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Scotland Driving 3-4 Days

Replies: 13 - Last Post: Apr 23, 2012 12:39 AM Last Post By: ariel1996

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ariel1996

ariel1996 avatar

Apr 11, 2012 6:20 AM
Posts:  14

Scotland Driving 3-4 Days

So I'm planning a trip to Europe in June/July visiting Paris first for a week then moving onto London. When I'm in London i would like to travel around Scotland for approx 3 nights 4 days, driving in a hired car. I need help to plan my itinerary, where are the best places to see, etc???? I would like to see as much as possible from all over Scotland.

Thanks

Herbie47

Herbie47 avatar

Apr 11, 2012 6:57 AM
Posts:  3,605

1

What sort of things do you want to see?

Are you hiring the car in London?

Edited by: Herbie47

ariel1996

ariel1996 avatar

Apr 11, 2012 7:09 AM
Posts:  14

2

Im hoping to train from London to Edinburgh, and from there hire a car. Im interested in historic sights, whisky distilleries ?? and most importantly the landscapes and nature, that sort of stuff.

Herbie47

Herbie47 avatar

Apr 11, 2012 7:18 AM
Posts:  3,605

3

Yes that would be best although flying canbe cheaper and quicker than the train. Driving in Scotland canbe slow going so 4 days is not long. I would avoid Loch Ness. For scenery I would head to the Highlands, around Glen Coe good scenery, walks etc. Whiskey I not so sure, plenty around but dont drink too much and drive. I would then head up to Isle of Skye and drive around, there is Talisker distillery there which is worth a visit. If time then head back over bridge to mainland and go north along the coast, go to Plockton and Applecross and around the west coast. Then back to Edinburgh.

ariel1996

ariel1996 avatar

Apr 11, 2012 7:24 AM
Posts:  14

4

Why avoid Lock Ness??? i was thinking may be to travel from Edinburgh to Isle of Skye then around the Highlands and then up to the Orkney Islands. Can you suggest an itinerary that incorporates all these locations??

Herbie47

Herbie47 avatar

Apr 11, 2012 7:31 AM
Posts:  3,605

5

Loch Ness there is really nothing to see there, it is one of the most boring lochs, do not waste your time.
Yes you can get to Skye from Edinburgh it takes about 7 hours I believe, but Highlands are before Skye. No time for Orkneys, remember the roads in the north are narrow often single width with passing places, so slow going expect about 30 mph.

ariel1996

ariel1996 avatar

Apr 11, 2012 7:34 AM
Posts:  14

6

So if i leave out the far north, what are the best locations in Skye and the Highlands?? Should i also visit the Outer Hebrides??

ariel1996

ariel1996 avatar

Apr 11, 2012 7:35 AM
Posts:  14

7

f i wanted to incorporate the far north of Scotland, how much longer do i need to add to my trip, is it a matter of 1 or 2 days???

Herbie47

Herbie47 avatar

Apr 11, 2012 7:46 AM
Posts:  3,605

8

I like Glen Coe area in the Highlands but there are many good places, have alook online at some guides. Skye has several good places to, try Elgol, Black Cuillins, and then the north east part inc. Old Man of Storr but it is worth driving round the whole island. For north I would add 2-3 days. The Outer Hebrides are great but you need to add 2 days more at least, you can go from Skye to Lewis and drive down to Harris and then back to mainland, just check your hire car can go off the mainland as some are not keen on cars going on ferries.

ariel1996

ariel1996 avatar

Apr 12, 2012 6:57 AM
Posts:  14

9

I decided to extend the trip to 4 nights and 5 days, do you think i can get a lot more done???
Is it possible to see Skye, the highlands, Orkneys, Outer and/or Inner Hebrides, swell as inverness,Glasgow,and Edinburgh???

Herbie47

Herbie47 avatar

Apr 12, 2012 7:11 AM
Posts:  3,605

10

No. I think you need to decide between the Hebrides and Orkneys, even then it will be really pushing it, the ferry to Lewis takes about 1.5 hours each way.
I would just stick to Highlands, Skye and Edinburgh. The good thing is it will light until about 10pm.

Brewergray

Brewergray avatar

Apr 14, 2012 6:46 AM
Posts:  20

11

Hi ariel1996 I am an Aussie who lived and worked in Inverness for 2 years. In my opinion, I'd suggest you leave the Outer Hebrides for another time, and visit Glen Coe (the A82 from Glasgow to Inverness is just magic and gives one a real sense of the Highlands), Eilean Donan Castle, the Isle of Skye (Portree is great!) and Inverness. Definitely do a Jacobite boat trip on Loch Ness, no matter what anyone says. If you stay in Inverness for 2 nights, you could jump on a bus tour to Orkney for a day trip if you're really super keen to see Orkney, the ones that leave Inverness at silly o'clock are great value. Distilleries that are worth seeing if you have a car is Talisker on the Isle of Skye, Glenmorangie outside of Inverness, and Dalwhinnie en route back to Edinburgh/Glasgow on the A9. Enjoy!

ariel1996

ariel1996 avatar

Apr 15, 2012 6:55 PM
Posts:  14

12

Thank you very much Brewergray, i will take what you've said to help me plan this trip.

ariel1996

ariel1996 avatar

Apr 23, 2012 12:39 AM
Posts:  14

13

Does anyone have any itineraries that they have made for a trip like this??? please share
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