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Scotland with limited walking capabilities?

Hi all!

My grandmother has always dreamed of visiting Scotland (too many romance novels and the lure of Scottish ancestry). We're planning a visit in May. We'll be renting a car, traveling in mostly western and northern areas. I'm not sure of the exact route, but we'll probably try to see some of the highland highlights that others on this forum and other places have recommended. The only island we're planning to see is Mull (Duart castle is a must).

Although she is getting better, my grandmother had some health issues that affect how long and how well she can walk. I'm trying to get a sense of how accessible traveling in Scotland could be for someone who is not going to be taking any long walks or climbs. I think we can do many of the things I would like to do (like visit Glencoe) from a car, but some reassurance would be nice. Have any of you traveled Scotland with similar issues? Anything we should watch for? Any great activities that don't require a lot of walking?

A friend of mine mentioned that she would do a little hiking to get away from the road or populated areas and this is how she would see some of the neat wildlife I've seen in the pictures. Are there ways or places we could have similar experiences without the hikes?

Any suggestions or thoughts would be helpful!

Posted by
977 posts

On our recent driving trip to Scotland (the highlands, Skye, Glencoe etc.) we called it the 'Oh My God Look at That' tour!!!! Every 5 minutes we seemed to be uttering this phrase.So much amazing scenery to see and experience from the car. Head off road. Just get out of the car and take it all in, if you can.
One of the most breathtaking places, scenery wise, on earth.

Posted by
6113 posts

Much can be seen from a car, but any additional walking would be a bonus.

The Ardnamurchan is a must for wildlife spotting and some of the nicest scenery in Scotland other than mountains! Stay near Glencoe and take the short Corran car ferry over. Drive clockwise over to Strontian and up to Lochailort before taking the main road back towards Fort William. It's a full day, but worthwhile. There are plenty of cafes en route.

Take a boat ride on the loch in Glencoe. Plenty of gardens and houses to visit, depending on your interests.

May should be ok weatherwise, but you just don't know up there! Last June, I had 7 degrees daytime temperature one day!

Posted by
5678 posts

I love to travel to Scotland and have done a lot of walking trips. But, when I went with my parents, my dad had hurt his foot and we really couldn't do a lot of walking. We had a car and we had a marvelous time. My dad died 5 years ago and I can't tell you how happy I am that I did this trip. So, if you're renting a car, you will be fine. I drove the entire trip. We first went to Orkney as that is where my family is from, but then we really started the trip in Inverness. We headed west and in four days drove around the top of Scotland. It was wonderful. If you want some specifics PM me.

PAm