Scotland in 6 days- photographer needs help w/ itinerary
Nov 30th, 2008, 05:10 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Scotland in 6 days- photographer needs help w/ itinerary
I've been reading all of your great posts (quite helpful!) and still have a few questions to help me plan my trip. I'm in my early 30s, will be traveling alone in Scotland for 6 full days late Aug/early Sept in 2009. I am an avid amateur photographer and am particularly interested in seeing a couple castles, several lochs and just overall beautiful scenery. My interests are photographing the areas (stopping along the road of going for an hour or so walk), taking in a bit of the culture along the way and being in a relatively safe env't (i.e. how late/early should I be out and about in Scotland to get some of these pics?)
Obviously, the festival is in Edinburgh (where I'm flying into). I like festivals - but typically like cultural ones the best. I'd still like to see the typical sites of Edinburgh along with a 1-2 shows of the festival, plus walking around. Is a day and half enough time to get all this in? I'm not a huge museum buff - would rather walk along Princes street, grab a drink at a local joint and see the castle.
So far, my initial thoughts are as follows and I'd love any advice:
- Day 1: (and a half) Edinburgh 1.5 days
- Day 2: Half day to travel to Perth/Pitlochry area (hopefully make it in time for sunset)
- Day 3: Half day in Pitlochry/Queens View, rest of day drive to Inverness area
- Day 4: 3/4 of a day in Inverness area, drive to Skye (again, is sunset doable?)
- Day 5: See Skye area for 3/4 day; drive to Loch Lomond area
- Day 6: See/hike around Lomond area; drive back to Edinburgh
I know thats a lot of driving but I'm the kind of person who can take a few hours in a car, as long as I can stop and take pics along the way and get in a couple hour hikes on a few days (Lomond/Katrine/Ben A'an, Pitlochry & Skye). There is the possibility that I could extend my trip by one day but if it's feasible, then I'd stick with the 6 full days.
Sorry for the long winded answer but I'd rather give what my interests are upfront than going back and forth! many thanks to anyone with advice on this itinerary!
Obviously, the festival is in Edinburgh (where I'm flying into). I like festivals - but typically like cultural ones the best. I'd still like to see the typical sites of Edinburgh along with a 1-2 shows of the festival, plus walking around. Is a day and half enough time to get all this in? I'm not a huge museum buff - would rather walk along Princes street, grab a drink at a local joint and see the castle.
So far, my initial thoughts are as follows and I'd love any advice:
- Day 1: (and a half) Edinburgh 1.5 days
- Day 2: Half day to travel to Perth/Pitlochry area (hopefully make it in time for sunset)
- Day 3: Half day in Pitlochry/Queens View, rest of day drive to Inverness area
- Day 4: 3/4 of a day in Inverness area, drive to Skye (again, is sunset doable?)
- Day 5: See Skye area for 3/4 day; drive to Loch Lomond area
- Day 6: See/hike around Lomond area; drive back to Edinburgh
I know thats a lot of driving but I'm the kind of person who can take a few hours in a car, as long as I can stop and take pics along the way and get in a couple hour hikes on a few days (Lomond/Katrine/Ben A'an, Pitlochry & Skye). There is the possibility that I could extend my trip by one day but if it's feasible, then I'd stick with the 6 full days.
Sorry for the long winded answer but I'd rather give what my interests are upfront than going back and forth! many thanks to anyone with advice on this itinerary!
Dec 1st, 2008, 12:24 AM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,159
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi, there. Your trip is mostly doable. You will have plenty of light. It takes maybe an hour and a half to drive to Pitlochry and sunset is about 8 o'clock at the end of August. You'll get good light some while after that.
It's about 2 hours (tops) Inverness to Skye. But there's a lot to see en route. Have a look at the Black Isle in the morning. Don't stick around the city.
I could see you struggling to get from Skye to Loch Lomond by sunset if you leave late afternoon.
You're late for the Festival itself, but the Fringe will be running till the end of the month. A day and a half is not long for Edinburgh at Festival time.
Do get back if you have more questions
It's about 2 hours (tops) Inverness to Skye. But there's a lot to see en route. Have a look at the Black Isle in the morning. Don't stick around the city.
I could see you struggling to get from Skye to Loch Lomond by sunset if you leave late afternoon.
You're late for the Festival itself, but the Fringe will be running till the end of the month. A day and a half is not long for Edinburgh at Festival time.
Do get back if you have more questions
Dec 1st, 2008, 04:14 AM
#3
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A day and a half is a very short time in Edinburgh especially during the festivals, as Sheila said, but it sounds as if you are maybe more interesting in seeing the countryside ? Be warned, though, that a lot of accommodation has a 3 night minimum in Edinburgh during August.
Not sure I understand your comment "I like festivals - but typically like cultural ones the best." Have you perhaps been misled by the big comedy promoters who like to make out Edinburgh is all about comedy ? We have some of the best cultural offerings in the world here in August - this year I was mesmerised by watching Gergiev conducting the Mariinsky in 'King Roger' and we had a lot of fantastic east/central European theatre.
Which festival(s) are you interested in ? Just in case you didn't realise, there are quite a few : this website links to all of them - http://www.edinburghfestivals.org/
I enjoy the International Festival (14 Aug-6 Sep next year) best and its programme & tickets are available the earliest - next year's programme is out on 25th March so public booking will open around mid-April. A few things sell out quickly but most don't. The Fringe (7-31 Aug) also has to be experienced, and the Art Festival 30 Jul-6 Sep) and Book Festival (15-31 Aug) will still be on when you are here.
As regards "being in a relatively safe env't (i.e. how late/early should I be out and about in Scotland to get some of these pics?)" - nowhere you are likely to go is unsafe to be out late. (I'm assuming you won't be visiting rundown housing estates on the edges of the cities).
Not sure I understand your comment "I like festivals - but typically like cultural ones the best." Have you perhaps been misled by the big comedy promoters who like to make out Edinburgh is all about comedy ? We have some of the best cultural offerings in the world here in August - this year I was mesmerised by watching Gergiev conducting the Mariinsky in 'King Roger' and we had a lot of fantastic east/central European theatre.
Which festival(s) are you interested in ? Just in case you didn't realise, there are quite a few : this website links to all of them - http://www.edinburghfestivals.org/
I enjoy the International Festival (14 Aug-6 Sep next year) best and its programme & tickets are available the earliest - next year's programme is out on 25th March so public booking will open around mid-April. A few things sell out quickly but most don't. The Fringe (7-31 Aug) also has to be experienced, and the Art Festival 30 Jul-6 Sep) and Book Festival (15-31 Aug) will still be on when you are here.
As regards "being in a relatively safe env't (i.e. how late/early should I be out and about in Scotland to get some of these pics?)" - nowhere you are likely to go is unsafe to be out late. (I'm assuming you won't be visiting rundown housing estates on the edges of the cities).
Dec 1st, 2008, 05:08 AM
#4
I found Edinburgh itself to be one of the more photogenic cities I've visited, particularly in old town. The views down many of the closes are worth a few frames. Nice views from the bluffs beyond Holyrood.
The area around Inverness, on the other hand, didn't inspire me. The ruined Castle Urquhart on Loch Ness was one exception. However, it is fairly crowded -- you'll have to wait for an unpopulated shot.
Skye on the other hand suffers from an embarrassment of riches. Eileen Donan which you will pass on your way there, is a famous landmark. A shot framed down the causeway can be effective. On the island itself, I found hiking to the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing offered magnificent landscape opportunities.
Storr is reached after a short but steep hike from the road. (Hint, an easier way to the base of the Old Man once you are just below, is too take the sheep track off to the left, which curves around and up, rather than the direct approach.) You will find bizarrely twisted pinnacles of stone, and panoramas over valleys and the sea.
The Quiraing is if anything even more spectacular. High bluffs with sea views and valleys dominated by dramatic mountains. You'll think you're in a fantasy landscape.
Both of these walks will take a few hours. Being Scotland, you will likely cycle through sun, clouds, mist and rain -- maybe a couple of times. The mist adds real mystery to the scene if you can catch it right, particularly at Storr. If the weather is bad, you might pass on the Quiraing, which has several steep drops that might be problematic in a dense fog. You'll want at least a rudimentary map for it, too.
These are just highlights. I found myself pulling over to shoot a loch or a mist-topped mountain at all sorts of places unmentioned in guides, and I'm sure you will too.
The area around Inverness, on the other hand, didn't inspire me. The ruined Castle Urquhart on Loch Ness was one exception. However, it is fairly crowded -- you'll have to wait for an unpopulated shot.
Skye on the other hand suffers from an embarrassment of riches. Eileen Donan which you will pass on your way there, is a famous landmark. A shot framed down the causeway can be effective. On the island itself, I found hiking to the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing offered magnificent landscape opportunities.
Storr is reached after a short but steep hike from the road. (Hint, an easier way to the base of the Old Man once you are just below, is too take the sheep track off to the left, which curves around and up, rather than the direct approach.) You will find bizarrely twisted pinnacles of stone, and panoramas over valleys and the sea.
The Quiraing is if anything even more spectacular. High bluffs with sea views and valleys dominated by dramatic mountains. You'll think you're in a fantasy landscape.
Both of these walks will take a few hours. Being Scotland, you will likely cycle through sun, clouds, mist and rain -- maybe a couple of times. The mist adds real mystery to the scene if you can catch it right, particularly at Storr. If the weather is bad, you might pass on the Quiraing, which has several steep drops that might be problematic in a dense fog. You'll want at least a rudimentary map for it, too.
These are just highlights. I found myself pulling over to shoot a loch or a mist-topped mountain at all sorts of places unmentioned in guides, and I'm sure you will too.
Dec 1st, 2008, 07:38 AM
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,313
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Do take a look at my trip report from this summer, as I went to a lot of those places.
http://www.greendragonartist.com/BI/...otland2008.htm
3/4 day in Skye isn't nearly enough to do it justice, but you know that, I'm sure. Try to make it up to the Trotternish peninsula, that's where the most spectacular sights are, IMHO.
I'd search for the hidden gems along the way, but I'm an incurable researcher. Hidden Scotland has a great webpage that has lots of great information, and pictures to help!
http://www.greendragonartist.com/BI/...otland2008.htm
3/4 day in Skye isn't nearly enough to do it justice, but you know that, I'm sure. Try to make it up to the Trotternish peninsula, that's where the most spectacular sights are, IMHO.
I'd search for the hidden gems along the way, but I'm an incurable researcher. Hidden Scotland has a great webpage that has lots of great information, and pictures to help!
Dec 1st, 2008, 07:56 AM
#6
just a couple of short comments right now - you've had some of the most useful sources respond already . . .
but a couple of things - you will have a really REALLY hard time finding a room for one night in Edinburgh and you are not budgeting enough time to see the city let alone attend any performances.
And less than a couple of days on Skye is basically useless. Sure - folks do it as a day trip - but it is a VERY large island and many of the most scenic bits are on single track roads. it is not a quick place to visit.
W/ just a week I'd concentrate on Edinburgh and Skye w/ a day or two in between. You will find hundreds of things to photograph.
Or - skip Edinburgh and concentrate just on the countryside. In a week you can see a lot w/o the "issues" of Edinburgh in August. (Edinburgh is magnificent but it will be very crowded and expensive while you are there)
but a couple of things - you will have a really REALLY hard time finding a room for one night in Edinburgh and you are not budgeting enough time to see the city let alone attend any performances.
And less than a couple of days on Skye is basically useless. Sure - folks do it as a day trip - but it is a VERY large island and many of the most scenic bits are on single track roads. it is not a quick place to visit.
W/ just a week I'd concentrate on Edinburgh and Skye w/ a day or two in between. You will find hundreds of things to photograph.
Or - skip Edinburgh and concentrate just on the countryside. In a week you can see a lot w/o the "issues" of Edinburgh in August. (Edinburgh is magnificent but it will be very crowded and expensive while you are there)
Dec 1st, 2008, 01:12 PM
#7
I see you posted this again - unfortunately there are now 2 threads going and everyone posting to either one will be "reinventing the wheel" since they won't know what was said on the other thread.
Dec 1st, 2008, 05:21 PM
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, sadly, I misposted this in a general forum. Thank you all for your advice thus far. It sounds like perhaps I can pass over Inverness area and concentrate on Skye, Pitlochry and Loch Lomond/Troussachs areas. I am more interested in the countryside but would like to see Edinburgh even if just for a day given the fact that so many people rave about it. My last full day is Sept 3rd - perhaps I will luck out and find a place to stay just one night then. There are several posts with great places to stay, so I can refer to those.
The only other question I have at this point (I'm sure there will be others) is: does anyone have any particular advice for Troussachs/Lomond area? Is a day and half in this area enough to get a hike or two in and see a decent amount to appreciate the beauty?
The drive time and sunset timing in Pitlochy is very helpful Sheila. Fra-Diablo - the hike info is exactly what I was looking for. Janis- I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed reading your many posts on Scotland and just like the others, this reply is helpful. Green Dragon - the pictures are great and a help to figure out what I want to see!
The only other question I have at this point (I'm sure there will be others) is: does anyone have any particular advice for Troussachs/Lomond area? Is a day and half in this area enough to get a hike or two in and see a decent amount to appreciate the beauty?
The drive time and sunset timing in Pitlochy is very helpful Sheila. Fra-Diablo - the hike info is exactly what I was looking for. Janis- I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed reading your many posts on Scotland and just like the others, this reply is helpful. Green Dragon - the pictures are great and a help to figure out what I want to see!
Dec 1st, 2008, 10:24 PM
#9
mhohol: Glad I've been able to help
"<i>Yes, sadly, I misposted this in a general forum.</i>"
Tip - There is only <u>one</u> forum -- "Europe". There is no UK or Scotland forum so all threads end up in the same place -- Europe. Clicking on a country merely tags it so folks cab search for some of the threads about that country. Both of your threads are in Europe.
A couple of ideas -
Instead of trying to stay in Edinburgh at that time of year - consider staying in the Trossachs area for a few days. Then you can use one day to take the train into Edinburgh from Stirling or Dunblane. The train is quick and you won't have to deal w/ driving in the city and parking. An early train into the city will give you a full day to explore - and accommodations outside of Edinburgh will cost a fraction of places in the city.
A centrally located place - like near Callander - would be convenient for touring the Trossachs, Perthshire, Loch Lomond and the day trip into Edinburgh. So stay a few days and see more w/o having to pack and move every day.
"<i>Yes, sadly, I misposted this in a general forum.</i>"
Tip - There is only <u>one</u> forum -- "Europe". There is no UK or Scotland forum so all threads end up in the same place -- Europe. Clicking on a country merely tags it so folks cab search for some of the threads about that country. Both of your threads are in Europe.
A couple of ideas -
Instead of trying to stay in Edinburgh at that time of year - consider staying in the Trossachs area for a few days. Then you can use one day to take the train into Edinburgh from Stirling or Dunblane. The train is quick and you won't have to deal w/ driving in the city and parking. An early train into the city will give you a full day to explore - and accommodations outside of Edinburgh will cost a fraction of places in the city.
A centrally located place - like near Callander - would be convenient for touring the Trossachs, Perthshire, Loch Lomond and the day trip into Edinburgh. So stay a few days and see more w/o having to pack and move every day.
Dec 1st, 2008, 11:44 PM
#10
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,159
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Don't worry about the posting mhohol; the people here can handle it
.
If you wait till 3/9 you'll miss teh festival stuff- maybe not a bad thing.
Have a look at the Homecoming page on Facebook. A clever person there has put all the events in a single seet- why did no-one at the official Homecoming web site think of that?
I also don't think you'll have a problem with one night if you book within the next couple of months.
.If you wait till 3/9 you'll miss teh festival stuff- maybe not a bad thing.
Have a look at the Homecoming page on Facebook. A clever person there has put all the events in a single seet- why did no-one at the official Homecoming web site think of that?
I also don't think you'll have a problem with one night if you book within the next couple of months.
Dec 2nd, 2008, 01:03 AM
#11
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"If you wait till 3/9 you'll miss teh festival stuff- maybe not a bad thing."
Sheila, as I said above, the International Festival doesn't finish until 6th Sept next Year, ditto the Art Festival.
Sheila, as I said above, the International Festival doesn't finish until 6th Sept next Year, ditto the Art Festival.
Dec 2nd, 2008, 05:12 AM
#14
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 2,190
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
mhohol - I was in Scotland in August for two weeks (one in Central Scotland and one in Portree), and as the others mentioned, you need to spend more time in Skye. The scenery is so wonderful it's hard to describe. Check out http://s278.photobucket.com/albums/k...August2008.flv) for a brief slide show. The Quirang, in particular, is outstanding!
Dec 2nd, 2008, 05:40 AM
#15
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,072
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The lighting in Scotland is just fantastic. You cannot take a bad photo there! It's a beautiful country.
I'd consider splitting your time in Edinburgh and the Highlands (Skye area), full stop. I've only been to Scotland a few times but in my brief time there, that's the first places I'd return.
I'd consider splitting your time in Edinburgh and the Highlands (Skye area), full stop. I've only been to Scotland a few times but in my brief time there, that's the first places I'd return.
Dec 2nd, 2008, 05:45 AM
#16
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,072
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ps. Here are a few photos. Sheila may recognize some too. ;-)
http://www.worldisround.com/articles/78119/index.html
http://www.worldisround.com/articles/78119/index.html
Dec 2nd, 2008, 06:49 AM
#17
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,656
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A very nice place for a sunset is the western side of the Sleat peninsula on Skye, from which you have a view over to the Cuillins, with lots water, island, and old ruins for additional photo opportunities.
Of course, the weather will determine a lot of your photo-taking, but I would suggest something like --
Day 4: 3/4 of a day in Inverness area, drive to Skye, stopping at Eilean Donan, perhaps seeing Portree
- Day 5: Morning - Trotternish; afternoon - Sleat or, alternatively, head west towards Dunvegan castle and views south; second night on Skye
- Day 6: Drive back to Edinburgh (you can drive through Loch Lomond area)
Of course, the weather will determine a lot of your photo-taking, but I would suggest something like --
Day 4: 3/4 of a day in Inverness area, drive to Skye, stopping at Eilean Donan, perhaps seeing Portree
- Day 5: Morning - Trotternish; afternoon - Sleat or, alternatively, head west towards Dunvegan castle and views south; second night on Skye
- Day 6: Drive back to Edinburgh (you can drive through Loch Lomond area)
Dec 3rd, 2008, 02:50 PM
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Are the trains pretty reliable as far as timing, etc? Additionally, I sort of like the idea of being based in an area for a couple days rather than keeping on the move every day. Are the roads hard to drive from Plitochry/Perth back to Callander? I'd like to see the sunset in that area for a night (weather pending of course - it's always a crapshoot and I know that) but I dont know how hard it is to be on those roads at night alone. Any advice?
Dec 3rd, 2008, 04:20 PM
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Twina- your slideshow was very well done. I have two questions for you:
what is the place called (I should know this) that looks like cliffs of Moher? And, where did you see that stone wall with the red wheelbarrel?
My other question is driving protocol. Obviously, I will want to stop along the road at some points - what is the protocol? Pull off to the same side you are driving on or the opposite side? Additionally, how much traffic is there on these roads? Is it typically a pain to stop every now and then because of having to pull over with so much traffic? It doesn't appear that there is much traffic but I don't want to assume.
Skye looks so pretty, I definitely need to do two nights there with at least 2.5 days. Is it manageable to drive to various parts of the island and get back to a home base? again, that's my assumption given the size, but would like to hear from those who have been! many thanks for your help!
what is the place called (I should know this) that looks like cliffs of Moher? And, where did you see that stone wall with the red wheelbarrel?
My other question is driving protocol. Obviously, I will want to stop along the road at some points - what is the protocol? Pull off to the same side you are driving on or the opposite side? Additionally, how much traffic is there on these roads? Is it typically a pain to stop every now and then because of having to pull over with so much traffic? It doesn't appear that there is much traffic but I don't want to assume.
Skye looks so pretty, I definitely need to do two nights there with at least 2.5 days. Is it manageable to drive to various parts of the island and get back to a home base? again, that's my assumption given the size, but would like to hear from those who have been! many thanks for your help!
Dec 3rd, 2008, 05:07 PM
#20
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,656
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm not sure which picture looks like the Cliffs of Moher - Twina49 will have to answer you (I really enjoyed those pictures, too!!). But I'm pretty sure the stone building is at the Skye Museum of Island Life, which is on the Trotternish peninsula not far from the Duntulum castle ruins.
Is it manageable to have a "base" on Skye and get to the rest of the island from there -- yes -- but some distances can be deceiving, as there are few "major" roads. If you look through these forums for discussions of staying in Portree or elsewhere you will find a number of suggestions for a "home base." We were all the way on the southern tip of the island, but we did not have any trouble exploring the other peninsulas.
I don't think you'll regret the extra time there!
Off the major roads, you might have to pull off and do a little walking to get to wherever you want to take a picture, but there is so little traffic that it's not unpleasant. I think I remember reading here that you should not block the passing places on a single-track road by parking in them. If I didn't read it here, I read it somewhere! We were usually able to find some level place to pull off on the side of the road (same side that you're driving on) when we wanted to take a picture.
Is it manageable to have a "base" on Skye and get to the rest of the island from there -- yes -- but some distances can be deceiving, as there are few "major" roads. If you look through these forums for discussions of staying in Portree or elsewhere you will find a number of suggestions for a "home base." We were all the way on the southern tip of the island, but we did not have any trouble exploring the other peninsulas.
I don't think you'll regret the extra time there!
Off the major roads, you might have to pull off and do a little walking to get to wherever you want to take a picture, but there is so little traffic that it's not unpleasant. I think I remember reading here that you should not block the passing places on a single-track road by parking in them. If I didn't read it here, I read it somewhere! We were usually able to find some level place to pull off on the side of the road (same side that you're driving on) when we wanted to take a picture.
