Byres Rd/West End, Glasgow

As in my previous tip, head for the Botanical Gardens to rejuvinate yourself after a morning of traffic, noise, bussle and buildings.

At the top of Byers Road, where it meets the Great Western Road, you'll see opposite these black gates. Rush to them like a caravan train to an oasis!

The West End is well worth spending half a day round, combining with exploring the University area. Of course, if you stay at Bunkums Backpackers or one of many hotels here, you'll be close by.

In Glasgow I soon tire of the noise, fumes and traffic, the blinding light off concrete and the relentless neon, shop signs and advertising - so then I head for calm and tranquility:

Go to the Botanical Gardens, whilst out in the West End. At the northern end of Byers Road is a messy road junction with the Great Western Road, and then opposite is a very unassuming gate into a wonderful garden and peaceful, soothing colours. Just 10 minutes there will rejuvinate you.

Good places to eat and shop in the west end too.

Go to the Botanic Gardens - it's lovely. See Kibble Palace, the big greenhouse.
If it's at all sunny, this is just a lovely place to have a wander, and relax. When it's a nice day lots of people come here to sunbathe and meet friends.

This is the main street in the West end. I love this street. They have a lot of good shops, pubs and restaurants. This street is located in a student area.