Scotland Itinerary review and help request...
Jul 29th, 2008 | 06:53 PM
#1
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Scotland Itinerary review and help request...
My Scotland trip is coming up quickly, oh boy!! (Arrive Edinburgh Sept 6th - depart Sept 18th, so 12 nights) and I need help please! I would like to ask everyone his or her opinions on what I have planned so far.
Mainly I will be visiting the Highlands and I am having a hard time judging how much I will be able to cover in a day of driving to comfortably enjoy seeing everything as I drive alone. Ideally I don’t wish to spend more than 3-4 hours driving any day if possible. I am a solo traveler from the US, older single female adventuring out on my own for the first time! I want to experience #1 the beauty of Scotland’s people, countryside and sea life and and hear traditional music where possible.
***************
After posting earlier, I am reposting with "Scotland" in the title, thanks to traveljan catching that for me! Here is what I have come up with after having had some nice comments and ideas from janis on my first post. Hopefully this is better route planning than my first attempt. I welcome all advice, idea's and critique's. Many thanks, Faith
* 2 nights Edinburgh
* 2 nights in Stirling or west of Stirling (Callander?) Seeing Stirling, the Trossachs, Loch Lomand
* 1 night Inveraray, then depart heading towards Glencoe and overnights in Ballachulish.
* 2 nights Ballachulish -day 1 -drive to Lochaline and ferry to Mull and Fingals Cave, -day 2 drive to Ft Williams for the Jacobite train to Mallaig w/return.
1 night outside of Fort Williams to see Ben Nevis and have a free day to shop or whatever whatever suits.
2 nights - Drive to Skye – Depart and drive to Ullapool.
2 nights in Nairn or Cullodon
Mainly I will be visiting the Highlands and I am having a hard time judging how much I will be able to cover in a day of driving to comfortably enjoy seeing everything as I drive alone. Ideally I don’t wish to spend more than 3-4 hours driving any day if possible. I am a solo traveler from the US, older single female adventuring out on my own for the first time! I want to experience #1 the beauty of Scotland’s people, countryside and sea life and and hear traditional music where possible.
***************
After posting earlier, I am reposting with "Scotland" in the title, thanks to traveljan catching that for me! Here is what I have come up with after having had some nice comments and ideas from janis on my first post. Hopefully this is better route planning than my first attempt. I welcome all advice, idea's and critique's. Many thanks, Faith
* 2 nights Edinburgh
* 2 nights in Stirling or west of Stirling (Callander?) Seeing Stirling, the Trossachs, Loch Lomand
* 1 night Inveraray, then depart heading towards Glencoe and overnights in Ballachulish.
* 2 nights Ballachulish -day 1 -drive to Lochaline and ferry to Mull and Fingals Cave, -day 2 drive to Ft Williams for the Jacobite train to Mallaig w/return.
1 night outside of Fort Williams to see Ben Nevis and have a free day to shop or whatever whatever suits.
2 nights - Drive to Skye – Depart and drive to Ullapool.
2 nights in Nairn or Cullodon
Jul 29th, 2008 | 08:47 PM
#2
Joined: Oct 2005
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Hi again. I have some ideas - but first I have one question:
1) Is there a particular reason you want/need to visit Invererary. Makes a big difference about what routing makes sense.
Waiting for your response on that - another couple of comments I see no reason for your overnight in Ft William. First of all Ft William is not that nice a place, definitely not a town to chill/shop. Unless you plan on climbing Ben Nevis - which I assume is not in the plan - you will see <u>plenty</u> of the mountain just in your drive from Ballachullish across Corpach and on the beginning of your drive over to Skye.
And second - Ft William is only 14 miles from Ballacullish. Staying there really won't add anything to your experience or save you any travel time. I'd add that day/night to Skye.
1) Is there a particular reason you want/need to visit Invererary. Makes a big difference about what routing makes sense.
Waiting for your response on that - another couple of comments I see no reason for your overnight in Ft William. First of all Ft William is not that nice a place, definitely not a town to chill/shop. Unless you plan on climbing Ben Nevis - which I assume is not in the plan - you will see <u>plenty</u> of the mountain just in your drive from Ballachullish across Corpach and on the beginning of your drive over to Skye.
And second - Ft William is only 14 miles from Ballacullish. Staying there really won't add anything to your experience or save you any travel time. I'd add that day/night to Skye.
Jul 30th, 2008 | 05:04 AM
#3
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Hi Janis,
Your points are well taken, and to answer your question on Invererary, no there is no, specific reason for my planning to visit there. In my reading/web research I found something that caught my eye about it, so I planned for it with thoughts that it looked like a way to see more of Scotland enroute to Oban (original plan at the time).
My biggest problem (IMO) so far has been my inability to judge times and distances properly….as in thinking about staying in Ballacullish and then Ft William. 14 miles….Thanks for clearing that up for me. I will take a look at adding on a night to Skye or…..I might be throwing a monkey wrench into the mix now, but another area I thought would be lovely to go to was Torrindon.
Unfortunately, I am unable to find Torrindon on the map right now, so I don’t know if that would fit after Skye or not Janis. Roads are quite difficult I've read. I would love to hear your comments and more of your idea’s when you have time. . I’ll write more later on. Thanks! Faith
Your points are well taken, and to answer your question on Invererary, no there is no, specific reason for my planning to visit there. In my reading/web research I found something that caught my eye about it, so I planned for it with thoughts that it looked like a way to see more of Scotland enroute to Oban (original plan at the time).
My biggest problem (IMO) so far has been my inability to judge times and distances properly….as in thinking about staying in Ballacullish and then Ft William. 14 miles….Thanks for clearing that up for me. I will take a look at adding on a night to Skye or…..I might be throwing a monkey wrench into the mix now, but another area I thought would be lovely to go to was Torrindon.
Unfortunately, I am unable to find Torrindon on the map right now, so I don’t know if that would fit after Skye or not Janis. Roads are quite difficult I've read. I would love to hear your comments and more of your idea’s when you have time. . I’ll write more later on. Thanks! Faith
Jul 30th, 2008 | 06:44 AM
#4
Joined: Jan 2007
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If you do decide to stay a night in Fort William, I highly recommend Inverlochy Castle. It is absolutely beautiful and the service is first rate. I agree that the town of Fort William is skippable, but Inverlochy Castle is worth a trip if you are looking to splurge and want to be treated like royalty for a night or two . . .
Jul 30th, 2008 | 07:08 AM
#5
Joined: Jan 2003
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Torridon doesn't have an N - that might help the search.
Additional time in Skye is a wonderful idea. Most of the areas you are looking at are on my most recent trip to Scotland - I just got back three weeks ago. Please look at my trip report.
Use www.viamichelin.com or www.aa.com for driving routes - and count on about 35 mph for each route. Therefore, 100 miles will take about 3 hours. Really!
Search my name for the Kilts and Cock-a-leekie report, and you should find it. I have pics on my website version, at http://www.greendragonartist.com/BI/...otland2008.htm
Good luck!
Additional time in Skye is a wonderful idea. Most of the areas you are looking at are on my most recent trip to Scotland - I just got back three weeks ago. Please look at my trip report.
Use www.viamichelin.com or www.aa.com for driving routes - and count on about 35 mph for each route. Therefore, 100 miles will take about 3 hours. Really!
Search my name for the Kilts and Cock-a-leekie report, and you should find it. I have pics on my website version, at http://www.greendragonartist.com/BI/...otland2008.htm
Good luck!
Jul 30th, 2008 | 08:36 AM
#6
Joined: Oct 2005
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Here is the link to GreenDragon's wonderful trip report.
It will give you good info about several places you want to visit (Edinburgh, Skye, Mull, the NW etc)
As for Invereray - I'd maybe drive through if you are headed to Oban to catch the ferry - see the castle maybe. But IMO it really doesn't warrant an overnight on such a short itinerary. If you had 3 or 4 weeks and lots of time for detours and exploring - sure. But otherwise, I'd give it a miss in favor of other places like Mull or Skye or the remote NW.
It will give you good info about several places you want to visit (Edinburgh, Skye, Mull, the NW etc)
As for Invereray - I'd maybe drive through if you are headed to Oban to catch the ferry - see the castle maybe. But IMO it really doesn't warrant an overnight on such a short itinerary. If you had 3 or 4 weeks and lots of time for detours and exploring - sure. But otherwise, I'd give it a miss in favor of other places like Mull or Skye or the remote NW.
Jul 30th, 2008 | 10:02 AM
#7
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http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35142853
There's the link to my trip report, I missed putting it in
It's a bit backwards, as my first stop is Edinburgh, and then I do Grantown, Orkney, and Lewis, but then I circle around to Skye, Mull, and Killin.
There's the link to my trip report, I missed putting it in
It's a bit backwards, as my first stop is Edinburgh, and then I do Grantown, Orkney, and Lewis, but then I circle around to Skye, Mull, and Killin.
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Jul 30th, 2008 | 10:41 AM
#8
Joined: Feb 2007
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Hi Faith
Since I haven't actually been to Scotland yet I'm not really qualified to advise, but I have done mountains of research and have planned my trip down to 15 minute intervals on most days so have some idea of what is achievable and what isn't.
I would be worried about your ability to do a day trip to Mull via Lochaline, including the boat to Staffa, from Ballachulish. The Staffa boat from Fionnphort goes twice a day and takes between 2 1/2 and 3 hours. The morning boat leaves at about 10am and there is no way that you could get to Fionnphort in time for this one if you go via Lochaline. The afternoon boat leaves at about 1:30pm and gets back between 4 and 4:30pm. Allowing up to 90 mins to drive back to Fishnish means catching the Lochaline ferry at roughly 6:15pm and then driving to Ardgour to get the Corran ferry at about 7:00pm before driving back to Ballachulish.
The day is doable, though still very long, if you do the early morning Oban to Craignure ferry, the morning boat to Staffa and return via either Oban or Lochaline in the afternoon.
You could also take the lochaline ferry in the morning, the afternoon boat to Staffa and then the late ferry from Craignure to Oban.
Of course, it all becomes much more comfortable if you spend a night in Fionnphort either before or after the Staffa trip. It would also give you some time on Iona if you fancy that.
Check the ferry times carefully and plan around them. They put paid to my first itinerary and caused me to do a major rethink.
Personally, I would recommend that when you leave Edinburgh, you spend the day in Stirling (not far away) but overnight in Callander for 2 nights. My research suggests that there are wonderful drives around Callander. I am spending 3 nights there.
If you want to see what is doable in the area you are looking at, have a look at my planning thread (I think it's called "September Scotland Itinerary"
. I have actually planned in much finer detail and, if you like, I can post some of the planned daily journeys here in this thread to give you some idea of what is possible.
Since I haven't actually been to Scotland yet I'm not really qualified to advise, but I have done mountains of research and have planned my trip down to 15 minute intervals on most days so have some idea of what is achievable and what isn't.
I would be worried about your ability to do a day trip to Mull via Lochaline, including the boat to Staffa, from Ballachulish. The Staffa boat from Fionnphort goes twice a day and takes between 2 1/2 and 3 hours. The morning boat leaves at about 10am and there is no way that you could get to Fionnphort in time for this one if you go via Lochaline. The afternoon boat leaves at about 1:30pm and gets back between 4 and 4:30pm. Allowing up to 90 mins to drive back to Fishnish means catching the Lochaline ferry at roughly 6:15pm and then driving to Ardgour to get the Corran ferry at about 7:00pm before driving back to Ballachulish.
The day is doable, though still very long, if you do the early morning Oban to Craignure ferry, the morning boat to Staffa and return via either Oban or Lochaline in the afternoon.
You could also take the lochaline ferry in the morning, the afternoon boat to Staffa and then the late ferry from Craignure to Oban.
Of course, it all becomes much more comfortable if you spend a night in Fionnphort either before or after the Staffa trip. It would also give you some time on Iona if you fancy that.
Check the ferry times carefully and plan around them. They put paid to my first itinerary and caused me to do a major rethink.
Personally, I would recommend that when you leave Edinburgh, you spend the day in Stirling (not far away) but overnight in Callander for 2 nights. My research suggests that there are wonderful drives around Callander. I am spending 3 nights there.
If you want to see what is doable in the area you are looking at, have a look at my planning thread (I think it's called "September Scotland Itinerary"
. I have actually planned in much finer detail and, if you like, I can post some of the planned daily journeys here in this thread to give you some idea of what is possible.
Jul 30th, 2008 | 06:32 PM
#10
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Joined: Mar 2008
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Hello again all, and thanks for the great comments. At this time I think I am a little overwhelmed thinking that what I have planned so far need to be changed completely after you’ve been kind enough to review my plans. Work is beyond stressful now, so I will work on it over the weekend.
I did go to your website GD and saw all of your photos and I am truly awed by your talent with the camera. Seriously, WOW! I am impressed and SO anxious to experience the some of the sights you captured so beautifully on film! You are a hoot and I am loving your trip report! It makes you feel like you are experiencing it with you and your group.
I am going to re-read GD’s trip report this weekend and anything I might be able to get from you Yelpir. Sorry, I did not notice when your trip is planned for? I had to laugh when I read you had things planned down to 15 minute intervals on most days. That IS planning for sure and it sounds like all the research you have done and advice you got will make your trip spectacular! I think reading both of these things will help me re-set my trip to work out more logically. Janis, I am pretty well decided to pass on the overnight stay in Inverarary. If I do have the time to spare, I will consider a day stop though.
Are people allowed on this site to give out their email address’s? I would happily share mine. I am sorry I am just not all that familiar with being able to communicate any other way on here, but it would be nice to be able to see something separately from Yelpir so that I can print it easily.
Attnymom, I’ve got my heart set on seeing Inverlochy Castle based on hearing about it though a friend who was in a wedding there. I saw such lovely photo’s from him. Unless I win the lottery between now and my departure date, I won't be able to stay the night. ha ha How lovely it would be though.
I’d like to ask a couple of general questions if I may. When driving on the many single track roads, is it sometimes possible to stop the car and get out to admire the surroundings and snap photo’s…Are there specific places that are set for pulling over?
Recommended shoes for trekking around? I am not fond at all of tennis shoes, so I was thinking more about tried and true walking shoes. I purchased some nice looking waterproof shoes by Keen that will be good for walking on pavement, but I am thinking more for trails, beaches, around gardens etc.
Well, I will wind this up for now. I look forward to having a new plan by the end of the weekend or possibly Monday for another review. Thank you all again!
and thanks for the great comments. At this time I think I am a little overwhelmed thinking that what I have planned so far need to be changed completely after you’ve been kind enough to review my plans. Work is beyond stressful now, so I will work on it over the weekend. I did go to your website GD and saw all of your photos and I am truly awed by your talent with the camera. Seriously, WOW! I am impressed and SO anxious to experience the some of the sights you captured so beautifully on film! You are a hoot and I am loving your trip report! It makes you feel like you are experiencing it with you and your group.
I am going to re-read GD’s trip report this weekend and anything I might be able to get from you Yelpir. Sorry, I did not notice when your trip is planned for? I had to laugh when I read you had things planned down to 15 minute intervals on most days. That IS planning for sure and it sounds like all the research you have done and advice you got will make your trip spectacular! I think reading both of these things will help me re-set my trip to work out more logically. Janis, I am pretty well decided to pass on the overnight stay in Inverarary. If I do have the time to spare, I will consider a day stop though.
Are people allowed on this site to give out their email address’s? I would happily share mine. I am sorry I am just not all that familiar with being able to communicate any other way on here, but it would be nice to be able to see something separately from Yelpir so that I can print it easily.
Attnymom, I’ve got my heart set on seeing Inverlochy Castle based on hearing about it though a friend who was in a wedding there. I saw such lovely photo’s from him. Unless I win the lottery between now and my departure date, I won't be able to stay the night. ha ha How lovely it would be though.
I’d like to ask a couple of general questions if I may. When driving on the many single track roads, is it sometimes possible to stop the car and get out to admire the surroundings and snap photo’s…Are there specific places that are set for pulling over?
Recommended shoes for trekking around? I am not fond at all of tennis shoes, so I was thinking more about tried and true walking shoes. I purchased some nice looking waterproof shoes by Keen that will be good for walking on pavement, but I am thinking more for trails, beaches, around gardens etc.
Well, I will wind this up for now. I look forward to having a new plan by the end of the weekend or possibly Monday for another review. Thank you all again!
Jul 30th, 2008 | 06:43 PM
#11
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 75,033
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Just time for a very quick comment right now . . .
"<i>When driving on the many single track roads, is it sometimes possible to stop the car and get out to admire the surroundings and snap photo’s…Are there specific places that are set for pulling over?</i>"
On a single track road, <b>ONLY</b> park where you can get completely off the pavement. Never, <u>ever</u> park in the designated passing places which are marked w/ a small diamond shaped sign.
"<i>When driving on the many single track roads, is it sometimes possible to stop the car and get out to admire the surroundings and snap photo’s…Are there specific places that are set for pulling over?</i>"
On a single track road, <b>ONLY</b> park where you can get completely off the pavement. Never, <u>ever</u> park in the designated passing places which are marked w/ a small diamond shaped sign.
Jul 30th, 2008 | 07:01 PM
#12
Joined: Jul 2005
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I'll give you a link to my trip report so you can see what we did last year. You've got 12 nights, whereas we had 9 (but were coming up from London on the train, so arrival day was not plagued by jet lag).
http://tinyurl.com/2fca5t
We went to Inveraray because that's where my grandmother's Scottish ancestors came from, and really liked staying at the George Hotel there. However, if you are trying to do Mull, working Inveraray into your itinerary might not make much sense.
I don't believe you said, but I assume that you are flying in and out of Edinbrugh, so that pretty much dictates a circular route. You've got the right general idea.
I personally did not do the Trossachs because I read that the Trossachs are the Highlands in miniature, and if you're going to be seeing the Highlands writ large, why bother with the mini preview? But, if that's something you really want to see, ignore my suggestion and do it.
If you eliminate your nights in Inveraray and Fort William, you could add 2 nights somewhere in the northwest Highlands (and area we did not quite have time to get too) and get a darn good circuit through the Highlands while avoiding any one night stands.
http://tinyurl.com/2fca5t
We went to Inveraray because that's where my grandmother's Scottish ancestors came from, and really liked staying at the George Hotel there. However, if you are trying to do Mull, working Inveraray into your itinerary might not make much sense.
I don't believe you said, but I assume that you are flying in and out of Edinbrugh, so that pretty much dictates a circular route. You've got the right general idea.
I personally did not do the Trossachs because I read that the Trossachs are the Highlands in miniature, and if you're going to be seeing the Highlands writ large, why bother with the mini preview? But, if that's something you really want to see, ignore my suggestion and do it.
If you eliminate your nights in Inveraray and Fort William, you could add 2 nights somewhere in the northwest Highlands (and area we did not quite have time to get too) and get a darn good circuit through the Highlands while avoiding any one night stands.
Jul 30th, 2008 | 09:09 PM
#13
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 75,033
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Yes - some say the "Trossachs are the Highlands in miniature" - but I don't think so at all. The northen bits are getting up to the highlands but Stirling, Loch Lomond, Balquhidder, Loch Katrine, Lake of Mentieth, Loch Earn, etc. are not anything like the areas you will see farther north.
Topography is different, trees are different, vistas are different . . . . .
Topography is different, trees are different, vistas are different . . . . .
Jul 30th, 2008 | 10:00 PM
#14
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Joined: Mar 2008
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Yelpir, I’ve read your postings and look forward to hopefully seeing your final plans somehow. There were so many great ideas and suggestions that I hope to incorporate into my planning. I saw your dates in September that I asked about earlier. It would be a kick to meet up if our paths happen to cross somewhere along our journey. I am traveling 6th till the 18th of September.
Janis….Indeed, safety completely considered with the idea of stopping on single track roads. I really wanted to be sure that it was accepted practice to do that, thank you for answering that question.
Hi twk, thanks for sending on your trip report. I will take a look at it with coffee in the morning. I may still get to Inverarary, but doubt I will spend the night as I am pretty much thinking I do want to see all that has been mentioned around Stirling by folks. IF only I had another week. I’d love to see more area’s.
I actually fly into EDI, but will fly from INV to MAN, as I will go to visit a friend in Wakefield after I leave Scotland.
I am up late again, having been unable to get to bed without checking in for messages. Ha ha….a complete addict I am !
It is so great to find such helpful people as yourselves. I wish I had written much sooner.
Thanks, Faith
Janis….Indeed, safety completely considered with the idea of stopping on single track roads. I really wanted to be sure that it was accepted practice to do that, thank you for answering that question.
Hi twk, thanks for sending on your trip report. I will take a look at it with coffee in the morning. I may still get to Inverarary, but doubt I will spend the night as I am pretty much thinking I do want to see all that has been mentioned around Stirling by folks. IF only I had another week. I’d love to see more area’s.
I actually fly into EDI, but will fly from INV to MAN, as I will go to visit a friend in Wakefield after I leave Scotland.
I am up late again, having been unable to get to bed without checking in for messages. Ha ha….a complete addict I am !
It is so great to find such helpful people as yourselves. I wish I had written much sooner. Thanks, Faith
Aug 2nd, 2008 | 02:00 AM
#16
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 274
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Hi again Faith
I guess after the pounding my itinerary took on the other thread you should ignore it and get your advice from someone else. The itinerary is focussed on the scenic beauty of Scotland rather than on Scottish history and culture. As some of the posters said, different strokes for different folks.
Good luck and maybe we'll bump into each other somewhere in the Highlands
I guess after the pounding my itinerary took on the other thread you should ignore it and get your advice from someone else. The itinerary is focussed on the scenic beauty of Scotland rather than on Scottish history and culture. As some of the posters said, different strokes for different folks.
Good luck and maybe we'll bump into each other somewhere in the Highlands
Aug 2nd, 2008 | 10:27 AM
#17
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 75,033
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yelpir: "<i>The itinerary is focussed on the scenic beauty of Scotland rather than on Scottish history and culture.</i>" To be a bit more accurate - your itinerary is not focused on the scenic beauty - it is focused on drive times.
There is absolutely <u>nothing</u> wrong w/ concentrating on the scenery . . . . .
There is absolutely <u>nothing</u> wrong w/ concentrating on the scenery . . . . .
Aug 2nd, 2008 | 01:11 PM
#18
Joined: Feb 2007
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Janisj: Let's be fair. The words of the itinerary are focussed on drive times for practical reasons. It is not a travelogue, it is a planning tool. The actual routes pass through some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland. They are specifically chosen to represent a wide cross-section of different types of scenery. Despite what you say, I believe that adequate time is available to stop and enjoy the scenery along the way. It is not an itinerary for someone who does not enjoy driving. It is an itinerary for someone who wants to view as wide a variety of different types of Scottish scenery as possible in a short time.
Aug 2nd, 2008 | 02:39 PM
#19
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 75,033
Likes: 50
Yelpir: You know what and how you want to do this. But you simply cannot plan a drive around Scotland on a spreadsheet filled w/ 12 and 19 and 36 minute drives. That is what we have been trying to tell you. Knowing that you are both "of a certain age", this may turn into an exhausting challenge to keep to your schedule
("<i>No dear, can't stop and pee, you'll have to hold it! The ferry leaves in 47 minutes and we are 44 minutes away. But oops - that darn flock of sheep won't get out of the road</i>"
("<i>No dear, can't stop and pee, you'll have to hold it! The ferry leaves in 47 minutes and we are 44 minutes away. But oops - that darn flock of sheep won't get out of the road</i>"
