Need advice on things to do in Scotland

Hi Monte,

Stonehaven! Yay, someone is visiting my top-of-list--for-repeat-visit location! I didn't make it to Dunnottar Castle (https://www.dunnottarcastle.co.uk/ ) while there, so that's one reason for returning. Also, I need to get some great fish/chips and mushy peas from http://thebayfishandchips.co.uk (I've not had as good a fish & chips meal in all my attempts since then). For a terrific sandwich, try Robertson the Baker. I stayed with the Budds if you need a B&B reco, http://www.gleniffer-stonehaven.co.uk/ Depending on your dates, there's the heated sea water pool to try, http://www.stonehavenopenairpool.co.uk/opening.html. I enjoyed the local museum in the Tolbooth and did walk as far as the war memorial. Those are two suggestions also mentioned on http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/stonehaven/stonehaven/

You're only just going onto Skye, any focus on Gavin Maxwell and his Ring of Bright Water book? Kyleakin is the place for http://www.eileanban.org/. I read the book as a naive teen ager, so plenty of years on I am open to the idea of multiple sides to the story of this man, but I'd like to try for a visit whenever I get a next trip chance to Scotland, http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/gavin-maxwells-bitter-legacy-was-the-otter-man-the-wildlife-champion-he-appeared-to-be-9595629.html

In Edinburgh, I always visit the Museum of Edinburgh and The People's Story, lower Royal Mile area. If the video room, in the tippy top of the The People's Story, is open, do make time to watch. Life in Edinburgh changed greatly from early 1900s to 1980s.

My last trip to Scotland was with my sister. We used an iPhone app for getting around. We used the setting of skip highways .. you may or may not want to use that one :-) I think some of the "roads" were long access driveways! But we saw some lovely driving sights, just took longer than probably typical to arrive at our destinations!

Cheers,
Betsey

If you are on Skye for two nights I'd suggest driving to Sligachan for sensational views of the Cuillin hills, Britain's only real alpine style mountains, and continue north up to The Old Man Of Storr and the Quirang - relatively easy paths can get you up close to these. Alternatively drive to Elgol and take the boat trip to Loch Coruisk - if the weather is good, fantastic views of the Black Cuillins. You may see seals and people negotiating the 'Bad Step' to get to the loch on foot!

If you want to splash out, Three Chimneys restaurant is considered one of the top fifty restaurants in the world (prices to match unfortunately) and is fabulous, but if interested book now as it's difficult to get in as it is very popular.

I wish you good weather for your trip. If the weather is kind the west coast of Scotland is breathtaking.

Ian

Thank you so much Ian and Betsey. This is exactly what I wanted! I had dinner at diner with two friends who are going to Scotland and we spent all last night talking about our trips! Our server came over and joined in and got in trouble with his boss ( his sister ) because he wanted to talk about Scotland instead of working. Can't wait for May to come! Thanks for your input.

All the best, Monte

Sounds like a nice trip. While in Edinburgh consider going to Roslin chapel and Craigmiller castle. We took a bus to get to each of them. If you're into Harry potter, stop by the Elephant house. In front of the elephant house is the statue of Bobby the dog. You can look up the legend about him and his devotion to his owner. For castles, Alnwick (in the UK but parts of a couple Harry Potter movies were filmed there) and Bamburgh (also in the UK). Castles in Scotland we liked include, Sterling, Glamis (more manor than castle), Dunnottar, Urquhart, Eilean Doman, Threave, Caerlaverock, Dumbarton and Dunvegan. We also liked Melrose Abbey and Jedburgh Abbey.

We loved our excursion to the Royal Yacht in Edinburgh. Easily can spend half a day here. http://www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk You get to tour it from top to bottom. If you don't have your rental car while in Edinburgh there is a bus line that stops just in front.

From Fort William you can take the Harry Potter Train to Mallaig (it's a nice trip even if you are not an HP fan).
If you go back with the ordinary train and leave on the last station before Fort William you can visit Neptune's Staircase.

Boat trip to Corryvreckan.

For a night out in the wilds... Loch Ossian hostel, or the station house.Great views back to the Grey Corries and Ben Nevis