My husband and I have 5 days in mid-September starting and ending in Edinburgh (staying a couple of days in Edinburgh on either end) I have an itinerary in mind, but wanted some suggestions as to what & where others have enjoyed & stayed. We enjoy flexibility, scenery, mingling with locals, wandering off the beaten path, rural areas and don't mind "spartan" accomodations. No physical limitations, not bothered by inclement weather, not put off by rural driving conditions and not into golf. Enjoy castles, history and distilleries but not exclusively. Thanks!
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
While I love the trains and usually discourage driving in Scotland, there are several place you can do by car or train. I'd suggest Aviemore. It is a small village in the Caringorm Mt. range. Rothmursie (sp???) Estate is nearby and has lots of hiking, horseback riding, kiyak/canoe and other adventure activities. You can take the funicular up Mt. Caringorm and there are hikes on the Mt. There is a restored steam train that does round trips out past Boat-of-Garten into "Monarch of the Glen" territory. There is a local microbrewery that gives tours and samples. You are close to lost of the BEST distilleries- esp. if you have a car. Dufftown has Balvinnie and others, then there is Dahwhinie and Strathela, and lots of others. There is a wonderful small hotel across from the trainstation- it looks like a small castle and has the best local food- try the roast chicken with skirlie and kilted soldier or the fish and chips or the roast beef, roast lamb... stop me I'm drooling!
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Here are the prior posts on this forum on suggestions for Scotland driving trips click here
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2776 posts
Skye is my favorite place in Scotland. The scenery is absolutely beautiful, and it has fabulous hiking. You could drive up via Inverness, and spend a day or two there. There are lots of sites in the area. The people are nice everywhere in Scotland. You will have a great trip no matter where you choose to go.
Posted by
Vineyard Haven, MA, USA
5 posts
We loved Skye also, but found it next to impossible to rent a car once we got there. Wasted almost half a day in the process. Buses on the isle are adequate, and the train trip from Glasgow was phenomenal - such wild scenery - onward by train to Inverness another great ride.