there is spread forth a rich continued garden, abounding with all the requisites and luxuries of life," a land flowing with milk and honey!" It is likewise the usual mode of access to the Western Highlands, and particularly to those "stormy Hebrides," which are so interesting to the traveller,-the rocky and sea-girt cave of Fingal, the perilous whirlpools of Corryvreckan,or that once famous and holy island, "whence savage clans and roving barbarians derived the benefits of knowledge, and the blessings of religion." The city of PERTH, besides the attractions which its own rich and beautiful environs possess, is the more immediate entrance into the North Highlands, and the gateway to the magnificent scenery of Dunkeld, Blair Atholl, Inverness, and Braemar. STIRLING is also celebrated in history,has been long in a manner the Windsor of Scotland, and the favourite retreat of her kings from the bustle and vexation of a metropolitan Court: it is likewise the usual route to Loch Katherine and the Trosachs, those justly celebrated and romantic regions, which have acquired additional interest by the works of Scott; and the immediate vicinity of Stirling, watered by the Forth and other rivers, is perhaps the most luxuriant district in the whole of Scotland. With regard to the ITINERARY, every method has been adopted to render it as correct and full as possible; and the Proprietors trust they have succeeded in making it, not a dry list of names and miles, but more of a catalogue raisonnée, containing short notices of whatever is worthy of remark: and, in attaining this object, a little repetition, (which the nature of the work renders quite unavoidable), will easily be excused. On the whole, it is hoped, that the little volume now laid before the Public may prove an agreeable and useful companion to the traveller, and even afford amusement to those who may sit at home and read it; and perhaps induce them to visit some of the interesting scenery which it has been attempted to delineate. - Edinburgh, 1821. |