Two 70+ adventurous types will be driving on Scottish roads for the first time. We are doing our research and watching videos and making our plans now that we are drivng.
We will be going from Ballater to Tobermory on the Isle of Mull in JULY 2024 for 4 days then on to Stirling for 2 Days then on to Glasgow.
Should we travel by way of GLENCOE or INVERARY & LOCH LOMOND on the way to Stirling?
Google Maps is taking me by way of the Lochaline Ferry to get to MULL and I see it is one you can not make reservations for. Is that a problem in July? Or should we go by way of OBAN instead? So many questions still flying around in my head 😫 luckily I still have months to plan.
Thanks in advance for ANY advice.
Nancy from Florida
Posted by
RIchmond, BC,Canada
935 posts
There are some extremely knowledgeable people here who will be able to help a lot, but it will help if you provide more details about what you want to see and do along the way. I used Secret Scotland to do my driving itinerary, and it was great. They provided my route with detailed turns, and sights to see along the way.
Posted by
OP
Bradenton
10 posts
Thanks for the advice. We wnjoy nature more than city life. And enjoy a slow pace. We have 2 weeks in Scotland and are trying not to rush our time. We love to enjoy good food and finding things that we have not had before is fun.
My husband enjoys History and I enjoy nature. We have been together for more than 53 years.
You said you used Secret Scotland to plan you trip. I have not heard of this before. When I looked it up online all I found was tours.
Nancy
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2305 posts
There's lots of information about the Lochaline ferry here. It is a small local ferry and you just turn up, queue and wait. It is a very short crossing and runs a continuous service. The summer timetable isn't available yet, but have a look at the winter timetable.
The last part of the drive to Lochaline is slow as it is along a narrow road which in places is single track, with passing places.
To save backtracking, use the Craignure to Oban service for the return journey. (You will need to book well in advance as it does get very busy).
Do Glencoe on the way to Tobermory. Do Inverary and Loch Lomond on the way to Stirling.
Secret Scotland do a lot of standard tours but will also design customised tours for you.
Posted by
OP
Bradenton
10 posts
Thank you so much. Is it safe to just turn up and hope. in the beginning of July? Will the scenery be different on our way to the Ferry?
I plan everything as far in advance as possible. I already have all of our rooms, plane tickets and car booked. The only thing left to chose is route, private tour ( I want to see PUFFINS) praying for great weather! and places to eat. I have been told we need dinner reservations far in advance for many restaurants.
Nancy
Posted by
RIchmond, BC,Canada
935 posts
I haven’t looked at the Secret Scotland web site in a while, but click on the customized tour link and I think that is what you need. You fill in what you want to see and where you want to go and they will create the route for you. It’s been a while since I used them so I imagine prices have gone up, but I think I only paid $75 for a ten day driving route. Email them and ask if there are different levels for prices. They did just the driving route for me.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2305 posts
Is it safe to just turn up and hope.
You can't book the ferry so that is what the locals do. It isn't likely to be that busy. If you can''t get on one ferry, just wait for the next.