Seven Days in Scotland

Martha - When are you planning your trip? What are your & your husbands interest?

We will arrive May 20. My husband loves golf but I think he would just like to see a few courses, not necessarily take the time to actually play since our time is so limited. We will have another couple with us. We're game for anything. We just like experiencing new places.

Martha, We have been to Scotland six times and haven't seen it all. First, I would suggest getting a copy of Rough Guide Scotland. Its the best.

Your itinerary partially depends on where you land. We have always flown to Glasgow, our favorite city, and on all six trips we have flown out to the Isle of Islay. From Glasgow you can bus or train to anywhere.

Six days is a good first trip to Scotland, but you will save some things for next time. Let me know if you want specifics.

Here's where I'd go (we've been to Scotland MANY times and these are my favs).
Edinburgh- 1-2 nights
train to Aviemore
Aviemore- 2-3 nights
train to Inverness
Inverness 2-3 nights
If you could stretch your trip to 9 or ten days(leave home on a Thursday and stay the full week and both weekends) you could be a bit slower paced or include Glasgow or another stop.

I LOVE Inverness. Lots of good day trips from there, including a LONG one to Orkney. Cruises on the firth and Loch Ness, tours of Urquhart Castle as part of some of those, Drumnadrochit (the village at top of the Loch), Culloden and Clava Cairns, etc. It also is a good small, walkable city with lovely views.

Aviemore is in the Cairngorm Mountains and has LOTS AND LOTS to do. Restored steam train does round trips along the River Spey, Rothmurchie Estate has walks, horseback riding, canoeing, etc., local microbrewery gives tours and samples, several excellent distilleries within easy bus or train ride, Blair Atholl castle and village, the funicular or hikes up Mt. Cairngorm,......

We had 14 days this past August, including several days in Edinburgh, and crammed in quick visits way up north in Shetland and Orkney, and a few days on Skye. We flew some places (flybe Air is great), took a ferry, and used rental cars. Driving on The Left, from the right side of the car, took some adjusting. Trains and buses are other options, as well as signing up for a tour (even for just 1 day) that handles the driving for you. Are the 4 of you planning on driving/riding together? Pick your destinations, but consider how you'll be getting there and departing.

Oh, and plan on rain about every other day, and dress accordingly. Have a great trip!

Thank you so much for your suggestions. I will definitely purchase a copy of Rough Guide Scotland.