A guide to Scotland's best National Tourist Routes

When you book accommodation in a castle in Scotland, it could be because you want to spend your holiday in luxury surroundings where you can explore historic sights and beautiful countryside every day of your break.

However, if you really want to see all that this magnificent country has to offer then you could choose several Scottish castles for rent during your stay and make use of one or more of the 12 National Tourist Routes.

The choice is diverse - you can choose from routes in Fife, Angus, Galloway and the Highlands. Perhaps the best thing about travelling in this way is the freedom you have to explore, stopping off when you see something you would like to spend more time at.

Best of all, whatever journey you choose it will be well signposted, allowing you to enjoy the view from your window without having to worry about keeping an eye on the map or sat-nav.

One of the favourite choices is the Fife Coastal Route, which stretches for 85 miles between Dundee and Edinburgh and has a wealth of attractions along it.

If you are a golf fan then you will definitely want to spend a few nights at castles to rent in Scotland that are near to St Andrews. This is one of the most famous courses in the world - although this is not surprising as the country is considered by many to be the home of the sport.

Burntisland and Aberdour are good beaches to stop at, while Dunfermline is also worth visiting as it marks the resting place of Robert the Bruce.

Another great choice is the Angus Coastal Route, which again rewards you with spectacular ocean views. There are a number of beautiful seaside resorts for you to stop off at on the way and sample some of the local seafood.

Meanwhile, the Borders Historic Route is a must if you have even a passing interest in Scotland's past. Along this 95-mile stretch you will find market towns, ancient houses and woollen mills, each with their own story to tell.

And finally, the Clyde Valley Tourist Route is great if you are on a short break as it is only 42 miles long. You will follow the river of the same name as it winds past New Lanark - a world heritage village - the market town of Biggar and Strathclyde Country Park.