We are just beginning our planning for a June, 2010 return trip to the highlands. We would appreciate recommendations for accommodations on the Isle of Lewis, the Orkneys, Mull, and Wester Ross. We prefer places which either serve dinner or are in small towns with restaurants and pubs within walking distance. Also, please recommend any "must-see" sites in Wester Ross, beyond the scenery.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
Wow, you're going to some terrific parts of Scotland. Do you have room in your luggage for a hitchhiker? ; ) I've been to Orkney, but only stayed in B&B's. Check out this website www.visitorkney.com. We ate at the Kirkwall Hotel. It's in town and has that advantage. Kirkwall is not very big. The Forveran Hotel has had good reviews. On Mull I stayed at a guest house but ate at the Western Isles Hotel at least two nights. It seemed very nice. On Lewis we stayed in Tarbert at the Harris Hotel. Also, the Hebrides Hotel is just opening and sound lovely! We also stayed at Doune Braes Hotel in Carloway on Lewis which is near the Carloway Broch and not far from the Calinish Stone Circle. It too was nice. Wester Ross is a big area. Are there some specific areas that you have in mind? Pam
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
208 posts
Cynthia -
I'm with Pamela on the Kirkwall Hotel. But I would NOT in a gazillion years, pass up their Orkney Fudge Cheesecake followed by a dram of Highland Park. OMG!!! YUMMY!!! It is worth every bit of the hassle of getting to Orkney.
Are you driving? I can speak for Orkney and it would be easier if you were.
Other things to do on Mainland, Orkney - the Italian Chapel, Skara Brae, Maes Howe (if you're not claustrophobic), the Highland Park tour, the Orkney Craft tour (check out Sheila Fleet Jewellery), St. Magnus Cathedral and the Bishops and Earls Palace. Don't forget the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brogar. Unlike Stonehenge, you could (as of 2002) go right up to them.
I would recommend checking the weather report on occasion - we somehow managed to do our indoor activities on a perfectly lovely, sunny day and did our outdoor activities on a day it was raining sideways. Just a hint, LOL!