Alone Travelling to Scotland
Apr 24th, 2003 | 05:43 AM
#1
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Alone Travelling to Scotland
Travel plans have changed -- O.K., my travel companion decided not to come with me - so I'm asking for some information about traveling alone through Scotland in Sept/Oct for about 7-8 days.
I will be flying into Edinburgh & intend to stay for 2-3 days; then take a 2 day tour w/Prestige Tours to the highlands. But what to do then, I won't be driving so am limited in my choices?
Can someone give me some info -- Thanks
I will be flying into Edinburgh & intend to stay for 2-3 days; then take a 2 day tour w/Prestige Tours to the highlands. But what to do then, I won't be driving so am limited in my choices?
Can someone give me some info -- Thanks
Apr 24th, 2003 | 05:53 AM
#2
Joined: Jan 2003
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Hi Molly,
Have you looked at the miniguides for "UK & Ireland" at www.fodors.com?
Have you looked at the miniguides for "UK & Ireland" at www.fodors.com?
Apr 24th, 2003 | 07:25 AM
#3
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Scotland is very well serviced by trains if you wanted to make that your mode of travel. Also, if you elect to stay at slightly larger B&B's (you can tell unmber of rooms from the listing in the book) you may find that you meet travelling compabions along the way.
As someone who did a fair bit of solo travelling, may I say, the first time is the toughest, but it can also be so rewarding. Leave your shyness at home and be prepared to initiate conversation with strangers. Most will be delighted to be thought interesting enough to approach...Good Luck!
As someone who did a fair bit of solo travelling, may I say, the first time is the toughest, but it can also be so rewarding. Leave your shyness at home and be prepared to initiate conversation with strangers. Most will be delighted to be thought interesting enough to approach...Good Luck!
Apr 24th, 2003 | 08:04 AM
#4
Joined: Mar 2003
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Like LJ said, Scotland has extensive rail (and bus) service so you should have no trouble getting around without a car. I visited Scotland solo last summer and I had a great time. The people are very friendly, so don't be afraid to talk to them.
Apr 25th, 2003 | 05:55 PM
#5
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Mollymay... I agree the other posts. Scotland is very easy to get about in. We took the coach, as the areas we were visiting didn't have good rail service. Found it easier to meet folks on the bus too. People are very friendly, don't be shy about asking, visiting and making friends. Have a grand time!
Apr 25th, 2003 | 06:27 PM
#6
Joined: Mar 2003
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I have done two recent home exchanges in Edinburgh during the August festivals. I never felt lonely for one minute.
The Scottish people are the most friendly folks I have met anywhere. I remember a night in a pub where I tried very hard to pay for my drinks and was not allowed to do so. Mind you, I am middle aged and it was some guys in their 20's and 30's who insisted on buying as we talked about the Fringe, so this was not a pick up--just out and out niceness.
You know with all my traveling, the thing I remember the most is the people I meet. If you travel solo, it is my opinion that you end up meeting even more people--and having more memories.
AND, you can leave the museum when YOU are ready to go. (I am very slow in museums because I have to see everything--which can drive travel partners nuts.)
The Scottish people are the most friendly folks I have met anywhere. I remember a night in a pub where I tried very hard to pay for my drinks and was not allowed to do so. Mind you, I am middle aged and it was some guys in their 20's and 30's who insisted on buying as we talked about the Fringe, so this was not a pick up--just out and out niceness.
You know with all my traveling, the thing I remember the most is the people I meet. If you travel solo, it is my opinion that you end up meeting even more people--and having more memories.
AND, you can leave the museum when YOU are ready to go. (I am very slow in museums because I have to see everything--which can drive travel partners nuts.)
May 5th, 2003 | 05:52 AM
#7
Joined: Jan 2003
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Mollymay,
I think you will have no problem.
Here is one suggestion.
From Edinburgh, take the train to Pitlochry
The only distillery worth looking at in Pitlochry is Edradour. The salmon ladder is interesting and the scenery around there is good, although Pitlochry is a bit of a tourist trap.
Train on up to Inverness.
Rent a car in Inverness and drive to see sights like Culloden Moor, Cawdor Castle, Take the train to Kyle of Lochalsh and then the bus to in Portree. Take as much time on Skye as you can. Take the bus to Armadale then the ferry off to Mallaig the train via Fort William. Rannoch moor, Crainlarich, and Loch Lomond to Glasgow
If you wanted to give yourselves one good night, stay at the Eilean Iarmain on Skye and have a really good meal.
Do you know which Prestige tour you are doing?
I think you will have no problem.
Here is one suggestion.
From Edinburgh, take the train to Pitlochry
The only distillery worth looking at in Pitlochry is Edradour. The salmon ladder is interesting and the scenery around there is good, although Pitlochry is a bit of a tourist trap.
Train on up to Inverness.
Rent a car in Inverness and drive to see sights like Culloden Moor, Cawdor Castle, Take the train to Kyle of Lochalsh and then the bus to in Portree. Take as much time on Skye as you can. Take the bus to Armadale then the ferry off to Mallaig the train via Fort William. Rannoch moor, Crainlarich, and Loch Lomond to Glasgow
If you wanted to give yourselves one good night, stay at the Eilean Iarmain on Skye and have a really good meal.
Do you know which Prestige tour you are doing?
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May 5th, 2003 | 06:39 AM
#8
Joined: Feb 2003
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Doing the math, with 3 days in Edinburgh (wonderful) and a 2 day tour to the Highlands, you only have about 2 days left of your week. You can take the Train from Edinburgh to Sterling ...a good day trip or stay in Sterling. , Or Glasgow, or to Loch Lomond, or any number of places, or even over to Oban. There is a good travel information place at Waverley train Station in Edinburgh and they would have some good ideas of day trips or another 2 day trip. Pitlochry is lovely, but VERY touristy in the daytime. What is included in your Highlands trip?
May 5th, 2003 | 07:23 AM
#9
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I wish you had said what kind of traveler you are. If you are a backpacker type who likes hostels, I would recommend staying at the Castle Rock hostel in Edinburgh. Best location in town, friendly, clean, safe. $20.
Also, I think you should go on a longer tour through the highlands. MacBackpackers is a great tour bus group for single and couples travelers. They have 3 and 5 day trips leaving from the hostel and they make all the arrangements for you. You will meet lots of youger travelers, stay at hostels and have a GREAT time. They have a web site.
P.S. I hate it when a travel companion backs out. I learned never to plan on someone going on a trip unless they are willing to put money up front for everything.
Also, I think you should go on a longer tour through the highlands. MacBackpackers is a great tour bus group for single and couples travelers. They have 3 and 5 day trips leaving from the hostel and they make all the arrangements for you. You will meet lots of youger travelers, stay at hostels and have a GREAT time. They have a web site.
P.S. I hate it when a travel companion backs out. I learned never to plan on someone going on a trip unless they are willing to put money up front for everything.
