vacatia

You are all correct - after I posted that, I saw the passes they were offering which you've mentioned, and none of them were worth it (like janisj said, the $60 CAD one only covers Edinburgh to Glasgow, I believe). I've chopped Stirling castle and Linlithgow from the itinerary, so my train escapades are back within budget.

cbelle - thank you, I will check it out!

janisj

Oh - I wouldn't cut those two - but you definitely can wait til the day to see if you want to go out of town.

And instead of single ticket -- places like Linlithgw are super cheap if you get day return. Total of £8.10 round trip

Stirling would be a £9,40 day return.

vacatia

I'm not sure if I should cut them either, I just want to try and leave about three full days in Edinburgh if possible! I'll see how it goes over the next few months since those are things I can plan later.

You guys have been very helpful!

vacatia

I am back with another question.

I originally planned to take the Timberbush 3-day tour (Skye, The Highlands and Loch Ness). I'm just worried now that it will be too rushed, too expensive, etc. Driving around myself is not an option, as previously mentioned.

Timberbush also offers a two day tour, that won't take me to Skye. Would I regret not going to Skye? Again, my interests are scenery and castles. My bf's interests are castles and whisky. He thinks we can take a train to Skye and just wander around ourselves, but I told him it's not that simple.

janisj

Both Rabbies and Timberbush are VERY Good. Me personally, I'd do the trip that includes Skye.

Castles on Skye - not so much - but world class scenery.

Wandering on Skye isn't simple. It is a HUGE island with very sporadic bus service. The three day tours (check out Rabbies too) will give you the benefit of a local driver so they make good time and a small group so you can stop at more small, off the beaten path places.

vacatia

Hi Janisj,

If I were to take the train and ferry and get to Skye myself, are the options of getting around on the island after that, difficult/sporadic? ie. Stagecouchbus.com?

janisj

Lots of backpackers do Skye w/o cars. But it is a real slog/pain. If you want to see Skye, do one of the tours from Edinburgh. Simple as that.

historytraveler

The bus is not really geared for tourists. As janisj said it can be problematic. Difficult and sporadic pretty much sums it up. I think you'd be better off with a tour.

vacatia

Thanks both for your replies. The only reason this was brought up is that my s/o hates being on someone else's schedule and doesn't want to go on a tour with a bunch of elderly people (I assured him that I'm sure there are people of all ages). He's the type that likes to explore on his own. We don't mind taking the buses if they are reliable, but it sounds like they aren't?

I'm worried that the tour will rush over the things I want to see, but then again, it will take us to places we wouldn't have seen otherwise.

I have my heart set on going to Skye, but if for some reason this falls through do you recommend a place that's closer to Edinburgh with similar scenery (probably a ridiculous question, but just thought I'd throw it out there)?

janisj

Don't prejudge Rabbies or Timberbush. They use small coaches - usually 12 - 20 people. And are not at all like the massive group tours your husband may visualize. Trust me, trying to do Skye on your own by public transport leaves you MUCH more at the mercy of a fixed schedule/timetable since the buses are few and far between.

There will be people of all ages but fewer of the 'old codgers' one would see on the big tours.

The only better way to visit Skye is to rent a car and drive - since you won't do that, take one of the tours.

vacatia

Any suggestions on which part of Edinburgh to stay in? What is the most "central" ie. walking distance to the castle and the train station? I sound completely clueless. Is Old Town Edinburgh good?

janisj

The old town is fabulous. That is where the castle, royal mile, holyrood, palace, st Giles cathedral is. But not really very walkable from the station since the old part of the city is on top of a cliff so quite a climb.

The New Town is also fine but it is at the bottom of that same cliff so it's walkable to the station but not easily walkable up to old town. But not to worry, there are buses so either area is terrific.

I personally prefer to stay in the Old Town for the atmosphere but have also stayed in the new town many times and it was good too.

vacatia

We are pretty good long-distance walkers, is it a lengthy walk from the train to the old town, or just a bit of a climb?

Thanks again for your help on everything.

janisj

Not lengthy at all -- just steep-ish so sounds like doable for you. But if you have luggage -- or it is raining sideways -- it would be a short cab ride.

Mimar

When we were going to Skye, we inquired about private guides. We found some of the taxi drivers would take you around. Of course, it's expensive, and I think you'd have to arrange it ahead of time.

vacatia

Personal preferance question - I want to get to Stonehaven to see Dunnottar, but I also want to check out Tantallon and Dirleton castles...I'm not sure I'll have time to go to both areas. Which would you drop if you had to? I assume I'd take the 2-hour train ride to Stonehaven.

janisj

Tantallon and Dirlton are flat easy from Edinburgh. Local train to North Berwick and then walk or bus or taxi to Tantallon and bus or taxi to Dirlton. Both are terrific and the gardens at Dirlton is lovely.

But - Dunnottar is almost peerless in its setting and drama.

I'd really REALLY try to do all of them. But if your time is very limited, then Tantallon would be the most time efficient.

vacatia

Hi Janisj,

Is it an easy-ish drive to Stonehaven? Would you not recommend it for people from Canada? I know I said we don't intend to drive, but if it's easier for one day then I'd be interested. Not sure how pricey car rentals are in comparison, I believe the train ride is approximately $60 return.

vacatia

Someone just advised me they are doing work to Dunnottar this year...

vacatia

Janisj (or anyone) - is there something in Edinburgh similar to Bixi bikes in Toronto? Short trip bike rental with numerous docking stations around the city. I'm assuming not, but thought I'd check. I wouldn't mind biking around a bit.