With much gratitude to all that helped in the process of putting together an agenda for our trip....Here is my final plan. I can still make some changes...so if you have suggestions please let me know. First....we are 2 adults and 2 children ages 4 and 7. We are flying into Edinburgh.

1)Arrive Edinburgh- 4 nights stay (already booked can't change)

2) Rent a car and drive to Drumnadrochit(loch Ness) for 2 nights. Stopping on the way there to sight see the Falkirk Wheel, Stirling. I have found a charming Farm B&B to stay at. While there I would like to do some day trips near the area and of course do a tourist activity like a cruise of the loch. The kids will love it.

3) Drive down to Oban stay one night to cut the long journey to Isle of Arran. I'm afraid it might be too long of a day if we don't do an overnight.

4) Drive down to Isle of Arran using the ferry as well to get across. Spend 2 nights on the Isle. See the island...relax.

5) Drive to Glasgow and drop off rental car and take the train to York. Spend 1 night .
York was chosen for a reason......my husband will be going to Manchester from there and I will go onto London with the kids. Plus, it cuts the journey on the train to London . I don't think the kids will do well with a 5-7 hour train ride.

6) Train to London where we will fly out after a few days there. This portion is also booked and can't be changed.

Looks really nice. Some may chime in to not stay on Loch Ness -- but I know from your other threads the why's.

It is actually a nice base for what you want to do and the kids will love being that close to the castle, Nessie and w/i reasonable drives of other places.

So while it might not be my very first choice -- it is great for your criteria.

I assume you are taking the Kintyre to Lochranza ferry. If so, Oban makes perfect sense. If you are taking the ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick though -- Then I'd skip Oban and stay that night in Crianlarich or a bit father south like along Loch Lomond (Luss etc)

Very near Drumnadrochit (on the highway between Inverness and Loch Ness visitor Centre), on the south side of the street is a restaurant called Oakwood. It has big picnic tables out front made by the owner, rustic wood. She's French and he's Scottish - a wonderful meal was had by all! (and they have great desserts!)

The plan looks great, you will have a wonderful time!

Janisj...which method to Arran would be quicker? hmmm...i never thought of the second option.

look at this map and time tables on the calmac website

http://www.calmac.co.uk/destinations/route-map.htm

http://www.calmac.co.uk/timetables/s...-lochranza.png

http://www.calmac.co.uk/timetables/s...an-brodick.png

From Oban, Claonaig to Lochranza would be easiest/fastest.

But if you go around to the east side for the Ardrossan to Brodick ferry - then Oban doesn't make as much sense because you'd have to go the long way around.

Crianlarich or Loch Lomond are on the direct route from Glencoe to Ayrshire.

Thank you Greendragon and Janisj!

The Ardrossan to Brodick ferry is a much bigger boat than the Lochranza one and you
have to book it in advance. You can easily do that on the CalMac website and print out your ticket.
If the weather gets a bit rough, the big boat is more likely to run.
I think that you and the children will like Arran.
When you go through Corrie, look out for their seal and the suicidal sheep.

tt

Looks good. One thing to note if you are pressed for time on your way from Edinburgh to Drumnadrochit, Stirling Castle and Edinbrugh Castle share some similarities (locaion on a volcanic plug, for starters), but there is a lot more to see at Edinburgh Castle than there is Stirling. If you have time for both, that's great, but if you are considering choosing between the two, choose Edinburgh.

Thank you TWK...I was thinking it might be a long day if we include Stirling Castle into the drive. Perhaps I'll pass on it this time. We will be in Edinburgh long enough to enjoy the castle there.

Stirling is pleasant, but not earth shattering. You could easily give it a miss

Stirling Castle is terrific and many (not all of course) actually prefer it to Edinburgh. Stirling Castle has even more areas to explore than are accessible at Edinburgh. But they are essentially very similar so if time is a crunch -- yes, sadly, skip Stirling. It is large and does eat up 2 or 3 hours.

Well some bad luck... Can't find accommodations under 200pounds that would accommodate all 4 in Oban for one night. Either booked, too exensive or not big enough. Perhaps I should miss Oban??go elsewhere.

You have a car -- so no need to stay IN Oban. There are rural B&Bs all over that part of Argyll

Like these http://www.rosebankargyll.co.uk/index.html
http://www.dunchraigaig.co.uk/43.html

Since Oban is about the only town of any size in the area, I'd think it'd be difficult to try to find another place that meets your requirements. I'm sorry I can't help with a specific recommendation.

However, I'm curious as to where you've tried to book in Oban since they have a number of hotels and B&B's, and your price point is fine. What dates are you looking at and do you need a family room, two double beds or would two rooms (if in a B&B) work?

Have a look somewhere down Kilmartin Glen for our accommodations. Or Inverary is good with kids.

We stayed in Inveraray in '07 at the George Hotel, and loved the town and the hotel.

Yes we need a family room. I've contacted 12 places and the all said no there was one but it was a 2 star for 250!! Too much !! I'm wondering if it's because we want one night. Although they dont say that.

It's possible that a request for just a one night stay may result in telling you there are no available rooms; however, that's more likely to happen on a weekend. Also many B&B's are not able to put additional cots/beds in a double room and have no family rooms. Some places even have age requirements for children.

janisj's suggestions are good, if they have availability, and I'd certainly give them a try. I love the Kilmartin Glen area, just don't personally know of a place that meets your requirements. Crinan, south of Kilmartin, is another place that may be able to accommodate you. The Crinan Hotel is nice but haven't been there for awhile.

Here are a few ideas for Oban, although I don't know if they're ones you've tried or not.

The Columba Hotel www.mckeverhotels.co.uk

The Royal www.strathmorehotels.com

Both of the above offer family type accommodations. Also Heatherfield House and Kings Knoll Hotel.

Good luck!

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