March in Scotland - - Recommendations?
 

How does this itinerary sound for a late March early April 2006 trip (sorry, no other times available) - - we enjoy scenery, castles, tower houses, ruins, and a bit of city:

Arrive Glasgow early am and drive to Oban, stay 2 nights (Isle of Eriska Hotel - o.k.?). Is it worth taking the ferry over to Mull and driving around for the day?

2 nights near Trossachs. How about Callander for a base?

2 nights near Kelso to see ruins, castles, abbeys (Edenwater House). Most look to be open in late March in this area.

2 nights Edinburgh - - or maybe 1 night Kelso and 3 nights Edinburgh if 2 nights Kelso is more than needed to see that area.

Questions:

1. Are we hitting the right places?

2. Isle of Skye would be neat to see but Mull is closer and easier to do in a shorter trip - - right??

3. We were in western Ireland late March/early April last year - - early spring, trees budding, birds singing, daffodils out, off and on rain/sun - - is the weather similar? Or worse?

Thanks!! JimP7047

Your itinerary looks just fine. Of course you could use more time in every one of your stops -- but at least you aren't doing a bunch of 1-nighters.

1) You are hitting a LOT of great places so don't worry that you are missing some others. Can't see/do everything.

2) Yes - taking the ferry over to Mull would be a great day trip out of Oban. You would have enought time for a short trip over to Iona and a tour of the island including Tobermory and Castle Duart. Skye is terrific too - but for your short timeframe Mull would be a very good choice.

3) You can never tell about the weather. Could be great, could be dreadful, or could be a combination of both. Don't let that stop you.

either Callander or Aberfoyle would be a good base for the Trossachs. You will have no shortage of accomodations in either village - both have several B&Bs and hotels.

I really would not cut the borders back to one night - there is so much to see. And while Edinburgh is one of my favorite cities on earth - it is quite compact and you can actually see most of the highlights in 2 days.

I would expect Scotland to be less warm than Ireland was. But, as janis says, I could easily be wrong

Your itinerary looks a bit crowded but otherwise OK. You won't see the whole of Scotland in a week or two, so don't worry about missing things.
Before you commit to a day trip to Mull from Oban, check the timetables and fares for when you'll be there. With a car it's likely to be an expensive day out. Bus services on Mull usually connect with the ferry but if you have a definite destination in mind (e.g. Iona) check before you book.
Callander is a good central location to tour the Trossachs. You should have no problems getting accommodation except over the Easter weekend Friday 14 to Monday 17 April 2006.
The weather on the west coast is likely to be similar to Ireland but a bit cooler. Further east is usually drier. (On average - you could get anything from snow to sunburn).

The Herald (Glasgow newspaper) today has a 'my perfect day' type piece on the head barman at Rogano (posh, historic Glasgow restaurant). Under the heading of 'Romance' he says "To wake up beside my wife Gilly in the Isle of Eriska Hotel, outside Oban, with its beautiful scenery and excellent servicem would be very romantic." :-)

We went to Scotland in late March several years ago. The weather (which had some violent mood swings -from light snow in Edinburgh to low 60s and sunny in Inverness) is a footnote because every other aspect of the trip was fantastic (people, beer, sights, food, etc.). Edinburgh was colder than the west. I think late March is a great time to go -very few crowds.

Skye would be on the top of my list. We only spent one night there, but it is the most beautiful place I have ever been. The scenery is incredible.

Edinburgh is a great city. Lots of sights/things to do and the castle couldn't have a more dramatic setting.

You can't go wrong in my opinion. Scotland is my favorite; I can't wait to go back someday.

Personally, I would not consider a boat trip anywhere in Scotland in March. You could easily be marooned in Mull due to gales springing up overnight and your scheduled, which is hugely overcrowded as it is, would be shot.

almcd,
You're being a wee bit over dramatic about the chances of being marooned on Mull. My guess is you're just as likely to get stuck for as long or longer at an airport somewhere, and I know which I would choose for an enforced stay.
Jim, if you're concerned about possible cancellations, ask Calmac (the ferry company) how many of their Mull sailings have been cancelled in March in recent years. They have to respond to a written or e-mail request for information within 20 working days.