Tips for traveling Scotland if walking with difficulty

I'm so sorry to hear your friend is in this position.

Some practicalities about the area near Skye. First of all I think that sadly the Fairy Pools will be completely off limits for your friend. It's a long walk from the car park, downhill on the way and uphill on the way back. I'm a fairy fit 57 year old and wouldn't want to do that walk in the winter. It would be very hazardous with a cane. And if your friend fell then help would be a long time arriving.

Highland cows - a bit of a chance thing really. You might see them - you might not. The farmers move them around, so it's impossible for anyone to say where you might see them, apart from on specific farm visits and I don't know of any near Skye - sorry.

Eilean Donan castle would be fine from the outside. I'm not even sure if it's open in the winter, but it's nothing special inside. The Wee Bakery might not be open in the winter - again I don't know and I doubt whether the owner has even decided yet.

I don't think the Jacobite Steam train runs in the winter but you can see the viaduct by car, or take a regular train from Fort William to Mallaig which crosses the viaduct. You'd see it better from the road!

Edited to add: Edinburgh castle is on the top of a very steep hill. You can get a taxi pretty close to the castle, but once inside the walls there are lots of steps and slope to negotiate. I am not sure how accessible it is. Might be worth checking out their website?

I did a search and found this site that might be helpful: https://www.sagetraveling.com/edinburgh-accessible-travel

Even if your friend doesn't need a wheelchair all the time, you might consider renting a folding one, so that she won't tire as easily.

I also had a look at "The Hairy Coo" website, as we did a day tour from Edinburgh with them, and we were able to stop and pet some hairy coos (although it's not guaranteed) near Stirling Castle. They have information about accessibility on their tours: https://www.thehairycoo.com/faqs/

My sympathies for your friend. At 75, I'm starting to change my own travel plans to shorten the walks.

For the Jacobite, I'd suggest you visit the train while it is in Fort William Station. The Platform is open to the public, and it's there for some time before departure(s). Seeing it from Glenfinnan is a pretty long hike if you want to have the classic view. You can even watch it arrive or depart from the platform, although in winter things may be different. You can see it in places from the road, and there is a station that it goes through just south(east?) of Glenfinnan.

I haven't done the Isle of May, but it's my understanding that you need to walk a bit. There will be few birds in December, and I don't think most boat companies operate in winter.

There are many places to see stone circles. Cullerie Stone Circle near Aberdeen in less than 50' from the road and you might get to meet the farmer's border collie. Clava Cairns is also right next to the carrpark. Here is a website with a good list:
https://www.megalithic.co.uk/leaflet_megalith_map.php?country=3

Highland Coo are becoming popular among hobby farmers in the US, so maybe you could find some nearby. We have a herd in the next town in S. Oregon. You can run into them being driven on the road or not see any, depending on your luck. I don't know enough grazing in Scotland to know if they move them much in the winter. There are some places that "feature" them, but the season may be an issue since there aren't enough tourists to bother staying open.

Since everything in Scotland is beautiful, that should be an easy goal - unless everything is covered in snow (which is still beautiful).

You might want to look at itineraries offered by tour companies for mobility limited customers, and borrow some of their ideas.

One final thought is you should go as soon as you can arrange lodging. The deep winter months will be wet and cold, and lots of places are closed.

I would get online and reach out individually to every site/place/castle/destination you want to visit and tell them exactly what you have told us here.

I am not in your friend’s position (and I am SO SORRY to hear what she is going through!) but I do have advanced wreckage of both knees and am awaiting replacements… which my doc can’t approve until I am older. So I have a lot of trouble with stairs and steep hills etc., and I have found that asking right up front, and not relying on website FAQs and the like, gets me the answers I need. If there is an email address, use that. Better yet, place a call and talk to a human being!

The infrastructure for people with mobility issues in the UK is not great, as you note. But there is a lift up to the main entrance to the castle in Edinburgh, for example. And other sites have similar accommodations, or have staff who can recommend workarounds if any are at all possible.

Lots of places won’t have what you need - but more than you think probably will. I have always found people to be open, generous, and accommodating when I ask. Good luck - and happy travels!

This will be a special memory for you and I know you will remember the trip forever.

Budget may be a concern, but you are right - day tours might be a good option. It depends on whether or not your friend will be too fatigued for a long day. A rental car might give her more time to rest if you don’t have to travel quickly. (I don’t think you said how long you have available for travel.)

With a car, you could drive a couple of hours, rest, sightsee - or sightsee from the car. In Edinburgh, stay in the flattest place you can find and make good use of taxis. The castle might be sufficient for a day, even if she can’t see it all because of steps. A driving tour of the city itself would let her see a lot of the city scenery without having to walk.

The Kelpies are cool - and there is parking. Walking is mostly just distance, not hills, and she could do whatever she felt up to, while still seeing them.

I have not checked in December, but from Fort William, the regular train runs on the same track as the Jacobite Steam train. The scenery is the same. (And gorgeous) Have lunch in Mallaig and then return to Fort William. I don’t know anything about driving on Skye in December, but there is plenty to see without the Fairy Pools (thank goodness, because I didn’t make it to them, either.) And if you make it to Skye, Eileen Donan Castle will be on the way as you drive.

You will be dealing with potential weather and short days, but everything will be beautiful - and will be Scotland.

I hope auchterless or wasleys see this, in addition to Skyegirl. They are 2 of several people who know Scotland.

A few thoughts - the Jacobite steam train does not run after the end of October and the boats to the Isle of May do not run beyond the end of September.

I don't think even the boat trips on the Forth at Edinburgh run in winter.

The Kelpies are fine - they are level access from the car park.

For Highland Coos the most certain location is the Pollok Country Park, Glasgow.

For a special train experience in December I might suggest the Strathspey Steam Railway at Aviemore.
Or, the Polar Express train at Edinburgh. It is diesel hauled, isn't cheap and of course aimed specially at the bairns (children). But a part of Waverley station is barriered off for the train and the pre ride show.
I've only seen the pre-ride event, as the ride is beyond my pocket but it looks quite something.
If you went up to Aviemore and Cairngorm (and a ride on the Mountain Railway) there is a pretty good chance of catching snow.

Hello wowhorse

Rabbies offers highly rated affordable small group tours. This day tour from Edinburgh includes the Kelpies and beautiful scenery. https://www.rabbies.com/en-gb/tour/loch-lomond-national-park-stirling-castle-day-tour-from-edinburgh

It runs in December.

Note Stirling Castle is an optional stop. Castle access is well described https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/stirling-castle/access DH found the cobbles tiring to walk on and was happy to rest a moment in the cafe. He's always up for a cup of something hot and a snack and fortified continued to explore a bit longer.

Rabbies also offers day tours from Glasgow and Inverness.

Scotland is amazing. This will be a special, poignant trip for you and your friend.