indy_dad

nora

just back from our east Scotland foray -- I'll get started on the blog/report tomorrow

fyi we visited Scone and Falkland Palaces from our East Neuk (Crail) base. We saw Glamis, Edzell and Dunnotar on our way to Aboyne in Deeside. From Aboyne, we did Crathes, Drum, and Fraser and a drive by of Craigievar (it was closed, which we knew) all in one day. That pace was fine for us but you could split it over 2 days as well (though it makes a nice loop in one).

I was going to stay at Tor na Coille but they were booked for a wedding. It would be a convenient location. We stayed in Aboyne at the relatively new Heugh Head Mill B&B. The location worked well for us though Banchory might have been marginally more convenient. It was a pleasant B&B but it's definitely cozy/homey/communal breakfast table type so make sure you are comfortable with that.

More later.

noratravel

Thanks Indy Dad. I can't wait to read your trip report. I'm thinking that Tor na Coille or Dunvegan House look nice, and central.

historytraveler

Skye has a plethora of excellent B&B's, Inns, Country Hotels. Competition is keen so those that don't provide what they offer don't stay in business. Haven't stayed at The Viewfield but it's on my list.

Sligchan is really the only centrally located place on Skye,but I've never been bothered by staying farther afield.In fact I really like the Sleat Peninsula. However don't give short shrift to Sligchan...a nice place.

Lexma90

When visiting Scotland last year, we stayed at Tor na Coille. And the location worked very well for us to visit all of the castles that you, mentioned. The hotel was very pleasant, the food good, and the staff very helpful.

noratravel

Thanks, Lexma. Good to know!

Lexma90

In terms of castles, our family likes all types, though we probably prefer the older, more ruinous type. So in addition to seeing a number of furnished and/or recently lived-in castles, we also really enjoyed Glenbuchat (nobody there but us) and Kildrummy. Dunottar is more well known, but also ruins, and spectacular. Especially if your time is limited, consider what type of castles you want to see - or maybe you'll choose a mixture.

noratravel

I think a variety is what we're after. And I think that with the list we've come up with, that they are a little of this and a little of that. Thanks all for your help.