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electric bikes and general itinerary

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Hi, our itinerary is for 19 nights, flying into Edinburgh and out of Glasgow in counter-clockwise route.  After 3 nights in Edinburgh, we are going to Melrose for 3 nights, then to Crail for 2 nights (seeing Stirling along the way), then to Grantown-on-Spey for 3 nights, then to Plockton for 2 nights, then to Tobermory for 3 nights, then to Glasgow for 3 nights.  I'd like to rent electric bikes for little local trips in different areas- are they available throughout Scotland?   Are the roads or trails suitable for them?  

One more question- is the drive from Tobermory to Glasgow doable or should we break it up by adding a night or two in Oban or Inveraray (or perhaps Dunoon)?  If we did add another stop, we could see some of Glencoe or Trossachs areas on the drive there.  And on the last drive to Glasgow, we could go scenically then too. 

General interests are history, seaside towns/villages, castles and gardens, churches/religious sites, pretty scenery and local pubs. We've never been to Scotland before, we are 2 married couples in good health without mobility issues & ages from late 50s to early 70s.

Thanks!

Posted by
8065 posts

First, I can't speak for most of your places, but I think it would be difficult to use an electric bike in Tobermory, given the single track roads and especially the steepness of the town itself. But I haven't tried it so others might have a better idea.

I would definitely break up the drive between Glasgow and Tobermory, especially keeping in mind that you will have a ferry crossing with your car that will add time to the drive. You could stay in Oban overnight, and then catch the ferry to Craignure. Or you could drive to Glencoe and spend time there, then drive to Lochaline to catch the Fishnish ferry. Either would work.

I absolutely loved Tobermory. It's a very charming town with some very good restaurants and interesting shops, and is the gateway to some beautiful scenery. If you have time, I would add another night on to Tobermory, so that you are there for 4 nights. There is plenty to do, and with 3 full days, you could explore the island; visiting places like Calcary Beach, Iona, and much more.

When do you plan on visiting Scotland? If it's shoulder or summer season, start booking lodging way ahead of time, especially in the Highlands and on Mull. And also you will need to book your ferry at least a month ahead depending on which ferry. The Oban-Craignure route needs booking ahead, but the Lochaline-Fishnish route is a "show up and go" ferry.

Lastly, with regards to car rentals, I reserved my car through Celtic Legend, and they were wonderful to deal with. Very prompt with responses and you heard from a real person. The car I rented came from Arnold Clark, so I picked up my car from their office at 1330 South St., just outside Glasgow. The woman who helped me was incredibly friendly and helpful. She explained everything to me about the car, what my requirements were, how the CDW worked, and so on. I knew a lot of it, but I appreciated her telling me all of this. You do not pay ahead of time - you just request a quote online, they email it to you and you confirm it if you want. Payment is not made until you pick up the car - they don't even request a credit card ahead of time.

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