Scotland/Ireland/England Trip

[Derek]

Don't forget to look in on Wales when your over here. Perhaps we could even meet up .. the wife and me can show you around a bit.
Derek

[caig]

If you want longer days and better weather then June-August is best (although you will get some rain, espcially in Scotland). However, to see the Scottish heather in full bloom and fully-scented, you need to come in September. And you must let us UK-ers know when you are coming so that we can hopefully meet up.

[millar]

Millar,

I don't know where you get that idea from. If Dale comes to Britain in May/June, it doesn't start to get dark until well after 9 pm.

Rob

You are correct sir. My post wasn't clear but I wasn't thinking late spring. And I think you will agree that in the fall it does get dark earlier. In either case I think it sounds like a great trip. Enjoy.

[Eujeankilt]

Thanks everyone!
Rob, thanks for the tip on the midges.
Graham, I'm a fan of Dougie McLean so we want to visit Dunkeld and he frequestly sings about the Isle of Lewis, so we'd like to see that too.
David, thanks for the link. The pictures there are stunning.
Highlander Daz, I live in the Pacific Northwest, so I'm no stranger to wind and rain. Thanks for the reality check.
Derek, Wales is on the itinerary. I like to hookup with you and acaig, thank you.
I think it will be spring. I know it will be better weather-wise in the summer, but my wife's schedule and the tourist throngs prevent it.

I'll let you know as things progress. Thanks again to everyone.

Dale

[David Thornton]

I am honored to even read this thread. The generosity of our inernational friends overwhelms me. Mowgli, you are a lucky soul, enjoy the trip.

To those who responded with gracious offers, let me extend a similar offer. I will gladly host you in Kentucky. We have a large Irish community associated with the horse industry. We have a great horse industry if you didn't know. Great bourbon. Friendly people, come on over.

David

[highlander_Daz]

the midgies can be a pain but for some reason they dont bite everyone, Ive never been bitten by a Midge yet some people are eaten alive, plan well and you have a great time , if your not careful in the Highlands you can drive aimlessly and see nothing but sheep. Dont bother with Glasgow, go to Edinburgh,head north to Stirling further North to Aberdeen then up to the 'Ness the drive south on the west coast stop off a Stranraer or Ayr and visit Rabbies cottage.

[Colin]

This is true, but Britain benefits from the warm Gulfstream, so it tends to be a lot warmer than areas in North America at the same latitude. The weather can be quite good in May/June and in September, but daylight hours are longer in May/June, and if Scotland is on your itinerary, you are less likely to be plagued by (biting) midges then, than you are in September.

Rob

I was there for there entire month of May a few years back, and could not have asked for a better time of year. You miss out on the winter weather, and the main tourist season. The only downfall was that some things (bus schedules, and tourist destinations, etc) were still operating with their low season schedules.

[jfellrath]

I have a suggestion on the "how to get there" portion of the trip more than the "what to do there" portion.

Go to http://www.ba.com (British Airways) and register for their "specials" email. By doing so, my wife and I were able to find $200 round trip flights to Heathrow (and then we took the train to Glasgow) and saved a buttload of money that way.

BA runs specials like this a lot, it seems. Plus, if you're like us, you'll walk off the plane just as the paparazzi are arriving at the airport to see the contestants from the British version of I'm a Celebrity - Get Me Out Of Here! arrive, and you'll walk into the main terminal to the crowd clamoring to get your picture.

[Hamish]

Hey, and don't leave out the south of England! No trip to the beautiful south is complete without a meet-up with me - either in London or on my home territory (the south coast near Brighton).

[Eujeankilt]

David,

You hit it right on the head. I am indeed lucky. We've talked about this trip for several years. It's taken being kilted and participating here to bring it to life!

Hamish, thanks kindly. we'd be honored.

Dale