bsherman

we are going to Scotland the first week of November and will be staying in Dingwall for 2 days. We would like to get a good feel for the Highlands in those two days without rushing, just enjoying the area. We know it will be colder, we do like to hike and will be renting a car coming from Edinburgh.
We would appreciate any suggestions

janisj

Sorry but November is not hiking weather in the Highlands -- Dingwall is a long way from Edinburgh. A 5+ hour drive w/o stops at the best of times -- and very likely won't be driving at the best of times. Basically count on most of the daylight hours (approx 8AM to 4 PM) just getting to Dingwall.

If Dingwall is your ultimate destination -- traveling to Inverness by train or plane and picking up a rental car there makes much more sense.

At that time of year I'd probably more stick to the coast -- the Black Isle, Dornoch, etc. and not pre-plan any excursions into more remote areas. If you are incredibly lucky and have good weather, then you can change plans and do some hiking.

bsherman

Thank you so much, we had wondered about the weather but unfort. the only time we can go. Besides hiking at that time of year do you think we will be okay driving around the area , we really want to see the Highlands.

bsherman

Just looked at Black Isle and Dornoch. They look great, thanks for the suggestions. We will go with the train to Inverness an excellent suggestion and rent a car there.
Thanks again for these very helpful suggestions

bsherman

Just looked at Black Isle and Dornoch. They look great, thanks for the suggestions. We will go with the train to Inverness an excellent suggestion and rent a car there.
Thanks again for these very helpful suggestions

One more question. We will be staying in Edinburgh and wanted to go to the HIghlands and saw the Tulloch Castle and decided to have a base there in ?

bsherman

Sorry did not finish questions. Would there be a better area to see in the Highlands that time of year coming from Edinburgh?

Dukey1

Bsherman, one thing which helped me considerably in my quest for information about the area was to look at the various Youtube videos which are available.

Admittedly they were not filmed during the "not the best of times" but they were helpful nonetheless.

It is unfortunate that there can be a lot of subjectivity on this site when it comes to asking about driving, parking, etc.

I hope you have a wonderful trip.

janisj

There is a lot of stuff to see/do in the general Inverness/Dingwall/Black Isle area w/o having to hike.

Fort George, Culloden, CLava Cairns, Urquhart Castle, Carn Liath near Golspie, maybe up the coast to Brora and some of the neolithic sites north of there like the Hill o' Many Stanes and Camster Cairns. Unfortunately Dunrobin Castle is closed for the season.

Then IF the weather is nice there are lots of places you can hike/walk like Rogie Falls.

janisj

I have no idea what Dukey is on about . . . but to answer your question >>Would there be a better area to see in the Highlands that time of year coming from Edinburgh?<<

The problem isn't <i>where</i> you are going -- it s the <i>when</i>. Anywhere in rural Scotland will be iffy - short-ish days and very possibly nasty weather. OR - you could be totally lucky and the weather could be fine (doesn't change the short days issue).

The problem is you just can pre-plan since the weather is TOTALLY changeable. Actually that part of the country is as good as anywhere -- since there are lots of things to see/do w/o having to hike.

Google some of the places I mentioned -- just LOTS to see/do.

BigRuss

<<It is unfortunate that there can be a lot of subjectivity on this site when it comes to asking about driving, parking,>>

That statement is astonishingly daft. People come to this site with questions seeking opinions and the notion that those sought-for opinions are "unfortunate" because they are "subjective" (which is what opinions are, subjective) is ridiculous.

Fra_Diavolo

A god friend of mine chose to make his trip to Scotland during November, reasoning that it was most characteristic of the mood of the country. (He is of Scot's descent.)

However that may be, remember that a good set of waterproof hiking trousers and jackets, and good boots, make it possible to hike in pretty miserable weather. Some of my favorite memories revolve around mists dissolving in the hills.

bsherman

Thanks everyone for your information. Sounds as if we will have plenty to do even if the weather is bad.

janisj

Oops - that should read >>The problem is you just can<B><red>'t</B></red> pre-plan since . . . <<

>>Sounds as if we will have plenty to do even if the weather is bad.<<

Yes -- you will. And if the weather is decent you will wish you had two weeks instead of 2 days

orinoco1968

From your later question it sounds like Dingwall as a destination isn't cast in stone? In that case I'd be looking at heading to the west coast, maybe Plockton which is a picturesque little village on Loch Carron with a couple of excellent hotels and an easy drive to Eilean Donan Castle which is open all year round. It also gives the opportunity of doing a tour around the Applecross Peninsula which is utterly stunning.

If I could go back a bit. Are you travelling up to the Highlands from Edinburgh or Edinburgh Airport? If the former then the drive to the Inverness/Dingwall area is about 4 hours and the train takes 3.5-4 hours. If the latter then the drive is about 3.5 hours and the train 4 - 4.5 hours as you have to go into Edinburgh from the airport to catch the train. On balance I'd say driving from Edinburgh would be the best option, especially of starting from the airport. However, if you opt for the west coast then the car is the no-brain choice as you take a far more scenic route that avoids going into Inverness.

janisj

Your estimates for drive times a tad optimistic to me.

>>maybe Plockton which is a picturesque little village on Loch Carron<<

PI agree lockton is a super nice base . . . in the summer. But me personally, I'd not base there in November because IF the weather is wet and wild there really won't be be anything much to do. EDI to Plockton is about a 5 hour drive.

orinoco1968

Not estimates, I did Edinburgh Airport to Tongue yesterday and the time I've given above is what it took me to reach the Storehouse cafe, I've checked the time on my phone when I called my wife from there. And I don't speed.

I prefer Plockton, and indeed all the west coast in late Autumn, quieter roads and no midges. Not a lot to do in Dingwall if it's wet and windy, at least Eilean Donan is an option from Plockton.

bsherman

all sound interesting, it will be hard to choose

janisj

>>Not estimates, I did Edinburgh Airport to Tongue yesterday and the time I've given above is what it took me to reach the Storehouse cafe<<

Yes -- you live there. I could probably do it in that time as well.

But for most visitors it will generally take 25% to 50% longer.