Dukey1

After bouncing back and forth between Adriatic and Aegean cruises, Swiss railway spectacular journeys, trying to decide between Cornwall, the Moors, the Dales, and a few "great" house tours, what has <B>finally</B> been decided as part of our "trip over" next year is another attempt at Scotland.

Thanks to all who took the time to make suggestions in the past.

We will return to Edinburgh for several nights in August and then be renting a car for the drive toward Ft. William and three nights there.

The question is in terms of special things to see on the route from Edinburgh to FW and then while based there with the car, the same question. Scenery would be the big thing and once again, suggestions are appreciated. And long drives are fine.

Michael

The Falkirk Wheel: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...7623437796997/

Dukey1

Thank you very much for this link

elberko

The Kelpies sculpture:
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-...ntral-25124730

Dukey1

Thanks, Elberko. I am thinking now that I've actually located this place that it might be worth a slight detour.

elberko

It's visible from the highway, which is the only way I saw it, but yes, I would like a closer look, too.

billbarr

Hi Dukey1

I visited both the Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies a few months ago and highly recommend them. They are reasonably close together (around 10 minutes driving time) and at each you will find a visitor centre and somewhere to eat. You may have found it already but here is the Kelpies site which hopefully gives you the information you need:

http://www.thehelix.co.uk/

Similarly, the official site for the Falkirk Wheel is here:

https://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/falkirk-wheel/

Bill

Dukey1

Bill,
Thanks very much for those links and for taking the time to respond.

billbarr

You are very welcome.

I live just over 20 miles from each. If I can help with any other information don't hesitate to ask.

Bill

RM67

I don't know how far north and west you've been in Scotland before, but my suggestions would all be for the more northern bit of your route.

Glencoe is an obvious place to visit - dramatic scenery of the hills and mountains, high tarns and small waterfalls - great for a bit of walking. I also think Loch Linhe is very picturesque - one of the prettiest lochs, with castles on little islands, abandoned boathouses etc.

If you have the time and inclination to head further north than Fort William then imho that is even more scenic - especially the Applecross Peninsula and Torridon. Click on my ID for old TRs with links to photos.

Dukey1

RM67,

thank you very much; just finished browsing your TRs as well as the pictures.

Once we get out of Edinburgh and in the car we'll have a lot more flexibility and time to get places.

On the departure (from Fort William) day I purposely booked a very late flight out of EDI so we will have, hopefully, plenty of time on the drive back.

Will plan on long drives during the three days in FW itself.

It is not ideal in terms of number of days but IMO better than nothing and we are fairly good at cherry picking the things we like to see and do.

Thank you very much for your thoughtful suggestions.

RM67

You're welcome

PalenQ

Yeh the famous and desolate Rannoch Moor:

https://www.visitscotland.com/info/t...annoch-p246531

Limited vehicular access to certain parts like the hotel at the train station - you being a rail buff consider taking the train from Ft William there and back- part of the famous West Highlands rail line,ubiquitously listed right up there with the likes of the Glacier Express no less amongst Europe's most scenic train but in this case IME NOT overhyped...

https://www.google.com/search?q=rann...w=1745&bih=868

Nelson

We took the Jacobite Steam Train from Ft. William to Malliag, thought it was great fun. Then by ferry to Skye where we rented a car.

Google maps says you can drive from Ft. William to Eilean Donan castle in 90 minutes, if that has any interest for you. Along the way you'll pass the Five Sisters of Kintail, a nice ridge of highly scenic Munro peaks. I hired a guide and hiked the ridge.

Beautiful area, like traveling in a landscape painting, we'd love to return.

Dukey1

Appreciate the additional recs. We will more than likely make max use of the car from our Ft. William hotel. Just hoping for decent weather.

Rubicund

Dukey, you may find that 3 nights in Fort William is 3 too much. It's not a great place and when travelling in that area, we always push on through it. Why not press on to Mull and spend some time in Tobermory, one of (IMO) the best places to stay in Scotland outside of cities?

Dukey1

I'm actually looking forward to our Ft. William accommodation which is as much a part of the whole experience as is the trip itself.

Gardyloo

May I ask why Fort William?

Dukey1

Yeah, you can ask. because I like the hotel and it's within driving distance of some of the scenery we want to see.

PalenQ

Yes we've had many discussions here about how terrible a place Ft William is - I have stayed there and found it a pleasant regional town- the 2nd largest in The Highlands- but it is not that quintessentially quaint village or castle many prefer.

I found Ft William a very plesant regional town where you can meet more typical Scots, etc - a more real Scotland let's say and a great utilitarian base.

I prefer larger towns with lots of pubs, restaurants, strolling places at night, etc. Staying in a small village I find boring but understand that many may find the opposite to be true.

But nearly everybody lambastes me for that take- I'll love to hear your take!