Travel in Scotland in November
Aug 30th, 2012, 07:38 AM
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Travel in Scotland in November
My children are taking me to Scotland for Thanksgiving (US) week/10 days. We hope to concentrate on the NW area (my son's name is Skye). Any suggestions on what would be the most interesting sites to visit at that time of year? We intend to fly into Edinburgh and rent a car.
Aug 30th, 2012, 10:38 AM
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Nice children!
As you plan, above all you need to know that it gets dark early and light late at that time of year. The time you have for sightseeing in daylight will be limited, and some places may be closed, especially on Sundays, which are very quiet in the Highlands and Islands.
The practical consequences of limited daylight are not being able to drive long distances. The roads are often narrow and relatively crowded. In general you should allow 1 1/2 to 2 times as long for any trip as you would in the States or Canada. In Skye, unless things have changed, sheep wander fairly freely on unfenced pastures, and you do not want to meet your first one when he looms in your headlights.
That said and behind us, the Scots are wonderful people living in beautiful countryside and variably attractive cities.
I would sit down with a guidebook or two from the library and see what you absolutely want to do, then figure out whether you will The museums of Edinburgh and Glasgow won't be a problem, and some areas in both cities and in the old parts of Aberdeen, for example, will be lovely in twilight and early darkness, particularly in what is known as a fine Scottish mist, i.e., anything up to a howling gale.
The mountains and countryside are often dramatic away from the cities, and you will want to see them in the middle of the day.
As you plan, above all you need to know that it gets dark early and light late at that time of year. The time you have for sightseeing in daylight will be limited, and some places may be closed, especially on Sundays, which are very quiet in the Highlands and Islands.
The practical consequences of limited daylight are not being able to drive long distances. The roads are often narrow and relatively crowded. In general you should allow 1 1/2 to 2 times as long for any trip as you would in the States or Canada. In Skye, unless things have changed, sheep wander fairly freely on unfenced pastures, and you do not want to meet your first one when he looms in your headlights.
That said and behind us, the Scots are wonderful people living in beautiful countryside and variably attractive cities.
I would sit down with a guidebook or two from the library and see what you absolutely want to do, then figure out whether you will The museums of Edinburgh and Glasgow won't be a problem, and some areas in both cities and in the old parts of Aberdeen, for example, will be lovely in twilight and early darkness, particularly in what is known as a fine Scottish mist, i.e., anything up to a howling gale.
The mountains and countryside are often dramatic away from the cities, and you will want to see them in the middle of the day.
Aug 30th, 2012, 12:09 PM
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Here are some photos from our recent trip though I honestly can't speak to how things will be in November. Perhaps it will help with ideas though.
We really enjoyed the drive through Glencoe and Glenfinnan.
http://ukfrey.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06...highlands.html
We really enjoyed the drive through Glencoe and Glenfinnan.
http://ukfrey.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06...highlands.html
Aug 30th, 2012, 12:11 PM
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The drive from Edinburgh to Isle of Skye is awesome.. Dont rush through that drive, take a lot of breaks ... Portree is the main town..there is not a lot to do but you can make Portree as the base and explore the highlands..lots of castles if you are interested..You can also do the whiskey trail..
Edinburgh castle is a good visit..and then spend sometime exploring the town..Not a very big town.
Edinburgh castle is a good visit..and then spend sometime exploring the town..Not a very big town.
