This may seem like an odd question for someone coming from Edinburgh but having got exceptional holiday advice here before I thought I'd give it a go.
Given the current financial climate this year we're planning to take a tour of our own country so I was wondering if there are any travellers from outside the UK who can recommend any gems they may have found off the beaten track.
Recommendations for campsites or accomodation in the Highlands would be welcomed.
Hello, try http://www.ardgarryguesthouse.co.uk/. They were the best place we stayed at in our 6 week tour of Scotland and UK.
We love Aviemore! It is so easy by rail from Edinburgh and there's lots to do- hikes, walks, horseback riding, etc. The Caringorm hotel is across from the station (and it looks like a small castle). It is our absolute favorite Scottish hotel. Great food and nice people.
"gems they may have found off the beaten track"The Michelin Scotland Green Guide recommends a driving tour called Western Highlands and Islands Driving Tour. It's 800 miles and they suggest taking 8 days to do it. It's a big circle route that starts and ends in Inverness but can be easily modified to suit you, once you see the map you'll see what I mean.This driving tour starts at Inverness and going counter-clockwise (you could do the circle clock-wise if it suits you), goes northeast to Thurso; from there an option is take a boat to the Old Man of Hoy and Orkney Islands; then back to Thurso, continuing west to Durness, then south to Inverewe and Western Ross; then up to the Isle of Skye and the Cuillins, then back down to A82 and northeast to Inverness, the starting point. Or do the circle in reverse order, clockwise.The book explains everything.
The Flight Museum south east of Edinburgh - I forget the exact location was an unexpecte pleasure. I am originally from Scotland, but now live in Canada. My sister took me to teh museum an I was really surprised at its extent - even a disused Concorde!
Iain Hunter
Edmonton, ALberta
Jen -
I would recommend going up to the Orkney Islands. Most of my friends in Scotland have never been! It is quite a journey from Edinburgh - but you could break it up. If you're driving - take the ferry over to Mainland (you'll pass the Old Man of Hoy on the way) You can stay in Kirwall or Stromness. I would HIGHLY suggest getting the Orkney Fudge cheesecake at the Kirkwall Hotel and follow it up with a dram of Highland Park.
Sights to see - Skara Brae (PHENOMENAL!), Maes Howe, the Cathedral, Earl's Palace, Highland Park Distillery (most northern of all distilleries) The Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness.
Don't forget the Italian Chapel and the Churchill Barriers.
I can't say enough about it!
You could take the train or even a commuter flight up and then rent a car to get around the Mainland.
Good luck with your decision! Let us know what you decide!
We stayed at several places in Scotland that were wonderful. Our very favorite was called Tigh-Na-Crich in the Trossachs area (Lochearnhead to be exact). The place was wonderful and the hosts even better. Close to Callendar and other attractions it was great. We did see a lot of campers in this area as well, although I cannot say exactly which sights they were at.
We also loved a place called Cuil-Na-Sithe (corner of heaven) in the Fort William area. Aly the hostess, was the nicest person we met in all of Scotland and our room was great and had the comfiest bed. Just near Ben Nevis, this was also a favorite.
On the Isle of Skye, we stayed at the Luib House, also very nice with a good view. The hosts here are also wonderful and there is a great restaurant called Creelers in Broadford. A bit pricy, but well worth it and if you like spicy, really spicy, their seafood gumbo is the best!
We then stayed at the Roadside Croft just outside of Inverness. Cathie, the hostess there is very sweet and cooks up a great breakfast.
Happy planning and please let me know if you need any other information.
Amber
