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Scottish Highlands

We are visiting Scotland for only ONE week the week of Thanksgiving - getting to Glasgow on Saturday and then leaving Glasgow the next Friday. So not much time at all! We have 2 days planned in Edinburgh, 1 day in St Andrews and at least one day in Glasgow.

If you could go to only one place in the Highlands where would you go? We could take a day trip to Glencoe from Glasgow and hike the Glencoe Lochan Trails OR go to Aviemore or Iverness and see sights around there and stay a night there before heading to Glasgow.

Posted by
7827 posts

How are you getting there- rental car or bus (Glencoe)/train (Aviemore/Inverness)?

By Thanksgiving the nights are going to really be drawing in- sunset will be before 4pm. Given the length of the journey from Glasgow, in what could be poor weather I think I would play it by ear. If the weather was good go for Glencoe, leaving Glasgow as early as possible

The 0640 bus would give you nearly 3 hours (but starting off the walk before any frost or potentially snow has had time to thaw), the 1000 bus gives you 2 hours at Glencoe.

If the weather isn't co-operating then Aviemore/Inverness.

You are leaving Glasgow I assume on 29 November.

Although fairly unlikely that early in the season (in a year which so far has been a very mild Autumn/fall) a substantial snow fall can and does close the A9. If that happens a blockage of the rail line is not out of the question.

Posted by
2279 posts

A lot depends on whether you have a car.... Don't be too enthusiastic as the week will fly by and you only effectively have six days - depending on when you arrive in Glasgow on the Saturday and what time you leave the following Friday and you have virtually filled that up.

Short daylength is also a consideration. If Glencoe is a priority, then plan for an overnight in the area rather than trying to do it as a day trip. Another alternative would be Oban?

Posted by
1386 posts

Fort WIlliams!

If you want to ride the https://westcoastrailways.co.uk/jacobite/steam-train-trip (/Hogwarts Express) you need to book early. See https://search.ricksteves.com/?utf8=%E2%9C%93&query=jacobite+train&button=

We also enjoyed https://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/visit/canals/visit-the-caledonian-canal/attractions/neptunes-staircase, but maybe it's a bit nerdy.

For a relaxing day go to Fort Augustus and watch the boats passing the 5 locks.

Posted by
7827 posts

As the OP is travelling in November the Jacobite steam train is not an option. That only runs from Easter to October. The rolling stock returned to winter storage at Carnforth, England a few days ago.