Chloepy

Hello -<BR>I could really use some help with my first trip to Scotland in January. We are planning on staying in Ediburgh for a few days then going up to Oban and driving around the Western Highlands. <BR><BR>1. Is there an easy way to get to Oban from Edinburgh via public transportation. We would prefer not to drive in order to save some time.<BR><BR>2. We considered going to Mull - but have been told from one source that we should likely avoid the Islands during the winter. What do you think?<BR><BR>I would appreciate the help with these questions and would love any other suggestions regarding where to go and what to see.<BR><BR>Thanks so much - and Happy Holidays.<BR><BR>Chloepy

Bob

We drove to Oban and enjoyed the drive up as we were able to explore the area. But we did it in the summer. Cannot help you on the public transportation question, but there must be a train.

Mel

The train suggested earlier will work, but it would be so nice if you can rent a car and drive the highlands. Even in January the "wildness" of it will be wonderful.<BR><BR>Enjoy Oban--such a lovely town. The Studio--small but very popular restaurant--is worth a visit for their beef. Go up to MacQuade's (could be wrong about the name)Folly and look down on the town.

janis

It doesn't make much sense to take public transport to Oban to drive around the highlands. Driving will be faster than the bus and on the train you will miss all the wonderful places along the way.<BR><BR>Plus a rental car from Oban will be much more expensive than one rented at Edinburgh Airport. You need to get back to Edinburgh anyway to fly out - so rent the car there and drive.<BR><BR>Go to Mull if you want - it will be no worse than the western highlands weather-wise. <BR><BR>Be prepared for awful weather (but it can be OK) in the highlands in January - the snow should not be trifled with since the roads are very lightly traveled and ther can even be blizzards. The western highlands don't normally get as much snow as the area between Inverness and Perth - but it can get a lot.<BR><BR>Also - the days will be very short in the north - dark by 3:30 or 4PM.

Keith Legg

Oban to anywhere by public transport isn't particularly easy. There are no trains direct from Edinburgh - you have to change in Glasgow. For details, try the railtrack website - www.railtrack.co.uk - for times.<BR><BR>There might be a bus from Edinburgh, but it is a long journey! www.citylink.co.uk.<BR><BR>The one advantage of the train journey is that it is one of the most breathtaking trips you will take. The scenery is spectacular.<BR><BR>I don't know what Mull is like, but I'm told it's beautiful. Sheila Ritchie, can you help??!!!