My wife and I are heading to Scotland in the coming weeks, and have what sounds like a wonderful trip planned. We are both golfers, so we have rounds at a number of courses scheduled, but what we're seeking are recommendations on places to either stop at, or detour to on our travels. We both love to wander off the beaten path and get a taste of what is the real essence of the places we visit.

That said, any suggestions would be very much appreciated. Here's our schedule:
Arrive Saturday morning (Aug 2nd) and staying in Pitlochry. Drive to Newburgh on Sunday.

Stay there for 2 nights, and then drive to St. Andrews for the next four nights before making our way to Edinburgh for our last night.

Again, we have our golf planned, but would love any recommendations on great (probably non-touristy) things to do on our travels.

We really enjoy scenic vistas and a good pub or two (or whisky distilleries). Thanks so much!

Rufus

Arrive where on Saturday morning? Newburgh, Fife, or Newburgh Aberdeenshire? I'm intrigued by this one, as a former member of Newburgh on Ythan Golf Club. Neither is a well known tourist detaination, tho' both are very nice.

Sheila,

We actually fly into Glascow Saturday morning, then drive to Pitlochry where we're staying the first night. Sunday we drive to Newburgh. Ballater was recommended as a course we might want to try for a Sunday round of golf on our way up to Newburgh. If you have any other suggestions we would welcome them. I understand many of the courses are closed for play on Sundays.

Also, any off the beaten path castle or other similar type destinations would be great.

Thanks!

Hi Rufus.

My husband and I are going to Scotland in September and would like to golf, but are not bringing our clubs. I'm wondering if you are bringing yours, and if not, can you recommend courses that will rent clubs? Thanks much!

Glasgow to Pitlochry- take the A/M9 and stop at Stirling for the castle, then Dunkeld for the town and the cathedral and a pint at the riverside.

In Pitlochry see the salmon ladder and go for a walk. Where are you staying?

I'm assuming this is Newburgh Aberdeenshire. Take the road over the hill from Pitlochry to Kirkmichael then drive through Glen Shee. You could play golf at Braemar, Ballater, Aboyne or Banchory as you come down the Dee. Ballater is probably the classiest. The "best" course in the area is Royal Aberdeen but it would be hard to get onto on a Sunday. Possible castle include Braemar, Craigievar, Crathes or Drum. (I'd recommend Craigievar) and if you've played your golf, come over onto Donside at Alford and come down to Inverurie- and see a stone circle as you pass- then on to Newburgh.

I can't think of any courses which close on a Sunday.

Are you playing Cruden Bay? From Newburgh that's a nice road and a GREAT course. Come over and have a look at Tolquhon Castle and go into Aberdeen and see teh area round teh University and Footdee at the harbour.

Going south, you might well get a tee at Carnoustie. You should have a look at te harbour at Stonehaven and see Dunottar Castle. Then drop in at the Discovery Centre in Dundee.

In Fife there's masses to see from a St Andrew's base. I havea saved document on it. Email it and I'll sned it to you. It's all on here, but it'll save you doing a search. Hope this helps.

AllenofSV,

We are bringing our clubs, but we are also playing nearly every day. If you only plan on playing a few rounds, I think renting is the way to go. I'm sure most of the better known courses rent clubs. If similar to the resorts here, they probably rent nice sets. You may want to inquire with the individual courses, because I have had the misfortune of renting lousy sets of clubs from fairly nice courses as well.

Golf in Scotland, written by Allan Ferguson, is a great book geared towards golfing in Scotland. You can purchase it off his website for $25. www.fergusongolf.com

It has detailed descriptions of 60 courses, along with greens fees, phone numbers, etc. ALL of the courses sound amazing. I've heard particular raves from several people about Cruden Bay. I'll update you upon my return in a few weeks.

Sheila, who has responded on this thread, may have more specific information also on which courses rent clubs. Where will you be staying?