Touring Scotland
We are retiring in March and would like to spend a few weeks touring Scotland. Can anyone give us any ideas on routes to travel and stay to see as much of Scotland we can in about 3 weeks please?
Any ideas of places to visit and any routes anyone has taken would be much appreciated.
Many thanks
Comments
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Hi, Janete. In my experience, the further north you go, the better it gets.
Don't be too ambitious as Scotland is a big country and journey times take longer once you're away from the motorway/dual carriageway network.
I like the west coast but beware of midges from around June onwards. The east coast also has much to offer but I think the far north beats it all. Check out the info on the CC sites at North Ledaig, Bunree, Brora and Dunnet Bay for starters.
The Borders, Dumfries & Galloway and Kintyre shouldn't be overlooked either.
Spoilt for choice!
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This post started in the "Introductions" section was closed within 30 minutes of the original post. Whilst I understand that and the reasons behind it, surely the wording by the moderator could have been less abrupt and an explanation given as to why the post had been moved. Posting in "Introductions" seems to suggest the OP is relatively new so may feel put out by it.
Would it not be better for Mods to stick to a preformed explanation.
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I think the mods have quite a lot on their plates at the moment, Harry, but it sounded perfectly fine and polite to me. Saying it's been moved to UK Sites and Touring tells its own story I think.
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Janete, don't try to rush it !!
Scotland is large, the roads not as many as in England, so you may well end up covering the same tarmac time and time again.
You can easily pop over the Border from where you are, and cover the area south of Edinborough, over the Forth Bridge and into The Kingdom of Fife, or even further up the East Coast to Braemar and Aberdeen areas. sampling the world as you go !
This will give you a taste of this strange foreign country in small easily digested pieces, and the east coast is almost totally midge-free !!
When you have got the latest Maps & Dictionary to hand then try the Beautiful, Gorgeous North & West Coasts, but don't try the site at Altnahara, 'cos it will take your heart , believe me
Brian A B M
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Assuming you've not been to Scotland lately and that you prefer open country to cities:
- Get north of Glasgow / Edinburgh as fast as you can
- There are places in the SW well worth visiting but in in 3 weeks best to leave them for next time ;-)
- Late May / June is the best time to visit (dfaylight, good weather, fewr midges)
- Beware of midges (lots on here about that if the search function ever works ;-)
- The North Coast 500 route is worth following
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I agree with Brian1 except for his urging to head north of the
industrial belt swiftly.
There are plenty of beautiful places heading west from , say,
Melrose down to Stranraer, indeed The Stewartry isn't called
Artist Country for nothing ( Midges permitting tho
! )Just don't go near The Merrick without midge-proof body
armour !
( Agreed IainM1970 -- cross posting
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We did about 5 weeks in May last year, although we did spent 2 weeks at one site. Started at Blairdrummond, north of Stirling, for visiting the castle, Falkirk wheel and Kelpies. Then to Grantown on Spey, for the Cairngorms. Across to the west to Morvich, great walking and possible to visit Skye. South to Killin, great walking, plus cycling and boating on Loch Tay, if that is your thing. May is a great time to visit the west coast, long days, few midges and often good weather. Last year temperatures in the low to mid 20's.
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It's worth seeing one of the major towns, both Glasgow and Edinburgh have lots to offer. The CC site near Edinburgh is near the coast with nice walks along the Forth estuary and has easy access to Edinburgh.
From Edinburgh you can journey on in many directions. There is so much to see it might be better to attempt a more limited area. Maybe up to the Highlands and across to the Dee or across to Fort William. it's quite difficult to recommend certain areas as it's a bit like saying where to go in England or Wales! Hope you enjoy it, you'll probably want to return for more.
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I'm with ABM on this one. The Lowlands of Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway, the east coast are all places worthy of your company. None provide the majestic beauty of the Highlands or the west coast such as Sutherland, but will provide a relaxing holiday, good roads, and friendly people. We prefer the east to the west.
Altnaharra, in the Stratnaver Valley, will steal your heart. One camper spotted 60 different species of birds in 5 days in the valley. Even we managed to spot the Golden Eagle that flew over Loch Naver several times when we were visiting. Walking on the mountains gives great views but you will need a map and compass [and know how to use them] because you can easily get lost. We went earlier this year. Brora is a near perfect full facilities site; it was our favourite until we went to Altnaharra.
There is the North Coast 500 which attracts tourists and would provide you with an itinerary covering the top end of Scotland. Just search fro NC500.
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I wouldn't dismiss Edinburgh either if you haven't been (I hadn't 'till last summer) We spent a week and barely scratched the surface of the area before travelling through the Trossachs to the Maragowan site for a couple of days and a week on the west coast on a CL north of Oban, going out to the islands too. 3 week tour all told - wonderful sites and memories - pity it rained virtually every day!
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In three weeks you would have to be a bit selective. I would try either the West Coast for the mountains and views or the East coast for the more populated areas and then to Inverness returning down the A9 to Perth. Both Glasgow and Edinburgh are worthwhile destinations with plenty to see.
A lot depends on what interests you as to where you are best advised to go and if you can let us know it should be possible to suggest a better route.
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Perhaps if the OP could let us know what they like to see and do on holiday, we could narrow the choice.
If they want dramatic scenery with fantastic seascapes, mountains and glens then the North and West of Scotland is recommended.
If they like gentle pastoral scenery with nice coastal towns and villages then the East coast is recommended.
Southern Scotland has the same advantages as the East coast.
The Central belt is great for those who like retail therapy and there are many places of historical interest.
Where ever you go in Scotland, I hope you have a great time.
Cheers.........................K
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This is where the unlamented star system gave some indication of history/experience.
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I'd just like to thank all of you for answering my post. You have given us lots of information and we look forward to planning our route through the winter months.
We have been members of the Caravan Club for over 25 years but it is the first time I have posted on the discussion board and I am amazed at the number of people that have contributed their ideas!!
We have been to Scotland twice, both times staying at the Ayr site and have visited places in that area. We like walking, spectacular scenery, seaside towns most things mentioned in your answers and not forgetting local hostelries that we might come across!! We would also like to visit Edinburgh, I think our stay may be more than 3 weeks but after the years of working and holiday days limited when we retire we will have all the time we want to do what we want!!
Once again everyone thank you all for your input.
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Glad it helped, Janete. Enjoy your travels.
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Thanks ABM will certainly post and let everyone know the places we've seen and stayed. I don't think we will put off as we loved Scotland when we stayed at Ayr and visited the surrounding area, we wondered why we had reached a certain age and never been to Scotland before!
Will probably post again when planning our route for any CL suggestions by members.
Thanks again
Janet
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