I will be arriving from Chicago in Edinburgh Airport on Thursday Oct 4th at 8:30 am. I will then be driving a rental up to Inverness. I would like some suggestions for sights along the way. I plan on stopping in Pitlochry for the Edradour Distillery Tour and Lunch. I am visiting Culloden and Cawdor Castle on the following day. Sights near the A9 such as castles, etc are what I am looking for. I am hoping to get to Inverness, check in, grab dinner and be in bed fairly early to combat some of the inevitable jet lag. Thanks in advance for your assistance
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
There's lots to see on the way from Edinburgh to Inverness. Let's start with the bridge over the Firth of Forth. You'll be driving over the road bridge, but be sure to note the railway bridge as well! Just past Perth is the Scone Palace. This is where all the King's of Scotland used to go to be crowned and to take the allegiance of the Scottish Leadership. Just beyond Scone is Birnam and Dunkeld. Birnam is where Beatrix Potter used to spend her summers and there is a very wee garden there with fanciful characters from her book. There is also a wonderful old bridge over the Tay to Dunkeld. And in Dunkeld there is the cathedralDunkeld was once the seat of the Christian Church in Scotland. The small houses are lovely. And if you need to stretch your legs check with the Tourist information for the short trails in the beautiful Perthshire countryside. Before you get to Pitlochry is Queen's View. A gorgeous view of the road to the isles. Also in Pitlochery is the Explorer's Garden. It was Scotsmen who found many of the species in the English Country Gardens. Just past Pitlochry is Killecrankie the site of a famous battle. There is a visitor center. Blair Castle is very good. If you are a Monarch of the Glen fan take a quick detour to Laggan. Much of the series was filmed in the area. Kingussie has a folk museum that was a bit run down when I visited, but but still of interest. Aviemore is Toni's favorite, but I think it needs more than a stop over. Just watch the scenery and look out for farm vehicles. Pam
Posted by
NC, United States
970 posts
Pay attention to your time on the drive. It will get dark much earlier than you're used to in Phoenix. You might consider taking a train up to Inverness and picking up a rental there, with the A9 touring saved for the return trip.
Posted by
OP
Phoenix, AZ, USA
26 posts
Thanks for the heads up. I have a complete listing of sunrise/sunset times. I am planning a different route back from up North. I am coming back via Loch Ness, Isle of Skye, Fort William and Stirling headed to St Andrews for some golf. Thanks
Posted by
San Diego, CA, United States
203 posts
We stopped in Pitlochry as well and I wish I had been able to spend more time there. We had lunch, but I would have liked to have walked around the shops. Such a cute little town. I was going to recommend the Beatrix Potter Garden as well. Would have like to have stopped there. Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4160 posts
John , Pitlochry was very cute and worthwhile . Since we were there we went to edradour . The grounds are lovely and the tour was a waste of time (pure tourist hype) . also went to Queen's view on Loch Tummel , a short ride from Pitlochry which was spectacular !! If you can , don't miss Stirling . The town is charming and Stirling castle is well worth a visit .