Where to base ourselves--Edinburgh or Pitlochry?

Don't be nervous about driving here. I do it all the time and generally have no problem ;-)

For a car get a C or D class automatic if hiring one and look out some of the driving videos on YouTube (which, funnily enough, is a mild Scottish insult!)

For the base, if you want to get out into the Highlands, Pitlochry has advantages, but the better castles are further north.

Don't worry about driving in Scotland, I managed it on my own for several days. Look for the brown signs, they will take you to the tourist sights. When entering roundabouts the first few times just remind yourself to stay to the left. You will get used to driving on the left quite quickly. I found drivers there to be far more courteous than drivers here. There is so much to see and do in Edinburgh I don't think you would want to miss it. Plus, you won't need the car.

Thank you. Is there a better town further north in which to base ourselves than Pitlochry?

And Anita, are you saying that we could stay a full week in Edinburgh and still get some countryside sights? What would you recommend? I'm honestly torn between staying in one place all week or doing the Highlands.

Castles there are three main areas.

The Highlands themselves, council areas Highland and Argyll and Bute. For that Oban, Fort William might be best.

The North East (which also covers some of the Highlands) covered by Moray, Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City, Angus and Perth and Kinross. For that Perthshire (Perth, Dunkeld) or Aberdeenshire (incs Kincardineshire) Stonehaven, Aberdeen itself. Perth would also allow easier access to castles in the Stirling area (Stirling, Doune)

Or the South - Dumfries and Galloway and Scottish Borders.

If Edinburgh is your wish, remember for sightseeing it actually is not in that easy a location for much of the country, being tucked in the south east. The transport network uses Glasgow and Stirling as its hubs for this reason.

Hi -

As regards staying in another place than Pitlochry, have you considered Fort William? The town itself is pretty utilitarian, (although I have a 'soft spot' for the place) but is a good jumping off point for the west coast, which is sensational in good weather, and the Highlands. Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak is behind the town and Glencoe is only a half hours drive away. As for castles there's Castle Stalker not too far away (last seen occupied by French knights at the end of 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail!), but The iconic Eilean Donan is a much longer drive away to the north (but a pretty scenic drive for a day trip).

Worth considering maybe, but as mentioned on another thread, while the couple of miles into town from Glencoe (south) along the shores of Loch Linnhe is a continual line of B&Bs and hotels - there are more in the centre as well - these get booked up very early because of the popularity of the place.

Have a great trip!

Ian

All I can say is that I spent six days in Edinburgh and found lots to do. I did do a couple of guided day trips (Hadrian's Wall, and Rosslyn). In the smaller towns I only spent a night or two as I wanted to get all the way up north and over to the Isle of Skye. But, I had more time than you do (three weeks). When you have a short period of time I think it is better to base yourself in one or two places so that you don't waste a lot of time packing and unpacking. Someone else suggested Fort William as one place (I did not go there as it was not recommended to me by the company I had do my driving itinerary). You may want to look at the Secret Scotland website for suggestions, and pick a town that is centrally located, and close to some castles and things you want to see. My driving tour took me from Edinburgh to St. Andrews then essentially up through the middle toward Inverness. I saw lots of castles on my way.