Husband and I (mid 60s, fair walkers, good health) are planning to visit Scotland in April (ish) 2026. We'll have two full weeks in Scotland, coming & going by train from London. We've visited the UK several times, but never Scotland. I'm overwhelmed by choices, and happy to hear any opinions/ suggestions that you want to share.
We like to stay in one place at least 2, preferably 3-4 nights, and get to know a town or neighborhood a bit. We'll travel mostly by train/ bus, but could rent a car for a few days if needed to get around a particularly interesting area. We'll certainly want a few days each in Edinburgh and Glasgow, and don't lack for things to do there.
We're trying to work out where else to go. Visit the Highlands or stay closer to the coast? If we can visit only one island, which one? Should we visit Inverness, or is there another good size town in the Highlands to focus on? Good places for wildlife/ birds that are not too far to get to? Interesting towns that are less on the tourist circuit?
We like art of most time periods, & ancient religious monuments (stone circles, cathedrals, Roman temples - all good). We'd love to visit a weaving mill to satisfy my love for textiles and his for industrial ingenuity. We like whiskey and would love to tour a distillery or two. We're interested in history generally, but we're not sentimental Jacobites -- no need to see Culloden. I love traditional (aka acoustic/folk) music; both formal concerts and casual pub music nights. I'd love to visit botanical gardens, esp. focused on herbs/ medical uses. We seek out second hand bookstores, small characterful hotels, and bakeries.
Where would you send us? Thank you!