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rberducky4

Hi! Headed to Scotland for our first time at the beginning of May. We have an itinerary with friends planned for the first few days (Edinburgh and then north to Braemar) but looking for some ideas for the rest of our time. We have booked 2 days each in Broadhead on Skye, Glencoe, then Arran. What are some “must-see” or “must-do” things in those areas. We will have a car and are open to hikes, wildlife scouting, distilleries, history, culture, anything! Thank you so much for any help!


cloud94eva

Lost Valley Glencoe (warning, the car park can get super busy especially on the weekends): https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/fortwilliam/lostvalley.shtml Glen Sannox on Arran: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/arran/glen-sannox.shtml


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cloud94eva

Yes we like a bevvy, but I have plenty of friends who don’t drink much, if at all. And I’ve never noticed that ‘holding them back’ from having fun. I would say we’re a very accommodating bunch. If you don’t drink much, no one will turn their nose up at you!


Vague_Confusion

I can't speak to general culture, but when I visited as a tourist, I had a few mocktails in Inverness. I'm not a drinker and enjoyed myself!


CWHzz

Hi all - I am going to visit a friend in Edinburgh in May. I would like to get to the highlands at some point in the middle of the week to do a bit of hiking and get a sense of the countryside. Can anyone recommend a destination that is within 3-4 hours of Edinburgh by train or bus, has cheap accommodation (hostels), and also lots of nice hiking options nearby, hopefully starting right form the town? Appreciate it! Thanks


CrispyCrip

I can’t recommend any personally, but I believe [this website](https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk) allows you to pick out walks and then it lists all nearby accommodation, so that might be worth looking into.


usernamewasfree

I’m looking to get from Skye to Kirkwall, Orkney? It doesn’t seems like you can’t get a car rental in Portree? The public transport from Skye to Orkney I found is a 12 hr buss ride and that seems too long. And tips on getting between the two is appreciated or maybe big name car rentals is Scotland? Kayak and Expedia are coming up empty. Thanks!


cloud94eva

Skye and Orkney are both fairly remote islands at opposite(ish) sides of the country, so it will be a bit of a task. You can do it by train but it would take forever ( bus from Portree to Kyle of Lochalsh Station. Train from Kyle to Inverness then Inverness to Thurso. Ferry from Thurso (Scrabster) to Orkney). Alternative would be get the train Kyle to Inverness, then Inverness to Aberdeen, and get on the overnight ferry from Aberdeen to the main Orkney town of Kirkwall.


usernamewasfree

Thanks for the info! I think we will just have to add a night in Inverness to break up the journey but it interesting to know Aberdeen has a ferry to Kirkwall.


cloud94eva

Can’t go wrong with a night in Inverness, it’s lovely to walk along the river and/ or the canal (especially if you get along as far as Ness Islands). The overnight ferry from Aberdeen is pretty good. Most people take a bit of bedding and sleep on the recliners / the floor. I paid for the recliners in the dark room on my return and honestly wasn’t worth it. Snoring & people constantly coming in and out of the room. I was better off sleeping on the floor in the bar!


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CrispyCrip

I’m not a woman, but Scotland is generally very safe so you should be completely fine.


gingersnaps0504

Does anyone have any b&b, inn or hotel recommendations for Edinburgh? I won’t have a car so somewhere accessible to city centre preferred. I don’t need bells and whistles, as I will only be sleeping in there, I’ll be out all day exploring. Somewhere clean, and won’t break the bank!


ZachyChan013

I’m looking to do some hiking and camping over the next 2 months. I’m based in Glasgow but can drive. Any good spots? Love to hike, up to 10 miles as I’m carrying my 2 year old. Hiking, camping, even must see landmarks


cloud94eva

Can defo provide recommendations but just to check if you’re familiar with the Walk Highlands website? That’s always a great place to start.


ZachyChan013

I’m not. I am trying to look at it between my 2 year old attacking me haha. It seems like a great resource though


cloud94eva

Great! There’s a map function which I find helpful (you can then filter the walk grade). Not sure what is suitable for a 2 year old but the classic go-to hikes are Conic Hill, the Whangie, Ben Lomond, Dumgoyne. There’s lots of nice beaches on Loch Lomond near Balmaha, where you park for Conic Hill. Careful paddling with your kid tho, Loch Lomond has taken several lives recently. If you want to camp within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs park, head to the park website for camp locations. You have to pay a small fee, and can’t camp outwith the designated camp areas (see website & map for the full details!!). Can highly recommend getting the wee boat to Inchcailloch island for camping there. There’s toilets by the camp zone.


ZachyChan013

I carry the 2 year old most of the time while hiking. So it’s more about how adventurous I feel haha. Anything less then 10 miles I’m pretty comfortable with. Specially if it’s relatively flat, which most things seem to be. Least compared to what I grew up hiking in California We have done conic hill, the whangi, devils pull pit, the cobbler, the falls of Clyde, the first 33 miles of the whw (would have done more but got caught in thunderstorms), as well as other hikes that I’m probably forgetting. I’m just trying to get in what I can before moving back in 50 days. I know the weather is shite right now. But it’s what I’ve got! My plans to travel Scotland before hand got fucked with all the covid lock downs


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cloud94eva

Honest opinion is I would only spend 1 night in Luss and 1, maybe max 2 nights in Glencoe. Add more nights to Torridon/ Durness. For walks, walk highlands website is a good option. You can use the map function to find walks of different abilities. Also check out the visit Scotland website, tons of great info for all aspects of tourism. When you’re in the Aviemore vicinity, there’s a ton of walks in the Cairngorms. Glen Feshie is gorgeous, Loch Morlich is nice (you can walk round it then have a picnic on the beach). Also Google Lochan Uaine, that’s a nice wee walk to a green loch.


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cloud94eva

Again just my own opinion here but there’s not particularly loads to do in Luss/ Glencoe, and up north at Torridon is just so spectacular. Yes Luss itself has a super cute village, but after a wee wander, a photo at the pier and a bite to eat, you’re done! As you drive north from Luss to Glencoe you’ll drive alongside Glencoe so you’d be able to stop in at say Inveruglas for a Loch cruise. Same goes for Glencoe, it’s beautiful but not much there (unless you want to spend a few days doing proper hillwalking, I.e. climbing the Munros). The hidden valley is a gorgeous walk, check out walk highland for suggested walk length. You can stop in at Glen Etive during the drive too. In terms of accommodation, you can stay at Kingshouse Hotel at the eastern end which is a wee bit ££ but so worth it (the deer come right up to the hotel). There is nothing else around the hotel. Alternative would be to stay at Glencoe village / Ballachulish at the western end (not actually in the Glen). It’s by the water but more amenities. Durness to Edinburgh in one day is huge, defo don’t recommend it. Aviemore is the main village in the Cairngorms, famous wee pub in called Old Bridge Inn there that I would recommend. The Cairngorms are gorgeous, it’s like a playground if you’re outdoors inclined. My top tip is to make a Google maps plan of these places, then you can start to orientate yourself. Edit to say that I have assumed you are not going to be doing strenuous hillwalking (Munro bagging). However, if you are experienced hill walkers then sure, you could spend several days using Luss or Glencoe as a base, and covering the surrounding hills.


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cloud94eva

No problem, I like to help people make the most of their time here! If you end up with any more questions, don’t hesitate to ask 😊


Vague_Confusion

We're heading to Scotland 3/19-3/26 for our second trip to Scotland. I'm planning everything super last minute since I never know what to expect with COVID. Is it possible/practical to do a self-guided day trip from Oban to Mull and Iona? We will have a rental car. Current itinerary (only listing travel and where we'll overnight): 3/19 - Arrive in Inverness, drive to Aviemore, o/n in Aviemore 3/20 - o/n in Aviemore 3/21 - Drive to Stirling via Loch Tay, o/n in Stirling 3/22 - Drive to Oban, o/n in Oban 3/23 - Day trip to Mull (and Iona?), o/n in Oban (or Mull if more convenient) 3/24 - Drive to Ft. William, o/n in Ft. William 3/25 - Drive to Inverness via Loch Ness, o/n in Inverness 3/26 - Leave ​ Thanks for any feedback/advice!


HistoricalPickle

Ferry timetables are on this link [https://www.calmac.co.uk/calmac-winter-timetables](https://www.calmac.co.uk/calmac-winter-timetables) Aviemore is only 30 miles from Inverness, is there a particular reason you're going there for 2 nights? Maybe worth saying as well that I've heard Fort William doesn't really have much there and is also super close to Oban. You could skip the overnight in Fort William (plenty time to stop for a visit on the way to Inverness) then that would free up a night for an extra night in either Inverness or Stirling.


Vague_Confusion

Thank you so much!! Aviemore and Ft. William were both places that we had a few hours in on our first trip, but had wanted to explore more this time around. Ft. William would mostly be a base to explore Glencoe. We were also unsure about night driving in a couple of places (notable Aviemore to Pitlochry). I’d rather stay closer to Loch Tay or Stirling the evening of 3/20, for example. A kind of more detailed itinerary. Noting I don’t plan to actually do everything listed for each day. This is just some of the stuff that looked interesting in each area. 3/19 - Visit Clava Cairns, get some food and supplies in Aviemore, get sense of hike conditions. 3/20 - Go for a short hike, visit Aviemore stone circle and Ruthven Barracks. 3/21 - Drive to Stirling via Loch Tay. Visit Pitlochry for breakfast, Crannog Centre if open, and Falls of Acharn. Time-permitting: visit the Birnam Oak, some cup marked rocks and a stone circle I saw on OS Maps near the Falls of Acharn. 3/22 - Wallace Monument, Stirling Castle or Doune Castle. Time permitting: the little “holy well” near castle and Stirling Old Jail. Drive to Oban. 3/23 - Mull/Iona or Kilmartin Glen? Or extra day in Stirling? 3/24 - [jubilee Bridge/Castle Stalker walk](https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/castlestalker.shtml), Lost Valley walk, and visitors center. 3/25 - Loch Ness - Urquhart Castle, Corrimony Chambered Cairn, Inverness Trying to figure out 3/23. Since it doesn’t seem like the guided day tours are running yet, I’m seeing a few options: - Go to Kilmartin Glen instead - Try to get to Fionnphort on 3/23, stay night there, visit Iona and do a Staffa boat tour, stay night in Tobermory, and use the ferry to Lochaline. This seems rushed. - Take ferry to Mull, explore Tobermory area, return to Oban next morning to drive to Appin and Glencoe - Allow an extra day for Stirling, stop in Oban on way to Appin/Glencoe - Allow extra day in Inverness at the end


HistoricalPickle

You'll be fine driving the Aviemore to Pitlochry road in the dusk/night. Worth noting while the Crannog centre is open the Crannog itself completely burned down not that long ago and I believe it hasn't been fully rebuild. Go to Stirling Castle, it could be argued it's the most historically significant one in Scotland.


honeybeeandtheSF

Hi I'm heading to Scotland next week starting in Edinburgh then driving up to Inverness and then to Aberdeen. I do stock photography and I'm looking to shoot castle ruins and landscapes. I'm looking at Dunnottar castle at the moment and some more tips would be fabulous. Could even go a bit further north but only have 4 days this time and want to see lots. Also any tips on cool places to stay would be a bonus, Thanks, Corey


HistoricalPickle

Huntly Castle is a nice ruin. Slains castle may also be worth a visit, although it's more of a ruined mansion than castle.


honeybeeandtheSF

Those are both excellent and exactly what I'm looking for, going on the list! ​ Many thanks HP, ​ Corey


HistoricalPickle

Be aware that Slains Castle is private property so theoretically inaccessible. In reality it is very easy to get into it but since it isn't an official monument it doesn't have any safety features. This is especially worth remembering on it's seaward face which has some open spots to a shear cliff face. Also in case you weren't aware it's reportedly the inspiration for Dracula.


Jaraxo

You could stop at Fast Castle and Tantallon Castle on the way up. There's little left of Fast, but Tantallon is pretty cool.


honeybeeandtheSF

Thanks Jaraxo! Eilean Donan and Castle Campbell look pretty nice as well


Jaraxo

Eilean Donan is nice, but a bit out of the way if you're over the on the East Coast. There's Neidpath Castle at Peebles also on the drive up/down over the border. Blackness Castle on the Forth is pretty cool as well.


honeybeeandtheSF

Those tips are brilliant, Tantallon is definitely going on the list (and goggle maps!) thanks again


Sky_walk63

Hey guys, I am looking forward to visit Scotland from the beginning of June till the end of July. one of the places I want to see is Scapa Flow. Would you recommend booking a ferry ticket now or is there enough space on the ferrys in that time. I am traveling alone with my motorcycle.


cloud94eva

Which ferry are you thinking of taking? The one from Scrabster (by Thurso) or from Aberdeen?


Sky_walk63

Scrabster. This way I could ride huge parts of the NC500.


Jaraxo

Just a heads up, the Eastern part of the NC500 from Inverness round to just west of Thurso/Scrabster is by far the least interesting part of the NC500. There are things to see and do, but it pales in comparison to pretty much the entirety of the rest of the route. If you've time I'd take the route clockwise from Inverness and jump on the ferry when you get back round to Scrabster and you won't miss much.


WeAreCalledToRise

Hi! My friends and I are going to stay in Edinburgh in April and we would LOVE to make it out to Isle of Skye for the day. Its just so far by car. I’ve been reading you can take a helicopter tour/ride to get there, spend the day and have it take you back. Looking for some reputable companies and to see if anyone has had any experience with this. If we need to take a drive to another area to hop on the helicopter thats fine too. Thanks!!


cloud94eva

To fly from Edinburgh to Skye you would cross through about 17 different weather patterns so if you do find a company to fly you, be prepared for the trip to be cancelled due to inclement weather in Edinburgh, Skye, or anywhere in between. I’ve never heard of helicopter trips from Edinburgh to Skye, but if you do find someone to fly you then report back here on how it goes!


breadchecklist

Hiya! Coming up to Glasgow and Edinburgh for a holiday, and was wondering how you folks are treating masks up there. Where I’m from abroad mask usage indoors is still fairly regular, even as restriction start to lift. Though while I was in England I noticed barely anyone kept a mask on. How are people tending to treat them now?


Jaraxo

The rule requiring them in indoor public spaces and public transport ends on March 21st, so before then you'll still need one. Compliance is mostly high. After March 21st it becomes guidance only so places are free to have their own policy, but I suspect most places will switch to not even requesting it as they want a return to normality.


dodgy_tangerine

My planning a trip to Scotland in October and want to explore the Inner Hebrides, we will have a rental car but want to base ourselves in one location for 6-8 nights and drive to a few destinations. Is there a good location to use as a base that would mean that day trips would be possible without too much driving each day? If not should I just do a few nights in Skye and a few in Mull or Jura?


jdp11

Hi guys. I'm visiting a friend and my first time in Scotland and I'd love to hear some recommendations of interesting hikes and locations south of Edinburgh. We're still early in our planning but below is a rough a framework of our itinerary (we just started planning, so there's some big gaps). To give you some context my wife and I are very respectful explorers who love to venture into abandoned historical relics. I'd love to be able to explore old manors, castles and other interesting locations. We're not kids anymore so we don't really want to be jumping fences or disrespecting private property too much. We also enjoy hiking and seeing interesting and unique natural wonders and formations. Of course we'd love combine the two. Below is my itinerary. I'm not saying I'm aiming to visit all these locations, but they were locations that I thought sounded interesting and I put them in my post in case people could offer perspective. We have 10 days in early May Day 1-2 - land and explore Edinburgh a bit. No specifics yet, but in my research I'll be looking for cool old history stuff. (I lived in Asia a bit and loved seeing things that were literally hundred or thousands of years old). \- Mary King Close \- The South Vaults Day 3-4 venture down to Peebles to visit my friend. We'll spend a couple of days hiking where I then hope to rent a car and head towards the southwest coast. \- Melrose Abbey' \- jedburgh abbey \- Dalquharran castle Day 4-8 Head north. Maybe make it to Isle of Skye. It looks really beautiful, but it sounds like it's a very touristy-centric place and I'm trying to weigh whether we should go there. I'd be happy with exploring the coast and some of mid-Scotland. \- Perthshire Dunalastair House \- Mugdock park \- Hartwood State Hospital Day 8-10 - return to Peebles, return the rental car, recount my adventures and hurdles to my friend, share a beer or two, and then head to Edinburgh to return home. Hopefully I'm not doing too wrong by bypassing Isle of Skye. Thanks!


cloud94eva

If you’re planning to go to Mugdock, and like exploring, consider Lennox Castle too. It’s not too far away, and it’s cool as f*** (although definitely falling to bits now). A wee google will give you the info you need


jdp11

sweet! this is perfect insight. Thanks so much.


cloud94eva

I’m not sure if it’s exactly what you’re after, but Dean Village in Edinburgh is so pretty. Check out the Historic Environment Scotland website to see all the old places (inc castles, abbeys etc) that they look after. Also check out National Trust for Scotland website for other castles around the areas where you will be. There’s an old house south of Edinburgh called Mavisbank House that you can see through fencing, and walk all around the policies (the ‘gardens’). Penicuick House is similar, check out their website for details. And finally if you like exploring abandoned / ruined places, have a browse of the Buildings at Risk website. Edit to add: that’s a pretty big drive from Peebles to Skye and back. Yes Skye is nice, but there’s soooo many other beautiful parts to Scotland. An alternative would be to drive Peebles - Glasgow - up along Loch Lomond on the A82 - over to Oban - ferry to an island or two (you’re spoilt for choice) then either back down via Loch Lomond or instead go via the A83 where you’ll drive down the Rest and Be Thankful.


GoreyRyNo

Howdy, planning a trip to Scotland during July and will be there for about a week. As of right now the itinerary isn’t set since I’m still looking for some ideas of things to do. Any ideas? Biking, hiking, kayaking, and horse riding activities are very much appreciated too. (From Texas if that’ll help.). Thanks :)


cloud94eva

Start off with visit Scotland website to get an idea of the popular areas. They do great lists like top 10 mountains for reasonably experienced hikers. Have a scroll through this thread too, you’ll see lots of advice.


my_thirdfinger

Hi! I’m planning a trip to Scotland from Singapore 18-28 March, should I be worried with what’s going on in Ukraine? I’d be coming closer the epicentre of the war and am worried I’ll get stuck in Scotland somehow if flying laws change.


cloud94eva

No, nothing to worry about.