Edinburgh Castle

While Google Maps reflects only a nine minute difference between the two routes, anyone who has actually driven in this part of Scotland knows that to get to the A9 from Ft William you must use the A86 which becomes slower along the north side of Loch Laggan and then tedious but interesting along the A889. Using the A9 route takes a lot longer.

The paraphrased remark enclosed in quotation marks above is simply an unattributed misquote from an RS book. Ammusingly, Mr. Steves seems to actually know that one would find "whisky towns" in Scotland and "whiskey towns" in Kentucky. Mr. Steves has probably been to Scotland.

Kristopher, you'll see distilleries at every glen and creek in Scotland -- don't detour unless it's to make a pilgrimage to the home of your favorite brand. Additionally, there's a big whisky center right on the main drag in Ft. William which will show you more than you ever wanted to know about the stuff. Also,the Ben Nevis distillery is only a couple miles northeast of the town center and gives tours, etc.

If, by any chance, you happen to have a little extra time, a trip of about thirty miles to the northeast to Ft Augustus is worthwhile. The staircase system of locks in the Caledonian Canal is really interesting. Let the kids watch the boats going up and down while your wife spends your vacation money in the antique shops on the southeast side of the locks.

The A9 is bit of a notorious road in Scotland as it's the main drag north to Inverness. I've driven both routes and they both have their plusses and minuses. I wouldn't drive the A9 route to catch the distillery, but I would stop off in Pitlochry if there were something playing in the festival theater that you wanted to see. I would not take the A82 all the way to Glasgow. I would cut over on the A85. Whether you take it all the way to A9 and south, or catch the A84 south through Calender is up to you. The latter route takes you through Doune home of Castle Doune and Monty Python fame.

BTW if you are not driving on from Edinburgh, you might want to ditch your car when you get to the city. You won't need it there. In fact, you won't want it there. ; )

Pam

Thanks for all of the great input! We normally follow the Tomtom when we visit the UK. My only concern is that my mother has a breathing disability. I am making inquiries about Is it possible to take public transit to the castle? I have tried looking at some of the bus sites but I am finding it a bit confusing.

I have seen that but I don't seem to be able to find the stops on it.