We are heading to Scotland July 22-31. We'd like to get a taste of the Highlands...
Staying in Edinburgh 3 nights July 22-25 then have 3 nights to see somewhere else...before July 28-31 in Glasgow.
Thinking one night in St Andrews to see a bit of the coastal fishing villages and then head inland for 2 nights...I know, not enough time. I know the regular stops: Up to Inverness or over to Glencoe. Not thinking of getting to Skye.
Is there a little town not too far up or across that could give us a taste of the highlands and we could stay for 2 nights? A town that has good restaurants/pubs and scenery and local life.
We will probably have a car. But could take a bus or train which might be easier on us but I understand bus or train limits our ability to get out and make stops.
We are in our 70's and don't want to rush to see everything...we will be back. We are interested in the culture not so much in the sights..oh no was that lightning I just saw flash by!
I usually take much longer trips (1-3 months) so am not used to planning a quick short trip. My sister couldn't get the time off. Any suggestions help. Thank you.
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
1670 posts
I don't know about St. Andrews for the fishing villages. It has no train station (well, it does, but it's not in St. Andrews and requires a bus trip). If you're going to get a car, why not just stay in or near one of the villages? Or if you won't have a car, you could stay in North Berwick (by train from Edinburgh) and take the passenger ferry to Anstruther.
You could take the West Highland Line to Fort William and rent a car there. Kind of the best of both worlds, transport-wise.
As far as which town to stay in, if you have a car, you can stay anywhere, so set the map wide on your preferred booking site, filter for your needs and budget, and see what you find.
Posted by
Chicagoland
2050 posts
Here's my suggestions for 2 nights after St. Andrews.
With a car-
Oban, a town on the west coast, seafood capital of Scotland, access to the Inner Hebrides, you could visit Mull by ferry with your car or take a 2 or 3 island day trip with West Coast Tours. In Oban you'll find Dunollie Museum, Dunstaffnage Castle and the Oban Distillery.
You can stop at Inveraray Castle and Loch Lomond on your way to Glasgow.
While Oban is easy to get to by rail to/from Glasgow and Edinburgh on the scenic West Highland Line, it's a bit harder from St. Andrews via bus and train (6 hours).
With public transportation from St. Andrews-
Aviemore - hiking to nearby Lochs, Highland Wildlife Park, steam train to Boat of Garten, gateway to Cairngorms & funicular for views
Pitlochry - the Linn of Tummel, Falls of Bruar, Blair Castle & Gardens, Salmon Ladder & Dam, Queen's View
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you. Your suggestions are very helpful. Much appreciated