Scotland -- I've tried and I can't figure it out!
Aug 16th, 2006, 10:02 AM
#43
Original Poster
I'm assuming Fawlty Towers is a tv show with bizarre charaters. Is that right?
I just booked Tigh and Dochais in Broadford for our stay in Skye. The location seems more central and I never heard back from Eilean Iarmin (now I know I should have called)
It is brand new (very contemporary) and there are no reviews on trip advisor on it yet. But, it was featured in Scotland Interiors magazine and was only 30 pounds per person. So.. I decided to take a risk
I'll look the other places you mentioned Sheila for our way us.
Janis, I had seen your rec for places outside Edinburgh on some other post, but can't find it now.
I have an enquiry out to Barcaldine castle. The Westerton was not available.
Oh well.
Thanks to all of you for your help.
If anyone has heard anything about Tig and Dochais I would appreciate your comments.
I just booked Tigh and Dochais in Broadford for our stay in Skye. The location seems more central and I never heard back from Eilean Iarmin (now I know I should have called)
It is brand new (very contemporary) and there are no reviews on trip advisor on it yet. But, it was featured in Scotland Interiors magazine and was only 30 pounds per person. So.. I decided to take a risk
I'll look the other places you mentioned Sheila for our way us.
Janis, I had seen your rec for places outside Edinburgh on some other post, but can't find it now.
I have an enquiry out to Barcaldine castle. The Westerton was not available.
Oh well.
Thanks to all of you for your help.
If anyone has heard anything about Tig and Dochais I would appreciate your comments.
Aug 16th, 2006, 11:21 AM
#44
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,818
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Misha...I entered this thread because of my longtime love for Scotland, and several happy auto journey's therein over the decades...but I'm out of breath trying to keep up with your frantic planning. Take a deep breath, get in a hot tub, and then cool it...and then maybe you'll eventually learn to relax enough to thoroughly enjoy that grand travel experience called "Scotland"...
A few extra days would have been helpful...any reason why you and your DH couldn't take a few more vacaton days? Like making it a two week trip instead of 9 tight days? The jo
s) will still be waiting for you when you return.
I always made it a practice never to ask for extra time (back in my much younger days when I worked for a living), but rather "tell" the boss with a smile that "I'm taking some extra time...see ya when I get back." Never failed, never fired, never docked. Try it, Misha.
Hope you have fun and thoroughly enjoy every minute.
Stu T.
A few extra days would have been helpful...any reason why you and your DH couldn't take a few more vacaton days? Like making it a two week trip instead of 9 tight days? The jo
s) will still be waiting for you when you return. I always made it a practice never to ask for extra time (back in my much younger days when I worked for a living), but rather "tell" the boss with a smile that "I'm taking some extra time...see ya when I get back." Never failed, never fired, never docked. Try it, Misha.
Hope you have fun and thoroughly enjoy every minute.
Stu T.
Aug 16th, 2006, 02:13 PM
#45
Original Poster
I appreciate your advice Stu -- but, with two young children at home it's hard to leave them with a sitter for longer than we already are.
Gosh, if you think this is frantic you should have read the earlier thread before Janis made me take deep breaths. I think I'm just a little stressed because of how little time I have before leaving.
I'd love to hear more about your trips though.
(See I'm not stressed--I'm smiling)
Gosh, if you think this is frantic you should have read the earlier thread before Janis made me take deep breaths. I think I'm just a little stressed because of how little time I have before leaving.
I'd love to hear more about your trips though.
(See I'm not stressed--I'm smiling)
Aug 16th, 2006, 07:46 PM
#48
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You might still consider one of those day-trips to St. Andrews as an overnight? It is a lovely city and will enchant you. The St. Andrews tourist board can help book a room.
Enjoy! Scotland is amazing.
Enjoy! Scotland is amazing.
Aug 16th, 2006, 07:58 PM
#49
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Check this URL for 'country hotel' or B&B accommodation in Scotland - as well as lots of other places!
http://www.specialplacestostay.co.uk...p/britain/17h/
http://www.specialplacestostay.co.uk...p/britain/17h/
Aug 18th, 2006, 04:21 AM
#51
Original Poster
Thanks alijay. I'll definately explore that site.
Kate, funny you should mention that. I was really feeling like the day trip was not enough time in St. Andrews considering how much my husband loves golf.
You inspired me to think of the following revision to our itinerary.
Do you, or anyone else, think that the following plan would be feasible.
Leave Skye day 8 -- come through Glencoe (stop) then detour to Glamis Castle ( I really would like to see it based on the reviews and because I love the decorated castles). Overnight in St. Andrews area. I know I still will get there pretty late. But, it will hopefully give us some time in the evening and early in the morning to just experience the area.
Our flight is at 1:45. So, I assume I would have to be at EDI by 11:30 to return our car.
My only concern is about the traffic between St. Andrews and Edinburgh on a sunday morning. I seem to recall reading something about this.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Kate, funny you should mention that. I was really feeling like the day trip was not enough time in St. Andrews considering how much my husband loves golf.
You inspired me to think of the following revision to our itinerary.
Do you, or anyone else, think that the following plan would be feasible.
Leave Skye day 8 -- come through Glencoe (stop) then detour to Glamis Castle ( I really would like to see it based on the reviews and because I love the decorated castles). Overnight in St. Andrews area. I know I still will get there pretty late. But, it will hopefully give us some time in the evening and early in the morning to just experience the area.
Our flight is at 1:45. So, I assume I would have to be at EDI by 11:30 to return our car.
My only concern is about the traffic between St. Andrews and Edinburgh on a sunday morning. I seem to recall reading something about this.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Aug 18th, 2006, 09:41 AM
#52
misha2: You are supposed to be simplifying things - not adding more
Anyway: Leaving Skye, visiting Glencoe and Glamis and on to St Andrews would be an absolutely hellacious day. The last entry to the Castle is at 5:00 p.m. so you <i>could<i> get there (you really need to get there by about 4:00 to have time to see everything). But you would have driven across the <u>entire</u> country.
If St Andrews is more important than Skye in your scheme of things - then re-do your itinerary to concentrate on the east side of the country. If Skye is more important - forget an overnight in St Andrews. Just a sad fact - Scotland is a BIG place and you can't squeeze in everything.
W/ just 3+ days you simply don't have time to see it all - so just start planning your NEXT trip - and hopefull a bit longer one.</i></i>
Anyway: Leaving Skye, visiting Glencoe and Glamis and on to St Andrews would be an absolutely hellacious day. The last entry to the Castle is at 5:00 p.m. so you <i>could<i> get there (you really need to get there by about 4:00 to have time to see everything). But you would have driven across the <u>entire</u> country.
If St Andrews is more important than Skye in your scheme of things - then re-do your itinerary to concentrate on the east side of the country. If Skye is more important - forget an overnight in St Andrews. Just a sad fact - Scotland is a BIG place and you can't squeeze in everything.
W/ just 3+ days you simply don't have time to see it all - so just start planning your NEXT trip - and hopefull a bit longer one.</i></i>
Aug 18th, 2006, 09:45 AM
#53
Sorry - forgot to "turn off" the <i>italics</i>
This is better:
" . . . . so you <i>could</i> get there (you really need to get there by about 4:00 to have time to see everything). But you would have driven across the <b><u>entire</u></b> country.
If St Andrews is more important than Skye in your scheme of things - then re-do your itinerary to concentrate on the east side of the country. If Skye is more important - forget an overnight in St Andrews. Just a sad fact - Scotland is a BIG place and you can't squeeze in everything.
W/ just 3+ days you simply don't have time to see it all - so just start planning your NEXT trip - and hopefull a bit longer one.
This is better:
" . . . . so you <i>could</i> get there (you really need to get there by about 4:00 to have time to see everything). But you would have driven across the <b><u>entire</u></b> country.
If St Andrews is more important than Skye in your scheme of things - then re-do your itinerary to concentrate on the east side of the country. If Skye is more important - forget an overnight in St Andrews. Just a sad fact - Scotland is a BIG place and you can't squeeze in everything.
W/ just 3+ days you simply don't have time to see it all - so just start planning your NEXT trip - and hopefull a bit longer one.
Aug 18th, 2006, 02:42 PM
#55
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just want to chime in about our stay at the Toravaig House. It was very lovely! We ate dinner there both nights and it was excellent!! Gourmet all the way with very good serive. Nice dining room and lovely sitting room where they serve predinner cocktails. Nice classy small hotel. Yes, it is down that road about an extra 20 minutes from the main drag. So it is not centered. An update about the road: it has been completely relaid with concrete and it a brand new double lane road as far as the hotel. it is still old and narrow from the hotel to the ferry. Not a big deal though.
I am a little confused right now on your route but I recommend you take the Maillaig ferry to or from Skye, if that works out for you. The drive between Fort Williams and Maillaig is gorgeous but is narrow and curvy and takes about an hour and a half. Just guessing but it takes awhile. You can stop about halfway at the Glenfinnen monument center.
Good luck with all your plans. I know it's a bit late here, but have you considered staying on the eastern half of Scotland and spending 2 or 3 days in the notheast where all the casltes and distilleries are? That was one of my favorite areas. And it is pretty with greens hills and valleys.
Just a thought insgtead of racing to go to Skye. It will take a lot longer to get to places than you think and it can be a hectic drive because the roads are single lane each way and curvy so the driver has to be totally concentrating all the time.
Whatever you do , I am sure you will love it. Have a great time!
Ginny
I am a little confused right now on your route but I recommend you take the Maillaig ferry to or from Skye, if that works out for you. The drive between Fort Williams and Maillaig is gorgeous but is narrow and curvy and takes about an hour and a half. Just guessing but it takes awhile. You can stop about halfway at the Glenfinnen monument center.
Good luck with all your plans. I know it's a bit late here, but have you considered staying on the eastern half of Scotland and spending 2 or 3 days in the notheast where all the casltes and distilleries are? That was one of my favorite areas. And it is pretty with greens hills and valleys.
Just a thought insgtead of racing to go to Skye. It will take a lot longer to get to places than you think and it can be a hectic drive because the roads are single lane each way and curvy so the driver has to be totally concentrating all the time.
Whatever you do , I am sure you will love it. Have a great time!
Ginny
Aug 21st, 2006, 02:48 PM
#56
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,541
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Misha-
I've read most of this thread, and wanted to say that you have a lot of nice ideas. Don't stress, you are going to LOVE Scotland, no matter what you see (and don't get to see). I saw somewhere you asked if Skye is worth it. YES!! Skye is so worth it.
Don't want to stress you or wreck your itinerary, but if you can fit in Glamis like you want to, you won't be sorry. It's my personal favorite.
I didn't catch when you are going, but good luck planning! I really need to pick up my planning again, I put it aside for awhile. I think we are going in June for two weeks (the exact dates are debatable). My parents can only manage to come with us for 10 days, so I understand what you are going through. We are going to stay a bit longer than them, I just can't imagine not going for two weeks. My husband is from Aberdeen and has not been "home" in 2.5 years. I myself haven't been to Scotland since 2003 and I miss it too. I've spent 8 weeks total there, it's magical.
~amelie
I've read most of this thread, and wanted to say that you have a lot of nice ideas. Don't stress, you are going to LOVE Scotland, no matter what you see (and don't get to see). I saw somewhere you asked if Skye is worth it. YES!! Skye is so worth it.
Don't want to stress you or wreck your itinerary, but if you can fit in Glamis like you want to, you won't be sorry. It's my personal favorite.
I didn't catch when you are going, but good luck planning! I really need to pick up my planning again, I put it aside for awhile. I think we are going in June for two weeks (the exact dates are debatable). My parents can only manage to come with us for 10 days, so I understand what you are going through. We are going to stay a bit longer than them, I just can't imagine not going for two weeks. My husband is from Aberdeen and has not been "home" in 2.5 years. I myself haven't been to Scotland since 2003 and I miss it too. I've spent 8 weeks total there, it's magical.
~amelie
Aug 22nd, 2006, 07:22 PM
#57
Original Poster
Thanks go pack and amelie for your suggestions and encouragement.
I really find myself attracted to the eastern part of Scotland and Glamis. The only thing I have booked so far is two nights in Skye. Do you think I should perhaps do Stirling as a day trip and try to do St. Andrew's and Glamis on my first day out of Edinburgh? I imagine I would have to overnight near Glamis then. But, could I make it all the way across the country in anything less than a day?
The other things I am really interested in are Glencoe and the Eileen Doonan castle. It's late now, I'll take another look at the map tommorrow.
Thanks
I had to stop planning for several days because of a family situation. However, I am getting concerned because I leave in 10 days.
I really find myself attracted to the eastern part of Scotland and Glamis. The only thing I have booked so far is two nights in Skye. Do you think I should perhaps do Stirling as a day trip and try to do St. Andrew's and Glamis on my first day out of Edinburgh? I imagine I would have to overnight near Glamis then. But, could I make it all the way across the country in anything less than a day?
The other things I am really interested in are Glencoe and the Eileen Doonan castle. It's late now, I'll take another look at the map tommorrow.
Thanks
I had to stop planning for several days because of a family situation. However, I am getting concerned because I leave in 10 days.
Aug 23rd, 2006, 11:29 AM
#60
Original Poster
No. I'm still trying to figure out details (including where to stay en route to Skye and on our last night.)
I've contacted most of the places suggested here and the sites and have had such a hard time finding availabilty or figuring out the best routes.
I got distracted by some personal stuff and now I leave in 9 days!
Any ideas? I would like the places we stay to be clean and wonderful. I'm now willing to spend about $250 if needed.
I've contacted most of the places suggested here and the sites and have had such a hard time finding availabilty or figuring out the best routes.
I got distracted by some personal stuff and now I leave in 9 days!
Any ideas? I would like the places we stay to be clean and wonderful. I'm now willing to spend about $250 if needed.
