Gundy

I am trying to put together an itinerary for next summer. I think I have the first part sketched out, will check with you all later on that. But, my question is, after spending two days in St. Andrews we will have four days to see some more of Scotland before we have to head to Glasgow to fly home. We will have already seen Edinburgh by then also.

I know I want to see Eilean Donan Castle. Any other beautiful castles along the way would be good. I love castles.

Hubby wants to golf once more during that time. Where would be good?

What about heading up to Aberdeen and doing some of the Castle trail? is that too far?

Fife

You could go from St. Andrews to Aviemore, which is a resort in the Cairngorm mountains. It's also near Speyside where a lot of Highland whiskey is distilled. From there go to Kyle of Lochalsch, which is near Eilean Donan. Go to Castle MacLeod on the Isle of Skye and get the story of the Fairy Flag. Then back to Glasgow. This is a fair amount to pack into 4 days. Scottish roads are good, but are often slow.

elberko

The castle on Skye is Dunvegan.

~Liz

historytraveler

Just how important is visiting Eilean Donan castle? It's at least a three hour trip from Aberdeen. While it seems to have become Scotland's " must see" castle, " it wouldn't make my top six list, maybe not even top ten. Aberdeen and Royal Deeside will provide you with more castles than you can properly manage in four days. The bonus is that there are a number of golf courses in the area.

Skye really doesn't suit your itinerary goals, and I would definitely skip Aviemore. The area beautiful, but the town itself is not. Fine for skiing but little else.

I suggest you have a closer look at the castles in Deeside and then make your decision.

Castle visit suggestions are: Braemar, Craigievar, Crathes, Dunnottar, Drum,Fraser and Fyvie.

janisj

I am amazed someone calling him/herself 'Fife' would use whiskey (whisky is e-less in Scotland), get the name of Dunvegan wrong (it IS a MacLeod castle, but it isn't called Castle Macleod), and recommend Aviemore for visitors on such a short trip?

Gundy: Listen to historytraveler. Eilean Donan is just a short (lovely but short) photo op.Plus it is all the way across the country and you only have 2 days. There are MANY amazing castles on the east side much more convenient to St Andrews. Glamis (a MUST), Dunnottar (a <red>MUST</red, Crathes and all the others mentioned.

Plus there is golf at Carnoustie, or Cruden Bay (Wonderful)

Gundy

Thanks for your replies. I will re-think Eilean Donan Castle. My hobby is photography, and you are right, it was the photo op that I was wanting after seeing so many amazing photos of it. It does make more sense to stay on the east side.

What would be a good town to base ourselves in?

Gundy

Thank you janisj, Dunottar looks very photo-worthy.

When I mentioned Carnoustie DH's face broke into a big smile! So I think we are onto a good plan here.

Is there much to see and do in Aberdeen?

janisj

It's been years since I stayed IN Aberdeen (I usually rent country cottages or stay in rural B&Bs). So I'm not totally up to date on what to see/do in the city. But Fodorite sheila lives there and hopefully she'll see your post.

This may help http://www.aberdeen-grampian.com/

sheila

There is piles to see and do in Aberdeen- but, with your interests, I wouldn't lodge in the city, but outside. Suggest maybe Loch Kinord Hotel? There's posher and there's more basic, but it's a nice place, and right in the middle of where you might like to be.

In the town, you have Old Aberdeen, St Nicholas Kirk, Footdee, the Torry Battery, the harbour, the granite west end, the Art Gallery, the Gordon Highlanders' museum, superb gardens, with lots of extr things, depending on your dates.