janisj

oops >>(It has been tears years since I took that ferry and I'm not sure how many times a day it sails)<<

janisj

Just looked up the Lochranze > Claonaig ferry and it sails that direction 9X a day starting at 08:15 so easy peasy. The ferry takes 30 mins.

OBrusov

Awesome I really couldn't have come up with this without you all. I gave extra time to the drive back to the airport because google maps was showing construction along the route, we can probably start the drive around 9 and take our time (maybe stop to take the last few pictures along the way).

Regarding Arran > Kilmartin > Oban, I figured we would leave right after breakfast and make it to Kilmartin by lunch. Spend the early afternoon there and get to Oban around 5. That would be good timing for the distillery and dinner after. It would be along day though.

janisj

>>I gave extra time to the drive back to the airport because google maps was showing construction along the route,<<

Possible -- but you won't be there til June - right? LOTS could happen between now and then and the work could be complete well before then . . . or not

Just ask at the B&B when you get to Luss to see what the situation is that day and decide then. Besides -- many B&Bs don't serve breakfast until around 9AM - sometimes 8:30 but that's unusual. If you want a really early start (on Arran too) you should tell the owner so if they can't serve that early they can put a cold breakfast outside your room the night before.

OBrusov

Vey true, construction may be done by June. Honestly, I am so excited for the trip that I have deluded myself into thinking its happening sooner than it really is.

Also, if I can bother you for some more recommendations. Where would you suggest to stop for lunch around Kilmartin (or somewhere else along the drive from Arran to Oban?). And is there somewhere to lunch around Castle Stalker?
Lastly, where would you recommend we stay 2 nights in Glencoe?

historytraveler

There’s a nice cafe at Kilmartin Museum. The museum should be on your list of places to visit.

janisj

Just quick . . . The reason I suggested two nights in glencoe is that castle stalker, glen entive, glenfinnan AND glencoe is too much for one day. So, yes, two nights would be best.

OBrusov

historytraveler Thanks for the tip! I'll keep it in mind.

janisj Yes, I completely agree. I meant are there any accommodations that you would recommend in that area? I am seeing a few bigger hotels that look a bit tired and the smaller B&Bs don't have great reviews. I am looking in Ballachulish though.

eastenderusvi

Ditto the cafe at the museum in Kilmartin....

janisj

Oh sorry -- I was multitasking and read your >>Lastly, where would you recommend we stay 2 nights in Glencoe?<< as >>Lastly, would you recommend we stay 2 nights in Glencoe?<<. Minor difference

In Glencoe the first go to should be the https://clachaig.com

It is not fancy but is in a terrific location, and serves good/hearty food . . . but it is extremely popular and is often booked up months in advance for popular times of year.

Barring that, just look for a B&B in Glencoe or nearby Ballachulish. When the 49er game is over I'll look up some where me or family members have stayed in the past.

janisj

GO NINERS!!!

Here is a nice place in Ballachulish -- don't know what their rates are now -- My folks stayed there back before it was refurbished and they liked it even then. https://www.crerarhotels.com/the-glencoe-inn

And this one has terrific views and modernized rooms. I haven't stayed there but did try once -- it was booked up for my dates. Pier House Glencoe - Unique Luxury Lochside Accommodation

I 'think' some other Fodorites have stayed there so maybe a search here might bring up TRs. (don't hold your breath though since the search function works and doesn't )

OBrusov

Thanks! Ill check those places out.

Sberg

There is a beautiful guesthouse in Onich (right next to Glencoe) that we stayed in that we loved! Fantastic views and lovely people. Home - Lochview Guesthouse near Fort William. Very short drive over to Glencoe. There is also a wonderful restaurant near there called Lochleven Seafood. It was awesome!

We loved Mull! I don't know if it's in your budget but there is a lovely castle that you can stay in there. Home - Holiday accommodation Tobermory, Isle of Mull - Stay at Glengorm Castle, overlooking the Outer Hebrides on the northern tip of the Isle of Mull. We did not stay there but I wish we had splurged. We did walk the grounds (which I highly recommend). We did stay in a very small B&B called High Oatfield B&B. It was lovely but it was really like staying in the top floor of someone's house. They have two nice guest rooms with private bath. The owners were fantastic and very funny. They brought breakfast to our room each morning. It was not far from the ferry so it was central to both sides of the island, which we liked. Didn't take long to drive to Tobermory and very close to Duart Castle. I would stay there again and it was very inexpensive.

My biggest advice for Scotland is to bring rain pants. We were there in September and it rained parts of most days. We had raincoats but did not bring rain pants. The day we went to Iona it was raining sideways! Rain pants would have been very nice.

Sberg

Tobermory

Glengorm

Grounds of Glengorm

Loved all the highland cows we saw on Mull.

You will have a fantastic trip! I miss Scotland and can't wait to go back!

janisj

Glengorm Castle is very good. If it is outside your budget check out Seaview. It is in Fionnphort and walking distance to the foot ferry to Iona and the boats to Staffa. Great food and nice views. https://www.iona-bed-breakfast-mull.com