About this season
Paul Murton follows in the footsteps of the first tourists to Scotland. With a Victorian guidebook in his hands, he travels across the country tracing the changes that have taken place since the birth of Scottish tourism 200 years ago.
Episodes (6)
1. Crossing the Border
Aired 2 November 2011
Presenter Paul Murton returns with a second series of Grand Tours of Scotland to explore the most fascinating parts of the country that have charmed visitors for more than 200 years. In the Victorian era, tourists poured across the border to explore Scotland's unique blend of stunning scenery, romantic ruins, myths and legends. This first episode sees Paul board a traditional Gypsy caravan to travel through the borders and up to Glasgow.
2. Elemental Beauty
Aired 9 November 2011
In this episode of Grand Tours of Scotland,presenter Paul Murton travels from the shores of beautiful Loch Maree, into the wilds of Assynt, and on to the northern most part of mainland Scotland.
3. Islands of the Clyde
Aired 16 November 2011
For generations, the Firth of Clyde was a favourite holiday destination for millions of Scots, both rich and poor. In this Grand Tour of Scotland, presenter Paul Murton explores the delights of this famous stretch of water.
4. The Charms of Nature
Aired 30 November 2011
Paul Murton travels by vintage bike through the spectacular scenery of the central Highlands to better appreciate the charms of nature.
5. The True Spirit of Scotland
Aired 7 December 2011
Following a network of now forgotten steamer routes, presenter Paul Murton goes in search of the true spirit of Scotland, travelling from loch to loch in Argyll and then out to Islay. As the steamers left the Scottish lochs years ago, Paul has to literally 'paddle his own canoe' - in this case, a beautiful replica of an original Rob Roy canoe from the 1890s - to follow the route.
6. In Search of Sunshine
Aired 14 December 2011
Long before the era of cheap flights and package holidays on the 'Costa del Sunburn', most Scots spent their summer holidays by the Scottish seaside. In the last episode of Grand Tours, presenter Paul Murton goes in search of Scottish sunshine. To capture the holiday spirit and to chase the sun, Paul's travelling by Morris Minor and is following a route up the east coast from Carnoustie to Aberdeen.