Where to go, what to see

Are you open to tours? If you are then you might think about going to Orkney. There are some good tour companies there and it's a wonderful place. Have you ever looked at Dunkeld/Birnam and Pitlochry area? They are lovely towns and you can take the train between them and up to Blair Castle. There are very nice walks near Dunkeld/Birnam Pam PS My Mom and Dad had a lovely trip with me to Scotland in their late 70's so don't write yourself off to fast. ; )

Thanks for the reply. I've never been to Pitlochry. I thought about the Orkneys but when I was in Inverness in May a few years ago, May was too early to go there. Tours are nice as they give you lots of background. Do you recommend one in particular?

Starting (or ending) in Norwich, you are in an ideakl postion to visit East Anglia- Constable country, Norfolk Broads, even up to Lincoln. I have only done this by car.
This could satisfy your wish for smaller places. Tons of little villages seldom visited by tourists Other suggestions- a tour as recommended above (leave the driving to us), or day (overnight) visits from London by train or bus to places like Salisbury, Winchester, Canterbury, Brighton Or maybe some of the small towns/larger villages along the Thames: Henley Richmond

May is actually a pretty good time to go to Orkney. The birds are migrating. Yes it's a bit chilly, you won't wear shorts, but the light is fantastic as each day is getting longer and longer. Check their website. Pitlochry has the festival theatre. Check to see what is playing there at that time of year. Pam

I was looking at some old brochures from 2008. There is a one day Puffin excursion to Orkney. We liked their Skye tour, but I'm wondering if there is anything overnight. Anyone know?

I was looking at some old brochures from 2008. There is a one day Puffin excursion to Orkney. We liked their Skye tour, but I'm wondering if there is anything overnight. Anyone know?
P.S. this was from Inverness-

What about "settling" in Scotland for a bit and then perhaps making a jaunt over to Ireland? I think you would love it and it may give you a new flavor to enjoy. There are many places that are quiet during the day and lively in the evening with music and tales down at the pub. Some are accesible by bus only but it's a comfortable trip. May this be one of many trips you will enjoy in the next several decades!

Hey for those who are asking about overnights on Orkney--the easiest thing to do is to get there by public transit--train/bus and then ferry via Thurso, flying to Kirkwall, train to Aberdeen followed by ferry. Then once you are in the Orkney's your option widen. There are a number of tour operators and you can easily fill 2-4 days. In addition to the sights on the Mainland of Orkney you can go to other islands such as Hoy, South Ronaldsay, Shapinsay, or as was also suggested Westray. Orkney is a Mecca for birdwatchers in May and June as it's on the migration routes. Of course, there are the neolithic and Viking archeological sites, but it's also fun to check out the local artist of which there are many--think jewelry design in particular! And if you like whisky, Highland Park is some of the best, but don't forget Scappa as well! See the other thread. Pam

I have just returned from a wonderful 4 weeks in England and Scotland. I didn't see Glasgow on your list and I recommend it highly. Compared to Edinburgh, I suppose it is an acquired taste but I acquired it quickly. Just do some or all of the things Rick suggests. The train trips in Scotland are much better than I ever thought they would be, particularly Glasgow-Oban; Fort William-Mallaig; Kyle of Lochalsh-Inverness. Think about staying a while in Kyleakin on the Isle of Skye. It could be a base for a lot of great sightseeing and just plain relaxing. We stayed at the White Heather Hotel in Kyleakin, a great Bed and Breakfast recommended by Rick and one of the best we have stayed at. We got lucky and walked across the Skye Bridge during a great sunset. We took a Skyetour. Gus drives fast but safely and he is a great tour guide. http://www.skye-tours.co.uk/ I have been blogging about our trip and slowly adding photos. Go to: http://www.abundancetrektravel.blogspot.com/ and http://www.pbase.com/abundancetrek/greatbritain2011

Dear John, Thanks for your reply. I find it interesting that all of the places that you suggest, including the White Heather, I visiting three years ago and you are right-they are so special that I've thought about going back there if nothing else works out.