Planning a trip to Scotland for 21 days in July 2021. I have been researching for the past month and I am stumped on where the best places are to segment my trip. Best places as defined as a home base where day trips are less than 8 hours round trip. Plus a home base that is interesting and fun to walk about. I have selected Edinburgh as one segment. Thinking 7 days (3 days dedicated walk about/exploring Edinburgh, day trips to St.Andrews (train+bus), Stirling (train), Rossyln Chapel (bus), North Berwick (train)).
My initial thought was to break the trip into 3 segments to minimize packing and unpacking and really try to absorb the culture as much as we can. We love taking pictures, walking, taking public transportation, and eating where the locals do. Like sitting at the bar and swapping stories. Do want our own bathroom, and room to move around. We also love cities as well as the countryside. We do not plan to rent a car unless necessary given how we spread out the trip.
I would appreciate input on where to stay (cities, hotels, b&b) and for how long. Maybe my idea of 3 segments needs to be modified.
Thank you advance!