I'm planning a driving trip which will begin in Edinburgh the first week in April. I'd like to avoid staying a different place every night if possible and am wondering what would be the best plan given the season. Is it advisable to go south into England? I will end the trip in St. Andrew's in order to visit a family member for a couple days (10 total).
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
Why drive? Scottish rail is easy to use! From Edinburgh (2 or 3 nights max) you could take the train to Aviemore- spend 1 or 2 nights, then train to Inverness- spend 4 nights and shoose from day trips to Isle of Skye, Orkney, Loch Ness, Clava Carins and Culloden, Glen Coe or Great Glen, etc. Then train to St. Andrews.
Posted by
OP
williamsburg, va, usa
4 posts
Thanks so much for this great info! Your recommendations really sound perfect. Interestingly, you have been the first to tell me to go by rail - and I like the idea - do others concur? How does this stack up $$-wise for two persons? As well as making those day-trips to out-lying areas? Thanks so much!!
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
Feel free to private message me. We have been to the UK more than 40 times in 20+ years and this is one of our favorite iteneraries. There is absolutely no need to drive in the UK. Rail (and other public transport) is so easy to use. Parking is a BIG pain in most cities and many smaller towns. We like using BritRail passes because we don't have to make reservations and can stay flexible with our plans. For hotels we like: Edinburgh- Royal British- across Princes St. from rail station. Aviemore- The Caringorm- also across from rail station and it looks like a little castle- they have marvelous food! and in Inverness- They Royal Highland- next to/part of rail station.