You really will need your car on Mull -- It is a car ferry so you take the car w/ you. But you need to pre-book the sailing to be sure you can get the car on board since space is limited. If you were going on foot and not taking the car, you wouldn't usually need to have a reservation.

Places to see on Mull (well there is a lot more to see but you'll only have about 3/4 of a full day so you'll have to skip some things) include -- Iona, Calgary Bay, Tobermory and Craignure castle. Plus other really gorgeous beaches, etc. The sunsets from Fionnphort are to die for - the sun sets directly behind Iona and the skys are amazing . . . . .

If you just wanted a day trip to Iona you could take a ferry/coach tour from Oban that takes the ferry and then crosses Mull to Fionnphort where you catch the foot ferry to Iona. Iona is wonderful - But there is so much more to see on Mull you really should take your car and tour the isle on your own.

If you decide to go to Oban and on to Mull, be sure to take a boat trip to Staffa. The islands hexagonal, volcanic rock formations and "Fingal's" cave are not to be missed. Same formations as found in the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. The island is uninhabited and has a Puffin colony. I bought a package in Oban which included my ferry, bus on Mull and ferry to Iona. The trip to Staffa was booked separately but the whole outing was completed in one day returning to Oban.

OK, given your limited time, I am going to recommend that you spend at least 2-3 days in Edinburgh and base yourself someplace else for the balance of the time.

I do not recommend trying to get to the islands because you will spend too much time in the car and not enough seeing things. A week is not a lot of time.

I also do not recommend a bunch of "one night stands" in B&B's. That would be a killer; packing and unpacking gets old very quickly. It is far better to just stay put and do day trips if you want some time to just relax. If you want to be based in the Loch Lomand area, use that for the second base. You could also use Troon--or wherever you choose.

The Aran day trip is a possibility. Aran is nice but I would not put it on the top of my list. If you go, reserve a car on the island and leave yours on the mainland. It is actually cheaper than bringing your rental car over.

You could actually spend a week in Edinburgh and not be bored but, then, when I go there, there is so much to do, it is hard for me to get out of Edinburgh.

I have been to Scotland 3 times and still have yet to get to Skye or Harris & Lewis. Mostly I home exchange and try to get a deal for Edinburgh in August because I love the Fringe Festival. To take full advantage of the exchange home, I just do day trips with only a couple of nights in B&B's. Last time I went to see a friend in Troon overnight and went to Culloden overnight from my home exchange base.

You cannot see all of Scotland in a week unless you are just going to do drive bys and never get out of the car. That is no fun and you will just end up exhausted and grouchy.

Remember, it's a vacation, not a forced march--and you can always return to see what you missed. There is, after all, a castle on every street corner (well, almost).

I'm chiming in a bit late but have some thoughts similar to others. My wife is from Largs (north of Ardrossan where she went to Ardrossan Academy)where many of her relatives and school friends still live (you'll pass a white Nardini's Restaurant - my wife worked there as a young girl). We've been to Scotland together seven times covering most of the mainland and numerous islands (Skye, Iona, Mull, Arran, Orkneys).

Personally, in Edinburgh at the end of your trip, I'd suggest the castle, walk the Royal Mile, pass the new Scottish Parliament (opening 09/07/04),take a tour of Holyrood and pack your bags for the trip home. I'd limit it to two nights at most since there's so much to see elsewhere.

At the start of your trip, I'd take the road along the Clyde Coast from Glasgow to Ardrossan (it's more scenic than an inland route). As others mentioned, Culzean is the local castle (Eisenhower's wartime Scottish HQ). It's not one of the old picturesque types, but it has a nice location on a cliff. On the northern outskirts of Fairlie is a great restaurant - Fin's (try their sticky toffee pudding if you're in the neighborhood at meal time; sample menu at www.Fencebay.Co.UK). If you enjoy Robert Burns' poetry, you could see his birthplace in Ayr, walk across Brig 'o Doon, see the cemetery he wrote about in poems, etc. If you enjoy golf you can check out Troon (where they played last week's British Open).

I'd then suggest going back north asap, crossing the Erskine bridge and heading north to visit Loch Lomond. If you had more time, I'd suggest a drive on the east bank to a nice lodge on the lake (good place for lunch and maybe the night) but, with time limited, suggest you stay on the west side. If you have time, you could go to the Visitor's Centre on the south end (nice views, food, film about the "Loch Lomond" song - high road, low road, and all that). If you don't skip and drive the 82 (I think that's the road) along the west side to Crianlarich (mentioned by others), across Rannoch Moor (take the time to get out and walk into the moor and jump up and down - it's very "boggy" and the ground seems to move), through Glencoe (before leaving read about the Campbells and McDonalds and the massacre at Glencoe - it's a sad but interesting part of Scottish history). Glencoe is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful inland spots in the entire country. Just south of the Visitor's Centre, on the west, is a small road heading into the hills to the site where the last Harry Potter movie was filmed. If you haven't seen the movie, see it before you go and pay attention to the scenery - that's Glencoe. If you're interested and can't find the road, ask at the Visitor's Centre.

If you take time to enjoy all of the above, you probably won't have time for much more. I wouldn't suggest trying to squeeze Skye in. Someone mentioned Oban - it's a nice little town with a good harbor with fishing boats and ferries to Mull and other islands (Prince Di's mother lived near here before her recent death) - but that also may be pushing it.

Driving is no problem; just takes some concentration to stay on the proper side of the road. Before pulling out of parking lots, etc., think which side of the road you should end up on. You'll have a lot of two-lane driving but the one-lane roads are all farther north, mostly in the highlands.

When visiting a new country after a long flight, we like to have a hotel reservation for the first night and the last night but otherwise wing it. There are a lot of B&Bs, you'll have no trouble finding a place to stay, flexibility in your schedule is a good thing, and Scottish breakfasts are part of the experience. Try the whisky (everyone has personal favorites) - neat in a small glass to which you add just a couple of drops of water to bring out the aroma and flavor. Haggis is good but you won't find it on most menus that time of the year; it's mostly a tourist thing until Robert Burns' birthday dinners in January. If you're lucky you'll run into a piper or two. Be prepared for rain but don't panic; it's only water. We've usually had very good weather, but it could rain every day; one never knows.

Let me know your plans and maybe I can make a few more suggestions. I've driven the road from Glasgow along the Clyde coast twenty or thirty times (during my seven visits) and have been to Loch Lomond and Glencoe four times.

Hi all, and thanks CFI for your recent helpful tips. It's been a while since I've been on this thread...and I still don't have my trip finalized...and I leave in just over a month! It's been overwhelming trying to plan not knowing much about the various places to visit, recommended B&B's to stay, and planning for another couple too! We were so concerned about visiting the Ardrossan area and now come to find out, not much of my husband's family is even from there. If I could just get some more help in creating a clean cut itinerary for 6 days/7 nights arriving in Glasgow Prestwick on 9/28 and leaving out of Edinburgh 10/5 I would greatly appreciate it. I feel so silly that I can't get this trip together...it's not even the first time I put something like this together!

Thanks in advance for your help,
Sarah

If you are staying overnight in Oban, I recommend the Barcaldine Manor House, 9 miles north of Oban. We could not get accommodation right in Oban and the Barcaldine House was recommended to us. The owners are delightful people. Here is a link: http://www.barcaldinecastle.co.uk/

OK, this is what we did in May, although we were coming from the Lake District and did not start from Glasgow.

We spent 1 night in Stirling at the Stirling Highland Hotel because we wanted to see Stirling Castle. The hotel is walking distance to the Castle. There is also the Church of the Holy Rude and a couple of other interesting places to visit right around the Castle. Stirling Castle was amazing and the views from the castle are fabulous.

From Stirling, we drove across Glencoe and on to Port Appin which is just above Oban on Loch Linnhe. We stayed at the Pierhouse Hotel which has some of the best and freshest food I've ever tasted. While lovely, Port Appin is rather isolated so you may prefer to stay in Oban.

The next day we head north towards Inverness and stopped at the ruins of Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness. We continued thru Inverness and down to Coylumbridge near Aviemore and the Cairngorm National Park. We overnighted at the Hilton in Coylumbridge.

The next day we decided to visit the nearby Glenlivet Distillery and it was one of the highlights of our trip. From there it was a short drive to Dunkeld on Loch Tay for 2 days at the Atholl Arms Hotel. Again, this hotel served great food and was right on the River Tay. Dunkeld is a lovely little town where you can take nice long walks along the River. The next day we made a day trip to Aberfeldy and Kenmore and returned thru Crieff across the Sma' Glen. The scenery thru here was magnificent.

From Dunkeld, we drove to Edinburgh Airport where we turned in our rental car and took a taxi to our hotel, The Old Waverley on Princes Street. We stayed in Edinburgh for 2 nights before catching a flight to London.

I know it's difficult trying to decide how much you can reasonably see in the time you have. Scotland is so beautiful. This is only one possibility.

Can you post what you're thinking about and let us contructively criticise?

Ok, here it goes:
TUES: Arrive at Prestwick Airport at around 4:30pm. At this point I just want to stay the night somewhere nearby that's worth visiting.
WED: Get up early and drive north to Oban area. Visit Isle of Mull during the day and stay in Oban that night. (pleae feel free to offer a diffrent place to visit!)
THURS: Drive to Glencoe, Ft. William, down to Loch Tay and stay the night either in Crainlarich or Callander (which place would be best?)
FRI: Visit Loch Lomond, Trossachs,and surrounding areas and stay again in same place.
SAT: Visit Stirling and possibly Edinburgh and head to Glasgow to stay night with our friend who is leaving out of Glasgow early the next day(her Husband has to leave before she does on Friday)
SUN: Early am leave Glasgow and head to Edinburgh, drop off our rental car and stay for 2 nights...where should we stay?
MON: Edinburgh - tour city
TUES: leave early AM out of Edinburgh

If this is a duplicate appologies - having trouble posting:

Your new itinerary is doable (with a couple of adjustments)

Don't try to race into Edinburgh on Saturday. There will be plenty to see in/near Stirling from your base in/near Callander (my choice over Crainlarich -- it is more convenient).

So just go to Stirling castle - at least 2 or 3 hours there and then you can go to Bannockburn, or Doune, or the Wallace Monument or Inchmahome Priory. I. Priory would be my recommendation but Doune would be a close second.

No the one problematic day - Wednesday - driving from Ayrshire to Oban, catching the ferry to Mull touring the isle and taking the ferry back to Oban will be pretty difficult. You won't be there during high season but it is always a good idea to pre-book the car ferry to ensure you'll be able to get on. You would have to be at the ferry by mid morning at the VERY latest to have any time to see Mull/Iona.

I adore Mull but this is going to be your hardest day and you likely won't be over your jet lag making it even worse. it is about 125 miles to Oban from Prestwick.

A couple of suggestions -- If you "must" go to Mull, I'd drive north from Prestwick after you arrive. Not far - certainly not all the way to Oban. but maybe as far as Luss on Loch Lomond. This would just about cut your journey in half the next morning. You could be in Oban much earlier.

Or -- drop Mull and just visit Oban and the area around it.

Prestwick area- this is kind of off my patch. I'm nota huge fan, but given where you're heading to, next, why don't you cross the river to Dunnoon and stay in Tighnabruach. It's on the way to Oban.
WED: Bluntly, unles you get to Oban the night before- which is quite doable, you will not make Mull that day. It's far too much. If you were to aim stright for Oban, that would probably get the jet-lag out of the road, and give you an eaarly start for Mull. THURS: On Thursday, miss out Fort William. there's nothing to see there anyway. Stay in Callender, not Crianlarich.
SAT: Stirling, Edinburgh and Glasgow in one day is just MAD!!

Do Stilring then Glasgow and save edinburgh for some time you have more than 3 seconds.

What's your budget for Edinburgh accommodation?


That's my tuppence worth

Thanks Janis and Sheila. If possible, I really don't want to spend more than 150 US dollars per night (for 2 people) in Edinburgh. We're planning on returning our rental car upon arrival, so staying close to everything would be ideal.

As far as our plans to visit Oban, is it even worth going there since we may not have the chance to go to Mull? Should we arrange our schedule and go somewhere else? We don't have arrangements with any B&B, so our day is flexible. Thurs and Fri I booked a B&B in Callander. Sat, we'll skip the drive to Edinburgh and just visit Stirling before heading to Glasgow. I just wanted my friend to have the chance to visit Edinburgh before leaving Scotland. Oh well. At least my hsuband and I will have the chance!

Any other suggestions? Am I still trying to accomplish too much?

Thanks again!
Sarah

Castle View in Ediburgh would fit your plans perfectly. It is in the very middle of the city and walking distance to everything. Well under $150 per night.

As for Oban or not -- it is really up to you. There is a lot to see in the area w/o going to Mull (but Mull is the biggest reason to go there). Kilmartin Glen w/ neolithic standing stones and burial cairns, Inveraray, Dunstaffnge castle, etc.

Or you can skip it and spend more time going up to Glencoe/Rannoch Moor/Killen.

If you had ONE more day I'd probably go to Oban, But with your very limited time I'd personally drop it.

As for your friend getting to Edinburgh -- if she really wants to see the city, she easily could. She can take the train from Stirling into the center of Edinburgh, spend the day and you could pick her up at the Stirling or Dunblane station in the evening.

Hi Janis,
The Castle View is already booked, however, they forwarded my message to area guest houses. One that is of particualr interest is the Castle Guest House. Have you heard anything about this place? Any other's you reccomend?

That's the problem w/ Castle View - it is so good it is often booked up far ahead. Castle is a reasonable option. It is not in the fantastic location of Castle View, but it is nice and is still very walkable to most things.

Ok everyone, I know you all are going to be excited once I leave for my trip and you don't ever have to see my threads again I just can't get my trip together. I don't know what my problem is.

All we want to do is see the best of Scotland in 7 days. Arriving in Prestwick at 4:30pm and leaving out of Edinburgh at 9am. Our friends leave 2 days before out of Glasgow.

I just can't plan it out. Can someone help me create an itinerary they would plan for themselves given my situation including the # of nights and where to stay in each place??

Please know that I have taken in all that has been suggested...I guess I have information overload. I never mentioned visiting Skye or Loch Ness before, but of course would love to go there too. I'm just confused!

Thanks a bunch
Sarah

OK, Sarah -- just sit down and relax w/ a glass of wine and quit obsessing

First of all you have to understand you cannot possibly see "the best of Scotland in 7 days". You can only hope to scratch the surface. Not speaking for Sheila but she lives in Scotland and I dare say even she hasn't see/done it all. And I lived in the UK for 5 years and go back every year and have spent months in Scotland - and I still haven't see all of the "best" of Scotland. So from the get go understand you are only going to see a tiny fraction - and with your transport criteria that cuts it back a little bit more.

Your plan from your posts back on 8-13 are a good basis. By picking some of the suggestions from Sheila and me after that post you have a good doable route.

Forget about trying to add even more things/places.

This is not a real problem.. honest. But it's impossible to do someone else's itinerary. Going back to your first post, I, for example, would consider Lewis to be key.

Do you want a drive through tour or a take your time tour? Do you still want 2 or 3 days in edinburgh? What must overlap with your friends?

Only you know .... the secret of the black magic box!!