Rough Itinerary for Scotland, please more help
Feb 4th, 2011, 02:48 PM
#21
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You won't need a car in Edinburgh as you can get anywhere you want to go via the Trams/Buses, including the Botanical Gardens. A car would actually be a hindrance as parking is difficult to find and metered for maximum times (usually an hour or 2). If Edinburgh is your last stop, just turn the car in when you arrive.
If you can afford it, stay at The Glass House ($300/night). It's just adjacent to the Edinburgh Playhouse and within easy walking distance of the Prince's Street/Rose Street shopping, the Palace, the Castle and the Royal Mile. It has a rooftop terrace with incredible views. It's also pretty close to the Botanical Gardens and you could walk there, as well. Be fore-warned, tho- It's all uphill heading back.
There are probably some less expensive places in the City Center, but I don't think they will be a lot cheaper and it's really best to stay in the Center unless you're pretty adept at figuring out bus routes.
If you can afford it, stay at The Glass House ($300/night). It's just adjacent to the Edinburgh Playhouse and within easy walking distance of the Prince's Street/Rose Street shopping, the Palace, the Castle and the Royal Mile. It has a rooftop terrace with incredible views. It's also pretty close to the Botanical Gardens and you could walk there, as well. Be fore-warned, tho- It's all uphill heading back.
There are probably some less expensive places in the City Center, but I don't think they will be a lot cheaper and it's really best to stay in the Center unless you're pretty adept at figuring out bus routes.
Feb 5th, 2011, 12:21 AM
#22
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Couple of observations
1) July is school holiday time in Scotland, late July is school holiday time throughout the UK
2) I'd reverse the trip and spend time in Edinburgh before you get a car - gives you more time to recover from your flights
1) July is school holiday time in Scotland, late July is school holiday time throughout the UK
2) I'd reverse the trip and spend time in Edinburgh before you get a car - gives you more time to recover from your flights
Feb 5th, 2011, 03:31 AM
#23
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2) I'd reverse the trip and spend time in Edinburgh before you get a car - gives you more time to recover from your flights
Is always good advice.
I would also look at your routing. You are spending 2 days travelling including a night a LHR. I wouldn't wish that on anyone.
I'm sure Continental connect us to Washington through Newark and I'm sure its only about 9 hours with the connection.
LHR is not on any list of "must sees" (whatever that ridiculous phrase means).
Is always good advice.
I would also look at your routing. You are spending 2 days travelling including a night a LHR. I wouldn't wish that on anyone.
I'm sure Continental connect us to Washington through Newark and I'm sure its only about 9 hours with the connection.
LHR is not on any list of "must sees" (whatever that ridiculous phrase means).
Feb 5th, 2011, 04:15 AM
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I'm not an expert on castles but, for scenic driving, I would choose a route that spends much longer on the west coast of Scotland. The road from Mallaig and the Ardnamurchen peninsular are breathtaking. Include Glen Coe and head for Skye via the Road to the Isles with a detour through the Mam Ratagan pass which takes you to Glenelg and the small but picturesque Kylerhea Ferry. Skye is worth 3 days at least - including a drive up the east coast and around the north coast. Skye is a big island.
Feb 5th, 2011, 09:10 AM
#26
as a counter to scensome's post (which is good info) --I don't think it meets your specific interests. Yes it takes in some wonderful scenery -- but would cut out many of the gardens that are a major part of your itinerary. You've already had to eliminate Culzean and gardens in the SW. I think your plan (either as it is or reversed as mentioned above) is a perfect combo of scenery/castles/gardens.
Feb 6th, 2011, 06:07 AM
#27
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Hi all. Still working on this and learning all the time. Thanks for all the help and suggestions.
Our flights are booked. I know you think I'm crazy, but the non-stop morning flight from IAD to LHR really works for us. By the time we get to the airport hotel we will have been up about 13 hours with only about 6 hrs of sleep the night before. We can get some sleep that night, fly to EDI the next morning, no jetlag. We've done it twice before and it really seems to help set our body's clock to European time.
I thought about switching Edinburgh to the beginning of the trip, didn't do so because this way my sister-in-law, who loves to shop, will have one last day shopping. (and we won't have to drive around for 11 days with all of her stuff!)
scensome ~ I had planned to drive the A830 from Mallaig to Ballachulish. If we get off onto the A861, is this one of the areas you were talking about? It looks we can cross over towards Ballachulish/Glencoe at Ardgour?
Updates or questions with *
Day 4
Glamis Castle
*Edzell Castle
Dunnotar Castle
*stay Banchory? haven't decided yet. Alexandra Hotel? Deeside Hotel? Tor-na-Coille Hotel hasn't answered my emails.
Day 5
Crathes Castle
Drum Castle
Craigievar Castle if time
Drive Cairngorms Park, past Corgarff Castle
*booked a B&B in Forres
Day 6
Cawdor Castle
*Look for Nessie if time
*Tea @ Whistle Stop in Kinlochewe
*booked a B&B near Gairloch
Day 7
Inverewe Gardens
* drive to Applecross and around Peninsula???????? Worthwhile???????
Tallisker Distillery? Attadale Gardens?
booked Carters Rest in Upper Milovaig
Day 8
Dunvegan Castle
Neist Point Lighthouse
other recommendations???????
booked Carter’s Rest in Upper Milovaig
Day 9
Scenery /Driving Day
**Now here is where I am still struggling as to what to do and where to stay. When we leave Carter's Rest, I want to spend another day on Skye. My thought is to drive the Trotternish Peninsula. Is this just a drive with stops for photos and to get out and gawk? Are there walks or places to visit? The following morning we will be headed to Ballachulish/Glencoe area for 2 night via the Ferry to Maillag.
Is Armadale Castle and Gardens worth a visit?
Where should we stay? Broadford? Ardvasar?
Day 10
stay near Ballachulish/Glencoe
Day 11
stay near Ballachulish/Glencoe
Day 12
head to Edinburgh
Stop at Ardkinglas Woodland Garden if not yet done
Edinburgh Botanic Garden
stay in Edinburgh @ ? (haven't researched this part yet)
Day 13
Edinburgh
Our flights are booked. I know you think I'm crazy, but the non-stop morning flight from IAD to LHR really works for us. By the time we get to the airport hotel we will have been up about 13 hours with only about 6 hrs of sleep the night before. We can get some sleep that night, fly to EDI the next morning, no jetlag. We've done it twice before and it really seems to help set our body's clock to European time.
I thought about switching Edinburgh to the beginning of the trip, didn't do so because this way my sister-in-law, who loves to shop, will have one last day shopping. (and we won't have to drive around for 11 days with all of her stuff!)
scensome ~ I had planned to drive the A830 from Mallaig to Ballachulish. If we get off onto the A861, is this one of the areas you were talking about? It looks we can cross over towards Ballachulish/Glencoe at Ardgour?
Updates or questions with *
Day 4
Glamis Castle
*Edzell Castle
Dunnotar Castle
*stay Banchory? haven't decided yet. Alexandra Hotel? Deeside Hotel? Tor-na-Coille Hotel hasn't answered my emails.
Day 5
Crathes Castle
Drum Castle
Craigievar Castle if time
Drive Cairngorms Park, past Corgarff Castle
*booked a B&B in Forres
Day 6
Cawdor Castle
*Look for Nessie if time
*Tea @ Whistle Stop in Kinlochewe
*booked a B&B near Gairloch
Day 7
Inverewe Gardens
* drive to Applecross and around Peninsula???????? Worthwhile???????
Tallisker Distillery? Attadale Gardens?
booked Carters Rest in Upper Milovaig
Day 8
Dunvegan Castle
Neist Point Lighthouse
other recommendations???????
booked Carter’s Rest in Upper Milovaig
Day 9
Scenery /Driving Day
**Now here is where I am still struggling as to what to do and where to stay. When we leave Carter's Rest, I want to spend another day on Skye. My thought is to drive the Trotternish Peninsula. Is this just a drive with stops for photos and to get out and gawk? Are there walks or places to visit? The following morning we will be headed to Ballachulish/Glencoe area for 2 night via the Ferry to Maillag.
Is Armadale Castle and Gardens worth a visit?
Where should we stay? Broadford? Ardvasar?
Day 10
stay near Ballachulish/Glencoe
Day 11
stay near Ballachulish/Glencoe
Day 12
head to Edinburgh
Stop at Ardkinglas Woodland Garden if not yet done
Edinburgh Botanic Garden
stay in Edinburgh @ ? (haven't researched this part yet)
Day 13
Edinburgh
Feb 6th, 2011, 01:05 PM
#29
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I would offer an adjustment to your Scone Castle Day 3. Staying in Pitlochry for the first couple of nights makes sense, but if you're going as far as Scone, you should stay in Perth that night especially if you're heading off to Glamis the next day. If you stay at Pitlochry, you'd just be doing a lot of backtracking on your Day 4.
I would recommend a lovely B&B I used in Perth, Pitcullen Guest House, which is very convenient to Scone. Peter, the owner is a great guy and made my stay there so nice.
http://www.pitcullen.co.uk/
I really loved Scone. I never considered myself a porcelain enthusiast, but that room is simply amazing. I also really enjoyed Glamis. I love the bedroom with the curtains I think were stitched by Mary Queen of Scots.
I would recommend a lovely B&B I used in Perth, Pitcullen Guest House, which is very convenient to Scone. Peter, the owner is a great guy and made my stay there so nice.
http://www.pitcullen.co.uk/
I really loved Scone. I never considered myself a porcelain enthusiast, but that room is simply amazing. I also really enjoyed Glamis. I love the bedroom with the curtains I think were stitched by Mary Queen of Scots.
Feb 6th, 2011, 04:29 PM
#31
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Hi Sheri ~ I've already booked the 3 days in Pitlochry, and you'll notice the "Scone Day" is either Day 2 or Day 3 ~ that's because there are Highland Games there, and I will want to choose which day according to the schedule when it is posted.
patandhank, I will surely try! Once I finish planning this trip I need to do a trip report for last years's trip to Italy!
patandhank, I will surely try! Once I finish planning this trip I need to do a trip report for last years's trip to Italy!
Feb 7th, 2011, 05:44 AM
#33
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Thanks sheri, we actually don't mind back-tracking, it sometimes gives us different roads to take!
I'm pretty excited about Scone and the Games being on while we're there. Haven't found any other Games in an area that coincide with when we will be there. Scone and Glamis look amazing.
I'm pretty excited about Scone and the Games being on while we're there. Haven't found any other Games in an area that coincide with when we will be there. Scone and Glamis look amazing.
Feb 18th, 2011, 04:12 PM
#34
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Ok here is where I am at the moment.
Question ~ do I have too LITTLE planned? We are slow in our "touring" but I look at some other itineraries and think maybe I should add in some other options, just in case?
Fly from IAD to LHR on morning flight, arrive LHR, sleep over at Heathrow Marriot, fly AM LHR to EDI, arrive EDI about 10AM
Day 1 ~ pick up rental car upon arrival at EDI (10AM)
Stirling Castle
Drummond Castle
Stop at Kenmore, Loch Tay if time
stay Craigatin House Pitlochry
Day 2 or 3
Blair Castle
House of Bruar
Edradour Distillery
Stop at Kenmore, Loch Tay if time
Stay Craigatin House Pitlochry
Day 2 or 3
Scone Palace (Highland Games)
Stop at Kenmore, Loch Tay if time
Stay Craigatin House Pitlochry
Day 4
Glamis Castle
Edzell Castle
stop at Drumtochy? (invite from Lynne)
Dunnotar Castle
Stay Tor-na-Coille Hotel Banchory
Day 5
Crathes Castle
Drum Castle
Craigievar Castle if time
Drive Cairngorms Park, past Corgarff Castle, visit or not?
Stay Mayfield House, Forres
Day 6
Cawdor Castle
Look for Nessie if time
Tea @ Whistle Stop in Kinlochewe? Scenic drive from undiscovered Scotland
Stay Aird Hill B&B, Badachro near Gairloch
Day 7
Inverewe Gardens
* drive to Applecross and around Peninsula????????
Tallisker Distillery?
Attadale Gardens?
Stay Carters Rest in Upper Milovaig
Day 8
Dunvegan Castle & Gardens
Neist Point Lighthouse
Stay Carter’s Rest in Upper Milovaig
Day 9
Scenery /Driving Day
Trotternish Peninsula
Drive from Broadford to Elgol? Eat there or in Broadford?
Stay Swordale House, Broadford
Day 10
Leave Skye
Otters on the way to the Ferry?
Armadale Castle and Gardens?
road from Mallaig around the Ardnamurchen peninsula, or main road?
Stay Cuilcheanna House near Ballachulish, Glencoe
Day 11
Drive scenic drive undiscoverd Scotland
Oban?
Ardkinglas Woodland Garden?
Stay Cuilcheanna House near Ballachulish, Glencoe
Day 12
head to Edinburgh
Stop at Ardkinglas Woodland Garden if not yet done
Scottish Wool Centre & Inchmahome Abbey
Edinburgh Botanic Garden
Stay in Edinburgh @ Six Brunton Place
Day 13
Edinburgh ~ Castle, Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, Mary’s Close, Shopping
Stay in Edinburgh @ Six Brunton Place
Day 14
return rental car
Fly EDI to LHR, LHR to IAD
Question ~ do I have too LITTLE planned? We are slow in our "touring" but I look at some other itineraries and think maybe I should add in some other options, just in case?
Fly from IAD to LHR on morning flight, arrive LHR, sleep over at Heathrow Marriot, fly AM LHR to EDI, arrive EDI about 10AM
Day 1 ~ pick up rental car upon arrival at EDI (10AM)
Stirling Castle
Drummond Castle
Stop at Kenmore, Loch Tay if time
stay Craigatin House Pitlochry
Day 2 or 3
Blair Castle
House of Bruar
Edradour Distillery
Stop at Kenmore, Loch Tay if time
Stay Craigatin House Pitlochry
Day 2 or 3
Scone Palace (Highland Games)
Stop at Kenmore, Loch Tay if time
Stay Craigatin House Pitlochry
Day 4
Glamis Castle
Edzell Castle
stop at Drumtochy? (invite from Lynne)
Dunnotar Castle
Stay Tor-na-Coille Hotel Banchory
Day 5
Crathes Castle
Drum Castle
Craigievar Castle if time
Drive Cairngorms Park, past Corgarff Castle, visit or not?
Stay Mayfield House, Forres
Day 6
Cawdor Castle
Look for Nessie if time
Tea @ Whistle Stop in Kinlochewe? Scenic drive from undiscovered Scotland
Stay Aird Hill B&B, Badachro near Gairloch
Day 7
Inverewe Gardens
* drive to Applecross and around Peninsula????????
Tallisker Distillery?
Attadale Gardens?
Stay Carters Rest in Upper Milovaig
Day 8
Dunvegan Castle & Gardens
Neist Point Lighthouse
Stay Carter’s Rest in Upper Milovaig
Day 9
Scenery /Driving Day
Trotternish Peninsula
Drive from Broadford to Elgol? Eat there or in Broadford?
Stay Swordale House, Broadford
Day 10
Leave Skye
Otters on the way to the Ferry?
Armadale Castle and Gardens?
road from Mallaig around the Ardnamurchen peninsula, or main road?
Stay Cuilcheanna House near Ballachulish, Glencoe
Day 11
Drive scenic drive undiscoverd Scotland
Oban?
Ardkinglas Woodland Garden?
Stay Cuilcheanna House near Ballachulish, Glencoe
Day 12
head to Edinburgh
Stop at Ardkinglas Woodland Garden if not yet done
Scottish Wool Centre & Inchmahome Abbey
Edinburgh Botanic Garden
Stay in Edinburgh @ Six Brunton Place
Day 13
Edinburgh ~ Castle, Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, Mary’s Close, Shopping
Stay in Edinburgh @ Six Brunton Place
Day 14
return rental car
Fly EDI to LHR, LHR to IAD
Feb 19th, 2011, 07:48 AM
#36
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Catching up from nearly a fortnight ago:-
Stay somewhere between Dunnottar and Glamis? Me, I'd stay in or around Banchory for sure. Have you looked at Banchory Lodge?
Did you book your Gairloch B&B? I was going to suggest
http://www.nafirchlis.co.uk/
YOU should definitely do Applecross. (actually, the Applecross Inn is on my list of places I want to stay at). Ratagan is nice, but it's not a patch on the Bealach nam Bo
I think you may reach distillery saturation. Although Talisker is nice.
Lots of walks on Trotternish
http://website.lineone.net/~trotternish/scenery.html
If you're staying on Skye and aiming for Mallaig stay at the Eilean Iarmain
Stay in Port Appin the next night
Stay somewhere between Dunnottar and Glamis? Me, I'd stay in or around Banchory for sure. Have you looked at Banchory Lodge?
Did you book your Gairloch B&B? I was going to suggest
http://www.nafirchlis.co.uk/
YOU should definitely do Applecross. (actually, the Applecross Inn is on my list of places I want to stay at). Ratagan is nice, but it's not a patch on the Bealach nam Bo
I think you may reach distillery saturation. Although Talisker is nice.
Lots of walks on Trotternish
http://website.lineone.net/~trotternish/scenery.html
If you're staying on Skye and aiming for Mallaig stay at the Eilean Iarmain
Stay in Port Appin the next night
Feb 19th, 2011, 08:51 AM
#37
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Thanks for the Trotternish website Sheila, I see a link for walks at the bottom.
And Applecross is official then for Day 7, I've heard it's spectacular.
All B&B's, places to stay are booked .............finally!
And Applecross is official then for Day 7, I've heard it's spectacular.
All B&B's, places to stay are booked .............finally!
Jun 20th, 2011, 01:11 PM
#38
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OK, here's an updated itinerary. You'll see several things on more than one day, those are places that we will try to get to if we miss them on the first day. You'll also some with question marks ~ PLEASE, all comments suggestions welcome!
We leave the 29, it has been a very busy spring/summer for my business, I am now just getting back to "fine tuning" our plans.
Very interested in scenic roads to get from one place to another.
Thanks for all the help you've already given me, how does anyone plan a trip without the help of Fodorites??????????
Day 1 ~ pick up rental car upon arrival at EDI (10AM)
Stirling Castle
Drummond Castle 1-6, gardens only but views of Castle are great
Stop at Kenmore, Loch Tay if time
stay Craigatin House Pitlochry
Day 2 or 3
Blair Castle
Edradour Distillery
Dalwhinnie Distillery?
Stop at Kenmore, Loch Tay if time
Stay Craigatin House Pitlochry
Day 2 or 3
Scone Palace (Highland Game Fair)
The Meigle Sculptured Stone Museum?
Stop at Kenmore, Loch Tay if time
Stay Craigatin House Pitlochry
Day 4
Glamis Castle
Dunnottar Castle? or CHOOSE ~ don’t go to Dunnotar, take the road from Blairgowrie through Ballater to Banchory, supposed to be a cool road. Could do one of the Castles from Day 5 if time ?
Stay Tor-na-Coille Hotel Banchory
Day 5
Crathes Castle
Drum Castle
Craigievar Castle if time Alford
Drive Cairngorms Park, past Corgarff Castle, visit or not?
There's a very good whisky shop in Tomintoul with a very good wood carver right next door
Stay Mayfield House, Forres
Day 6
Cawdor Castle
Look for Nessie if time ~ Oakwood restaurant A82 south of Inverness for lunch?
Tea @ Whistle Stop in Kinlochewe? Scenic drive from undiscovered Scotland
Stay Aird Hill B&B, Badachro near Gairloch
Day 7
Inverewe Gardens ~ opens @10:00
drive to Applecross across Bealach na Bà Pass
Attadale Gardens? Looks nice
Skye Silver ~ The Old School ~ Colbost, Dunvegan
Stay Carters Rest in Upper Milovaig
Day 8
Dunvegan Castle & Gardens (MacLeod Estate) Opens @ 10:00.
Trotternish Peninsula, down to Portree
Eilean Donan Castle
Tallisker Distillery ~ 9:30 to 5:00, last tour at 4:00
Skye Silver ~ The Old School ~ Colbost, Dunvegan
Stay Carter’s Rest in Upper Milovaig
Day 9
Skye Silver ~ The Old School ~ Colbost, Dunvegan
Tallisker Distillery ~ 9:30 to 5:00, last tour at 4:00
Eilean Donan Castle IV40 8DX
Do what else didn’t get done
Drive from Broadford to Elgol? Kylerhea Otter Sanctuary?
Stay Swordale House, Broadford
Day 10
Leave Skye
Kylerhea Otter Sanctuary on the way to the Ferry?
Road from Mallaig around the Ardnamurchen peninsula, or main road Maillaig to Onich?
Stay Cuilcheanna House near Ballachulish, Glencoe
Day 11
Drive scenic drive undiscoverd Scotland
Oban & distillery? +44 (0) 1631 572002 /Visitor Center +44 (0) 1631 572002
Ardkinglas Woodland Garden?
Stay Cuilcheanna House near Ballachulish, Glencoe
Day 12
head to Edinburgh
Stop at Ardkinglas Woodland Garden if not yet done?
Scottish Wool Centre & Inchmahome Abbey
Edinburgh Botanic Garden
Stay in Edinburgh @ Two Hillside Crescent
Day 13
Edinburgh ~ Castle, Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, Mary’s Close, Shopping
Stay in Edinburgh @ Two Hillside Crescent
Day 14
return rental car
Fly EDI to LHR, LHR to IAD
THOUGHTS?????????????????????????????????????????? ????
We leave the 29, it has been a very busy spring/summer for my business, I am now just getting back to "fine tuning" our plans.
Very interested in scenic roads to get from one place to another.
Thanks for all the help you've already given me, how does anyone plan a trip without the help of Fodorites??????????
Day 1 ~ pick up rental car upon arrival at EDI (10AM)
Stirling Castle
Drummond Castle 1-6, gardens only but views of Castle are great
Stop at Kenmore, Loch Tay if time
stay Craigatin House Pitlochry
Day 2 or 3
Blair Castle
Edradour Distillery
Dalwhinnie Distillery?
Stop at Kenmore, Loch Tay if time
Stay Craigatin House Pitlochry
Day 2 or 3
Scone Palace (Highland Game Fair)
The Meigle Sculptured Stone Museum?
Stop at Kenmore, Loch Tay if time
Stay Craigatin House Pitlochry
Day 4
Glamis Castle
Dunnottar Castle? or CHOOSE ~ don’t go to Dunnotar, take the road from Blairgowrie through Ballater to Banchory, supposed to be a cool road. Could do one of the Castles from Day 5 if time ?
Stay Tor-na-Coille Hotel Banchory
Day 5
Crathes Castle
Drum Castle
Craigievar Castle if time Alford
Drive Cairngorms Park, past Corgarff Castle, visit or not?
There's a very good whisky shop in Tomintoul with a very good wood carver right next door
Stay Mayfield House, Forres
Day 6
Cawdor Castle
Look for Nessie if time ~ Oakwood restaurant A82 south of Inverness for lunch?
Tea @ Whistle Stop in Kinlochewe? Scenic drive from undiscovered Scotland
Stay Aird Hill B&B, Badachro near Gairloch
Day 7
Inverewe Gardens ~ opens @10:00
drive to Applecross across Bealach na Bà Pass
Attadale Gardens? Looks nice
Skye Silver ~ The Old School ~ Colbost, Dunvegan
Stay Carters Rest in Upper Milovaig
Day 8
Dunvegan Castle & Gardens (MacLeod Estate) Opens @ 10:00.
Trotternish Peninsula, down to Portree
Eilean Donan Castle
Tallisker Distillery ~ 9:30 to 5:00, last tour at 4:00
Skye Silver ~ The Old School ~ Colbost, Dunvegan
Stay Carter’s Rest in Upper Milovaig
Day 9
Skye Silver ~ The Old School ~ Colbost, Dunvegan
Tallisker Distillery ~ 9:30 to 5:00, last tour at 4:00
Eilean Donan Castle IV40 8DX
Do what else didn’t get done
Drive from Broadford to Elgol? Kylerhea Otter Sanctuary?
Stay Swordale House, Broadford
Day 10
Leave Skye
Kylerhea Otter Sanctuary on the way to the Ferry?
Road from Mallaig around the Ardnamurchen peninsula, or main road Maillaig to Onich?
Stay Cuilcheanna House near Ballachulish, Glencoe
Day 11
Drive scenic drive undiscoverd Scotland
Oban & distillery? +44 (0) 1631 572002 /Visitor Center +44 (0) 1631 572002
Ardkinglas Woodland Garden?
Stay Cuilcheanna House near Ballachulish, Glencoe
Day 12
head to Edinburgh
Stop at Ardkinglas Woodland Garden if not yet done?
Scottish Wool Centre & Inchmahome Abbey
Edinburgh Botanic Garden
Stay in Edinburgh @ Two Hillside Crescent
Day 13
Edinburgh ~ Castle, Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, Mary’s Close, Shopping
Stay in Edinburgh @ Two Hillside Crescent
Day 14
return rental car
Fly EDI to LHR, LHR to IAD
THOUGHTS?????????????????????????????????????????? ????
Jun 20th, 2011, 01:38 PM
#39
Need to re-read to absorb the full itinerary - but at first glance it mostly looks good.
Just two quick notes.
1) you don't want to miss Dunnottar. You can squeeze it in some how -- but as long as you hit Glamis and Crathes (and probably Craigievar) I'd definitely work in a visit to Dunnottar.
2) On Day 12 there is no way you'll drive from Ballachulish to Aberfoyle/Inchmahome (w/ or w/o Ardkinglas Garden) and have time for the Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh. The drive w/o Ardkinglas will be over 4 hours. The boat ride/Inchmahome, count on 90 minutes minimum - 2 hours more likely. Plus maybe an hour at the Wool Centre. And adding a detour to Cairndow for the garden makes for a 5 hour drive w/o stops.
Just two quick notes.
1) you don't want to miss Dunnottar. You can squeeze it in some how -- but as long as you hit Glamis and Crathes (and probably Craigievar) I'd definitely work in a visit to Dunnottar.
2) On Day 12 there is no way you'll drive from Ballachulish to Aberfoyle/Inchmahome (w/ or w/o Ardkinglas Garden) and have time for the Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh. The drive w/o Ardkinglas will be over 4 hours. The boat ride/Inchmahome, count on 90 minutes minimum - 2 hours more likely. Plus maybe an hour at the Wool Centre. And adding a detour to Cairndow for the garden makes for a 5 hour drive w/o stops.
Jun 21st, 2011, 03:09 AM
#40
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Thanks Janis
If we need to prioritize, which Castle should be at the bottom of the list, Drum or Craigievar?
In looking at it I see Day 12 doesn't look possible. I'm wondering if we should just stop at the Scottish Wool Centre, and head on to Edinburgh. Is Inchmahome a "must see" after we have seen many castles and "atmospheric" ruins?
If we need to prioritize, which Castle should be at the bottom of the list, Drum or Craigievar?
In looking at it I see Day 12 doesn't look possible. I'm wondering if we should just stop at the Scottish Wool Centre, and head on to Edinburgh. Is Inchmahome a "must see" after we have seen many castles and "atmospheric" ruins?
