We are going to Scotland for 5 full days end of June and then on to Ireland for 10 days. The main places at the top of my list so far are Glen Coe and Isle of Skye. We want to see the prettiest scenic places and castles. Right now trying to plan route from Stirling to Glen Coe and trying to decide if it’s worth the time and effort to go around loch lomand.to Luss, Dunderave castle, Inveraray Castle, past loch awe to Kilchurn castle then along Orchy river or would the time be better spend in Glen Coe and Glen Etive by taking A84 through Callander past Loch Lubnaig and then north. We will be renting a car. Thank you!
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1526 posts
If you are Campbell Clan I would for sure go to Inveraray Castle. We stayed at a Farmhouse near there and ate at local pub/cafe in a lovely location on Loch Awe. Glencoe was misty; so we just drove on. I would choose Skye for it's other worldly scenery; recognizing that it might be very busy in June. We enjoyed Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness. Stirling Castle and Edinburgh Castle are worth a visit. Have a great time!
Posted by
3124 posts
We did the first route you describe, including taking a boat ride out of Luss on our first day out of Glasgow and staying overnight in Inveraray. We've heard praise for Glen Coe, but had to choose one or the other as we were driving from Inveraray to Skye the next day. We were very happy with our choice.
Kilchurn Castle is a ruin, best seen (IMO) from a distance. Inveraray Castle, in contrast, is lovely inside and out. Beyond Kilchurn Castle you'll come to the Ben Cruachan "hollow mountain" hydropower plant & visitor centre at Lochawe. It's fascinating, though we didn't have time to take the tour inside the mountain. It's a good place to stop to use the restrooms and get a cup of tea before you continue onward to Fort William. We ate lunch in the Morrison's supermarket in Fort William, stopped briefly at Old Inverlochy Castle (another ruin), saw Neptune's Staircase at Banavie, and then drove on to Skye.
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
4624 posts
Since you're starting in Stirling, don't forget Stirling Castle. We spent 6 hours there and thought it was the most spectacular castle we saw in Scotland.
Posted by
OP
Maryland USA
21 posts
This was my first post. Thank you everyone for the answers. I’ve spent probably 40 hours planning and reading multiple book! And I have only made it planning halfway through the trip so far!
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
8157 posts
I’ve spent probably 40 hours planning and reading multiple book! And I have only made it planning halfway through the trip so far!
Ha ha ha!!! Welcome to our addiction!!
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
4624 posts
I’ve spent probably 40 hours planning and reading multiple book! And I
have only made it planning halfway through the trip so far!
120 more hours to go.
Posted by
OP
Maryland USA
21 posts
It’s is an addiction! And, I should say only halfway through planning 5 days in Scotland! I still have 10 days of Ireland to plan! Lol! Wish me luck!