My wife and I are planning a trip to Scotland and Northern Ireland in September, and we are looking for an 8 day (plus or minus a day or two) for the Scotland piece. Our plan is to start and end in Edinburgh.
Posted by
Chicagoland
1022 posts
Can you give us a hint to your interests? Scottish history, castles, hiking, distilleries, ruins, ... ? Do you need to visit Outlander or Harry Potter or Mary Queen of Scots sights or ? There is a lot to see in Scotland.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2729 posts
Are you planning on hiring a car for this?
Are you wanting to spned any time in Edinburgh first?
Are you planning to do this as a road trip with just an overnight stop in each place? How far are you happy driving each day.
OR do you want to spend 2-3 nights in a place to see in a bit more detail.
What initial research have you done and do you know what areas you are interested in visiting?
This website has ideas for different itineraries of 6-8 days in Scotland which will give you an idea options.
Posted by
Oregon
423 posts
Here is a RS recommended itinerary: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/scotland/itinerary
Posted by
OP
Cleveland, OH USA
2 posts
We will be renting a car after our stay in Edinburgh. Feels like we should spend a couple of days in Edinburgh first to see all the sights there. We are not hikers or bikers but enjoy the history, scenery and local flavor of new countries. I would like to spend a couple of nights in one place, if possible, and search out from there to multiple places. The Highlands and Isle of Skye look interesting to us, as well as St Andrews, We know it's a big place but want to see the best of Scotland in this first go round.
Posted by
Glasgow
98 posts
My own 10 day itinerary including route map below, if of help in kick starting your thoughts.St Andrews would be an add on but fairly easily achieved if it’s a must re the golf history.
You would be dropping the Applecross/Torridon add on I suggest given you most likely only have 8 days (which is 9 nights - or do you mean 8 nights? It makes a difference.) I live in Scotland and my husband and I travel all over the country, every month of the year and have done for many, many decades.Accommodation prices might shock you a little though I generally find these have risen hugely certainly in places abroad that we have travelled to in the last 3 years.
https://annestravelsandhikes.com/2022/06/26/an-epic-10-nights-in-scotland-map/
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2729 posts
With only 8 days to play with and taking out say two days for Edinburgh, is only going to give six days for the rest. Distances may not look that far in Scotland compared with USA, but roads are slow and it will take a lot longer to cover the distance than you might expect. Many people discount this saying they are used to driving long distances to get somewhere - but driving in Scotland is very different...
If deciding on the Highlands and Scotland, then this is going to take up all of those 6 days. It will take you a day to get from Edinburgh to Skye and another day to get back.
Have you considered other alternatives - there is Arran or Mull - both the equal of Skye when it comes to scenery and both a lot closer.
Alternatively look at St Andrews and the Fife fishing villages (don’t miss Dunfermline and Falkland and its Palace) for a couple of nights. Then head up to Glamis Castle (Childhood home of the Queen Mum) into the Angus Glens for another two nights
Then head to Crieff for the last two nights - gives access to Loch Katrine, Drummond Castle Gardens (one of the best in Scotland) Doune Castle, Castle Campbell. ON the way back to Edinburgh think about visiting Culross, Stirling, Falkirk Wheel or the Kelpies...
OK this is a very different itinerary but will highlight many parts of Scotland other people don't get to.