You travel veterans forgive me! I have 9 days in Scotland. I will be visiting friends in Edinburgh and St. Andrews on the weekends. During the week the rugged beauty of the west is very attractive to me but don't want to spend the whole time driving. What do you think about leaving Edinburgh on Sun. or Mon. driving to Glencoe area, then following the RS route to Ft. William, Mallaig, Isle Skye. Can you recommend the best route to St. Andrew's then and given that I have Sunday/Monday through Thursday nights. where would you stay? Thanks so much!!
Posted by
Edmonton, AB, Canada
668 posts
I am not sure there is a "best" route from Skye to St. Andrews, but you have plenty time to do what you suggest. There are plenty of places to see enroute. Loch Lomand, Callendar, Stirling, come to mind. It depends on how far you want to drive in a day. The further west, the narrower (and slower) the roads, but much of the road is good and fairly fast.
Posted by
Pantego, NC, USA
1014 posts
I have done that drive. It is beautiful. Plan for stops for tea and biscuits or a pint (stay long enough for the effects to wear off) in little villages, look for fields of heather and rape seed to take a picture of, shops that sell heather soaps, etc. If you see a sign for fruit sales, go down the path and buy some really fresh berries to munch on while driving. It is a slow drive, so take your time. It depends on when you are going. Summer B&B's need to be pre-booked. If not in the high season, drive til tired and get lodging as you go. Again, tea shops, pubs and tourist offices would be nice places go ask about lodging in the area. Sometimes, holiday parks have rentals for 2 or 3 days. That might be an option also.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
Consider NOT driving. You could do some great exploring of the area by rail and bus. Aviemore is a neat little village. Inverness is wonderful and you could base yourself there and do day trips to Glen Coe, the Great Glen, Isle of Skye, Orkney, etc.
Posted by
Newbury, VT, USA
75 posts
I would drive, no question. This way you'll get to explore at your own pace. St Andrews itself is a lovely bustling college/golf town with plenty of little shops and eateries, the castle and cathedral ruins. The Fife costal path is great, you can start at the harbour and go as far as you like, beautiful scenery! And do try to get to Anstruther, a few villages south, for the "best fish and chips in Scotland"! Have fun!