Have recently returned from a delightful holiday and wish to thank those who helped make it so by responding to my questions. I offer the following for anyone who may be interested in a rather easy paced trip. <BR>We began our stay in Dundonald, South Ayrshire at what is to our minds the most wonderful bed and breakfast, Glenfoot House. We have been there before and chose to base ourselves there on and off throughout our journey. I simply cannot say enough about how wonderful the hosts are and the house itself is lovely.<BR>We spent a couple of days there during which time we took a driving lesson just to refresh our memory. This was time and money well spent as it helped regain comfort on the road, allowed us to spend time with the very pleasant gentleman whom we had met on our previous trip, and it gave us a great guided tour of the coast up to Greenock. We then picked up a hire car at Prestwick Airport which is a really easy in and out. Spent a day touring Alloway and Burns sites and especially enjoyed wandering the church yard of the Auld Kirk. Dinner that evening at MacCallan's in Troon. Nice, informal seafood place right on the harbor which was filled with gulls and seals. Perfect views, good food, great company, full bellies, just enough whisky and a quick taxi ride home.<BR>The next day we took the train from Troon to Edinburgh. Incredibly easy! The trains are comfortable and relaxing and changing stations in Glasgow is a walk in the park. As is often mentioned here, people are so wonderfully friendly and train travel is a nice way to get to chat with folk. Stayed at The Witchery for three nights and loved it. Peter Irvine describes it as camp, theatrical and very sexy. We chose it just for something fun and different and it was. The location,of course,put us right in the middle of everything and walking up to the castle in the evening before bedtime was a joy. The service was outstandingly good and the two evenings that we had dinner at the Secret Garden were excellent in terms of both quality and service, the latter of which was very friendly and yet very professional. Sheila is right about the wine list. Fabulous! <BR>Another plus was that we spent a good bit of time chatting with the pastry chef the following day and he was good enough to share some recipes.<BR>We walked our feet off and loved Edinburgh in the rain. What a beautiful city. Also visited the Falkirk Wheel which was most impressive. Stopped by Culross and found that charming even though everything was closed. It was still a pretty place to wander about (still pouring). Stopped at Fishers in Leith for some great mussels. By the way, Tim Bell who runs a guide service called Leith Walks drove us about and was really pleasant and informative.<BR>Another day of walking about in the rain we had a light lunch at Tower which was pleasant with its views of the city. Dinner that evening at Rogue. I loved the menu and dinner was very good. The acoustics are a work of magic! The resturant was very crowded, very noisy and tables are fairly close together but not uncomfortably so. However, my husband and I could hear each other clearly withour having to raise our voices and no other conversations intruded.<BR>On leaving Edinburgh we returned to Dundonald for dinner and overnight at Glenfoot where we felt much like pampered house guests.<BR>The following day we drove to Glenluce where we had taken a Landmark Trust property for a week of self catering. We drove down the A714 rather than the coast and the scenery was beautiful. I fully agree with Danna. Galloway is spectacular and doesn't get nearly enough press. Maybe that's a good thing. Keep it quiet and peaceful! Will write more at another point.

Just to add a few lines about the rest of our travels. Very high marks to Landmark Trust. Everything was handled efficiently throughout the booking process and the property was great. Grounds less than fabulous,but lodging was a very well restored 16th century tower house. Great fun and nicely kept.<BR>The Rhins and Machars are gorgeous and make for peaceful drives and wonderful beach walks. There is a wonderful butcher shop in Newton Stewart, John Owen, which met many of our shopping needs. Danna, I never found the cheese and wine shop and couldn't find anyone who knew of it. Will have to go back and try again.<BR>Two other spots that I would highly recommend are Corsewall Lighthouse above Cairnryan and Kilmichael Country House on Arran. Arran itself is every wonderful thing that has ever been said about it. A spot that should not be missed and it seems to be a fairly easy trip from Glasgow.<BR>Scotland is indeed a fascinating and beautiful country,in her scenery, her history and her people. <BR>Again, my thanks to those on this board .

Yikes! A convert! (who actually visited). (Psss keep it a secret!) Glad you had such a good time. Thanks for your report, I've been looking for it! Hopefully we will share a pint there one day!

Great report<BR><BR>Do you have any links to the places you stayed?

Any chance that you'd be willing to share a few of those pastry recipes? I loved my desserts on both dining experiences at the Secret Garden. I'd love to be able to recreate something from one of their recipes to enjoy the Scottish experience until I can get back there next year.

Splendid idea,Danna! If all goes well we'll return next year.<BR><BR>GA, the sites you requested are:<BR>www.aboutscotland.com/ayrshire/glenfoot<BR>(There is also a hotel in Ayrshire called Glenfoot House Hotel. I believe it is near Ardrossan. While it looks lovely, it is not the place to which I refer and I know nothing about it.)<BR>www.thewitchery.co.uk<BR>www.landmarktrust .co.uk<BR>www.lighthousehotel.co.uk<BR>(We didn't stay at the Corsewall Lighthouse, only stopped for lunch. It is a place we had thought of staying a couple of years ago but decided to head north instead. After visiting briefly this year I would certainly use it for lodging in the future. It seems to be in the middle of nowhere and is the picture of serenity.)<BR>www.kilmichael.com<BR>Kilmichael is closed in the winter months.<BR>When and where are you planning to go?<BR><BR>&quot;Scottish&quot;, alas the recipes have been mislaid. (HONEST!) They will no doubt turn up at some point so if you wish to e-mail me please feel free to do so. There was nothing that seemed particularly Scottish but they were quite wonderful in any event.

Is Corsewall near Stranraer?

Oops! Corsewall Lighthouse is above Stranraer and an easy drive from there. Cairnryan is on the opposite side of Loch Ryan. My apologies.

Mickie... we'll be there late September 2004, stopping in Amsterdam and North Yorkshire on our way! I'll look for your next report, and your suggestions along the way! Ta!

Thanks for that. We'll be in Scotland next August and have saved your report. Danna if you're in North Yorkshire look at the Burgoyne Hotel in Reeth near Richmond. Perfect in every way!

Kam, thanks for that Yorkshire referance. I've saved it for our next trip. We are headed to North Feriby to check out possible family ties to my husband's family. Thanks alot!