dickie davies
Well-Known Member
Don't bother going to Skye. The scenery is no different than the mainland
Keep an eye open for a Highland games meet
Keep an eye open for a Highland games meet
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Scotland road trip
- Thread starter Ric
- Start date
Yeah, the Skye locals are sick of so many tourists - especially Campervan/motorhomes causing havoc and being inconsiderateDon't bother going to Skye. The scenery is no different than the mainland
Keep an eye open for a Highland games meet
blueparrot
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Top tip if it's just Scotland doesn't start at the central belt and above.The Borders East or West side are outstanding (bit biased it's home)I'd take the M6 through Hawick to Kelso or Melrose area for a night then Edinburgh or Fife over to the the West and maybe stop around Kircudbright in Dumfies and Galloway on the way home.
Don't bother going to Skye. The scenery is no different than the mainland
Keep an eye open for a Highland games meet
Think that's the least true thing on this thread so far.
I agree on not going to it, in the 4-5 days mentioned. But the scenery is quite different from the mainland and even the other islands.
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Echo what others are saying on the size and time you might spend driving.
With 4-5 days, wouldn't bother going any further north than Loch Lomond. If even as far as that!
Would also stay away from the cities, when doing a driving tour. If you want a trip to Glasgow or Edinburgh, jump on a train for a day trip, time in a car is better spent getting to the more remote bits.
I'd strongly consider going to Arran for a couple days/nights. It is compact, and called 'Scotland in miniature' for a reason. You'll get plenty there to tick off - beaches, waterfalls, standing stones, golf, distillers, ferry joy/palaver, castles, wildlife, and the northern part has similar scenery to the start of the Highlands, without the slog to get to Glencoe. And it is all fairly tame and accessible, and easy to plan.
Then that gives you the chance to also work through Dumfriesshire and Ayrshire on your route there and back, as others are suggesting, which have their own content and qualities.
You Could if you really wanted to, loop back up to Loch Lomond, but you'd get plenty without it, and it is a busy road. Or you could tie it in and do the '5 ferries' back via Bute, but bear in mind you are sacrificing time in queues onto short journey ferries.
Be prepared for a surprise at the price of accommodation, and the demand, so book early.
With 4-5 days, wouldn't bother going any further north than Loch Lomond. If even as far as that!
Would also stay away from the cities, when doing a driving tour. If you want a trip to Glasgow or Edinburgh, jump on a train for a day trip, time in a car is better spent getting to the more remote bits.
I'd strongly consider going to Arran for a couple days/nights. It is compact, and called 'Scotland in miniature' for a reason. You'll get plenty there to tick off - beaches, waterfalls, standing stones, golf, distillers, ferry joy/palaver, castles, wildlife, and the northern part has similar scenery to the start of the Highlands, without the slog to get to Glencoe. And it is all fairly tame and accessible, and easy to plan.
Then that gives you the chance to also work through Dumfriesshire and Ayrshire on your route there and back, as others are suggesting, which have their own content and qualities.
You Could if you really wanted to, loop back up to Loch Lomond, but you'd get plenty without it, and it is a busy road. Or you could tie it in and do the '5 ferries' back via Bute, but bear in mind you are sacrificing time in queues onto short journey ferries.
Be prepared for a surprise at the price of accommodation, and the demand, so book early.
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dickie davies
Well-Known Member
We stayed in Plockton for a week and went over to Skye for a day and it was no different from the area we were stayingThink that's the least true thing on this thread so far.
I agree on not going to it, in the 4-5 days mentioned. But the scenery is quite different from the mainland and even the other islands.
We stayed in Plockton for a week and went over to Skye for a day and it was no different from the area we were staying
Yeah if you are comaring it to Plockton, right on the edge of Skye, as opposed to the circa 70,000km2 of scenery elsewhwere, then yeah some of Skye's scenery and coastal bits will be similar to that. But even on the island itself, the three 'prongs' are quite different from each other, never mind that then being distinct from other areas of a vast country.
But I do agree with you, wouldn't bother with it unless that was the only focused place to get to, and there was more time to take it in.
Been up many times over the past 30 years and travelled all over, cities, towns, villages, etc.
Most recently was in February, travelling up from the Midlands for a week (well, Saturday to Monday). We had a night in Carlisle on the way up which is a pleasant halfway point then travelled up to Fort William via Argyll & Bute and spent 4 nights there. Visited Oban (lovely town under the shadow of McCaig's Tower), did the Road to the Isles from Fort William to Mallaig then a long drive from Fort William up to Kyle of Lochalsh and over the Skye Bridge up to Portree then back down to Armadale to catch the car ferry to Mallaig and back to Fort William.
Then headed from FW to 4 nights in Aviemore, via For Augustus and Loch Ness. From Aviemore we visited Elgin and the coastal route back, Inverness and down to Pitlochry and House of Bruar.
Did find that a few places where we used to pull up now have pay and display machines - worth reading the small print on the signs as many are inviting you to pay, as in a contribution, rather than a compulsory parking charge.
Long drive home from Aviemore to the Midlands!
Most recently was in February, travelling up from the Midlands for a week (well, Saturday to Monday). We had a night in Carlisle on the way up which is a pleasant halfway point then travelled up to Fort William via Argyll & Bute and spent 4 nights there. Visited Oban (lovely town under the shadow of McCaig's Tower), did the Road to the Isles from Fort William to Mallaig then a long drive from Fort William up to Kyle of Lochalsh and over the Skye Bridge up to Portree then back down to Armadale to catch the car ferry to Mallaig and back to Fort William.
Then headed from FW to 4 nights in Aviemore, via For Augustus and Loch Ness. From Aviemore we visited Elgin and the coastal route back, Inverness and down to Pitlochry and House of Bruar.
Did find that a few places where we used to pull up now have pay and display machines - worth reading the small print on the signs as many are inviting you to pay, as in a contribution, rather than a compulsory parking charge.
Long drive home from Aviemore to the Midlands!
bobbyowenquiff
Well-Known Member
Don’t underestimate how big it is and focus on one area. Choose either the east or west coast. If you are going up to the Islands like Mull, book your ferries in advance as they fill up in peak season. The roads past Glasgow are slow in the summer so leave plenty of time. The Trossachs is a lovely area and much closer than the Highlands. The Fife coast by St Andrews is great and gets much less rain.Thinking of doing a road trip to Scotland this summer with the family, as we’ve never really done it before. Probably 4-5 days ago in total, from Manchester. Any suggestions on routes/places to visit/things to do? Thanks in advance!
Definitely. If you are ok (ish) until mid May, after that it's a deep sea diving suit just to sit in a beer garden.Take plenty of mosquito killer, they’re everywhere. Avon was always a good one.
Oh and take an umbrella.
RACHACE
Well-Known Member
Great advice. I wouldn't do the Isle of Skye for example if your only planning on 4 days or so. Loch Lomand has plenty to offer to fill that time.Dont assume that Scotland is just the Highlands and Islands. As has already been said 4-5 days is not a lot and you will spend two days travelling there and back. If you really only have 4-5 days, turn left at the border and head for Galloway and then up the Clyde Coast. If you want to take in Edinburgh turn right at the border and travel through Lothian.
If you want to head into the Highlands give yourselves more time or else just go as far as Loch Lomond area and that will give you an impression of what is beyond, if you enjoy walking then Ben Lomond is a good accessible walk giving spectacular views yet can also be 4 seasons on one walk. Stirling Castle is more visitor friendly than Edinburgh and gives a good sense of the history and why it was such a key strategic point. Bannockburn is close by with a good visitor centre. Or else head along the North Clyde Coast and around the Lochs - follow the A82 alongside Loch Lomond and then A83 down to Campbeltown and the Mull of Kintyre.
However, the scenery further North was unreal we found.
Saddleworth2
Well-Known Member
This is good advice if you want the scenery and quaint villages (like Plocton). The NC500 loop starting and finishing in Inverness is stunning albeit increasingly popular with motor homes:-(.Scotland is about two thirds the size of England and it takes about half a day to get from Manchester as far as the central belt.
(I do the trip down regularly to the Etihad)
You are not going to see the majority of Scotland in 4-5 days.
You will need to decide what kind of places you want to see and have a bit of luck with the weather.
The West Coast is the most scenically attractive part of Scotland in my view it's also got the slowest roads.
Personally for a relatively short trip I'd pick a spot on the West Coast and try short trips from there.
Lovely spots include the likes of Arisaig, Ardnamurchan, Plockton or you could try larger in places like Obama or Fort William.
If it were me I would pick a reasonable base every night and don’t plan too long a drive during the day. Maybe start Edinburgh and then a night in the Trossachs, work your way west from there. Public transport is great in Edinburgh so spending a night in East Lothian or the Borders is absolutely an option as the train links are good. If you work back down the west you could spend your last night in Glasgow. Lots to see and do prior to a reasonable drive home. Dumfries and Galloway is often missed as folk speed past on the M74. It’s a hidden gem - I have a week booked there in early May.
Platt Lane 59
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- 17 Mar 2017
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A lovely part of Scotland.Top tip if it's just Scotland doesn't start at the central belt and above.The Borders East or West side are outstanding (bit biased it's home)I'd take the M6 through Hawick to Kelso or Melrose area for a night then Edinburgh or Fife over to the the West and maybe stop around Kircudbright in Dumfies and Galloway on the way home.
Used to work up there, some of the smaller towns e g. Kirkcudbright, have an artistic "theme", such as painting or writing.
Had some good nights also in Castle Douglas & Annan...
Midges can be a problem , they are generally worse in the west than the East.
It doesn't mean they will be a problem. They don't fly when there's any breeze and are not usually active in bright sun. If its calm and overcast or late in the day they can be very unpleasant.
Avon skin so soft acts as a barrier Smidge and Deet are more repellants. You need to cover exposed skin pretty thoroughly though , and keep moving.
They basically follow the CO2 from your breath to detect you and don't fly very fast.
It doesn't mean they will be a problem. They don't fly when there's any breeze and are not usually active in bright sun. If its calm and overcast or late in the day they can be very unpleasant.
Avon skin so soft acts as a barrier Smidge and Deet are more repellants. You need to cover exposed skin pretty thoroughly though , and keep moving.
They basically follow the CO2 from your breath to detect you and don't fly very fast.
Prestwich_Blue
Well-Known Member
If you're only planning a few days then this is what I'd do.Top tip if it's just Scotland doesn't start at the central belt and above.The Borders East or West side are outstanding (bit biased it's home)I'd take the M6 through Hawick to Kelso or Melrose area for a night then Edinburgh or Fife over to the the West and maybe stop around Kircudbright in Dumfies and Galloway on the way home.
es1
Well-Known Member
get out on the road from fort william to mallaig
the glenfinnan viaduct (harry potter viaduct) is cool but if you make it all the way to the coast you'll find beaches that wouldn't look out of place in the Caribbean
the glenfinnan viaduct (harry potter viaduct) is cool but if you make it all the way to the coast you'll find beaches that wouldn't look out of place in the Caribbean
Magicpole
Well-Known Member
Midgies are mossies on Irn Bru.Take plenty of mosquito killer, they’re everywhere. Avon was always a good one.
Blue2112
Well-Known Member
We've been up to Scotland for the past 30 years on and off when the girls were younger searching for Nessie and now going up to Cromarty this year with their partners and our grandson. Absolutely love Scotland, my favourite place to visit. Don't overlook Dumfrieshire just over the border for a short trip, everyone goes further North and misses this beautiful county. The New Galloway Forest is beautiful to spend a day in.
We've stayed in a castle up on the coast near Wick - Acketgill Tower and what an experience. The stacks of Duncansby are incredible near Dunnet Head the most Northerly point of mainland Britain and of course John O' Groats. All the usual highlights like Skye, Mull, Iona, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe, Glen Etive, Loch Ness, Perthshire, The Trossachs and the Moray Firth where you can watch the dolphins close by from the shore at Chanonry Point. Salmon jumping at Hawick and Pitlochry. Incredible Castles, the Kelpies, the stunning scenery and of course the wildlife.
The John Lennon Memorial Garden at Durness, Bon Scotts birthplace and statue along with J.M. Barrie the author of Peter pan both being born in Kirremuir a small village with an AC/DC museum and annual Bon Fest. You just never know what you're gonna stumble upon. We did a day just tracking down Pictish and Standing Stones and it was Ace! Go to Kilmartin for one of the best preserved prehistoric, neolithic and bronze aged villages in Argyll.
There's just so much to see and do. And I've not even mentioned those bloody Midgies....
We've stayed in a castle up on the coast near Wick - Acketgill Tower and what an experience. The stacks of Duncansby are incredible near Dunnet Head the most Northerly point of mainland Britain and of course John O' Groats. All the usual highlights like Skye, Mull, Iona, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe, Glen Etive, Loch Ness, Perthshire, The Trossachs and the Moray Firth where you can watch the dolphins close by from the shore at Chanonry Point. Salmon jumping at Hawick and Pitlochry. Incredible Castles, the Kelpies, the stunning scenery and of course the wildlife.
The John Lennon Memorial Garden at Durness, Bon Scotts birthplace and statue along with J.M. Barrie the author of Peter pan both being born in Kirremuir a small village with an AC/DC museum and annual Bon Fest. You just never know what you're gonna stumble upon. We did a day just tracking down Pictish and Standing Stones and it was Ace! Go to Kilmartin for one of the best preserved prehistoric, neolithic and bronze aged villages in Argyll.
There's just so much to see and do. And I've not even mentioned those bloody Midgies....
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Gabriel
Well-Known Member
Avoid the cities. More likely your children will visit those of their own accord later in life.
Jimmieblue
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Avon Skin So Soft a must, good call. Boat trip from Arisaig to the little islands of Rhum and Eigg good trip too. Think only doing 4-5 days you’ll need to be going back sometime.Spent a day climbing at Huntleys Cave once. The only time I've ever had to climb wearing a mosquito net. My hands were covered in bites, even using industrial strength DEET.
Ive since discovered that Avon Skin So Soft works an absolute treat against Scottish midges.