Thinking about a trip to Scotland

[Stephan]

Frank, We were just over to the UK this last May for a total of two weeks. The first 9 days were focused on Scotland where we visited the Isle of Skye. As mentioned by 'guardsman', places like Glencoe, the Cairngorms, etc are definitely worth some time. If you like the outdoors/hiking/walking, there are very good websites that provide maps, locations, hike times (short or long) and distances. Scotland is probably the most beautiful place on earth as far as I'm concerned!! The last 4 days were spent in London for a cousin's wedding. If it hadn't been for the wedding, we would have stayed in Scotland the whole time. So, what I'm suggesting is that you might consider focusing on one area of the British Isles instead of spreading yourselves around too much. Our regret was that we didn't have enough time to focus on Scotland and believe me there is so much to see. Instead of visiting London, spend some time in Edinburgh. It's a beautiful city and worth some time. If your going to Scotland, gives yourselves no less than two weeks, trust me. Otherwise, you may find that you are just scratching the surface. If you want to see other parts of the UK as well as Scotland, give yourselves a good three weeks. In fact, we are planning a trip back in 2014 and we can't wait! If you go at the time you describe(June-July), be mindful of bug season, where the dreaded 'midges' can be found in the highlands. We went in May (15-30) just before midge season and before the 'high' season for travellers. Flying and just about everything else becomes much more expensive if you go during the high tourist season, and it gets really busy. So, consider going a little earlier when there aren't as many tourists, midges and also when it isn't as expensive and the weather is likely to be just as good. Now, I'm going to get back to my own planning!! Cheers!

Stephan

[frank_a]

Great advice Stephan, thanks! I'm saving all this stuff. I have a bit of a bonus coming soon here at work, not 4 digits, but high 3. It will go into an account to start saving for this trip. I'd love to do it next year if we can.

Frank

[guardsman]

for the midges try , skin so soft(or so soft skin) by avon, if you can get it in states ,only by mail order in U.K.. British Army use it very good.If you want to work to a budget try a caravan(trailer to you guys) Parkdean have decent sites all over , also doing 3 and 4 night stays (good for getting about).If your staying in Lowlands then obviously Burns country, Rosslyn Chapel , My lament on last visit(Nairn) was not going to Skara Brae in Orkneys (next time). Fair website to visit is VISITSCOTLAND.Nice place is Killin to see the Dochart Falls,stayed at Killin Hotel ,nice rooms decent food. Next visit plan to stay at Pitlochry,lovely town and good for travelling about. So much,SO much.Got to stop ,going out.

[Stephan]

I would second guardmen's wish to visit Skara Brae...infact, we WILL be visiting there. There are rather interesting ruins of an ancient community/village and you should visit the little chapel built by Italian war prisoners. If you like Scotch Whiskey, go to Speyside where you'll find a huge selection of distilleries where they offer tours and taste testing sessions. We are particularly fond of scotch made by "Aberlour" so we booked a tour for a couple of hours and then were allowed to pour our very own bottle to take home. It's a simple little thing but leaves a big impression!!

Stephan

[cessna152towser]

Avon Skin So Soft

for the midges try , skin so soft(or so soft skin) by avon, if you can get it in states ,only by mail order in U.K.

We sell it at the railway heritage centre at Whitrope where I am a volunteer.
Works great but you need to re-apply it after an hour or two.

[Grizzly]

As well as Guardsmans suggestion of VisitScotland website I would also suggest http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/index.html this site has an interactive map and also suggests driving routes and places to visit. It also has pages dedicated to accomodation from hotels to b & bs and guesthouses as well as late availability. In fact everything you possibly want to know is on there. Good luck with you travels.

[frank_a]

Thanks Simon, Stephan and guardsman, very helpful. Once again, I sure am glad I started this thread. What a great collection of knowledge here!

Frank

[Chas]

Some random thoughts -

All the chains of traveller's hotels do discounts for on-line pre-booking. Some are big discounts - up to 50%. But most require booking 21 days in advance; some 28 days.

Trains - prepay through trainline dot com - huge savings. From Norfolk to London (80 miles) at the station - £36, one way. On-line the night before £6, return.

Trains again - 'Split Ticketing' - big savings. If you go by train from A to B and back to A, a return ticket is not always cheaper. Sometimes, A to B and then B to A can save ££s.

Also, if your train goes from A to B, but stops at C; it is often far cheaper to have a ticket from A to C and another from C to B - even if it is the same train. You probably won't even have to leave your seats.

Again most companies will give discounts for early booking

It is well worth having reasonably fixed travel itinerary about six months before hand. Then you can start looking for the best deals on-line.

You could save yourself enough to buy a kilt.

Regards

Chas

[Mark Stephenson]

We just got back this week from a 3-week visit to the "Highlands and Islands". We were VERY fortunate to have X-Marks member Redshank give us a personal tour of the area around Inverarry. I encourage you to send him a PM to discuss your visit and get his input. Of the 3 weeks we were in Scotland, by far and away the 3 days we were with Chris (aka Redshank) were the best, and that is saying a lot, because the tour group we were with for the rest of the trip was spectacular.