Help with Scotland Trip
Mar 1st, 2006 | 11:36 AM
#21
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,472
Likes: 0
We photographed 'our' highland cattle while we were wending our way along the whisky trail. My pictures alone probably would qualify that herd for honorable mention in the most-photographed category!
As for finding Glen Affric: you'll take the A831 (west from Drumnadrochit or southwest from the Beauly area) to Cannich. From there you take a small road towards Fasnakyle (will no doubt have a sign for Glen Affric). This road runs southwest into the glen. You will pass a dam and then have views of the water of Loch Beinn a'Mheadhoin off to your left. Keep on the road until it ends in a little parking area.
You can wander around or take a hike. There's a short but steep walk to an overlook/memorial with a lovely view. We had a brochure with a little map of Glen Affric showing trails, but I cannot tell you where we got it (hotel, maybe?) With its stands of primeval and reseeded caledonian pines, Glen Affric gives the feel of what Scotland must have been like before sheep pastures.
Since you will be driving, I would recommend buying a book type road atlas. The one I have is Collins, but I'm sure there are others. It is invaluable for locating minor roads and figuring out tricky road junctions. Most attractions (even really small ones) are marked. It was the best £10 investment I've ever made. The way back into Glen Affric, for example, is shown much more clearly on the atlas than on my large fold up touring map. When I travel back and forth I just lay the atlas flat on the bottom of my suitcase or, better yet, in the outside pocket. And remember: Think left, look right!
As for finding Glen Affric: you'll take the A831 (west from Drumnadrochit or southwest from the Beauly area) to Cannich. From there you take a small road towards Fasnakyle (will no doubt have a sign for Glen Affric). This road runs southwest into the glen. You will pass a dam and then have views of the water of Loch Beinn a'Mheadhoin off to your left. Keep on the road until it ends in a little parking area.
You can wander around or take a hike. There's a short but steep walk to an overlook/memorial with a lovely view. We had a brochure with a little map of Glen Affric showing trails, but I cannot tell you where we got it (hotel, maybe?) With its stands of primeval and reseeded caledonian pines, Glen Affric gives the feel of what Scotland must have been like before sheep pastures.
Since you will be driving, I would recommend buying a book type road atlas. The one I have is Collins, but I'm sure there are others. It is invaluable for locating minor roads and figuring out tricky road junctions. Most attractions (even really small ones) are marked. It was the best £10 investment I've ever made. The way back into Glen Affric, for example, is shown much more clearly on the atlas than on my large fold up touring map. When I travel back and forth I just lay the atlas flat on the bottom of my suitcase or, better yet, in the outside pocket. And remember: Think left, look right!
Mar 3rd, 2006 | 02:56 PM
#23
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
Has anyone ever rented a car through Thrify at the Edinburgh airport? They have the cheapest rates - just wondered if they were ok. I want an automatic and have heard horror stories from other people (not about Thrifty per se) that when they went to get their car there were no automatics available. I have booked one on-line - I am hoping they will come through with an automatic because I don't think I can drive on the left hand side and shift on the left hand side at the same time!
Mar 3rd, 2006 | 07:39 PM
#24
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 75,049
Likes: 50
Thrifty is a good as anyone. I've used them at EDI maybe 3 or 4 times w/o any problems.
One thing - you will <u>most likely</u> get an automatic if that is what you reserve. But it really can't be guaranteed. There are very few automatics in any of the rental fleets. If one is returned late, or damaged, or overbooked, or whatever, you MIGHT get a stick. If so, it would only be temporary and the rental agency will get an automatic to you as soon as possible.
But don't worry too much if that happens. Despite all the warnings on here about needing an automatic - most of those are posted by folks who just assume driving a stick is hard. I <b>always</b> book a stick in the UK simply because they are so much cheaper. You won't be doing any "power shifting" or road racing, so it is just a matter of moving up and down the gears. So don't panic if by chance you end up w/ a stick for a day or two.
One thing - you will <u>most likely</u> get an automatic if that is what you reserve. But it really can't be guaranteed. There are very few automatics in any of the rental fleets. If one is returned late, or damaged, or overbooked, or whatever, you MIGHT get a stick. If so, it would only be temporary and the rental agency will get an automatic to you as soon as possible.
But don't worry too much if that happens. Despite all the warnings on here about needing an automatic - most of those are posted by folks who just assume driving a stick is hard. I <b>always</b> book a stick in the UK simply because they are so much cheaper. You won't be doing any "power shifting" or road racing, so it is just a matter of moving up and down the gears. So don't panic if by chance you end up w/ a stick for a day or two.
