7 days in Scotland

We enjoyed staying in Aviemore several times. It is on the Spey river, right at the heart of the Speyside distillery 'area'. Speyside whiskies are our favorites. There are plenty of distilleries you can tour within a short bus or train ride (or their are 'whiskey taxi' services that will drive you to several in one day and you can sample all you like!). There are also plenty of things to do. There is a restored steam train that does 'runs' along the Spey down to Boat of Garten and back so you get to see the countryside and plenty of sheep. The Rothmurchie estate has lots of walks, horseback riding and canoeing and other activities. And you can hike up or take the funicular up Mt. Cairngorm- lovely views from the top! We always stayed at the Cairngorm Hotel- it is just across the street from the rail station and buses stop just a block up the street. It looks like a miniature castle outside and a hunting lodge inside. Their restaurant and pub serve awesome food! There is also a local microbrewery that gives tours (with samples). There are plenty of other villages/towns in the area if you want to check them out, too.

Thank you, I will have to check that out. That sounds perfect, especially the whiskey taxi!

How many days/ nights do you actually have on the ground? A week in Scotland is 7 nights as your title suggests is 8 days, which isn’t what your detailed itinerary suggests.

The first day will be lost to jet lag and finding your accommodation and your final day will be getting to the airport.

I don’t care for Aviemore - it lacks the character of many places in Scotland and is a long way from Glasgow or Edinburgh for such a short trip. St Andrews is far closer. Alternatively, from Glasgow, head to the Loch Lomond area before heading to Edinburgh. I would give serious consideration to staying in Glasgow and Edinburgh with day trips to minimise the upheaval of changing accommodation.

those are full days...I never count the jet lag day and I leave early from Edinburgh to Estonia and am not counting that.

I was leaning more towards day trips too for such a short trip.

Thank you for the advise!

You could consider a couple of days taking in Stirling (nice town and castle), then Pitlochry a great little town with two distilleries (but note that it's whisky - no e, your version is the Irish stuff). You could also possibly make it across to St Andrews (much more to this place than just golf) and the surrounding area, before heading to Edinburgh.

I will add to the suggestion of Pitlochry. We stayed there between Skye and Edinburgh, and while there you must visit Edradour. It was the last of 4 distilleries we visited and it was the best tour and the best whisky -- and for those of us not too keen on whisky, they have a wonderful cream whisky (better than Bailey's).

Hi, kateyB23,

Falkirk had not been on my radar in 24 times visiting Scotland. Finally discovered it on my 25th. visit, and thoroughly enjoyed it.

It's midway between Glasgow and Edinburgh, and right on the train line. Actually, it's a bit closer to Edinburgh. And Stirling is very close by as well.

In addition to the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel, Callendar House is definitely worth visiting. It's a large mansion house which dates from the 14th. century, and is just about smack dab in the middle of town. Plus it has a very nice tearoom. Part of the second century Antonine Wall runs directly through the grounds of Callendar House.

Blackness and Midhope castles are a short distance away.

Ah yes, to be 60 again! :)

Slainte!

Mike (Auchterless)