Very confused - Need some advise for Highlands trip routing in late August

Three nights in St. Andrews? I like St. Andrews but it is a day trip or overnight at the most to me.

From Glasgow go Oban . Take the West Coast Tours three island tour (2 nights Oban)

We don’t want to be switching hotels either (will have a bit of luggage coming from a mainland Europe trip). And there is no “central” city in Scotland, hence St Andrews. It’s 3 nights there, but the first day is all driving from Glasgow to Loch Lomond and Glencoe and then to St Andrews. Next day is a full day there. The following day we have till 6 pm. We leave for Edinburgh at 6pm. So essentially 1 full day in St Andrews and almost another day. Perhaps we could venture out of St Andrews the last day to Perth or somewhere .

Given your tight timeframe I'd recommend basing yourself in Glasgow (thus no hotel changes) and do two organized day trips - one to Loch Ness and Glencoe and the other to Stirling Castle. On the first, you could do a wander around Glasgow in the morning then take an afternoon train to Edinburgh.

If you want to see the highlands, you could fly in to Inverness.

This is far too much driving for such a short stay, and St. Andrews is much to small to spend that much time in. it really only needs and afternoon at the most. I would suggest you base yourself in Edinburgh for you stay and do day trips from there. There's much more to see in the city that will interest everyone (even if you have been before). If you are not big on hiking then there's no reason to go to Glencoe as that's what the area focuses on. You can do day trips to Stirling castle and Loch Lomond and many other places from Edinburgh. I have been to Edinburgh twice now, and would happily go again, it's one of my favourite cities. Glasgow would not be a bad choice to base yourself in, but there isn't as much to do in the city that will appeal to the kids.

If you prefer not to drive, look at Rabbie's Trailburner day trips from either Glascow or Edinburgh.

Thank you so much for your suggestions. I agree, the original plan was too much driving. i will likely now fly into Oban (from Amsterdam). Stay overnight. Drive to Edinburgh next day, pass Loch Lomond etc and have a base in Edinburgh as suggested. And do day trips from there.

Tom_MN, thanks.......the tour books make Loch Lomond sound like heaven. Can you provide a bit more details on what would be a more scenic drive if I were to drive to Glencoe and then to Edinburgh.

I agree Loch Lomond is overhyped. If you have seen lakes and you have seen hills, you have seen Loch Lomond.

You said you are flying to Oban from Amsterdam?

I see think that I would spend the time at Oban and explore the inner Hebrides, but to each their own.

Haven't bought the tickets from Amsterdam yet. Could do Glasgow or Oban .

Here’s the Oban-Glencoe road trip, complete with places to see on the way: https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/ustours/oban-glencoe/index.html

I’m with Cala. Do Rabbies if they are not already booked. This itinerary crams a lot in!
Are you good for driving in UK? Are the kids good travelers in car? Are they good overall travelers post flight (do they recover quickly from jet lag next day)?

Doesn’t seem like a lot of down time but if that’s what this family is used to then I’d say check all these sites out ahead of time for bookings. August is crowded, usually booked, and the roads are challenging so be prepared.

I vote for Nancy's suggestion. We were in Scotland in mid-May and spending all the time you described in a car would be a pity with all the superb things to see and do in the Glasgow region.

We did a day trip from Glasgow to Stirling/Falkirk using the train and it was a "breeze" logistically. With a car it would be a "snap". Your children may enjoy the Falkirk Wheel (get a reservation) and the Kelpies (especially at night) are marvelous. We had 3 days and nights in Glasgow and enjoyed every minute of it. The Kelvingrove is marvelous and we spent an afternoon just walking around Glasgow University. The Cathedral and nearby Necropolis were notable venues as well. We had afternoon Tea in the Cup Tea Room (city center); it was quite nice. If your children have never experienced afternoon tea, give it a try.

Your children may enjoy the Glasgow Science Center, we planed a visit, but arrived an hour before closing and one of the staff said we should return when we had at least 2 hours for the visit. We didn't make it back, but it looked very interesting. It was too windy to ascend the tower at the Science Center, perhaps it will be a calmer day when you're there. Speaking of wind, the whole family might enjoy a trip to the Whitelee Wind Farm just outside Glasgow. It is the largest wind farm in the UK and second largest in Europe.

If you like castles, Craignethan, Crookston, Dumbarton and Bothwell are all in the Glasgow Region.