First time in Scotland, Help please
 

You will have very little time on Skye and Broadford is a long drive from much of the island. I'd stay farther up the Isle (Sligachan or Portree) and stay 2 nights -- otherwise I'd skip Skye altogether.

>>Should we take the Armadale-Malaig ferry( stay at Glenfinnan) or drive through Kyle of Lochalsh stay and stay at Glencoe area<<

You will drive via Kyle/the bridge TO Skye and the Ferry/Mallaig back to the mainland. Staying in Glenfinnan really doesn't make sense -- it is only a few miles from Mallaig and isn't really a destination (though you would want to stop at the Monument/Visitors center)

>>Return Car at Perth from where will train it to Edinburgh<<

Why? It would be a shorter drive and much easier to drop the car at EDI and travel in to the city by public transport. The tram stops less than 2 blocks from Waverly station. But I wouldn't pick a place to stay simply to be near the station.

I'd consider 2 nights on Skye, 1 night in Glencoe, 2 nights in Callander, and finish up in Edinburgh.

What os your budget for accommodations?

You'll get great advice from janis who hs encylopaedic knowledge of Scotland!

Maybe drive Perth-Edinburgh as janis says and stop off for a bit in St Andrews - neat seaside town - university and golf town but also very cute. Maybe return car there even if possible.

>>Maybe drive Perth-Edinburgh as janis says and stop off for a bit in St Andrews<<

I didn't mean to drive from Perth to Edinburgh. Perth doesn't make a lot of sense on this itinerary since they will be in Callander and it would be a huge detour to drive north to Perth simply to drive (or take a train) south to Edinburgh. I meant to drive from Callander straight to EDI. Callander to Edinburgh is a very straightforward drive, and dropping a car at EDI could not be easier.

Thanks janisj/PalenQ for your comments.
My earlier reply did not get posted may be restricted by 1 post per day norm. Not sure, am a new comer to Fodors forum.
Budget for accommodation is $150 per day stretchable to $175 in some cases.
Want to avoid city driving in Edinburgh hence the thought of Perth, but find Stirling would be more convenient.
Trying to allot Day2 to Skye and split Day 3,4,5 between Glencoe & Callander 1-2 or 2-1, which one

What is the driving time from Inverness to Broadford and onward to Sligachan/Portree.
The Calmac site suggests that the frequency of the Armadale-Mallaig ferry is only 2 one in the morning and the other in the afternoon.
Afternoon ferry arrival at Mallaig is after 1700, can we reach Glencoe by the check-in time. What is the driving time from Mallaig to Glencoe.

Thanks for the help
Regards

>>Want to avoid city driving in Edinburgh hence the thought of Perth, but find Stirling would be more convenient.<<

I suggested EDI for a reason. Dropping the car at EDI (the airport) is much MUCH easier than either Perth or Stirling. Driving in Stirling is harder than taking the main road and motorway right to the airport. No one would suggest you drive IN Edinburgh, but EDI is not in the city and is by far the easiest place to pick up/drop off rental cars.

>>What is the driving time from Inverness to Broadford and onward to Sligachan/Portree.<<

Long. Like 4 hours plus stops at places like Urquhart Castle, Eilean Donan and the many photo ops. So in real life Inverness to Portree takes about 6 hours. That is why you'd need two nights on Skye.

>>The Calmac site suggests that the frequency of the Armadale-Mallaig ferry is only 2 one in the morning and the other in the afternoon.<<

That is NOW . . . In February. In the middle of summer the ferries are VERY frequent.

I think you may have reveived some bad advice somewhere along the line . . .

Point taken, car will be returned at EDI.

Pl advise driving time from Mallaig to Glencoe with a stop at the viaduct. Also recommended split between Glencoe & Callander for the 3 days.

B&B suggestions in Portree/Glencoe & Callander pl. Budget is $150-$175 per night.
Is a smaller car recommended for the narrow winding roads, preferred choice for rental companies

Should we consider possible wet weather in mid-July.
Thanks for the help
Regards

I agree that one night on Skye is not enough.

Wet weather is possible and beautiful weather is also. Sometimes on the same day.

>>Also recommended split between Glencoe & Callander for the 3 days.<<

If you want heavy duty hiking/climbing, I'd do 2 Glencoe and 1 Callander. But for most visitors doing walks/sightseeing I'd recommend 1 Glencoe and 2 Callander. The scenery is fabulous in Glencoe, but there is a lot to see and do near Callander. Killin, Doune Castle, Stirling Castle, Inchmahome Priory (a must), a boat ride on Loch Katrine, etc.

>>Should we consider possible wet weather in mid-July.<<

One should expect wet weather every day of the year and if you luck out - terrific (Sometimes rain is preferable to the midges that can come out when the rain stops)

>>Is a smaller car recommended for the narrow winding roads, preferred choice for rental companies<<

I mostly book through Autoeurope.com They are a US based broker that works with all the majors. I never get the smallest cars - but I do generally get the smallest that has an adequate combination of power/seating/luggage space. So usually the 3rd class up from the bottom - often called 'compact' but that differs from company to company.

>>Pl advise driving time from Mallaig to Glencoe with a stop at the viaduct.<<

About 2.5 to 3 hours plus stops at Glenfinnan and Neptune's Staicase -- so about 6 hours if you hike at Glenfinnan, or 3.5 to 4-ish if you you just stop at the Glenfinnan visitors centre and walk out to look at the viaduct and walk along the locks at Neptunes's Staircase.

Thanks janisj for the inputs.

As advised shifted Day1 (&2) from Broadford to Portree. accommodation confirmed for Day 1 awaited for Day 2.
Day 3 Glencoe
Day 4&5 Callander
Day 6,7,8 Edinburgh

Car pick up Inverness, Car drop EDI

How far in advance should the Armadale-Mallaig ferry be booked for mid July?

Thanks

You are trying to do way too much. We are a couple in our fifties and went to Scotland last September for two weeks. We covered the area you are going. We too flew into Inverness (very easy airport). We rented a car at this small airport which was very easy. We first stayed at Home - Thistle Dhu Bed and Breakfast Glenlivet which is in the Speyside region near the Cairngorm National Park. It is an absolutely beautiful area of Scotland! We then drove to Skye. We loved Skye but you are shortchanging it. It is a much nicer area than Calendar so I would spend at least 2 nights there. We stayed in Edinbane at a place called The Snug, The Snug | Contact. Absolutely loved it! There is so much to see on Skye. We spent 3 nights there. We then went to Mull for 2 nights and on to the Glencoe area. We stayed outside of Glencoe in Onich at the Lochview Guesthouse. It was phenomenal! Weather was interesting as it was cloud covered and rainy in Glencoe and in Onich the sun was shining. We did some great hiking in Glencoe and went back to a lovely guest house. We drove to Calendar from there and stayed overnight but I wished we had driven right through to Edinburgh (it is not very far). For some reason we did not like Calendar and I would not recommend it (that is just our preference as others have liked it). We much preferred the Cairngorms. We dropped the car at the airport and took the tram right into Edinburgh (very easy both in and out). If you are going to Skye book ASAP. It books up quickly as there are not too many places to stay.

Thanks Sberg for sharing your experience.

Accommodation at Portree for 2 consecutive nights finally confirmed at Whitehirst B&B. We shall be at Skye in defiance of CNN advice https://travel.cnn.com/travel/articl...to-avoid-2018/
Caledonian Sleeper reaches Inverness at around 9am, we should on the road to Skye by 10am and hope to reach Portree by 4pm.Will do as much possible in the next 1&1/2 days before taking the ferry to Mallaig
Shall miss CNP this time, can't fit in the routing, Skye accommodation availability being the pivot around which the itinerary is built.

Have booked Westerton B&B at Callander against "stay longer" 2 days offer, lets see how it turns out.

Thanks all

>>It is a much nicer area than Calendar so I would spend at least 2 nights there.<<

Per the OP's 2nd post they are staying 2 nights on Skye.

You had a lovely trip -- but also more time than the OP. Would I do it exactly like the OP's plan -- probably not (in fact with such a short trip I'd likely skip Skye and Inverness) But with the sleeper already booked, 2 nights Skye, 1 night Glencoe, 2 nights Callander and the rest in Edinburgh is a perfectly reasonable division of time. To say that Skye is much 'nicer' than the Trossachs is comparing apples and oranges. Both have a lot to see and do and are worth time.

>>For some reason we did not like Calendar and I would not recommend it (that is just our preference as others have liked it). <<

Just to clarify, Callander is merely a town -- it is convenient as a place to stay. But there is not much 'special' about the town itself . . . It is ALL about what is in the area. Lochs, waterfalls, Queen Elizabeth park, plus the sites I mentioned above. One certainly doesn't need to stay in Callander but it has the most accommodations in the area -- anywhere within say 10 miles of it would be good.

For some reason I didn't see your last post >>Shall miss CNP this time<<

Not a big deal. The Cairngorms are just an area of nice mountain scenery -- you will see as good or better on Skye and Glencoe

Janisj, I don't think you can go wrong no matter where you go in Scotland. Like most places it is personal preference. Yes, we were in Scotland longer and did get to slow down a little. We passed through Callander so didn't really give the area a fair shake. The town itself is one that did not impress but the surrounding area was beautiful. We did not like where we stayed and there were very few restaurants to eat in that were open. Will just consider it a bad day. Just reflecting on our trip I would have driven from Glencoe straight to Edinburgh and spent the extra night elsewhere. majuli enjoy your trip. Scotland, and its people are wonderful.

A few other tips from our trip would be to eat at LochLeven Seafood Cafe in Onich. The best seafood of our trip.
On Skye we ate at the Skeabost Hotel, not far from Portree. We also loved a late lunch in the bar at
Flodigarry Country House Hotel after hiking in the Quiraing. The scenery in the Quiraing is unbelievable. We also loved Fairy Glen (which is not far from the Quiraing). You can't even describe the scenery as it is breathtaking.

Would appreciate any advice on the routing starting at Inverness & ending at EDI https://goo.gl/maps/tXKrHaiLXqF2
2 nights each at Portree & Callender & 1 night at Glencoe
Suggestions for day trips from the base(s)

Thanks

Well I am not an expert in that region but visited Scotland last year, hence can chip in. IMHO keep at least two days for the Skye region. There are lots of places to visit in and around. I would recommend Portree as base. Glencoe or Fort Willam is a good place to stay open route to Skye.

Thanks Nashh, we have made the changes and now have accommodation booked for 2 days at Portree driving in from Inverness and exiting through Armadale.
Thanks to the forum

Great to hear that! The Skye region has a lot to offer. But do please book your Portree accommodation ASAP, it’s crazy out there. As another folk suggested while coming back you can consider Cairngorm National Park. Put up in Aviemore which is a beautiful ski place. Cairngorm Mt. train ride is worth a visit.

We did a loop north of Portree one day. We started at Fairy Glen ( go early as there is very little parking). Then we went to Quaraing and did a hike ( we did not do the entire loop hike as it was pouring rain for part of the hike but even in the rain it was gorgeous). We stopped and had lunch and then drove over to Kilt Rock ( it’s a quick stop to see the waterfall) then on to Old Man of Storr. You can hike up to that too if you are up to it or you can walk part way to see it. We saw some beautiful rainbows that day. By then we were quite tired and went to dinner. It was a great day.

The next day we went south. We went to Neist Point, a Whisky distillery, and Fairy Pools. There were a lot of midges at the Pools, be prepared. There were also lots of people who parked all over the place and got stuck in the mud! Be careful where you park. If you only have one full day I would tour north of Portree. The south is beautiful too but the north is out of this world!

Many thanks Sberg for your tips for 2 days in Skye, we have 1 and half days and will try to retrace your steps and cover as much as we can. Are wellies the appropriate footwear for Skye?
How far in advance should we book the ferry for our trip in mid July.

>>Are wellies the appropriate footwear for Skye?<<

Absolutely not. (assuming you mean wellies/rain boots). You want sturdy water proof shoes or comfortable hiking boots -- wellies are a prescription for blisters and sore feet and give no support or much in the way of traction. They are good for slogging through a field or walking through puddles -- they are not for 'real' walking.

I totally agree with janisj you need waterproof hiking boots. You should also bring a good raincoat and rain pants. I SO wish we had rain pants as we got soaked a few times. Next time I will definitely pack them. It only rains off and on but when it rains it really rains! The good thing is we saw so many amazing rainbows! There are not many places to eat on the northern loop so pack snacks and water. If you follow the loop from west to east (Fairy Glen, to Quairaing, to Kilt Rock to Old Man of Storr) you don't see too many places to stop. After we left the Quairing and met back up with the main road we did detour from the loop slightly and went North up to the point. There is a ruin up there that is beautiful. When we turned around and headed back towards Kilt Rock that is when we saw the Flodigarry Country House Hotel . It is right on the water but tucked back a little so it is a bit hard to see. It was a great place for lunch if you want to stop somewhere. They had the best fish soup (I can't remember what the Scottish name for it is). If it is nice out you can eat outside. When we got to Old Man of Storr my husband hiked up to the top. I stayed at the gate below (as I was just too tired to go all the way) and had a great chat with a woman from Belgium whose husband also decided to go the the top. We had made a reservation at the Skeabost Hotel for that night and did not have time to go back to the hotel and change (which I was a bit worried about) but there were no worries. We cleaned up the best we could in the parking lot (luckily we had packed some dry clothes) and went in. The food was great! There was a young girl playing the bagpipes outside when we got there. Great ending to a great day.

As far as the ferry goes I defer to the locals on the board. We drove over the bridge into Skye and took the ferry on the way out (as we were headed to Mull). I don't believe we booked the ferry in advance but we were there in September, you might need to in June. The only ferry I booked ahead was the one leaving Mull and I booked that a few months in advance and the website was very easy to use. If you are driving to Glencoe from Skye you will be driving through Onich (it is the town prior to Glencoe). Make note of the weather. We were there 2 days and both days the sun was shining up through Onich and then we crossed the bridge into Glencoe and it was so cloudy and overcast. Almost like 2 different worlds. Very beautiful area.

SBerg, was the fish soup Cullen skink? Wonderful stuff.

Thanks Sberg for inputs on the loop, hope I got it right https://goo.gl/maps/hBPto9AKfmG2. If time permits will venture towards the pools.
Will book the ferry asap, by Feb

Lochview Guesthouse at Onich is not available for our dates. Most B&Bs in Glencoe/Ballachulish/Onich/Kinlochleven require min 2 nights stay. With 3 days between Glencoe & Callendar the split is proving a tad tricky to manage. One option is to cancel the 2 nights at Callender (already booked,1 night paid for, refundable) to provide for 2 nights at Glencoe area or keep the itin as it is and keep trying for some place at Glencoe for 1 night.

Thoughts please.
Regards

Just from my perspective (as we loved Glencoe), I would spend 2 nights there. With only one night if the weather is bad you won't be able to do too much. With 2 nights you would have more time (if you like to hike or walk). There are some amazing hikes there (that are not too strenuous). We drove from Glencoe to Edinburgh through Callandar but took a different route than you showed. We drove down around Loch Lamond and then up to Callendar and spent the night. I don't think it is too much longer but it was very scenic. We stopped and saw some beautiful villages and great scenery along the way. The drive didn't take that long so if you have places you want to see you have time to stop. When we left Callandar we headed straight to EDI to drop the car and get the tram into the city (so easy). We missed Stirling but you can't see everything right? Tip, be sure to get gas as soon as you see a gas station. There is one right near the airport drop off prior to entering airport but it is on the other side of the street. We had to go into the airport to turn around and go back out to get gas. It wasn't difficult but if you see gas prior to the airport exit you might want to get it. Drop off was very easy and organized and the tram into Edinburgh is right there.

Your map on Skye is spot on to what we did. The road to get to Fairy Glen is not well marked (if it is marked at all) so be on the lookout right before you get into that town on the right. Or ask someone before you go. We had a pretty detailed map which helped tremendously. The lady at the B & B we stayed at gave us some wonderful maps and ideas about the area.

Yes, it was Cullen Skink. I so wish I could remember everything but...it is not to be. Thankfully we have lots of Fodorites to help!

Re the division of time: There is more scenery/hiking around Glencoe and more interesting places to visit around Callander.

If you plan any/many hikes then 2 Glencoe and 1 Callander works. Plus if you leave Glencoe in the morning, take a short detour to Killin, you would still be in the Callander area by mid day. So half a day then and half a day+ the next day would still let you visit Inchmahome, Doune and Stirling before driving to EDI to drop the car in the early evening.

From Glencoe to Callender which route would you suggest via Killin or via Luss https://goo.gl/maps/9rZGMDN7WsB2
If we plan via Luss then can we do the loop from Inchmahome Priory to Loch Katrine and reach B&B by evening,
Are Trossachs Trail drive and Three Lochs Forest Drive the same? Three Lochs Forest Drive

Will do Doune and Stirling and Falkirk (if possible) on way to EDI.
Sberg thanks for word on the gas station

Regards

Not via Luss. Take the A82 - A85 (side trip to Killin) - A84 (side trip to Loch Katrine if you want - not a 'must' IMO) - Callander. Though what I would do is Killin -- then on to Inchmahome to get it in in the afternoon, then back to Callander to check in. IF you are making good time, you can detour off the A84 to Balquhidder and see Rob Roy's grave and the church. But not if it will make you late to Inchmahome.

Thanks, we will have a relook at the Callander reservation. No hikes planned in Glencoe. just absorb the scenery and walk around the Loch Leven and A82. .
Is a day trip possible from Glencoe to Tobermory on the extra day ? Drive from Glencoe to Oban, ferry to Cragnuire , drive from Craignuire to Tobermory all appear to take an hour each, 3 hrs each way, 6 in total.
Should it be attempted?

Don't know when we can make it to Scotland again. After coming so close to Mull we wish can make it.

Thanks

>>Is a day trip possible from Glencoe to Tobermory on the extra day ? Drive from Glencoe to Oban, ferry to Cragnuire , drive from Craignuire to Tobermory all appear to take an hour each, 3 hrs each way, 6 in total.
Should it be attempted? <<

Not IME/IMO. Especially not to Tobermory -- there is much more to Mull than the only town (pretty though it is). The other end of the island and Iona would take precedence. But I'd do neither as a day trip from Glencoe.

If you decide to -- Do not go via Oban. Take the Locahline Ferry instead. Whichever route -- it will take more than 3 hours each way. I assume you got the '3 hours' from some on-line calculator - right? Do realize you need to add 25% - 50%+ to all of them . . . and often more. Think more like 4 hours each way.

>> . . . After coming so close to Mull we wish can make it. <<

An option would be to visit Mull instead of Glencoe -- but you have very little time and cannot squeeze in the whole country.

Just chirping in to second waterproof pants.

My DH gave me a pair for our trip to Scotland last year,and frankly, I thought it was an “interesting” gift. Wrong! I wore them fairly often.

When you’re only in an area for a day or two and it’s pouring horizontally, the choice is to stay in or get out and see what came to see.

Also, I made rhe mistake of purchasing water repellant and not waterproof shoes. I’ll be looking for waterproof lightweight shoes, cut higher than a shoe for ankle support.

apologies if this was covered up thread, I haven’t read every one.

Majuli, you need to narrow down what you want to see. When I was first planning my trip I wanted to see the entire north coast of Scotland. With tips from this board I left off the north coast part and narrowed down my trip. I am very glad that I did! We were there for 2 weeks and saw a lot of what you want to see, but we had more time than you. We drove from Skye to Mull ( took ferry Armadale to Mailaig then took ferry Kilchoan to Tobermory and when we left took ferry Craignure to Oban)and spent 2 nights there. It was an absolutely beautiful drive and ferry ride (but you need to be comfortable driving a one track road to get to the Kilchoan ferry). I loved Mull but the two days we were there one day was absolutely beautiful but the other day was sideways rain. Tobermory is beautiful but there is a lot more beauty to see in Mull.

Your option would be to spend a few nights in Mull/(or at least one) and cut out your nights in Glencoe and just drive through (which is beautiful). Or spend 2 on Mull, 1 in Glencoe and skip Callandar and drive right to EDI. Or do a driveby and do 1 on Mull, 1 in Glencoe and 1 in Callandar. All are doable depending on what you want to do and how much you want to drive. As much as you want to you can not see everything. My motto when I travel is to enjoy what I see and don't worry about what I miss. Any way you plan it you will see lots of a beautiful country.

<Not IME/IMO. Especially not to Tobermory -- there is much more to Mull than the only town (pretty though it is). The other end of the island and Iona would take precedence. But I'd do neither as a day trip from Glencoe.
If you decide to -- Do not go via Oban. Take the Locahline Ferry instead. Whichever route -- it will take more than 3 hours each way.>

We will go by your suggestion and opt out. We are taking the 1040 ferry from Aramadle reaching Mallaig at 1125.

<An option would be to visit Mull instead of Glencoe -- but you have very little time and cannot squeeze in the whole country.> Agree to reconcile with only what is possible at a relaxed pace

<you need to narrow down what you want to see. When I was first planning my trip I wanted to see the entire north coast of Scotland. With tips from this board I left off the north coast part and narrowed down my trip. I am very glad that I did! We were there for 2 weeks and saw a lot of what you want to see, but we had more time than you. We drove from Skye to Mull ( took ferry Armadale to Mailaig then took ferry Kilchoan to Tobermory and when we left took ferry Craignure to Oban)and spent 2 nights there. It was an absolutely beautiful drive and ferry ride (but you need to be comfortable driving a one track road to get to the Kilchoan ferry). I loved Mull but the two days we were there one day was absolutely beautiful but the other day was sideways rain. Tobermory is beautiful but there is a lot more beauty to see in Mull.>

The itin was constructed after sifting through numerous trip reports on this forum (starting with yelpir- Lake Dist,& Scotland, 2007), now time to deconstruct as we get down to fit it in our available time frame with tips from the board. We want to do what others have done but the variable(time available) comes in between.
Glencoe 2 night min required, only Tom Echainn offers 1 night and that too might not be available after some time.

Driving on one track should not be an issue, in our part of the world almost everything is one track

Thanks for the patience, grateful indeed,
Regards

>>Glencoe 2 night min required<<

Look in Ballachulish and Onich -- both are very near to Glencoe but might not have two night minimums (or is this a Friday or Sat night? Many places will have a 2 night minimum on weekends)

Yes janisj, its a Friday and almost all listings at www.discoverglencoe.scot have the min 2 night requirement which is also filling up fast.
Glencoe B&B owners are a nice lot, in case they do not have accommodation they suggest alternatives to look for notwithstanding the competition. Already liking the place

Is Duror or Oban an option, just in case?

Duror would be fine -- it is only 10 miles from the Glencoe visitors centre.

Oban is too far -- if you end up in Oban then I'd center those two days around exploring Mull and Kilmartin instead of Glencoe

BUT -- since his is the weekend I'd seriously consider not basing in Glencoe at all. You can still spend a few hours there exploring/walking and then head out and stay all three nights in or near Callander.

If you're going to Iona and the weather's iffy and they still have that landing craft thing, best to stand on a seat as it approaches the other side or you'll likely be drenched to the knees when the end is let down and the water surges in.

And as you'll be hiking and otherwise out and about has anyone mentioned the midges/ "meejees"? -