hapydazy

Coming into Edinburg first of September. I want to stick to central, east coast and Highlands. Stop in Crief for the glass making and Queens View, tour Balmoral, and Inverary Castle and maybe stay in that area one night for possible Aurora Borealis sightings. I have two weeks and I want to stay in an apartment or cottage the entire time while doing day trips and overnighters in other locations. I want to stay in a castle of course for a couple of nights but I am not sure which ones are the best and I know there are only a few. My husband is a professional guitar player and he would love to play with local musicians while visiting. We also need a heads up on clothing. We are from Florida and I have NO winter clothes, but do I really need it or is layering better. All kind suggestions appreciated.

GreenDragon

September might be early for the AB sightings, but you may get lucky

Some of the best castles are up in the Aberdeen area, the 'Castle Trail' (you can find maps online, if you google it). Yes, layering is the key! I'm from Florida as well. We spent 3 weeks in the highlands and islands - check out my trip report for ideas.

BigRuss

First, you cannot tour Balmoral. HRM goes there in August and she stays there until October. Go to Balmoral and you'll be stopped, told only the gift shop is accessible to the public, and forcibly removed from the grounds if you try to gain entrance. This is not negotiable and the information is available on Balmoral's own website.

Second, if you "want to stick to central, east coast and Highlands," then Inverarary Castle is inconsistent with your stated desires - it's off on the west coast about 2.5+ hours from Edinburgh. From the pictures, it seems worth a deviation from your central/east plan and it's on my list for our next trip to Scotland.

"I want to stay in a castle of course for a couple of nights but I am not sure which ones are the best and I know there are only a few."

There are only a few what? Castles? No, there are ton(ne)s. And there are a good number that are lodgings. Go googling on that score.

hapydazy

BigRuss, I have googled and Visit Scotland has a listing but they are not ALL authentic castles that you can stay in, the good ones are for let for the entire castle for events. I think we will choose Dalhousie Castle just south of Edinburg. I realize now I can't "TOUR" Balmoral you are right and I am not going to jump the fence sheesh. Gift shop is good enough for gifts. Yes and INverary is off to the left and North of Inverness but worth the trip I think too. I want to be spontaneous as well so you never know if I stay central and I have a couple of days I can drive to the West and check things there. What about Stirling?

janisj

Dalhousie is just a hotel. In a castle sure, but just a hotel.

"<i>Yes and INverary is off to the left and North of Inverness</i>

You are a bit confused - Inveraray is nowhere near Inverness and definitely not 'left and<i>north</i>' . . . It is far SOUTH. It is SE of Oban. Maybe you mean some other place than Inveraray???

Very little of your OP makes sense. There is no place you can rent a cottage to base for day trips/over nighters to central Scotland, the east coast, Highlands and Inveraray.

The glass center in Crieff is OK if you are staying very close, but is not worth a detour let alone a special excursion. (I have been there <u>many</u> times back in the Perthshire paperweight and Stuart crystal days and since Caithness paperweights took over.) It is really just a gift shop and cafe.

You won't be seeing the Aurora Borealis that far south and not in Sept.

I honestly think you need to go back to the drawing board - meant kindly.

BTW - it is Edinburg<b>h</B>

hapydazy

thank you Janisj.........I am sure you are right

adrienne

You won't need winter clothes at the beginning of September but you will need water proof clothing (jacket, shoes). I would also pack gloves and a pashmina/scarf. Layers will be fine but make sure you have 2 long sleeve shirts and bring socks (unlike a friend of mine from Florida who comes to NJ in January sans socks!).

hapydazy

Thanks Adrienne, thats about all I have anyway. I did buy some new hiking boots, waterproof, and two rain jackets. The rest of my Florida Winter clothes will just have to work.
I would come to NJ without socks in September for sure