My husband and I will be visiting our son during his study abroad trip in Dublin for 2 nights and then hopping over to Scotland for 9 days. We love Ireland, but have already been there a few times - never experienced Scotland. I am working through the itinerary now and looking for suggestions. We LOVE outdoor activities like hiking / some biking and can pack a lot into a single day. Castles and beautiful vistas also a highlight. Less excited about big cities, but want to at least experience a bit of Edinburg.
In the past, we have traveled Europe both by mostly by public transit and train and then some of Italy and Ireland by car. There is just something special about mostly visiting by train in particular, but recognize that will limit us in Scotland.
- Fly Dublin into Glasgow or Edinburgh. Head immediately up toward Stirling and then onward toward Fort William. Stay 1-2 nights in Fort William.
- Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Maillag (Maybe stay a night in Maillag?
- Head toward Oban / Portree & spend 2-3 days exploring Skye
- 1-2 nights in Inverness
- End with 1-2 nights in Edinburgh flying out from there.
Suggestions? Are we crazy to use public transit for this kind of trip? Is there a better path to follow?