Blt1611

Looking for realistic suggestions for seeing as much as we can but definitely must get to Edinburgh (for train arrival) Culloden, Doune Castle, possibly Skye, Glasgow (for return flight).

We are arriving in Edinburgh from Manchester by train around 1930 on July 23rd, 2016. Departing from GLA by air July 28, 2016 @ 1030. We are renting a car in Edinburgh on 24th. Highland games we would like to attend for a few hours in Aberfoyle on 24th. Other than that nothing is set in stone. We are willing to stay in different locales each night to avoid backtracking to a central location twice a day. ANY suggestions are appreciated. I figure we will probably stay mostly central northwest with the northernmost point being Inverness/Culloden.

We are 4 adults, 2 rooms most likely. My mother (69) and myself (40) and my brother and sister-in-law (45).

Thanks in advance!

cathies

Not much help here except to say that Culloden was fabulous. Don't let anyone talk you out of it.

We used Pitlochry as a base for a few days. I've been slammed here previously for staying somewhere that is regarded as touristy but we enjoyed it very much. The dam and fish ladder there is worth a couple of hours as is the Edradour distillery if you are interested in a tour and a wee dram.

sparkchaser

Culloden is definitely a must-see.

If you're staying in Inverness, look to see which pub Schiehallion is playing in and spend the evening there dancing and listening to LOUD trad music.

AndrewPeterson

I went to Culloden once, Let me tell you this, i definitely will be going back again! Stunning place.

janisj

You have very little time. I'd forget about Skye - it takes basically a day to get there (like 7 hours drive to Portree from EDI - w/o stops) and a day to get back. If Aberfoyle, Doune and Culloden are on your wish list It is doable.

EDI to Inverness area takes about 4 hours maybe a little less. Si drive up that way on the 24th and stay 2 nights -- see Culloden, Clava Cairns, Ft George, the Black Isle, whatever.

Then drive down along Loch Ness to Callander -- another 4 hour drive plus stops. It would be faster down the A9 but that would be backtracking over much of the same territory and this way you could see Loch Ness, Urquhart castle, Glencoe and Killin.. Stay the 26th and 27th in Callander for Doune, Stirling, Inchmahome, the Trossachs - then an easy drive to GLA the morning of the 28th.

Now you notice this misses the games in Aberfoyle

It is not a large or very exciting games -- just sayin' (Unless you know someone competing I'd give it a miss and spend your time elsewhere)

Blt1611

Thanks all for the advice! I appreciate the suggestions and know that this will help us make the most of our short (but sweet!) visit.

Blt1611

@ janisj, thank you for the constructive input. We have decided to opt out of Skye as, unfortunately, it sounds a bit unrealistic and seems we would not be able to give it it's proper due. We were on the fence about it and this has helped make our decision, will save it for a future visit.

Re: highland games, while it may seem a bit on the "cheesy American tourist" side of life, it's something we'd like to see as this may be the only time my brother & his wife get to Scotland and 'tis the season for it! I am a flight attendant for AA and may return but they may not. In that vein wondering if you know/have an opinion/suggestion about the games in Arisaig as those are taking place on 27/07 and we would make it a priority to incorporate that if anyone thought they might be a more authentic/enjoyable experience for (possibly) our only chance to see any highland games?

Thank you!

janisj

I haven't been but I would guess the Arisaig games are dinky tiny. Though they are in a glorious location scenery-wise. This year's is a gathering of Clan Ranald so might be a little bigger than normal.

However -- by the time you got there you'd be 90% the of way to Skye. If the games are <i>that</i> important to you, then maybe consider skipping Inverness/Culloden/etc and do Arisaig and Skye instead??

One 'out there' option: The Airth games are on the 23rd - could you travel up on an early train instead?

(Question -- where are your Brother/SIL from? I ask because there are MANY very authentic Scottish Games all over the USA. All the same events and huge participation. Pipe bands, heavy events, sheep dog trials, highland and country dancing, music -- everything. Especially in the SE and all over California but in most states)

historytraveler

BTW, if considering Arisaig, you should book accommodations as soon as possible. It's a small place. In fact, you may already be too late.

Janis is right. There are lots of Highland Games being held in numerous places. Google for locations and dates and keep in mind if unable to attend one in Scotland.

Blt1611

Thanks all for the input. I think we've decided to take A9 directly to Inverness from Edinburgh then work our way down to Glasgow along the western route including Skye, Ft. William, Glencoe and we'll just see what we can and skip what we can't and hopefully we'll get back sometime to catch the rest. Thanks again!

janisj

Inverness isn't much to write home about (though the surrounding area is great) and Ft William is even less. It would be a shame IMO to spend your very limited time in either town.

historytraveler

Agree.

historytraveler

Meant to add, look at places just outside of Inverness and Fort William.