Scotland in May

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kaungchiau
kaungchiau

I am planning to go to Scotland in May for about 2 weeks. Departure from London to either Aberdeen or Inverness. I visited Edinburgh, Glasgow and Loch Lomond before, so will skip them this time.

I plan to go to the Highlands, Orkney, Shetland, and islands in the west coast of Scotland like Mull, Lewis, Hebrides, and a few other which I can't remember, there are too many islands off the west coast.

My question is:

  1. Does my plan and itinerary sound realistic or should I cut them down?
  2. I will mostly be travelling by Citylink. Is one way fare more than hald the return fare?
  3. I will also be using ferries, mainly Northlink and Calmac. is it compulsory to book a cabin on an overnight crossing from Aberdeen?
  4. Anywhere else people can suggest?
  5. Dundee and Perth, worth visiting or better skip them?
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pedro555
pedro555

1) I would cut it down. Decide on either Orkneys and Shetlands or the Hebridees but not both. Then decide how much time you have left to go elsewhere
2) Yes
3) Pass
4) You mention the Highlands, that covers most of the country.
5) Woud not be near the top of my priority list. Stirling would be higher.

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kaungchiau
kaungchiau

Thanks for the response. OK, will scale back some.

I am travelling by either Megabus or National Express. Had a look at Scotrail and it is way over £100 from London.

Anyone travel on Megabus before? Is it any good?

This would be my last trip before leaving UK for good.

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hootrooster
hootrooster

I've taken megabus from London to Edinburgh overnight, via Newcastle. You can't beat the price although you will arrive beat physically, as you can imagine. Also look at sites like trainline and raileasy where you might find cheap advance tickets at up to 80% off the regular fare. Rail is certainly faster and more comfortable.
Also consider slowing down even more. It's highly rewarding to walk long distances (Great Glen Way for example). What you lose in breadth you more than make up for in depth. Less seeing and more real doing, you might say.

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jack_campin
jack_campin

If you're interested in historical sites, Stirling is more interesting than Dundee and Perth put together (the Castle, Argyle's Lodging, the jail museum).

London-Edinburgh buses can be utterly horrible (and they hadn't invented mobile phones that play music through external speakers when I last took one). Look around more to find what the cheapest rail fare really is (they don't make it easy to find) and consider flying.

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kaungchiau
kaungchiau

Thanks Jack. Yes, agree with you that overnight journey by bus can be a pain. As for flying, well, I don't think it is any cheaper. Nevertheless, I agree with you to find out more about train fare.

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scott555
scott555

Perth and Dundee arent really worth a visit a day for both would suffice.

In saying that Dundee is 20 mins from St Andrews which is worth a visit with lovely cafes, golf course and beaches.

Edinburgh overall has the best tourist attractions

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joelvin2
joelvin2

Hello

I don't think I would go to Dundee (not sure re Perth as I haven't been there) given you have a limited amount of time and the other places you want to go.

Have fun!

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pedro555
pedro555

#7. I think you are in a time warp.

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