Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? | Motoring discussion | Back Room Forum

Sat 5 Jan 2013 14:14

Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? - csgmart

I quite often fly to Glasgow and Edinburgh on business but my wife and children (17 and 13) have never been to Scotland. As a possible summer holiday (last 2 weeks of August) I was thinking of either flying up to Glasgow / Edinburgh (from Bristol) and hiring a car or, alternatively, driving from home and spending a week to 10 days traveling around and seeing the sights.

Can anyone recommend any places we should put on our list? We would like to do a mix of city break and "sight seeing" type activities - taking in the highlands and other places of interest.

Anyone got any recommendations please?

Edited by csgmart on 05/01/2013 at 14:15

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Sat 5 Jan 2013 14:39

Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? - RT

Edinburgh's a nice city for tourists, compact with a mountain in the middle and some good sea frontage as well. Second half of August is expensive, and probably fully booked by now, because of the Tattoo, Festival and Fringe - all on at the same time - but they are all excellent.

I'm told Glasgow is good for tourists but I only ever pass through at night.

West Coast is scenic - relaxing but few activities apart from the obvious of boating, fishing, walking or climbing - and can be midgey from May- September, longer in a bad year!

Aviemore might suit - no skiing at that time of year but plenty of other activities for families.

Dumfries & Galloway and Aberdeenshire are "hidden" gems, not the grandeur of the West Coast but better roads and fewer tourists.

Get down to your local library and borrow a copy of the Rough Guide to Scotland - not directly intended for all tourist types but veru useful nevertheless.

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Sat 5 Jan 2013 14:39

Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? - daveyjp

Having just returned from our umpteenth visit I would advise as I always do to a 'first timer'.

Scotland is a big place, don't overdo it, it will be the same year after year!

An ideal area to locate yourself for a first visit is the Trossachs, Loch Tay area. Stunning scenery on the doorstep, but also close to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling and you can decide which way to head each day based on the weather forecast. East, west coasts and the Cairngorms are all within easy reach. It is also close to rail services so getting to Edinburgh and Glasgow for day visits is easy.

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Sat 5 Jan 2013 14:49

Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? - Drivethru

Although it will be more expensive and busy, I wouldn't miss the Edinburgh fringe festival in August. The book festival is the last fortnight of August and that is great for browsing and relaxing. The Royal Mile has free entertainment all day, but you can always get cheap tickets especially for comedy shows. It's a great atmosphere and the best time of year to visit Edinburgh, in my opinion.

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Sun 1 Sep 2013 12:37

Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? - csgmart

An update.

We took your advice and spent a really enjoyable week during August in a 'luxury' log cabin on the shores of Loch Tay. It wasn't exactly luxury but the place was spotlessly clean and had everything we wanted so no complaints.

The weather was really very good - a bit windy for the first 2 days but thereafter very good. Not unbroken sunshine but very little rain and what did fall lasted only a few minutes.

The Dewars distillery tour (Aberfeldy) was great. A nice little place Aberfeldy.

We spent may hours driving to and from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth, Inverness as we wanted to explore the surroundings and see the sights. It seemed that almost anywhere was 2 hours from 'base camp'.

All in all a great holiday and some lovely memories.

Oh, and one other thing. We encountered NO midges whatsoever. I'm sure the rumours are true but we didn't see any at all. Perhaps we were just plain lucky.

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Sat 5 Jan 2013 14:59

Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? - Auristocrat

A drive along the 'Road to the Isles' - A830 Fort William to Mallaig, and possibly taking the 'old' road B8008 via Arisaig.

Or the A87 from Invergarry to the Kyle of Lochalsh - going by Eilean Donan castle (the castle featured in the one BBC Interlude with the hot air balloon).

Circular trip around Loch Ness - the A82 and back along the B862 - not forgetting to stop at Urquhart castle.

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Sat 5 Jan 2013 15:21

Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? - madf

Asan exiled Scot, Scotland has guaranteed rubbish weather and the midges on the West Coast are dreadful.

Go somehwere warmer:-)

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Sat 5 Jan 2013 15:56

Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? - RT

As an exiled Scot, Scotland has guaranteed rubbish weather and the midges on the West Coast are dreadful.

The East Coast is much drier, warmer and virtually midge-free.

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Sat 5 Jan 2013 15:21

Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? - blindspot

west coast if your only going once. try looking in good pub guide it always works for me

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Sat 5 Jan 2013 15:53

Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? - Armitage Shanks {p}

Dumfries and Galloway is very pleasant but probably not the "Scotland" you are looking for!

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Sat 5 Jan 2013 15:56

Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? - unthrottled

Asan exiled Scot, Scotland has guaranteed rubbish weather and the midges on the West Coast are dreadful.

Scotland biggest export-Scots! You did end up in Stoke though-out of the frying pan...?

Agree about the midges on the West Coast. Pity, as the inner hebrides are very beautiful-and surprisingly sunny.

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Sat 5 Jan 2013 20:14

Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? - csgmart

Some really useful and interesting responses - many thanks one and all

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Sat 5 Jan 2013 20:47

Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? - daveyjp

I forgot to add that another reason for Loch Tay is the drive from the banks of Loch Tay, up the lower part of Ben Lawers then back down Glen Lyon to Aberfeldy.

One of my favourite drives in the UK, but don't tell everyone it's always nice and quiet!

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Sat 5 Jan 2013 21:15

Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? - Fernando P

Of course if you are seeking an exciting drive you will find one across Bealach Na Ba (The Pass of the Cattle) to Applecross. "This road rises to a height of 2043 ft with gradients of 1 in 5 and hairpin bends." I will never forget the signs at the bottom - "Not normally passable in wintry conditions; not advised for learner drivers, very large vehicles or caravans after the first mile- and my favourite; not for those of a nervous disposition" . When you get near the top - and there is no turning back - you will see why. Just don't look down and hope that the engine keeps going. But I have experienced similarly "exciting" roads in the hilly parts in the Massif Central in South - Central France, although the view of the Inner Hebrides on a clear day from 2043ft en route to Applecross takes some beating!

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Sat 5 Jan 2013 21:31

Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? - RT

Of course if you are seeking an exciting drive you will find one across Bealach Na Ba (The Pass of the Cattle) to Applecross. "This road rises to a height of 2043 ft with gradients of 1 in 5 and hairpin bends." I will never forget the signs at the bottom - "Not normally passable in wintry conditions; not advised for learner drivers, very large vehicles or caravans after the first mile- and my favourite; not for those of a nervous disposition" . When you get near the top - and there is no turning back - you will see why. Just don't look down and hope that the engine keeps going. But I have experienced similarly "exciting" roads in the hilly parts in the Massif Central in South - Central France, although the view of the Inner Hebrides on a clear day from 2043ft en route to Applecross takes some beating!

How refreshing to hear someone extolling the splendour of the Bealach na Ba without repeating the erroneous claim that it's the highest public road in the UK - at 2053 ft it simply isn't - the A93 Cairnwell Pass at 2199 ft is the highest and equally spectacular especially if you cycle up the now bypassed Devils Elbow which has a couple of 1:3 gradients.

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Sat 5 Jan 2013 21:22

Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? - RT

I forgot to add that another reason for Loch Tay is the drive from the banks of Loch Tay, up the lower part of Ben Lawers then back down Glen Lyon to Aberfeldy. One of my favourite drives in the UK, but don't tell everyone it's always nice and quiet!

For an even more spectacular extension espescially in the evening, stay on the A827 to the outskirts of Killin and take the unclassified west through Tullich on to Kenknock and head north on a "white" road (on OS maps) past the "unsuitable for motor vehicles" sign to the dam of Loch Lyon and then follow Glen Lyon all the way down. The hotel at Fortingall makes an excellent refreshment stop - the yew tree in the churchyard is one of the oldest in Europe, at least 2,000 years old and Pontius Pilate is said to have played there as a young child during his father's service in the Roman Legions.

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Sun 6 Jan 2013 09:46

Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? - csgmart

Sounds lovely - all added to the list of potential places to go.

Thank you all once again. That's what I love about this forum - full of helpful and knowledgable people.

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Wed 9 Jan 2013 14:03

Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? - concrete

Sounds lovely - all added to the list of potential places to go.

Thank you all once again. That's what I love about this forum - full of helpful and knowledgable people.

I know Scotland very well having worked there consistently for over 20 years, and to do it justice you will months not weeks. The Borders are nice, Dumfries and Galloway is a hidden gem. Fife and Tayside have their attractions. Perth and Stirling are very good. Then you have Aberdeenshire, Moray and Inverness and the real Highlands above them. Argyll and the west coast is stunning too. Get my drift?

For a good taster try this. Stay in Glasgow, lots of small hotels and B&b. It is a lovely city with plenty to do and see, it even has an underground train service. Get a Family Rail card and use the trains. Take the train to Edinburgh, only 45 mins each way, centre to centre. Take the west coast mainline from Glasgow to Fort William, you will break your neck trying to catch all the views. Stay over in Fort William and take the Jacobite steam traim from there to Mallaig and back. Back to Glasgow for a rest and then home. You will have had a good taste of the country and will wish to return and you can plan for next year. Good luck and happy travelling. Concrete

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Sat 5 Jan 2013 21:04

Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? - IRC

Edinburgh during the festival is a must. A show or two and watch the street performers. Staying in Edinburgh isn't essential. There is a 15m train service to Glasgow. Frequent services to Stirling as well. You can stay elsewhere and go by train for a day trip. Or drive and park away from the city centre and get a taxi or local train to the town centre.

Further north the drive through Glen Coe is superb. After Glen Coe and Fort William the Road to the Isles gets you to Mallaig and the Skye ferry.

On Skye a drive to the road end in Glen Brittle and a walk up the hill for a couple of miles and 1500 feet ascent on an easy path gets you into the mouth of Coire Lagan and the best rock scenery in the UK.

munromountains.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/approaching-...l

After Skye back to the mainland via the bridge and drive through Torridon and further north. Then head for Inverness and the A9 south when it's time to go home.

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Sun 6 Jan 2013 11:57

Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? - Bobbin Threadbare

The Perth area is very lovely and there are lots of castles and distilleries. I particularly like Nairn as well; it remains one of my best childhood summer holiday places. 2 weeks of glorious sunshine (hotter than Tenerife at the time I believe), no midges!

I have driven to the Outer Hebrides too; that's a stunning journey with some nicely challenging roads!

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Sun 6 Jan 2013 12:55

Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? - barney100

Fort William to Skye, trip to the Hebredies or
Shetlands. So much up there.

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Wed 9 Jan 2013 00:31

Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? - Smileyman

As a child my dad drove the motor caravan 500+miles north for a change to Scotland, we parked one night alongside Loch Ness. He was very keen to tell us all about Nessie, I did not sleep well that night!

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Wed 9 Jan 2013 14:37

Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? - JOGON

As folks have mentioned, the West Coast to Skye is pleasant.

Be sure to take this junction (left) to "Applecross" on the A896

http://goo.gl/maps/jyfLR

http://youtu.be/UhF8Omhy9zk

Otherwise the East Grampians, Craigellachie (Highlander Inn) and Dallas Moor are worth a visit.

Still remember us stopping the car in Aberlour. The smell was just beautiful and identified as a mixture of :- Aberlour Distillery+ woodsmoke from pine logs on real fires + Walkers Shortbread Factory on the high street.

Edited by JOGON on 09/01/2013 at 14:45

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Fri 11 Jan 2013 14:05

Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? - John F

Anyone got any recommendations please?

17 & 13? Do what the Scots do.....Edinburgh airport, then fly to the Med!

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Fri 11 Jan 2013 21:28

Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? - Bromptonaut

The Isle of Arran is said to be Scotland in miniature. The ferry from Claonaig to Lochranza allows it ti be combined with Kintyre.

My own love is the Western Isles. Ferry from Oban to Castlebay. A day or so on Barra then the ferry to Eriskay and four/five days working up South Uist and through Benbecula to North Uist.

Ferry over the Sound of Harris to Obbe then another week doing Harris & Lewis. The standing stones at Calanais, Uig Bay (home of the Chessmen) and all the way to the road end beyond Breanish. Broad Bay up to Tolstadh and the magnificent beaches are another must as is the Butt of Lewis and its seabird colonies.

EDIT - re read OP and realised we're talking August. Bit late for the Hebrides which are at their best in May/June.

Edited by Bromptonaut on 11/01/2013 at 21:29

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Fri 11 Jan 2013 21:39

Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? - Avant

I agree - the west coast in general is at is best in May / June, not least because it's before the season for midges, which are for some reason (dampness?) worse in the west than the east.

Maybe go for a week at the May / June half-term and see if the family likes it - depends on what sort of things your teenagers enjoy. You could fly to Glasgow, hire a car and go to Loch Lomond, Fort William, Road to the Isles and over to Skye on the ferry from Mallaig. Back from Skye over the bridge and go left soon after up the A890 for a glorious view of Loch Carron. Then back A87 / A82 to Glasgow. That's enough for a week but gives them a taste of the best of Scotland!

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Fri 11 Jan 2013 22:05

Any - Holiday in Scotland - Ideas? - RT

August. Bit late for the Hebrides which are at their best in May/June.

Except May 2011 - the worst May on record in the Western Isles - wind at gale force OR ABOVE for over 2 weeks continuously.

But that won't stop us going back as soon as we can !!

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