I've researched this every way I can think of. Train goes to Aviemore but taxi is prohibitive or nonexistent. Any suggestions? I do not want to drive.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
You should contact them and ask. For one thing, the train does stop closer than Aviemore. You can go to Newtonmore or Dalwhinnie. Pam
Posted by
OP
9 posts
Thanks, Pam. I did write, not call and they were not too helpful. More trains go to Aviemore and only 4 daily to Dalwhinnie. I can give them a call though.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
I'm curious what is stopping you from driving? I know that the idea of driving on a different side of the road can be daunting, but if you stay out of the cities--Glasgow, Edinburgh, London, Manchester etc--it is possible. I realize sometimes it can be the cost. But I find it's not that hard to drive in Scotland outside of the Central Belt. I have driven in the Central Belt and know its challenges, but having a car does open up many opportunities.
Another thought would be to spend more time at the estate. Why not spend the night? I assume you are a Monarch of the Glen fan. :)
Pam
Posted by
OP
9 posts
Yes, I am a Monarch fan. I'm at an age where renting might be an issue and although I've lived in left hand drive places, like in the Caribbean, (one lane in each direction), it's been 20 years since I've driven on the left. Also, I'll be based in Edinburgh so that means I'll have to drive out of Edinburgh.
Posted by
Delaware
1440 posts
Hi, rmgarcia,
Most car hire companies in Scotland cap the rental age limit at 75. So if you're not older than that, there is another solution to your problem. There is a small car rental firm in Aviemore. They even have cars with automatic transmission. So you could take the train from Edinburgh to Aviemore, hire a car, and set off for your MOTG adventure. There is also a smaller car rental company in Pitlochry, which may be even more convenient, as you wouldn't have to backtrack from Aviemore.
If you have access to a car, then you could do a bit of exploring outside of the estate as well.
Just a suggestion, but if you do rent from Aviemore (or Pitlochry), you wouldn't have as long a drive as you would from Edinburgh.
Good luck!
Mike (Auchterless)
Posted by
OP
9 posts
Mike,
Those solutions seem more workable. Can you tell me what the names of the rental companies are in both Aviemore and Pitlochry? Thanks for your great suggestions!
Rosemary Garcia
Posted by
Delaware
1440 posts
Hi, Rosemary,
The care hire companies are:
Aviemore Car & Van: www.aviemorecarhire.co.uk 011 44 1479 811700
and
Pitlochry Car Hire: www.pitlochrycarhire.co.uk 011 44 1796 474474
As both companies are the only game in town, expect to pay a bit more than you would out of Edinburgh Airport.
Good luck!
Mike (Auchterless)