Help & advice on trip to Scotland
 

*(assume that I'm quite ignorant of Scotland)

Hi,

I would like some advice/help on a trip I'm planning from Montreal Qc, to Scotland with a friend.

I wanted to know if 2-3 weeks (14 to 21 days) ,around the month of August ,with a budget of 2000-4000(maybe more) cdn $ is reasonable to explore Scotland(especially the Highlands!). Traveling around by bike would be awesome, but I don't know if it's possible; I truly wouldn't mind using other methods of transport. ALSO, we are quite frugal (trait learned from being an university student).

Lastly, I'd gladly accept any suggestion of locations/festivals to go visit while our stay there .

Thanks:-)!

Just a few quick comments (I'm in an airport lounge awaiting them to call my flight)

August is a bit of a problem specifically in Edinburgh. There are several world famous festivals and the Military Tattoo all in August and the population literally doubles(triples on weekends) w/ GREATLY increased hotel/B&B rates. The rest of the country is not affected that much but anyplace w/I commute distance of Edinburgh you need to book ASAP - like yesterday (which could already be too late.)

Biking in Scotland isn't all that easy/effective. The major scenic regions cover a huge area and with the VERY changeable weather bikes wouldn't be the best way to tour.

Though you can take bikes on trains/buses.

Scotland is a pretty inexpensive place to visit (except Edinburgh in August as noted).

The first thing you need to do is read up a bit and start to whittle down the list of places you want to visit.

bikes on buses?? I know there are a few in Wales, are you sure janisj?

http://www.sustrans.org.uk/scotland link to main bike routes

Thanks bilbo for the link, that'll most likely come in handy. My plan was to land in Edinburgh,relax for a bit, then head straight for the western highlands (Inverness). From there I wanted to visit the Orkney Islands and the isle of Skye. If we have time we can go visit other parts of Scotland or even check out Glasgow.

As you can see we won't be spending too much time in Edinburgh( I'm more of the nature type). Meanwhile, the mode of transportation will vary depending on our location (ex: using ferries).

Finally, my round trip ticket will cost around 900-1100 cdn$. However, wanted to know if 45£/per day is realistic expectation (basic research lead me to this number. Would be nice if some one can confirm this. If that's the case then the trip is well in my budget range.

How old are you and what is your cycling experience?

Both have an effect on what I could suggest.

biking in Scottish Highlands in August could still mean a cool windy wet weather - I'd play it by ear with the biking and decide after you get there rather than locking yourself into some bike trip during certain specific times.

To me going thru the Highlands on the two famous scenic Highland train lines and at other times driving through it was nice but enough - consider taking the West Highlands Line and the Inverness to Kyle of Lochlash line - both really really scenic - at Kyle (of Lochlash) you can take a bus over to the Isle of Skye for a few days - then from Skye leave back for the mainland via a different ferry to Maillag - then take the West Highlands line from there down to Fort William and Glasgow.

https://www.scotrail.co.uk/scotland-...williammallaig

http://www.kylerailway.co.uk/

though both lines are some of the most scenic in Europe the West Highlands Line is IMO one of Europe's very top scenic railways - especially when it goes thru the desolate Rannoch Moor - being about the only way to go right thru it as only minor side roads penetrate it:

https://www.google.com/search?q=rann...=1600&bih=1075

anyway consider taking either of two of Scotland's legendary scenic trains! For more details on Scottish trains check www.seat61.com.

£45 a day is a VERY low budget. If you expect that to cover accommodations, food, drink, transport, ferries, entrance fees . . . ain't going to happen.

You <i>could</i> fit hostels (though they do book up well ahead in August) mostly grocery store picnics and the occasional pub meal into that. But £75+ per day is much more realistic.

I don't know if you can hire bikes anywhere on the Isle of Skye but it would be a spectacular place to cycle!
We stayed at Balmacara near the Kyle of Localsh. It truly is a spectacular part of the world and we commented many times while we were there that we wished we had our bikes with us.

Ability and experience are an issue. I can with thinking about it, knock out 160 miles a day in the lowlands.

Some days in the highlands can be punishing. Mull in particular could easily destroy even a pro rider.

If you are touring, careful planning is essential and consideration of both your abilities.

This might help, but to get to Orkney I'd fly, if I was biking I'd want to have luggage moved ahead (or just packs V light) it is not easy up in the highlands

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-in-orkney.cfm

This is awesome, thanks a lot guys for the contribution, really helps :-).

Meanwhile, I'm 22yo and I have a few years of cross country biking experience(about 2 years or more). However, I didn't practice for about a year+ because of my involvement in the school's rugby team (I still have decent cardio-endurance). If that's the case I'll try to limit the use of biking as a mode of transport. ALSO according to Google maps, there is a bike hire in the isle of Skye and the Orkney island ,so I'll try to contact them( also plenty of car hires just in case).

Lastly, flying from Inverness to Kirkwall is actually pretty cheap, so I might choose that option. Anyways, I still have lots of e-mailing,calling and planning to do but I'll post my final plan and decision relatively soon.

http://findabunkhouse.com/scotland/4531498799

the cheapest and funkiest too accommodations for bikers and hikers are camping barns and bunk houses in rural areas.

Biking on Orkney dead easy, the isles are relatively flat but of course mainly winds from the west. Roads are not so busy.

also plenty of car hires just in case).>

Well there are also public buses running regularly between key cities.