Micki McClain

My mother and I are planning a trip to Scotland May 2001. I figure we have plenty of time to plan a wonderful vacation. We will be there for about two weeks and I think I would like to attempt driving as I understand from others it is the best way to see Scotland. My main interests are in the historical sites, castles, abbeys, etc. But would also like to include a stop to a whisky distillary and a woolen mill. If anyone has suggestions of "Must do and see" or "Don't waste your time" or specific travels tips I would really appreciate hearing about them. This is our first trip to Europe and we haven't a clue as to what to expect.

Karen

Buy an AA(same as our AAA) map, in large book form, something like four miles to an inch...very large print...it helps immensely with the driving and also, shows the different touristy things you might want to see...might be able to order from Amazon.com or a better book store will probably have it...or a large map shop. The Whiskey Trail is a wonderful drive, along with the stops at distilleries. May is a great time to travel there and two weeks is perfect. I have travelled, twice, with my mother and her two sisters and having no particular destination or accomodation left us with meandering any way we felt like going.

Sheila

Micki <BR> <BR>as a resident I'd be happy to help. It does very much depend on what you like. As a sketchy outline, I'd be inclined to suggest something like:- <BR> <BR>2 days Edinburgh <BR>2 days Borders <BR>1 day east coast <BR>1 day crossing through Speyside (whisky stuff) <BR>2 days Northern Highlands <BR>2 days islands <BR>2 days west coast <BR>1 day Central Highlands <BR>1 day Glasgow <BR> <BR>How does that shape grab you? How much travelling would you want to limit yourselves to? If that recommends we can put some flesh on the bones for you.

Micki

Karen: As a matter of fact, I did order a map through Amazon.com. It's the "Touring Map of Scotland" by Collins and STB. I received it yesterday and have been looking it over. <BR>Sheila: Your suggestion sounds great. <BR>From some of the things I've read it sounds like car rental and gasoline are expensive there. Can you tell me how much to plan on spending for that?

steve

These are the smaller castles I saw last year and enjoyed them all as they all have different features. Get the Historic Scotland pass at the first one and save a bundle. <BR> <BR>Threave Castle - My favorite. Located on an island in a river. You get there by driving alog some small roads and then up a farm driveway where you park in the front yard. You walk about half a mile along a path between rthe farm fences. You come to the river and then ring a big bell. The boatman comes over and takes you to the island. <BR> <BR>Caeverlock Castle - A triangular castle with a nice moat. A full size catapult model is nearby. <BR> <BR>Both these castles can be visited in one day. They are just over the border on the Glasgow side of Scotland <BR> <BR>Near Stirling -(which also has a castle) <BR>Doune Castle and Castle Campbell

Sheila

I can't comment on comparative car rental charges. Petrol (as we quaintly call it!) is very expensive by US standards. If this is an issue for you, I could rejig a tour that uses public transport and you could hire for odd days for trips out? <BR> <BR>Otherwise, count on a tank of petrol doing 400 miles and costing c £35. (That's probably a bit pessimistic but is a good budget figure) <BR> <BR>Would you like me to try to flesh out your routes for you?

Micki

Sheila: Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. I had thought that maybe we could combine the use of public transportation with car rental. For example: See the sites in Edinburgh for a couple of days, take a train to Sterling for the day then back to Edinburgh, then rent a car before we leave for the rest of the touring, something like that? I've been looking over the map and there are some sites I'd like to visit but without knowing the area I'm unable to determine 1)The travel time from one place to another, 2) How long to spend at any site, 1hr, 2hrs?, and 3) Which places to find overnight accomodations. Is it better to stay in one place when possible and drive out to sites then back? I'm afraid I'll put together such a large list of things to do and see that we can't possibly make everything. That's another reason I would like to see comments from others about what they really enjoyed and what places are a waste of time. Is there any info you need from me in order to suggest a route?

Tony Hughes

Sheila my friend, I take it you no longer drive or don't really drive much these days? £35 for 400 miles driving...what sort of car gets that economy? For an average sized car (with only one person in it) such as a ford mondeo, it would cost almost £50 to fill the tank AND that wont get you 400 miles. Think again. <BR> <BR>Micki, I feel you are making the mistake that most foreigners/Americans make when visiting Scotland - attempting to see too much.You could see Sterling (sic) in an hour BUT would you want to? Spend more time at less places. You could spend 2 days in Edinburgh (my home) and see a lot, you could spend three weeks in Edinburgh and see a lot more. 2 days is fine for Edinburgh BTW. <BR> <BR>Scotland also has much more than castles, it would be a shame if you came away with the impression that Scotland is famous for its castles only - there's far more to the place than that. However many of the 'tourist' sites are pretty shabby by North American standards and there is also a year-round festival of litter in Edinburgh which you wont be able to avoid. <BR> <BR>Edinburgh woolen mill is very commercialised (check those labels before purchase, many items from Taiwan) Edinburgh castle is good if a little expensive, Inverness is very busy in the summer but worth a peek if you have time. The driving will not be difficult as your choice of routes is severely limited. <BR> <BR>Tony

Sheila

It's so nice to be patronised by you again, Tony!!! <BR> <BR>I drive a VW Golf GTi...not the most economical car on the road; not in the same league even as a Polo, Clio, Corsa etc. I get 360 miles to the tank. A tank is 50litres and it usually costs me £35-36 to fill up. Q.E.D.

Sheila

Micki <BR> <BR>if you're trying to e-mail me, sorry I have a system failure. You'll get me on [email protected] until it's fixed

Sheila

OK. It's fixed. Please use home address and not work one.

frank

Most areas have a distillery somwhere.When you have you itinary organised email to find the visting hours in the areas you are going to, then pick one,most do tours. <BR>The only good displays of wool weaving ect that I know of are in the Outer Hebrides, but others probably know of some - places calling themselves "woolen mills" are often just shops.Most of the goods are OK but if you want good handmade knitwear buy it at small wayside craft shops (often a room by a farmhouse where you ring a bell & someone comes.These are usually a bargain, also handmade items make better souveniers.