We will be driving Rick's suggested itinerary in Scotland in late August while giving ourselves extra time in Edinburgh for their festival. Besides Rick's suggestions, does anyone have any other hidden treasures that they discovered while taking this trip? I know that's a broad question, but during our many travels it is usually these hidden treasures we find ourselves or via blogs, videos, asking for advice, etc. in advance that provide some of the best memories.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2594 posts
Forget the guide books and use the Undiscovered Scotland website instead... It is a plethora of ideas and many you won't find in the usual guide books. Start with the relevant map page and follow the links to text pages with lots of information and pictures.
Posted by
San Diego, California
6311 posts
You'll love The Fringe. I've been there twice and plan to return. We did an evening Haunted Tour, which was a lot of fun, as the guide takes you under the city, and tells tales.
Have a great trip and wishing you good weather. Safe travels!
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
66 posts
Not exactly sure what's on the suggested itinerary that you'll be driving and taking in, but I can recommend (especially since you'll have a car) exploring some of the wonderful fishing villages of the Kingdom of Fife. We spent a night in Crail - it's so charming and you can visit the family owned Crail Pottery, the Gallery for coffee and morning goodies and the fish and chips in Crail were fantastic!). From there you can drive back to Edinburgh, stopping in each of the towns like Anstruther, Pittenweem, St Monans...then cut up to Dunfermline (visit the Abbey and the Andrew Carnegie house/museum where he was born - so interesting. And if you park by the Carnegie house, it's an easy, short walk to the Abbey). From Dunfermline (before returning your car), you can stop and enjoy strolling around Culross. My husband and I did this on the backend of our 16 day trip and it was lovey and not on the 'usual tourist list'. Honestly, there are so many wonderful things to see in Scotland - so many things will feel like 'gems'!
Posted by
20 posts
We were in Scotland last summer and loved and highly recommend the following:
- Edinburgh Royal Mile, National Gallery
- Oban - beautiful, peaceful harbor, fantastic food
- Iona - peaceful and stunningly beautiful
- Isle of Skye - Fairy Pools & Fairy Glen. Food at Gasta Port Righ
- Manuela's wee bakery near Eilean Donan castle.
Posted by
Isle of Skye, Scotland
1421 posts
I live in Skye. The Fairy Pools and Fairy Glen are most definitely NOT hidden treasures. For hidden treasures in Skye avoid the following honey pot sites - Neist Point, Coral Beach, Fairy Pools, Fairy Glen, Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Lealt Falls, Quiraing. Almost anywhere else you go will be as beautiful and much less crowded. When I looked at Undiscovered Scotland's website for Skye I found it to be very out of date - still listing museums and attractions long closed - but also not all 'undiscovered'. Better bet would be to look at Walk Highlands and choose ANY of the walks apart from the places I've listed above. I'm loath to suggest specifics as they will just become the new honey pots. But I promise you that you can find your own special places if you avoid the honey pots.