Need help for Scotland trip
Jun 11th, 2007, 06:30 PM
#1
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Need help for Scotland trip
Hi there,
I'm planning a trip to Scotland for me and my parents. It's a short one - we arrive in Glasgow the morning of Sept 23 and depart the afternoon of Sept 29. We don't plan on renting a car as I don't drive much, and my dad is getting older and is wary of driving in unfamiliar places. So the whole opposite side of the road thing is not something either of us are willing to chance. It would make things a lot easier I know, but I just don't see it happening.
My original plan was to spend a couple days in Glasgow, either at the beginning or end of the trip. Then, we were going to stay in Fort Williams as it seemed to be a good starting off point for various tours. We're "Bohuntin" MacDonalds, so from what I understand we originated in nearby Bohuntine. We definitely want to visit that area. Other spots of interest for us are Isle of Skye (including the Clan Donald Centre), Glencoe, Loch Ness (yes I know it's not worth the hype but this may be my only trip to Scotland so I'd like to see it and Castle Urquhart).
After reading some other threads, I'm getting the impression that Fort William is not the best spot to stay. I was a couple days away from booking the family room at The Lime Tree when I came across this forum. I'm also getting some price quotes back on private tours based out of the area and they're quite a bit more expensive than I'd hoped. So I need help. Aside from the night or two in Glasgow, I had hoped to stay in one spot since it's such a short trip. But, to see everything we want to see - is it feasible to be based out of one town? And if so, what would you recommend instead of Fort William. Can you recommend accommodations in the area? The Lime Tree has a room with a double bed and a sofabed which was perfect, but if need be we'll do 2 rooms. And what is the best way for us to travel aside from renting a car? Can you recommend some day tours? They don't need to be private tours - coach tours are definitely welcome. Keep in mind we're on a budget and we're interested in castles, scenery and local culture.
Also, any help with itinerary ideas for a day or two in Glasgow as well as accommodation recommendations would be much appreciated!
Sorry for writing a book here, but I wanted to be thorough. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts...
I'm planning a trip to Scotland for me and my parents. It's a short one - we arrive in Glasgow the morning of Sept 23 and depart the afternoon of Sept 29. We don't plan on renting a car as I don't drive much, and my dad is getting older and is wary of driving in unfamiliar places. So the whole opposite side of the road thing is not something either of us are willing to chance. It would make things a lot easier I know, but I just don't see it happening.
My original plan was to spend a couple days in Glasgow, either at the beginning or end of the trip. Then, we were going to stay in Fort Williams as it seemed to be a good starting off point for various tours. We're "Bohuntin" MacDonalds, so from what I understand we originated in nearby Bohuntine. We definitely want to visit that area. Other spots of interest for us are Isle of Skye (including the Clan Donald Centre), Glencoe, Loch Ness (yes I know it's not worth the hype but this may be my only trip to Scotland so I'd like to see it and Castle Urquhart).
After reading some other threads, I'm getting the impression that Fort William is not the best spot to stay. I was a couple days away from booking the family room at The Lime Tree when I came across this forum. I'm also getting some price quotes back on private tours based out of the area and they're quite a bit more expensive than I'd hoped. So I need help. Aside from the night or two in Glasgow, I had hoped to stay in one spot since it's such a short trip. But, to see everything we want to see - is it feasible to be based out of one town? And if so, what would you recommend instead of Fort William. Can you recommend accommodations in the area? The Lime Tree has a room with a double bed and a sofabed which was perfect, but if need be we'll do 2 rooms. And what is the best way for us to travel aside from renting a car? Can you recommend some day tours? They don't need to be private tours - coach tours are definitely welcome. Keep in mind we're on a budget and we're interested in castles, scenery and local culture.
Also, any help with itinerary ideas for a day or two in Glasgow as well as accommodation recommendations would be much appreciated!
Sorry for writing a book here, but I wanted to be thorough. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts...
Jun 11th, 2007, 06:53 PM
#2
I only have time for a VERY short answer right now. Will be back later and there are several other "Scotland Pros" on here -- Bohuntine is up Glen Roy and I honestly do not see how you can manage exploring that area w/o a car.
Since you are not willing to drive - you are probably going to have to fork over for a driver guide.
Since you are not willing to drive - you are probably going to have to fork over for a driver guide.
Jun 11th, 2007, 07:18 PM
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Will you be arriving from the US, or have jet lag issues your first day? Which airport are you flying into (and out of)?
Glasgow would be a good place to get over your jet lag. Stay either in Central Glasgow or the West End. Transportation is not too difficult between them. You'll probably be getting a bus from the airport to the main bus station. Unless your lodging is very close, I'd recommend a taxi - for 3 people and luggage it makes sense. Probably won't be much over £5 if you are staying in Central Glasgow, a bit more if you are in the West End.
What you do in Glasgow depends a lot on your interests. Here is what the Fodor's Destinations section says about a 2 day Glasgow itinerary:
<i>On the first day explore the core of historic Glasgow -- the medieval area, dominated by Glasgow's cathedral, and Merchant City. Shoppers should head for Buchanan Street, including the Princes Square development and the Buchanan Galleries. Art lovers should make a bee-line to the Burrell Collection in Pollock Country Park on the South Side.
On the second day, see the West End, including the artwork and Charles Rennie Mackintosh furniture at the Hunterian Art Gallery. If you haven't yet seen the city-center parks, venture to Glasgow Green, the art collections at Pollok Country Park, or the House for an Art Lover, at Bellahouston Park. Remember that Glasgow's pubs and clubs serve up entertainment until late in the evening.</i>
I agree that the Merchant City area is nice and that the medieval cathedral is worth seeing. Behind the cathedral is the victorian graveyard, called the Necropolis, which is an interesting place to wander and look at tombstones and monuments. When we went there, we happened to stand next to a big monument to someone who had the same name as my husband, and who was also an "esq!"
There's a pub in Merchant City that is a favorite of ours: Babbity Bowster. If you try haggis anywhere, this would be the place, it's really good and served with "neeps and tatties" (mashed turnips and mashed potatoes".
While on that end of town you could walk down the hill about 15 minutes and see Glasgow Green (a large park) and the People's Palace, which is a museum of the people of Glasgow. We found it quite interesting.
The main shopping areas are Buchanan St. and Sauchiehall St., which are pedestrian only (watch for traffic on the cross streets, though - look right! Luckily many of the curbs have "look right" printed right on them)
In the West End is the Kelvingrove, a city museum that has been recently refurbished. It has a little something for everyone - great art and lots of natural history exhibits. Across the street is the museum of transportation, which my husband enjoyed.
If you like Indian food, I can recommend Mother India, in the West End.
Glasgow is famous for the architecture of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and if you have interest there are lots of sites, several of which are walkable.
You can keep your eye out for Greggs bakeries, which have great - and very popular - sandwiches.
Glasgow would be a good place to get over your jet lag. Stay either in Central Glasgow or the West End. Transportation is not too difficult between them. You'll probably be getting a bus from the airport to the main bus station. Unless your lodging is very close, I'd recommend a taxi - for 3 people and luggage it makes sense. Probably won't be much over £5 if you are staying in Central Glasgow, a bit more if you are in the West End.
What you do in Glasgow depends a lot on your interests. Here is what the Fodor's Destinations section says about a 2 day Glasgow itinerary:
<i>On the first day explore the core of historic Glasgow -- the medieval area, dominated by Glasgow's cathedral, and Merchant City. Shoppers should head for Buchanan Street, including the Princes Square development and the Buchanan Galleries. Art lovers should make a bee-line to the Burrell Collection in Pollock Country Park on the South Side.
On the second day, see the West End, including the artwork and Charles Rennie Mackintosh furniture at the Hunterian Art Gallery. If you haven't yet seen the city-center parks, venture to Glasgow Green, the art collections at Pollok Country Park, or the House for an Art Lover, at Bellahouston Park. Remember that Glasgow's pubs and clubs serve up entertainment until late in the evening.</i>
I agree that the Merchant City area is nice and that the medieval cathedral is worth seeing. Behind the cathedral is the victorian graveyard, called the Necropolis, which is an interesting place to wander and look at tombstones and monuments. When we went there, we happened to stand next to a big monument to someone who had the same name as my husband, and who was also an "esq!"
There's a pub in Merchant City that is a favorite of ours: Babbity Bowster. If you try haggis anywhere, this would be the place, it's really good and served with "neeps and tatties" (mashed turnips and mashed potatoes".
While on that end of town you could walk down the hill about 15 minutes and see Glasgow Green (a large park) and the People's Palace, which is a museum of the people of Glasgow. We found it quite interesting.
The main shopping areas are Buchanan St. and Sauchiehall St., which are pedestrian only (watch for traffic on the cross streets, though - look right! Luckily many of the curbs have "look right" printed right on them)
In the West End is the Kelvingrove, a city museum that has been recently refurbished. It has a little something for everyone - great art and lots of natural history exhibits. Across the street is the museum of transportation, which my husband enjoyed.
If you like Indian food, I can recommend Mother India, in the West End.
Glasgow is famous for the architecture of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and if you have interest there are lots of sites, several of which are walkable.
You can keep your eye out for Greggs bakeries, which have great - and very popular - sandwiches.
Jun 11th, 2007, 11:43 PM
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I think the first thing you need to address is the public transport issue.
If we start with Bohuntine, you can get from Glasgow to Fort William, and, in fact, probably as far as Bnavie by train. You then have to get a bus to Roybridge. It's only about 12 miles and I'm sure there'll be buses. You might, in fact, bebetter getting them from Fort William.
I'm sure there'll be no bus up to Bohuntine, but it's only about a mile and a half up the glen, so you could walk.
You can get the train from Fort William to Mallaig, the ferry from Mallaig to Armadale, and the bus on from there. It will pass the Clan Donald Centre. You can get round Skye by public transport, but it's not easy.
You can get from Fort William to Glencoe, by bus. If you went by bus from Glasgow to Fort William, you'd drive through it. The problem is, that it would take you half an hour to drive down, and the same back, but if you do it by bus, expecially if you want to see the length of the glen and go to the NTS centre, it's a day trip.
If you take the bus from Skye to Inverness, it will drive the length of Loch Ness. If you take the train- an it's a stunning train trip, you won't.
Bottom line here, is that the flexibility you'll get whilst driving will add a huge amount of value to you trip. Really.
If we start with Bohuntine, you can get from Glasgow to Fort William, and, in fact, probably as far as Bnavie by train. You then have to get a bus to Roybridge. It's only about 12 miles and I'm sure there'll be buses. You might, in fact, bebetter getting them from Fort William.
I'm sure there'll be no bus up to Bohuntine, but it's only about a mile and a half up the glen, so you could walk.
You can get the train from Fort William to Mallaig, the ferry from Mallaig to Armadale, and the bus on from there. It will pass the Clan Donald Centre. You can get round Skye by public transport, but it's not easy.
You can get from Fort William to Glencoe, by bus. If you went by bus from Glasgow to Fort William, you'd drive through it. The problem is, that it would take you half an hour to drive down, and the same back, but if you do it by bus, expecially if you want to see the length of the glen and go to the NTS centre, it's a day trip.
If you take the bus from Skye to Inverness, it will drive the length of Loch Ness. If you take the train- an it's a stunning train trip, you won't.
Bottom line here, is that the flexibility you'll get whilst driving will add a huge amount of value to you trip. Really.
Jun 12th, 2007, 08:01 AM
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Thanks for your suggestions everyone. If we do bite the bullet and rent a car, I don't think I'd feel comfortable driving out of Glasgow. I know it would be more expensive to bus to Fort William (or wherever we will be staying) and rent a car there for a few days, but I think that's the only way I'd be able to do it. That being said, can I rent a car in Fort William? And if we have a car, does it still make sense to stay in Fort William? Where else would you suggest we stay? I heard a lot about Oban in other threads - is it far from the area I want to explore? I also heard Glencoe mentioned a lot. Do you have recommendations for accommodation in these areas? Or, if Fort William still makes the most sense, does anyone know whether The Lime Tree is a good place to stay?
Thanks again for helping me out!
Thanks again for helping me out!
Jun 12th, 2007, 08:06 AM
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Oh and noe847, yes jet lag will be an issue. We're flying from Canada into Glasgow International.
Actually, it's funny. I grew up in Cape Breton and my parents are still there. My mom grew up in Glencoe and Inverness is 20 minutes down the road from my hometown. It kind of feels like we'll be visiting a parallel universe or something.
Actually, it's funny. I grew up in Cape Breton and my parents are still there. My mom grew up in Glencoe and Inverness is 20 minutes down the road from my hometown. It kind of feels like we'll be visiting a parallel universe or something.
Jun 12th, 2007, 08:14 AM
#8
Just another quick note -- seems I'm always just about to leave when I come across your thread 
Anyway. You are right about driving in Glasgow. But once away from the city, driving gets a LOT easier. You would not have to go all the way to Ft William to pick up a car. Just going out to Glasgow airport by public transport and getting you car there is an easy way to go.
GLA is right off of the main road north along Loch Lomond, and then through Glencoe. So that is what I'd do - take a bus or taxi out to GLA and get your car there. Since you will have been in Glasgow for a couple of days you won't have to deal w/ driving while jetlagged.
W/ a car, you would not be limited to staying in towns like Ft William - you could stay anywhere. In Glencoe or in Roybridge or in Spean Bridge.
And for touring Skye - a car makes things a lot easier . . . . .
Anyway. You are right about driving in Glasgow. But once away from the city, driving gets a LOT easier. You would not have to go all the way to Ft William to pick up a car. Just going out to Glasgow airport by public transport and getting you car there is an easy way to go.
GLA is right off of the main road north along Loch Lomond, and then through Glencoe. So that is what I'd do - take a bus or taxi out to GLA and get your car there. Since you will have been in Glasgow for a couple of days you won't have to deal w/ driving while jetlagged.
W/ a car, you would not be limited to staying in towns like Ft William - you could stay anywhere. In Glencoe or in Roybridge or in Spean Bridge.
And for touring Skye - a car makes things a lot easier . . . . .
Jun 12th, 2007, 08:24 AM
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I understand your trepidation for driving. I had the same feeling when I traveled over last year. However, once behind the wheel, I found it an easy adjustment to make. I had invested in an automatic, as shifting right handed would have been overload for me. The only place I had fits was in Edinburgh. I had no problems navigating out of Glasgow. If you are truly unconfident about driving, a chauffeured service would be ideal but a bit pricey in most cases. The benefit from a private tour is that you get a historical perspective from a personal point of view.
A few to look into, because I looked into it myself before deciding to bite the bullet:
http://www.chauffeur-drive-scotland.co.uk/index.htm
http://www.cunninghamchauffeurdriveservices.com/
Since you are looking to walk your roots, so to speak, Nigel Cole might be just what you are looking for, http://www.catswhiskerstours.co.uk/.
My people are connected to the MacDonald clan, as well, in Glencoe & Skye.
Have a most excellent time!
Slan Beo,
Bit Devine
Cowboy Craic
A few to look into, because I looked into it myself before deciding to bite the bullet:
http://www.chauffeur-drive-scotland.co.uk/index.htm
http://www.cunninghamchauffeurdriveservices.com/
Since you are looking to walk your roots, so to speak, Nigel Cole might be just what you are looking for, http://www.catswhiskerstours.co.uk/.
My people are connected to the MacDonald clan, as well, in Glencoe & Skye.
Have a most excellent time!
Slan Beo,
Bit Devine
Cowboy Craic
Jun 12th, 2007, 08:26 AM
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I wanted to address the use of buses on Skye. They do exist but run erratically. If you don't rent a car and since you have such a short amount of time, I suggest you hire a driver to meet you at Armadale and then drive you to the Clan Mc Donald center( which houses an excellent museum) and then the scenic route via Tarskavaig and Tokavaig, then on to Kyle of Lochalsh where you can catch the bus or train to Inveness as Shelia mentioned. You will have to coordinate your timing.
And, yes, you can rent a car in Fort William
And, yes, you can rent a car in Fort William
Jun 12th, 2007, 10:11 AM
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Is it best to arrange the rental beforehand? I've heard AutoEurope is good.
I'm still unsure of my choice to stay in Fort William based on other threads.
I like the idea of being based out of one spot, but maybe I should stay in Fort William or Glencoe for 2 nights and Isle of Skye for the other 2 nights. Thoughts? Hotel recommendations?
Thanks!
I'm still unsure of my choice to stay in Fort William based on other threads.
I like the idea of being based out of one spot, but maybe I should stay in Fort William or Glencoe for 2 nights and Isle of Skye for the other 2 nights. Thoughts? Hotel recommendations?
Thanks!
Jun 12th, 2007, 10:42 AM
#12
OK - back
As for staying IN FT William - don't do it. Especially if you decide to rent a car. Nearby is fine - but Ft William itself has absolutely <u>nothing</u> to recommend it. Just a train station and lots and LOTS of B&Bs - that's it. And no place on the mainland is good as a base for touring Skye - except maybe over at the Kyle of Lochalsh.
So 2 nights near Glencoe or Roy Bridge/Spean Bridge, and 2 nights towards the north/middle of Skye (Portree, Sligachan, etc) makes more sense.
As for renting a car - you will get MUCH better rates if you prebook from teh States. Probably 30% to 40% cheaper. Auto Europe is a good place to start. get a quote from them and then see if anyone else can beat it
As for staying IN FT William - don't do it. Especially if you decide to rent a car. Nearby is fine - but Ft William itself has absolutely <u>nothing</u> to recommend it. Just a train station and lots and LOTS of B&Bs - that's it. And no place on the mainland is good as a base for touring Skye - except maybe over at the Kyle of Lochalsh.
So 2 nights near Glencoe or Roy Bridge/Spean Bridge, and 2 nights towards the north/middle of Skye (Portree, Sligachan, etc) makes more sense.
As for renting a car - you will get MUCH better rates if you prebook from teh States. Probably 30% to 40% cheaper. Auto Europe is a good place to start. get a quote from them and then see if anyone else can beat it
Jun 12th, 2007, 10:54 AM
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I use Autoeurope almost exclusively for my Ireland and UK rental. They will usually match any price that beats theirs, your pre-pay (1/2 on booking & 1/2 just before trip departure)and I ahve found that they are usually the most reasonable for renting an automatic. I have never been hassled by them either when picking up the rental or upon returning it. I have also never had any last minute surprises which caused my rate to increase with them.
I would have to say your idea of 2 nights Glasow, 2 nights near Glencoe and 2 nights on Skye is a great balance! I will leave it to those more in the know to make lodging recommendations.
Slan Beo,
Bit Devine
I would have to say your idea of 2 nights Glasow, 2 nights near Glencoe and 2 nights on Skye is a great balance! I will leave it to those more in the know to make lodging recommendations.
Slan Beo,
Bit Devine
Jun 12th, 2007, 11:54 AM
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First, those who know me, know that I don't drive in Scotland and use public transportatiom. We hired a very nice private tour guide who met us at Armadale and drove us to a nice B&B on Skye, the White Heather, followed by a tour on Skyle and later a drive to the train station in Kyle of Lochalsh. Really, very reasonable plus a 15 pense bus ride from the hotel to a great cafe in Kyle of Lochalsh. You can do a lot by train and bus, it just take a bit of time to research the details. If you wish I can give yoou names and sites for bus travel.
Jun 12th, 2007, 11:58 AM
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Just so you know - 23, 24 & 25 September is a local holiday weekend in the Glasgow area. It shouldn't really make much difference to your plans (shops, restaurants etc. will all open normally for example) but you might find the roads & attractions that bit busier due to daytrippers and the like.
Jim
Jim
Jun 12th, 2007, 01:49 PM
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Hi again. This is what I have for you.
1) Guide used for Skye was Alasdair Ross.
2)
for bus travel go to www.traveline.org.uk.index.htm, you should see a map of Great Britain, click on the map of Scotland, then journey planner and fill in the details.
3) for Breat Britain rail information I actually use the German site, Do a search for Die bahn.com then enter DB Timetable Information which should bring up a journel planner for trains.
Let me know if you would like more information
1) Guide used for Skye was Alasdair Ross.
2)
for bus travel go to www.traveline.org.uk.index.htm, you should see a map of Great Britain, click on the map of Scotland, then journey planner and fill in the details.
3) for Breat Britain rail information I actually use the German site, Do a search for Die bahn.com then enter DB Timetable Information which should bring up a journel planner for trains.
Let me know if you would like more information
Jun 12th, 2007, 01:57 PM
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The problem of using public transportation vs. self drive always makes for a difficult decision.
I've done both and you certainly have more flexibility/freedom when you hire a car. However, if you are seriously concerned about the driving part, I'd probably go with public transportation. It makes little sense to have a car if you are freaked out about driving. One option might be to take the train to Oban or Fort William (no need to stay there),rent a car for a couple of days and see how you feel about driving. I imagine you could extend your lease.
Here are a couple of websites for transportation.
www.nationalrail.co.uk
www.scotrail.co.uk
For buses www.citylink.co.uk
Another excellent website is www.travelinescotland.com
I've done both and you certainly have more flexibility/freedom when you hire a car. However, if you are seriously concerned about the driving part, I'd probably go with public transportation. It makes little sense to have a car if you are freaked out about driving. One option might be to take the train to Oban or Fort William (no need to stay there),rent a car for a couple of days and see how you feel about driving. I imagine you could extend your lease.
Here are a couple of websites for transportation.
www.nationalrail.co.uk
www.scotrail.co.uk
For buses www.citylink.co.uk
Another excellent website is www.travelinescotland.com
