Confused: Scotland or Lake district help!

I'm a bit prejudiced when it comes to Scotland, so I'd say to spend all of your time there. That said, the Lake District (Windermere, Ullswater, Keswick, Kendal, Derwentwater, etc.) can be visited as a day trip from Edinburgh. Take the A7 south from Edinburgh to Carlisle, the M6 south to Penrith, and you can easily visit Ullswater via the A592. Follow the A592 over the Kirkstone Pass to Windermere, the A591 to Kendal, then the A6 back north to the M6.

Don't let the midges dissuade you from spending most of your time in Scotland. You won't find them in built up areas. So while you're in Edinburgh, Oban, Fort William, etc., you won't be bothered. You'll only encounter them while you're in the countryside. A fine mesh head covering would help, and also long sleeved shirts. Avon's Skin so Soft works as a repellent for some. Midges are generally most active in the early morning and early to late evening, so if you limit your hillwalking to times other than those, you should be okay. Midges can also be active during very overcast weather, but they tend to scatter if it's windy.

Have a wonderful time. The scenery, wherever you go, is magnificent!

I'll vote for your first option, as personally I think the Lake District is overrated. If you do want to see something on the southern edge of Scotland, I'd recommend Hadrian's Wall, either at the eastern end (Housesteads, at Hexham not too far from Edinburgh) or the western portion near Carlisle. It's very dramatic and makes for a fabulous walk if the weather cooperates; if not there is a visitor centre in either of these areas.

Isle of Skye lodging fills up quickly, so book soon.

I am not finding any lodging at the Isle of Skye :( so I am totally lost :(((

When are you visiting the Isle of Skye? Did you check only in Portree? If you've not already done so, you might try Armadale, the Kyle of Lochalsh, even Mallaig (so long as you also book a spot on the ferry) . As you are aware of the possibility of midges, you can arrive prepared for them.

Hi, simran,

Call directly to the Scottish Tourist Board information office in Portree. Their direct telephone number from the U.S. is 011 44 1478 612992. Let them know what your dates will be on Skye, and what you're looking for in the way of accommodation, i.e.: hotel or B&B; double, twin room, or family room; en-suite or shared bathroom; and the price range that you're hoping to pay. The U.K. pound is now trading at $1.40, so 100 pounds would be $140.00, 80 pounds would be $112.00, etc. . You could also try e-mailing the office at [email protected], but I find that a telephone call works wonders. Be aware of the time difference. They're five hours ahead from the U.S. East Coast.

You don't necessarily have to stay in Portree. Broadford, Uig, Elgol, Carbost, Edinbane, and Kyleakin are quite nice, as well. And don't forget hostels. The Skyewalker Hostel in Portnalong has very nice en-suite twins for about 60 pounds. As there are three in your party, you may have a little more trouble finding accommodation. You could try for a double and a single. Many B&Bs have rollaway beds for families.

The information office can give you the names and telephone numbers (or e-mail addresses) of hotels and B&Bs on Skye that you may not have considered, or found on the internet.

Best wishes, and let us know on the forum if you've had any luck.

Mike (auchterless)

p.s.: I remember back in the 1970s, when I first started traveling to Scotland, you never needed to make reservations ahead of time. Even in June and July, you could just drive in to a town or village, and you could find lodging right away, with no problem. My, how times have changed!

For Isle of Skye lodging, I can recommend the Dornie Hotel, which is on the mainland within walking distance of Eilean Donan Castle. It's about a 5-minute drive from the Kyle of Lochalsh bridge (and not too far from the Glenelg ferry if you want that experience). It's nothing fancy, but affordable and clean, with helpful staff and a good pub/restaurant that's popular with locals. See if they have a room available on your desired dates.