amelie

I'm looking for one day trips as well as maybe staying over one night in a small b&b somewhere (but where?). We had thought of going to Lake Lomond for two days, one night, but it was mentioned how far it is from Aberdeen. Do others really think that is really TOO far also? (How far is it?)

We are looking for small town charm, great scenery, and perhaps water.

Thanks!

alanRow

Balmoral & the Tay for a day trip.

Driving to Loch Lomond is a good 3 hours drive each way, but why bother when there is equally good scenery all of the way there.

If I was going to have an overnight stay from Aberdeen, I'd get the ferry to the Orkney's

amelie

My in-laws just went to the Orkney's last year, so I don't think that is an option.

3 hours to Loch Lomond isn't that bad, but I see your point.

Maybe we should consider somewhere near Perth? If we wanted to visit the town of St. Andrews, Drummond Castle Gardens, Scone Palace, and perhaps Glamis also... where would you base yourself for the night? In Perth?

Thoughts on this?

sheila

From here (Aberdeen), I'd take a trip into the Highlands along Deeside and up through Donside and back down and pick up a heap of castles; then day 2 I'd do the Moray coastal villages, and enjoy the scenery.

You do NOT want to do Loch Lomond in a day trip from here. It's a world away

amelie

Ok we will nix the Loch Lomond idea... and I will look into other areas.

Do you think up into the highlands (like what you posted) would be better than the areas of Perth and Fife? It took my husband and I almost 5 hours to get up near Loch ness and that area (I know others have done it quicker though and I've had this discussion on here before, but that all seemed worlds away from Aberdeen as well). I need to get a map handy, it's at home atm.

sheila

Highlands is a generic term. I'm sending you due west and you're in pretty country within minutes. Serious mountains are about an hour away. But a nice day out

amelie

Shelia,

Is Ballater in the mountains? Or have you been to Glen More Forest Park?

Ok, I'm really curious if you (or anyone else) has ever been to Dunrobin Castle? That is my dream place to go. Probably not attainable in this trip. How far of a drive is that? Are there any cheap, non-car, ways to get to the Northwest Highlands (planes?)? It must be amazing up there.

janisj

Why Dunrobin? It is OK of course but nothing super great. It has a pretty garden - but nothing as nice as 50 other places. It is near the water - but so are many others. Just curious why you'd dream about Dunrobin?

Ballater is on the river - in sort of what we'd call a river canyon in the States. So there are hills/mtns around it. Say about 500 to 1000 meter hills.

sheila

Yes, Ballater is in the mountains- well, it's in a valley in amongst the mountains. I have been to Glen More Forest Park.

I've been to Dunrobin, but not for years. It would take you about 4 hours to get there.

No there's no cheap and easy way of getting to the north west, but it IS amazing. You'll like what we have here, tho'. Honest.

amelie

I'm not sure why Dunrobin. I've seen pictures and it looks amazing. Or maybe the area has something to do with it too.

And I've been to a few castles in Scotland (Glamis, Stirling, Dunnottar, Slain's, Dunvegan, Edinburgh, and Eileen Donan), but Dunrobin would be my next choice if I could.

What's the least amount of days/nights you'd be willing to go, for the NW Highlands from Aberdeen??