Honeymooning in Scotland

**Firetacoma** · 15th January 09, 07:59 PM

Hello all, I also posted this in an existing Scotland vacation thread, but thought this might get more views.

Our current plan is to fly into London on May 3rd at noon. I would like to get on a train right away and head north. Hopefully stay that night in the small town of Chirnside, between Duns and Eyemouth in the Borders region. This town has some family history as it is probably the origin of my surname (Churnside). I would like to spend maybe 2 days in this region.

Then head to Edinburgh for a couple days. Do the typical tourist stuff there, royal mile (any good shops to check out?), castle, and what else would be worth checking out?

Next head to Glasgow for maybe 1 day. My now fiancee (then wife) has a friend attending school there. Anything else in Glasgow worth seeing?

Then North to Inverness, see Nessy and ?

That's really all I have so far. Where should we go from here?

We leave from London on the 15th, but will spend the last 2 days in London with my Bride's step-brother who lives there. We will be taking public transportation for the entire trip. Is it worth it to buy a britrail pass? I was thinking a 8 day flexi pass.

We like hiking, drinking, rural scenery, castles, border collies, pipes and pipe bands, local folk music, and getting off the beaten path. Any tips, help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Also, should we book sleeping arrangements ahead of time or does it work to show up in a town and find a place... thinking hotels or B&Bs.

**pdcorlis** · 15th January 09, 09:12 PM

There is an understandable desire to "see it all" when one goes across the pond, especially if its your first trip. Take it from someone who knows. Our first trip was a flat out dead run from start to finish. Two days here, two days there - which really means a bit less than that since there's transportation involved. I know its tough but I think less is more when traveling abroad. My dear wife and I have been back a few times since that first break neck tour, but only after I promised to stop and smell the haggis.

Public transport in the UK is brilliant and BritRail passes are a must.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

**piperdbh** · 15th January 09, 09:19 PM

I agree with pdcorlis. I was on the Continent 10 years ago and toured 7 countries in 18 days. After a while, it all started to run together.
Another angle: It's your honeymoon. How much sight-seeing are you going to be doing?

**Firetacoma** · 15th January 09, 09:23 PM

Thank phil! We'll have about 10 days in Scotland and don't necessarily want to see EVERYTHING, but want to see a variety. This will basically be our first trip there. I was in scotland for about 4 hours 5 years ago... At night. Long story. This will be her first trip to the the UK and our first overseas trip together!

As excited as I am about the wedding and getting married in a kilt, I think the Scotland trip has me more excited! Especially since it's a gift from my family. We've been together for 9 years, so while there will be some typical honeymoon activity taking place, it's not like we'll be indoors the whole time.

**Beertigger** · 15th January 09, 09:32 PM

A few quick notes for ya:

Dumfries - you really can't beat the hospitality at Ferintosh

Glasgow: The Pot Still - more bottles than you could ever imagine. The Kelvingrove Museum is supposed to be great, didn't get a chance to see it. Great curry restaurants, the Dhabba especially.

Pitlochry: Hop off the train on the way to Inverness, walk thru the woods to Edradour distillery, eat lunch at the Moulin Inn. A great afternoon.

Inverness: I highly recommend the Trafford Bank guest house. A brisk walk from the town center, very hospitable. Eat dinner at the Mustard Seed (get a reservation) and spend an evening enjoying some music at Hootenanny's.

If you end up spending any time in London, the Morgan Hotel is an amazing value - a great place to stay, for less than you average absolute hell-hole.

Enjoy!

**Firetacoma** · 15th January 09, 09:39 PM

Those are just the kind of tips I'm looking for! Good food, good drink, and good places to stay!

As for London, we'll be spending our last 2 days there. My fiancees step brother lives there so our lodging will be free!

**Jock Scot** · 15th January 09, 11:27 PM

Phew! Talk about seeing the place at the gallop! Good advice has been given already,so lets not dwell on that.If you want to get onto the west side of Scotland from Inverness(call in at Chisholms kiltmakers,by the castle) there is NO rail link. Take a bus from Inverness to Fort William(about 60 miles) and then you can get a rail link from there to Glasgow.In doing the bus trip you will go though the Great Glen so Loch Ness,Fort Augustus,Commando Monument, Ben Nevis,superb scenery will be there for you. April is rather a bleak time in the Highlands although it is one of the drier months, be prepared for cold weather and I am told by those that know about these things the light is great for photography.The rail journey from Fort William to Glasgow is a world renowned train trip, so try and do that in the daylight.

**cessna152towser** · 16th January 09, 02:30 AM

Chirnside is not that far for where I live, in fact I worked in Duns for a time which is only about four miles from Chirnside. Be aware though that there is no longer a train service to Chirnside. Nearest railway station is Berwick-on-Tweed on the East Coast Main Line. From Berwick it is about half an hour' journey by bus to Chirnside. The bus runs six or seven times per day (rail link bus destination Galashiels via Duns)

**McClef** · 16th January 09, 05:57 AM

Although there is no rail link via the west coast from Inverness, there is a direct train service to Glasgow Queen St via Aviemore, Perth and Stirling.

For information, maps and route information www.nationalrail.co.uk is a good resource.

(I used to work for them)