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My dream trip
CharlieM
Member ✭
I plan on retiring next spring and have always wanted to travel to Scotland and do a self tour of the country. I had originally thought that we would spend a full 3 weeks in Scotland, but things have now changed. Since this is our first, and maybe last, trip to the UK, my wife thought it would be good to spend a few days in London sometime during the trip. Also, since my planning began, my son has been accepted into the University of Aberystwyth in Wales so we will probably need to spend a few days there. He did a good job of selecting one of the most remote areas of Wales. My question is this: What is a realistic daily travel distance by rental car? We currently reside in Texas and are used to driving 8-10 hours/day (500 miles) to visit family. I bought a map and when I look at it, I have a hard time getting out of the long distance thinking. What looks like a long way on the map really isn't, but the roads also appear to be a bit smaller and twistier. I would appreciate any help in re-configuring my distance thought process.
For our itinerary, I was thinking we might fly into London, spend a few days, then travel to Wales to visit my son for a bit. We would then drive to Scotland and try to find 3 base locations where we could explore for about 4 days each. My wife enjoys cities a bit more than I so we will probably locate around Edinburgh for one base. I would love to explore near Inverness and the west coast. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
For our itinerary, I was thinking we might fly into London, spend a few days, then travel to Wales to visit my son for a bit. We would then drive to Scotland and try to find 3 base locations where we could explore for about 4 days each. My wife enjoys cities a bit more than I so we will probably locate around Edinburgh for one base. I would love to explore near Inverness and the west coast. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
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Comments
Edinburgh to Inverness is a little over 3 hours in the car. You could stop off at the wonderful town of Pitlochry or go a little further to Aviemore. Both of which are the perfect stop off points. Inverness to Oban is a little under 3 hours and from here you can explore Loch Lomond or Loch Fyne where the beautiful Inveraray Castle is located.
Hope this gives you a start. If you need anything else, just ask.
fishypro
Driving times as an average I'd use the below;
On Motorways you can use 55-60mph as an average.
On some A roads - dual carriageways you can use about the same go with the lower end. On others - single carriageway you should be using 35-40 depending on the time of year / day / busyness as an average.
On B class roads take it down to 30-35 as an average and on roads that are single lane you'd be best using 30 and below as an average.
Generally the fewer digits after the letter A9, for example the faster the road - general rule of thumb, some roads break that - for example the A9 north of Perth!!
To answer your specific question driving London to Edinburgh in a day is just a days drive - nothing major. The rules of the road here are more strictly applied than in the US. There's no turning on red lights for example. Also if you're not used to a stick shift ensure you tick the automatic box on your hire car ;-)
Whisky, Castles and Food a speciality.
yourscotlandtour.co.uk