I have a chance to go to Perth for a short trip in May - 3 nights. Would have 2 full days free. Should I rent a car to explore or stay in Perth for one day and take a train trip the other day? I've been to Scotland before, and would love to explore the Highlands more. I've driven there and have done fine, but since I am on my own this time, it might be easier not to drive... I'd love to do some walking and see some lovely scenery.

I'd appreciate any suggestions. I fly in and out of Glasgow.

Thanks!

Me personally - I'd rent a car. There is sooooooo much terrific scenery w/i reasonable drives of Perth. The trains will limit you to pretty much things on the beaten path.

Of course - there is Scone Palace an other sites in/near Perth itself - but even those are easier by car.

Here's a thread that I noted has some good info on Perth:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34779467

We rented a flat in Perth for a week a few years ago and took public transportation everywhere. Small towns we enjoyed by train tavel were Pitlochry and Dunkeld. We took the train to Inverness and then hired a cab to drive us part way around Loch Ness. Also took the train to Aberdeen where we enjoyed the unique dark granite architecture as well as the journey along the coastline. We went other places by bus with the most memorable being St.Andrews. I remember saying "what's that flag doing in a cow pasture"...then realizing it was the famous golf course. I much prefer to leave the driving to someone else so I can enjoy the scenery.

If you rent a car, you could get one with GPS navigation -- since you'll be alone.

Perth is a very pleasant little city; ideal for walking about in, and with masses of hidden history. It has nice restaurants and good classy shops, and lost of lovely gardens to walk through. You can walk up Kinnoull Hill on the east side, or Callerfountain and Buckie Braes on the west.

You can easily take the train to Dunkeld, and see the mediaeval town and walk at the Hermitage; and to Pitlochry and walk up Ben Vrackie, or over to the salmon ladder; and to Blair Atholl and walk up to the Castle.

With a car, the options open up in front of you. The Sma Glen, Loch Tay, Glen Lyon, Kinloch Rannoch, Crieff and Comrie, and Loch Earn with wonderful places to walk at them all. Your choice, really.

Thanks everyone, for your help. Do you have any recommendations for places to stay in Perth? Also, should I take a bus from the airport to the train station in Glasgow, then a train to Perth?

Can you give us an idea of the type of place and/or budget for your accommodation?

Yes, bus and train to Perth

Try www.visitscotland.com for advice on accomodation. Also, you are only 40mins from Edinburgh, and the train service is very frequent if you dont want to drive.

Hi Sheila:
Perhaps a nice small hotel. Not crazy about big chain hotels or about tiny B&Bs. Something in the middle. I'm not on a tight budget and don't mind spending on a nice place that is conveniently located. Thanks again.

OK. Conveniently located, you have the Royal George Hotel on George Street or the Salutation Hotel on South Street.

or you could try the Huntingtower just out of town.

Hi:
Royal George, Salutation and Huntingtower are all booked for my dates (Parklands, too). Any other ideas? Maybe a B&B or guesthouse?
Thanks again!

You have received some good ideas for what to do and see in the Perth area. Are you from UK or the STates? Might make a difference with the "driving" question However if you are comfortable navigating yourself then it's wonderful having a car.
You CAN easily rent the car at the Glasgow airport. We've done it several times. Perhaps you would prefer the train to Perth from Glasgow, but wouldn't you have to go into the city ofGlasgow first?
We ended up at a nice hotel in the center of Perth, a block from the train station(but a nice area) and car parking directly across the street. It is the Queens hotel, part of the Best WEstern Chain,however there is no feeling of a large chain hotel... wonderful Scottish feeling and medium sized and priced....and if you are from U.S. reservations are easily made through the 800 number (or even in UK?)
WE had a corner room with windows on two sides.
In driving around I saw a couple of other hotels that you mentioned as being full,, I believe the Parklands was in the same area.