ozgirl

Hi fellow fodorites,
In October my husband and I will be attending a conference in Glasgow but flying into Edinburgh three days (two nights) before we have to be in Glasgow.
I realise it is only a short train or car trip from one to the other but as we have visited both cities before, wondered how to best use the extra time we have available?
We would be happy to pick up a car on the first afternoon (Thursday), and then wouldn't need to be in Glasgow until afternoon of the Saturday.
We love scenery, villages, photo opportunities and would like suggestions of a leisurely route and spot for two nights en route?
Thanks as always

janisj

I'd stay anywhere in the Trossachs -- Callander makes a great base.

Easy drive from EDI and easy drive to Glasgow. Things to see: Stirling, Doune, Killin, Loch Lomond, Inchmahome Priory, Loch Katrine and more.

Ackislander

I would go to the Borders but mostly because I haven't had the opportunity. They are beautiful in photos and friends and relations have found them pleasantly uncrowned for driving.

Rubicund

Stirling might be a good choice, nice castle, battlefield and old town. Not too far from either Edinburgh or Glasgow. I do like Callendar too for it's country feel, good walking and nice pubs.

RM67

You could head up to Stirling via the Falkirk area and take a few pics of the Kelpies en-route - they are huge horse head sculptures, very photogenic, and there is a nice wetlands park you can walk round in the same area, visitor centre and decent food trucks.

See photos below:-

https://www.flickr.com/photos/494523...57644954260379

https://www.flickr.com/photos/494523...57657017316249

Gardyloo

How far would you be willing to drive on your arrival? Presumably this won't be right after an intercontinental arrival, so fatigue won't be an issue?

<i>We love scenery, villages, photo opportunities and would like suggestions of a leisurely route and spot for two nights en route?</i>

If three hours isn't beyond reason, why not head past Glasgow into the Argyll Highlands? Have a look at Inveraray, a very picturesque village on Loch Fyne, complete with imposing castle (a bit grandiose, featured in <i>Downton Abbey</i and terrific local seafood. You can drive down Loch Fyne and around past Lochgilphead to Kilmartin with its amazing prehistoric artifacts - stone circles, carved grave slabs, or return to Glasgow via the Trossachs, or both. Map - https://goo.gl/maps/8kLbvr1nAWs

zippo

Glasgow is very close to Highland scensry, the area to the northwest is spectacular. Explore the region between there and Oban.

ozgirl

Thank you all so much for great suggestions!

Without even telling you you have managed to work out we love water views (probably not that rare in Scotland I guess) and also that we are horse owners/riders so above suggestions very relevant
I had never heard of The Kelpies,thanks RM67! I also like the look of Callander as well.

Gardyloo, we will be coming off a long flight but will be in Business and have coped well with a few hours driving previously.

Could we just meander and book spontaneous accommodation at this time of the year or better to plan ahead?

janisj

In October you will be fine 'winging it'. No place will yet be closed for the season, yet there will be fewer visitors. If you don't want to spend stressful time looking for a place to stay - each tourist information office (Stirling, Callander, etc) has what is called the 'book a bed ahead' scheme.

So you can pop in - give them your requirements (budget, ensuite/private/shared bath, B&B or hotel, etc) for a local property or the next town on your itnerary and then you can leave for some sightseeing, shopping, a meal whatever. Come back in an hour or two and they will have called around and booked you a place.

ozgirl

Hello all, just resurrecting this with a quick question _ I've always wanted to see Eilean Donan Castle... Would somewhere around Callander Thursday night, drive on to the castle on Friday, stay near there and then back to Glasgow Saturday be feasible do you think?
Thanks

ozgirl

Hi all, have been back nearly two weeks and wanted to thank those above for great suggestions and provide brief feedback!

We ended up grabbing car (had to wait for it as we got through the airport so quickly!) and headed straight for the Kelpies.
They were definitely worth the stop, lots of photos and we were blessed with blue skies even.

Loosely following gardyloo's suggestion I had booked first night in Inveraray and we arrived there about 6pm, staying in Rudha-na-Craige which was delightful.

The next day we headed toward Kilmartin (gorgeous, well worth the visit) wandering via the Crinan Canal and then on to Oban where we did a spot of unplanned shopping which ate into our schedule somewhat.

Seeing roadside signs for seafood and accommodation at Port Appin we turned off and found the very picturesque Pier Hotel where the Lismore Island ferry was about to leave and locals were enjoying a last beer on the terrace before boarding.

Happily for us there was one room free and the seafood platter for dinner was divine. The next morning we were up (not early enough ) and still determined to head north toward Eilean Donan. Yes, it was a long way but the route was stunning in itself and after lots of photo stops (more blue sky) we rounded the last corner and our decision to come was well founded.

We absolutely loved Eilean Donan and spent lots of time wandering around and in the castle before grabbing a fairly forgettable snack in the cafe and heading south again.

I had convinced hubby to stay the night before the conference within a short drive of Glasgow so we were planning to maybe reach the northern edges of Loch Lomond tonight. Due to more photo opportunities and then failing light we decided to stop in Crianlich and spent the night in a guesthouse where we snagged the last room once again (the sizeable Best Western having no vacancies.)

The next morning we had time for a short wander around Luss (definitely on our itinerary for next visit)before turning the car in an hour before our conference started.

I think had we planned a trip to Scotland (independent of our conference) we would have erred on the side of best weather likelihood and visited in summer. However, on this trip we were blessed with sunshine everyday and had the wonderful bonus of spectacular autumnal colours so may re think our planned future trip!

Anyway, this has turned into a mini trip report which wasn't my intention, but thanks again for the planning help.
Oz

MRaiser

It is only around a 3.5 hour drive between Edinburgh and the port where you can take a ferry to the Isle of Arran. I would spend a couple nights there and then head to Glasgow.

You can look here for information on Arran or other Scotland locations:

http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.u...rra/index.html