Greetings everyone. I wanted to give you a quick breakdown regarding my recent trip to Scotland with my grandma. All in all, it was wonderful and in my opinion, 7 days was enough time to get a good taste of what the country had to offer.

Day 1-2: Edinburgh, We stayed at the Apex European in the Haymarket District. The hotel was fine but I would have much preferred a nice B&B. It was about a 20 minute walk to the city center. There was also a bus stop right outside the hotel.

Day 3-4: Kinlocheil, We headed to this town after we rented a car in Edinburgh. The drive through the Glencoe area was stunning. Kinlocheil was about 10 miles west of Fort William. We stayed at the Dailanna House, which I would highly recommend. There were some terrific drives along the A830 and A861 that provided extraordinary scenery. Many of the roads were “Single Track” which may seem challenging at first; however, you quickly get used to it.

Day 5-6: Portree, on Skye, We took the ferry from Mallaig to Skye which was very nice. We stayed at the Ben Tianavaig, which was an excellent B&B with a fantastic location. We drove around the northern parameter of Skye particularly the A855. The views here were fantastic as well. Be sure to check out the Talisker Distillery if you go to Skye. That was a great tour.

Day 7: Edinburgh, We drove to Inverness, dropped off the car, and took the train to Edinburgh. We decompressed at the hotel and caught an early flight back to the states.

During the four days we had the rental car, we clicked 700 miles. I have heard some say that if you’re in another country for only 1 week, you’ll spend most of your time driving. I prefer traveling in this fashion however. What better way to see the country? Especially one as beautiful as Scotland.

Love hearing about my beloved Scotland. I, too, am a B&B fan and shy away from hotels.

Isn't Glen Coe just one of the most startlingly beautiful places you've ever seen? Wow.

Thanks for the report.

jshirema - Did you walk around the Glencoe area at all? We were there in 2005 (loved it!) and will be back in the general area next month, and I've noticed on the midge forecast website that Glencoe has the honor of having the highest midge rating right now. Skye, where we'll be the second week, has a 4. (5 is the highest and 1 the lowest). I wondered if you got to meet the little blighters?

Sixteen days until we leave....

We were there 2.5 years ago - Glad you had a great trip. I cannot wait to go back! Glencoe is beautiful!
How is the rate of exchange these days!?

twina49: We had no problem whatsoever with Midges. I spent a little time walking around the Glencoe area and a substantial amount of time walking around Skye. I will mention however that we ran into a nice English couple who gave us a bottle of Skin so Soft. This apparently is an Avon product that will keep those little buggers at bay. The product either works or the Midges were busy munching on someone else.

annesherrod: The exchange rate is not too stellar at the present time. It was an expensive trip; however, totally worth it.

jshirema - I've already ordered a bottle of the Skin so Soft dry oil spray about a week ago as I read that was the best for deterring the midges. Thanks!