dwdvagamundo

Question for Scotland experts--I've booked four nites in Killin, Scotland, and will use one of the days to go to the Isle of Mull, primarily to visit Iona. We'll have a car. Will I have time to drive to Oban, take the ferry to Mull, then to Iona, and then go back in one day, or should I plan to stay only two nites in Killin and two on the Isle of Mull? We really hate having to break up the stay if we don't have to.

Thanks

janisj

OH -- I sure wouldn't want to do it as a day trip. There is so much on Mull/Iona/Staffa.

Where are you headed after Killin? And where are you driving from to get to Killin?

Maybe you could cut just one night from your booking (from either end, depending on which makes most sense itinerary-wise)

janisj

Oh and meant to add -- from Killin to Fionnphort would take a VERY minimum of 4 hours each way.

dwdvagamundo

Janis--Thanks. We're coming from Glasgow (going through Stirling, Callandar)and going to Blanchory after Killin.

While I realize there is a lot to see and do on the islands, the question is could I conceivable make it to Iona (for an hour or so) on a day trip from Killin?

We'd originally wanted to stay in Oban, but could not find in the area a hotel that had both a lift and a room with twin beds, which are two of our requirements for more than a one-night stay--my spouse has problems climbing stairs. So we decided to book four nites at the Killin Hotel which has both.

Based on your advice, I booked a (cancellable) vacation cottage on Mull for two nites at the end of our stay, but we will have to drive from Mull to Banchory in one day. So is that more doable than trying a day trip to Mull and back to Killin? You know a lot more about that part of the world than I do.

BTW--thanks for all your help with this trip. We ended following all your advice: three nites Glasgow, four (or two and two) in Killin/Mull, four in Banchory and two in the Kingdom of Fife.

We booked the flights today and so getting quite excited. If I'm not making sense, that's why!

BritishCaicos

After 60 countries, my 3 magical places are :

1. Hopetown, Abaco, The Bahamas
2. The deserted beaches of NE Phang Nga bay, Thailand
3. Iona (our back doorstep)

There some thing about the light that just make Iona so magical. If you get chance walk up past the abbey to the beaches on the north coast.

Try to eat at the Ninth Wave in Fionnphort, incredible taster menu.

Where's your cottage on Mull?

dwdvagamundo

Thanks BC---Cottagae is just south of Craignure. Now I'm really looking forward to it.

janisj

>>the question is could I conceivable make it to Iona (for an hour or so) on a day trip from Killin? <<

Not realistically -- You'd be in the car 8 to 9 hours+ (including the ferries) for an hour on Iona max.

So if Iona is a must, stay the two nights on Mull then two nights in Killin. That isn't a terribly rushed plan.

Do realize Craignure is quite a drive from Fionnphort/Iona. It will take 60-70 minutes - longer if you get stuck behind a coach.

If the place on Mull is cancelable I'd look for a place in or near Fionnphort.

janisj

. . . OR on Iona itself

dwdvagamundo

Thanks Janis. 90 minutes or so to Fionnphort is O.K. if we're staying on Mull We'll have all day and will be able to leave first thing in the morning from Craignure so that we'll beat the buses. BTW--moved my reservation to the Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa as photos of the cottage showed that the bedroom is on the second floor. We were able to get a ground floor room.

Looks like Oban to Banchory is going to be around 5 hours (per Rome2Rio), so if I add an hour or so for the ferry, we'll be able arrive at Banchory in around 7 hours total. That's doable. To stay in Iona or Fionnphort would mean another hour on the drive to Banchory after the second nite plus we'd have to rush back to the ferry rather than sauntering back to Craignure as I hope to do. And last nite it looked like the best places on Mull and Iona were either gone or going fast.

Let me know if my driving time estimate is reasonable. If it is, I'll cancel two nites in Killin.

janisj

Your drive times are close - I'd take my time getting to Banchory - you could visit Scone Palace, and Glamis Castle en route (plus Edzell castle and/or Dunottar if you have the time). That would make it an all day drive with nice breaks.

dwdvagamundo

Super. We plan to visit Scone and Glamis either while in Banchory (where we'll have four nites) or on the way to Fife. I'll look into the others. Thanks Janis. I'll cancel two nites in Killin then and go with two nites on Mull.

janisj

Then you'll have plenty of time for Dunnottar (a great ruin in a magnificent setting).

But -- I would seriously consider visiting Scone on the drive to Banchory. You will pass right through Perth and it would barely be a detour.

dwdvagamundo

Thanks Janis. We'll keep it in mind if we're running on time. You've warned us so often about the possibility of trucks, tractors, sheep, etc. on the road that I'm a little cautious. But if the timing is right, then we'll do it.

janisj

One good thing is that traveling through the center (Perth and environs) is a little less remote so in parts of your journey you can make better time. You can play it a little by ear . . . If you get to the area semi quickly, you can visit Scone, if not you can press on . . .