On own in Scotland with four girls of varying ages (10- 18) from Aug 25-Sept 7 and looking for suggestions. Prefer off-beaten track. Was thinking Highlands or Outer Hebrides, but not committed to anything yet. All girls (even 18 year old) adore fairies and myths, so places with history of selkie or mermaid or especially ghostly sightings are winners. Want to avoid crowds at all costs. Don't mind long drives. Looking for eclectic museums. Hoping for some hikes (maximum- an hour-ish), especially to arrive at someplace magical. Promised to spend at least one night in a castle. Younger kid is LOUD so closely packed B&B or place with no noise after 8pm would be unsuccessful for us and unpleasant for proprietor. Hope this is enough to generate suggestions. Also, I personally may be looking for stiff drink at end of the day.
Posted by
Yorkshire
1349 posts
Sandwood Bay reputedly has a mermaid, as well as one of the best beaches,just pick your day for the hike
Posted by
Paris
10187 posts
oh Donna I don't have any suggestions but I love your self-awareness, and your last sentence is priceless!!!!
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
Skye sprang to mind, but you need to book accommodation there months in advance, if not a year in advance for August.
The gorgeous Ardnamurchan is as off the beaten path as you can get whilst still being accessible from Fort William. You maybe better trying to book a cottage if you have a noisy child!
Posted by
69 posts
I agree with Isle of Skye. You may be able to find some accommodation off the Isle (near Kyle of Lochalsh, Dornie, etc). if nothing on the Isle is available. You can hike up to see the Old Man at the Storr, the Fairy Pools, Talisker Beach, Coral Beach, see Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls, drive or hike through the Quairaing, tour Dunvegan Castle, etc.
I'd also recommend Inverness and the Loch Ness area. Boating on Loch Ness is fantastic, plus you can see Urquhart Castle and visit the Loch Ness Center. Loads of fun for kids.
Maybe a distillery along the way for you... ;)
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you all so much for the advice. It's been ever so helpful. Donna
Posted by
Virginia
8 posts
Do you have any Harry Potter fans? Haven't been yet, but we're leaving Thursday with our 15 & 18 year old and are planning to visit some of the sites in Edinburgh where JK Rowling wrote and that may have inspired elements of the books. We don't have time since we're doing a tour, but the Jacobite train was also recommended since the route it follows was used in the movies. Here's a great article about the various sites if you're interested: http://independenttravelcats.com/2017/02/08/guide-top-harry-potter-sites-in-edinburgh-scotland-jk-rowling/
We're also planning to visit at least one of the highland games festivals while we're there. It looks like there are some in late August/early September while you're there. Here's the website that lists all the events and locations if this is something you would enjoy: http://www.shga.co.uk/events.php
If we discover anything amazing while there, I will post again after we get back. Happy planning!