Recent Discussions — visitscotland

Home bases for 16 days in Sept

Iagirlinsomd1 — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 00:52:47 +0000

Hi. My husband and I will have 16 glorious days for our first trip to Scotland this September. I am wondering first if I need to reserve all my lodging ahead of time? We are flying in and out of Glasgow, which I will reserve, but after that, we kind of like to be flexible. We like B&Bs and wouldn't mind staying in a castle, if possible. I read that Skye will probably need a reservation. I am curious what are good home bases. We have no problem staying at different places every couple nights, but was thinking of finding a few towns that we could home base from.

So far we want to see things around Glasgow (Dunoon - his father was stationed there in the US Navy when he was a baby), Glasgow Cathedral, maybe a couple gin/whisky distilleries, Edinburgh and it's sights, Outlander sites (Midhope House, Blackwell Castle, Falkland, Inverness, Clava Cairns, Glencoe, Castle Doune, etc.), Fort William, Loch Lomond, Glenfinnian viaduct, Skye, Malliag and who knows what else we find along the way.

We may also be doing Kiltwalk Edinburgh on the 17th (day before we fly out) so we'll be coming back to Edinburgh and then probably driving to the airport the next day.

Are we cramming too much into this time period? I love photography and being outdoors so we definitely want to have time to do some walking/hiking and photographing. We will have a car and have no issue driving to locations.

Oh, and one last question are most places closed on Sundays? I know a lot of Europe is that way.

Thanks in advance.

I like the TripPlanner on this website. Only suggestion would be to make it so I could rearrange the order of sites. It puts them in order of when you add them.

STICKY: Welcome to the community!

VisitScotland — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 11:20:38 +0000

Welcome to I Know Scotland Online, VisitScotland's new online community for those living in and visiting Scotland.

Please introduce yourself in this thread and let people know where you are, what your interest in Scotland is and what you're hoping to get out of your membership of the community

Ever visitied The Isle of Lewis and Harris?

Lochgmarcp — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 18:44:49 +0000

I recently was lucky enough to visit the Isle of Lewis and Harris. I had wanted to go for a long time and jumped at the chance when i was invited to stay at the beautiful Lews Castle in Stornoway. The drive to Ullapool from where I live on the west coast was stunning, good roads that take you into the heart of the Highlands, giving dramatic views around every corner. On arrival in Ullapool, the sight of the ferry after the drive through rugged and mountainous scenery gave me good hope for what would turn out to be an amazing trip... Have you ever been? Are you planning a trip?

View from the ferry in Ullapool

My accommodation for the two nights was the beautiful Lews Castle, situated overlooking Stornoway and its harbour. This incredible building, run by Natural Retreats, has been refurbished to a very high standard, and my room with its sea views was nothing short of palatial with all the things I needed to make for a very comfortable stay. The surrounding Castle grounds were beautiful, you can walk down to the shoreline and get a view to the harbour or walk a little further and gain fantastic views out to the Minches. There is also a golf course within walking distance of Lews Castle and an adjoining museum which is really interesting, has some amazing artifacts and gives you a brilliant insight into the varied history of Lewis and Harris.. perfect for a rainy day alternative, as is a walk around Stornoway itself! Lews Castle is a perfect base for exploring this stunning island and being only a short walk from the town centre, there are lots of nice shops and cafes to see and the live music played in some of the pubs at night is brilliant, a great way to spend an evening and chat with the locals.

Lews Castle, Stornoway

On the first evening I decided to head north from Stornoway, to reach the most northerly point at the Butt of Lewis. The drive there was beautiful, passing small holdings and crofts on a fairly flat moorland.
The lighthouse at the Butt of Lewis is definitely worth the drive, it sits on the cliffs and is quite unusual for a Scottish lighthouse as its built in red brick and hasn't been painted white. Just sitting on the cliff edge here and watching the waves crashing on the stacks is a good way to pass the time...
However, I had to continue on and headed down the west coast, stopping off to look at an old Blackhouse dwelling in Arnol, was really cool to see how the houses used to be constructed. There are loads of interesting historical sights to stop off and visit on this route, as well as numerous pristine beaches if you're looking for a camping or BBQ spot for the evening.

Butt of Lewis Lighthouse

Passing some of the local lambs..

Next on my stop offs on the first evening was Dun Carloway Broch, an ancient Iron Age dwelling that saw over 1000 years of continuous occupation. Crazy to think of living in a structure like this, but judging on the way its stood up to the test of time, it must have been not too bad! I also had a quick stop off to see Garenin Blackhouse Village, where you can actually stay if you want to in old style blackhouses! The 9 restored traditional thatched cottages look really good on the edge of the bay and were the last blackhouses to be inhabited in the Western Isles

Dun Carloway Broch, Carloway

Garenin Blackhouse Village

Probably the highlight of the first day on Lewis was arriving at Callanish Standing Stones just in time for sunset. This site, thought to date to Neolithic era, is a truly mystical and powerful place. Although there were a few people here, everyone was so quiet and just taking in the sight of the last light of the day hitting the stones.. Experiencing this place at sunset is highly recommended!

Callanish Standing Stones

Day two saw me explore Harris, setting off from Lews Castle I headed south for Tarbert, the capital of Harris. Here you can have a look around the distillery if the weather doesn't suit much else, or a look in some of the nice shops and Harris Tweed outlets in the surrounding area. From here I took the Gold Road south on the eastern coast of Harris, which gave stunning views across to the Scottish mainland and the Isle of Skye! The narrow, twisting road took me past small villages and coves with lots of seals lounging around on the rocks. Plenty of nice places to stop off on this route as well, St Clements Church in Rodel is worth a look. This 15th century church was built for the chiefs of the Macleods clan of Harris and is beautifully situated within the landscape.

St. Clements Church, Rodel

Lazing around on the rocks

From here I continued on towards the jewel in Harris crown, Luskentyre beach. On the way I passed the salt marshes at Northton before rounding the corner and glistening white sand beaches came into view. The coastline here is stunning, the turquoise water contrasts beautifully with the dark, brooding skies and pure white sand. A day spent at the beach here is a day well spent! Have you ever been?

Luskentyre Beach, Harris

So these are some of the highlights from my trip.. there are so many beautiful things to see on Lewis and Harris, it would be impossible to share them all so you might just have to go see them for yourself! Lews Castle was the perfect base for exploring and gave a truly relaxing place to unwind after a day in the great outdoors. There is a lot of wildlife to see on the island too, you can go on eagle tours or hop on a fast boat for the chance to see whales and dolphins or the island from a different angle. There are also plenty of mountains and hills to go for a hike and trails for cycling too!

Have you been before? Have you got any recommendations for things to do or places to see.. or are you planning a trip to the Isle of Lewis and Harris and have something you really want to see? Let me know..

another road trip, from east to west-ish

Deanne — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 12:45:49 +0000

I love the ideas that I've seen here, so am adding my "skeleton itinerary", to see if anyone can add more ideas! We will have a rental car, and have all our hotels, so I'm looking for suggested routes, and things to do. We are starting in Pitlochry for 2 days, then drive to Isle of Skye, staying in the Dunvegan area for 2 days. Then we drive down to Isle of Eriska for 3 days, then on to Edinburgh for one night before we fly out. Thanks in advance! I've seen the many hikes on the Walkhighlands website, but also looking for some cultural stuff or boat rides...Oh yes, we'll be there the beginning of Aug.

Two year stay

JAK — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 01:28:22 +0000

Hi, I'm not sure if this is the appropriate place to post this, but here goes. I'm looking to move to Scotland for a couple of years. I love the country and really want to stay for an extended period of time. I would like to work part time to pay for some of the costs. Any suggestions on where to stay and finding a part time job would be appreciated.
Thank you!

Outer Hebrides getting around

Islanderabroad — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 04:24:11 +0000

we are looking to venture to the outer Hebrides the week of July 24. We have read the importance of booking ahead. We are looking at accommodations but wondering if we book accommodations say in Stornoway for 4 nights will it be possible time wise to island hop as far as Oban, Skye, and get back to Stornoway by end of day. Or would it be more advisable to book separate accommodations. Thanks so much.

Ghost hunting in Scotland

rick4stunts — Mon, 22 May 2017 17:17:58 +0000

I have an online magazine, and I am looking for unique places to investigate and write about in the magazine.. Thank you!

Please Help!!

agarrett_SLC — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 22:31:14 +0000

I will be in Scotland for a little over a week at the beginning of April 2018. It has been a dream of mine to visit Scotland since I was 10 and now that its finally happening I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed because I want to do ALL.THE.THINGS.

We're going to be in the following places. I'd love to have some hiking or mountain walking added in here and there if possible.
Edinburgh - 4 days
Aberdeen - 1 or 2 days
Inverness - 1 or 2 days
Loch Lomond Area - 2 days

Any recommendations of things that are a must see would be truly appreciated.

Thanks!

Ash

Aberdeen

kimmyR — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 15:01:41 +0000

What are the best things to do during the day in Aberdeen 6/18-6/22. My friends will be attending conference during the day...need to stay out of trouble...yoga classes...spin studios?

Recommendations for the Isle of Lismore

ImogenB — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 08:34:47 +0000

I'm considering a visit to the Isle of Lismore, anyone got any recommendations for the island? We're planning to take bikes, as it looks pretty good for cycling!

Scotland in the 'off' season - October - November

Katiekitty88 — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 14:16:37 +0000

Hi All,
I am traveling to Scotland from Australia for the first time ever - 27 October to 14 November. We are going to Edinburgh, Perthshire, Glencoe, Isle of Skye, and Isle of Islay. My queries are below:

I have done some research and determined that a lot of castles and other sites will not be open - but the main ones I am keen to see are open (Edinburgh, Eilean Donan and Dunnottar) can anyone recommend any others that might be open?

Also - we want to a rent a car for some time, on the rare chance we go somewhere and its icy or snowing are the tyres sufficient to deal with these conditions? (In Australia in snowy conditions we put chains on our tyres but I've been told in European countries this isn't necessary as the tyres are meant to deal with these conditions)

Is it possible to travel around some of the above areas without a car? We are happy to pay for return taxis to some destinations and use public transport where available (I'm guessing Edinburgh won't be a problem - but I'm not sure about the other regions)

What kind of clothes do we need? (I know it will be cold but its winter here now and it was 23 Celsius today - so I don't think I will be prepared) I have been told I should invest in a parka, or a jacket with down? Does anyone know if its cheaper to buy these clothes over in Scotland or in Australia? I looked in camping shops here, and the snow jackets / parkas start from around $300 AU (or around 480 pounds). Any tips on this would be much appreciated.

Thanks for any suggestions

Loch Awe

Jordan — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 14:33:16 +0000

Hi, my name is Jordan and I'm from Raiford, Florida (USA). I am in 10th grade and have an assignment in my Biology class that I am hoping I can get some help with. I have to do a virtual field trip to a body of water and I have picked Loch Awe. I have (I think) figured out that the loch is not very salty because their are pike there and they are low salinity fish. But can't find anything to tell me if the loch freezes over during the winter. Also if anyone knows if there is any research on the effects of climate change to the loch. Thanks to anyone who can help me answer these questions!

Edinburgh Luggage storage

jderansmurf — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 20:31:45 +0000

Hello,
i'm coming to Fife at the end of the month; i leave on a sunday at 20.30, so i was planning to visit Edinburgh during the day, but i have golf bag and luggage with me and i don't want to carry them around all day. There is some locker o deposit where i can store them for the day? Maybe at the airport or at the bus/train station?
I've no idea how to search for it online.
Thanks

Australians Driving in the UK

TheFragranceHall2017 — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 11:07:42 +0000

Hi All, if i could get some help i would appreciate it. We are from Australia and looking to see as much heritage as possible. We collect a car at Edinburgh and drive to Stirling castle, then to Hadrins wall, then on to Durham for the night. Is there much to see on this rout? would we be better to do Stirling then follow the coast to another destination then on to Hadrins wall the next day, next stop is york, we have 4 days in York so any ideas would be great. Thanks in advance

Motorhome Newbies

Maggsy1 — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 19:08:01 +0000

Hi Everyone. We have hired a mid size Motorhome for 2 weeks in the Summer and would like to travel the west coast and highlands / Islands before heading back down the East coast to Northumberland. We are total novices to all of this so any advice or tips would be much appreciated. Thank You.

ScotRail Question

Rob — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 14:31:10 +0000

Does ScotRail offer any kind of "hop on, hop off" rail pass suitable for day tripping?
If it were feasible, I thought we might take a train from Glasgow Queen St. out to Blair Atholl, and return with stops at Pitlochry and Stirling.
Would this be possible as a day trip or too ambitious?

First time visiting Scotland in June 2018; Planning Ahead; Need Help

AshB — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 16:48:08 +0000

Hi There,

I'm currently planning a trip to Scotland for around this time next year and I really do not know where to start. I have been looking at some places to stay on Air B'N'B but its just that; looking. I'll be travelling from NYC....a l o n e.... (yup that's right, going exploring solo) and I really would like to know what are the best places to see/stay. I'd like to see multiple places; be in the town some days and the country some others. I do not mind renting a car to drive me where I need to go and I also do not mind taking buses, trains etc. I am also open to renting an entire home or staying in B&B's. One thing that's important to be is being able to sit under the stars at night. Not camping though...because bugs...and I'm a bit of a scaredy cat:| There are so many options when it comes to visiting Scotland and although I am doing my research , I still figured it would be nice to hear from locals and others who have been there on what is best to do.

So advise away.

Thanks!

Edinburgh Whisky Experience

Jemy — Sun, 28 May 2017 09:58:21 +0000

Hi all,

My wife and I made Scotland our home at the start of 2016. We have had quite a few family members over from New Zealand recently and have been practicing giving people a local tour of Edinburgh as kiwis like to travel and we have had no shortage of guests.

Recently we had a group of 8 and at times it felt like herding cats. To get around this we took everyone to the Whisky experience and had the joy of handing over motivating people to stay in one group to the guide.

Granny in particular was through the moon and had a great time. I can't rate this enough for an (adult) family outing if you have people from out of the country visiting. Just put them in a barrel and give them a dram or two.

What are your favourite Scotch Whiskys? I am still branching out!