I just booked a very last minute roundtrip DCA to Glasgow (only non-stop available for us) today. My husband and I went to Scotland over 25 years ago so while we could certainly revisit our former trip, I really want to focus on the highlands and Northern part of the country. We made it from Edinburgh to Perth and a bit beyond, staying at a charming B&B in Dunkeld. I have teased my husband for all these years that we never got to Loch Ness, but frankly that's not a necessary stop. We love scenery, history, scenery, good food, did I say scenery?, and my husband would love to sample some whiskey along the way. I am a knitter, and love all things sheep and wool so any excursions would be great if involving that (some day I will go to Shetland!). We leave June 29! Not a lot of time for planning, and I have looked at quite a few trip reports already. We arrive in Glasgow June 30 mid-morning, and I was hoping to just rent a car and head out of town. The catch is I don't think we will be up for more than a 3-4 hour drive that first day. My husband is a very young 72 and I am 60. We need to be back to Glasgow on the evening of the 6th for our flight out on the 7th of July. The Isle of Skye is an area I have always wanted to explore. I would prefer not to change places every night. Any and all suggestions are much appreciated. I have never booked a trip this close to departure much less outside of the country. Thank you!

Not sure if budget is an issue, but you could fly Glasgow to Inverness (Loganair) and work your way back through Dufftown/Speyside, etc. You'd have the cost of the flight and perhaps a one-way car rental surcharge. It wouldn't be the same type of scenery as western Scotland, but there would be no shortage of lovely vistas, history, whisky and more history. Finding available accommodations in some places could be a challenge at this late date, so that might determine some of your options. I don't think 6 days is very long, esp. if you don't want to change hotels a few times.

>>and my husband would love to sample some whiskey<<

Then you are going to the wrong place . Scotch is Whisky (no 'e')

>>I was hoping to just rent a car and head out of town. The catch is I don't think we will be up for more than a 3-4 hour drive that first day<<

Bad idea - unfortunately. Jumping in to the other side of a car on the other side of the road -- AFTER an overnight flight can be a recipe for disaster. Even if you aren't jet lagged, the disorientation can be difficult. I wouldn't recommend driving at all that day, but if you REALLY need to -- don't go any farther than the west shore of Loch Lomond - Cameron House - maybe 30 mins from GLA, or Luss 35+ mins, or at the very farthest Tarbet which would take about 45 minutes. Luss is a very pretty village so it would not be a 'throw away' stop over.

AFAIK there are no non-stops between GLA and INV. Loganair goes via Stornoway.

What you could do is head in to Glasgow city centre and take a train to Inverness. Stay the first night there, then pick up a rental car and drive down through Speyside (LOTS of whisky distilleries) and Deeside (LOTS of scenery and castles) and back to GLA. OR - head from Inverness to Skye -- however I doubt you can get accommodations on Skye at this very late date -- the island is INSANELY popular.

There are seldom one-way drop off fees -- check AutoEurope.com

If you decide to stay in eastern Scotland for whisky and castles, a closer train option from Glasgow is Aberdeen. Driving from there to a town/hotel in the direction of Ballater would take 90 minutes or less. And from that location, you can make day trips to Dufftown area distilleries (although there are many distilleries much closer), lots of homes and castles (both standing and in ruins) and into Cairngorms National Park.

>> Driving from there to a town/hotel in the direction of Ballater would take 90 minutes or less. And from that location, you can make day trips to Dufftown area distilleries <<

That is true -- my suggestion was to take the train up to Inverness then do a sweep from Inverness down through Speyside, along Deeside and finishing at GLA.. But a train ride to Aberdeen would be approx 30 to 50 minutes faster - depending on which train you caught.

But in fact I would not do either option -- Instead of north or NE, I'd head west from Glasgow and do Argyll and perhaps Mull (you could visit the Oban distillery) and maybe end up in the Trossachs/Callander before heading down to GLA. From say Luss on Loch Lomond to Oban via Inveraray is less than a 2 hour drive. This western loop has all the castles, and scenery you could wish for plus distilleries (Oban, and in Doune - Deanston). Kilchurn Castle, Inveraray, Doune, Duart on Mull, etc etc)

I will take (slight) exception with Janis on this. Although I haven't been able to find any nonstops from DCA to GLA on the 29th (maybe IAD?) maybe I'm missing something. Regardless, in mid-summer the flights over the Atlantic from the east coast are quite brief, and arriving in "mid-morning" would mean that even with taking some time for a strong coffee or two before picking up the car, getting someplace from the airport in a car isn't all that daunting an experience. Sure, getting used to driving on the left and figuring out where the mirrors are, can take some minutes, but if you (a) get a car with an automatic transmission to minimize pedal mayhem, and (b) maybe pop for a GPS add-on, then getting out of Abbotsinch airport (GLA) isn't all that challenging. "Mid-morning" would be past the morning rush hours, and navigating to the Erskine Bridge isn't that complicated, with only one or two roundabouts to confront - the bain of overseas visitors. You can "rehearse" the drive using Google "street view" like this - https://goo.gl/maps/TEkD3pBp7DRv6QdY9

So saying that I'd be tempted to get a couple of hours on the road out of the airport, find someplace pretty and interesting for the night, try to get there by early afternoon, then park the car, have a pint and a stroll, an early dinner, and go splat. My vote for this place, leading to a somewhat re-imagined itinerary for the OP, would be Inveraray, the pretty Argyll village located on Loch Fyne and home to the Campbells, with their iconic (and rather florid) castle, famed as Cousin Shrimpy's digs in Downton Abbey. Inveraray is a couple of hours wheels turning from the airport, and by the time you're there you'd be in the Highlands and how. I just checked, and there's room at the Inveraray Inn - Hotel Inveraray | Loch Fyne Hotel Accommodation Inveraray for a decent price for the 30th.

Looking forward, a big challenge with a trip on such short notice is going to be able finding accommodation - on Mull, (especially) on Skye, in fact pretty much anywhere in Highlands that's got a modicum of scenery or points of interest nearby. For that reason, and given the very short time the OP has in Scotland, I'd really rein in the itinerary to a more compact one, with a couple of bases and no more. When you really only have six nights, spending whole days driving on narrow or single-track roads, or traveling from mainland to island and back to mainland... well, maybe good, more likely a little frustrating.

If it was me, I'd limit the trip to Argyll and Mull, with maybe a night in the Trossachs, and call it good. Of course those are personal preferences, which can be ignored, but here's an outline route I'd look into, especially with regard to finding accommodation good for a couple (or even three) nights in order to reduce the hassle of upping and moving daily. Here's a map - https://goo.gl/maps/JqyJ5SjfFi34jKmd8 . Google the places on the map, or (better) use Undiscovered Scotland - https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/ - to see what appeals. I'd try to find someplace on Mull for maybe three nights as a base for visiting the castles, historic sites and stunning scenery, as well as possible day trips to Iona and/or Staffa. I'd include stops in Kilmartin for its prehistoric monuments (standing stones, stone circles etc.) and in Glen Coe (and a drive down Glen Etive) and back to Glasgow via Callendar and the Trossachs. I'd pass on trains, Skye, Loch Ness, Speyside, all of those places, just to manage time and make the most out of the few days available. I'd visit the distilleries in Oban and Tobermory, maybe a weaving/yarn outlet like Ardalanish on Mull - http://ardalanish.com/ - and just... explore.

But job one is to figure out where to sleep and when. You're very late to the game.

Slàinte!

roris, if you make the sweep from Inverness through Speyside suggested by janisj, there is a woolen mill you can tour in Aberlour which is a few miles east of Craigellachie. The Cardhu Distillery is nearby, and you could visit the Speyside Cooperage and more distilleries in Craigellachie.

https://www.kwc.co.uk/pages/our-story

https://www.speysidecooperage.co.uk/

You could also reach these points in a long day trip from the Ballater area. It depends on whether you want to do longish drives (+/- 90 minutes each way) or change hotels a few times as you work your way back to Glasgow.

>>even with taking some time for a strong coffee or two before picking up the car, getting someplace from the airport in a car isn't all that daunting an experience.<<

It isn't the jet lag or even the length of flight so much. Research has shown that crossing time zones especially overnight cause 'micro sleeps' that one is usually not even aware of. Those split seconds can cause disaster. Over the years I have driven right off much longer flights many times (I fly from the west coast) . . . Once because of a booking snafu and flight cancellation, I even drove from LHR all the way to Callander. But I have not in at least 5 or 6 years since studying re more of the effects. Anecdotes where someone 'did just fine' only prove that someone did just fine that time.

You could easily do Gardyloo's loop (which is about what I would suggest) but just cut day one short and stay in Luss or somewhere just south of there.

It has been years since I have used the Forums for inquiry and I'm hoping I am doing this reply correctly. Thank you all for your recommendations. I know we are behind the eight ball here so today's mission is to get lodging, but of course, I needed to figure out the where before that could be done. I will take Gardyloo's recommendation. I am sad that Isle of Skye isn't doable, but I will trust you experts. The distilleries are tertiary in importance. It's really about scenery and history. Thank you for your investigating availability for me, Gardyloo. Truly kind of you! I apologize, we have one stop, JFK. It was one stop versus 2 or 3, and it was the only reasonable one stop.

I appreciate your concerns Janisj. My husband flies to 3 different cities each week! He is pretty amazing when it comes to lack of jet lag, etc. We flew to Vietnam last year, and frankly, I don't think he ever seemed to be affected. Albeit, we did not drive there. Finally, if we are truly exhausted, I think we can make last minute changes that may cost us money, but...nothing more.

Jean thank you for your input, too.

I will come back and let you know where we landed.

it isn't the 'jet lag' . . . but never mind.

I discussed all of your concerns regarding our limited time frame as my husband wanted to be back on that Monday, but we took advantage of our 24 hour change possibility and we now added 3 nights leaving July 10 so needing to be back in Glasgow July 9.

janisj, I do understand what you mean. We have decided to take your advice on first stop.

All of you, is Isle of Skye now doable? I really wanted to go there, and while I think it is when I am researching it, I realize you all have the expertise of reality and experience. There isn't any lodging in Portree as you know, but I found a well rated B & B, Canowindra B & B that is about 2 miles from Portree. Does that work?

Thank you all so very much.

>>All of you, is Isle of Skye now doable?<<

Skye is not really a time issue -- it is a 'too-late-to-the-party' issue. If you found a place with availability JUMP on it. That is a good locations Two nights would be your absolute minimum

>>janisj, I do understand what you mean. We have decided to take your advice on first stop. <<

Good thing -- I was going to inundate you with links to research articles

Okay, thanks, but I need to understand what dates. So it shows about 4 hour drive from Luss to Portree, which I realize isn't stopping at all along the way. Should I just book this July 1 leaving July 4 if I can get that then fill in the blanks? I apologize, but I usually create the itinerary, then book the accomodations based on that, and I realize why I'm doing what I am doing due to last minute, but if I should add another stop before Isle of Skye, then fine.

>>about 4 hour drive from Luss to Portree<<

In your dreams It seems you are using an on-line calculator - GoogleMaps perhaps? They are universally 'optimistic'. I would count on about 5 hours and if it was a minute less, count my lucky stars. Plus there are lots of "must stops' along the way.

Bookmarking for Gardyloo's ideas.

Okay progress!
6/30 - 7/1 Arrive Glasgow, overnight Luss
7/1 - 7/2 Overnight Oban, need to figure out stops along the way
7/2- 7/5 3 nights Craignure, Isle of Mull, still need to book ferry, will do today
7/5 - 7/7 2 nights Portree, Isle of Skye, staying at the Viewfield House, called them directly even though they showed no vacancy and was able to do 2 nights, having to switch rooms, but who cares.
7/7 - 7/9
7/9 - 7/10 Overnight Glasgow (I don't have a reservation yet), fly back to DC 7/10

While I would have preferred to stay in Portree a 3rd night, I guess I am lucky to have gotten two nights at this late date.

Need advice: Best way from Isle of Mull to Portree? Ferry back to Oban and up or maybe Ferry from Tobermory, etc., but isn't that taking 3 separate ferries? If we went via Tobermory then I thought we would head back down from Portree via the bridge and head to Glencoe and Glen Etive that Gardyloo suggested. I realize 2 nights on Skye aren't ideal since my first day is really getting there, but I'll just need to prioritze. I don't know if I will ever be back to Scotland. I have 2 nights, 7/7 and 7/8 that I don't have lodging yet due to getting my itinerary finalized. I welcome all suggestions.

Thank you! Your advice has been priceless! I am still fighting a husband (and adult daughter who isn't going on the trip, but seems to put her 2 cents in) that we should just go and we will find lodging. Gah!

Oh, btw, my husband is a commercial architect, and if there are any unusual new buildings in Glasgow, let me know.

>>7/1 - 7/2 Overnight Oban, need to figure out stops along the way<<

Fabulous drive -- go via Inveraray and Kilchurn Castle and Dunstaffnage Castle (which is just outside Oban and can be skipped if you run out time). This will be a little over 2 hour drive plus the stops.


>>Best way from Isle of Mull to Portree? Ferry back to Oban and up or maybe Ferry from Tobermory, etc., but isn't that taking 3 separate ferries?<<

The best way IMO is the Fishnish to Lochaline Ferry, then via Salen and Lochailort to Mallaig, ferry to Skye. CalMac sells a package rover ticket that would include all three ferries. This is a very long drive - 5-ish hours. If you return to Oban it is about 35 miles farther but about the same drive time.

Then you could either take the bridge back to the Mainland or the ferry again (bridge would be cheaper of course) - depends on if you want to see Eilean Donan or Glenfinnan.

Just looked it up here is the relevant CalMac Hopscotch ticket https://www.calmac.co.uk/hopscotch-22-mull-morvern-skye

This one would also work. https://www.calmac.co.uk/hopscotch-7...namurchan-skye

I would hit Glen Etive and Glen Coe on the way to Oban from Luss. It still will be a comfortable (and impressively scenic) day.

Getting to Skye from Mull is a full day's schlep, regardless of the ferry off Mull you choose. I'd probably take the Lochaline ferry and across Morvern to the Mallaig ferry. Hopefully by the time you make this drive you'll be accustomed to single-track roads, because you'll be getting plenty of them.

After Skye, rather than back through Fort William and Glen Coe, I'd head east and look for overnight accommodations somewhere around Aberfeldy or (ideal, if you can get room) in Fortingall. Then on the way to Glasgow, stop at the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel, which ought to impress your architect hubby.

Here's a map showing this suggested route - https://goo.gl/maps/HihhS7DcPbh4TSAY9

Pix -

At the junction of the Glen Etive Road (top of Glen Coe in the distance)



Kelpies (not my picture)