Scottish road trip, August

[masquerade]

I'm planning a trip to Scotland for myself and my daughter (will be almost 12) in the last half of August this year. We can go for up to 18 days and will be mostly camping. I've only ever been to Edinburgh before!

I'm starting to plan a route and would love any advice on things to do in the areas we're visiting, must-see places I could add in etc.

So far I've got
Home (N.E England) ----> Kirkudbright
stay at Solway View and definitely visit Laggan Outdoor Activity Centre we were supposed to do a zipwire on another holiday but had to cancel it due to an injury, my daughter is still really keen and would also love the archery (big Hunger Games fan)

Kirkudbright ----> Glasgow
maybe stay at Red Deer Village

Glasgow ----> Arran
stay at Seal Shore Camping

Arran ----> Eigg
we will probably stop for a night somewhere on the way, any suggestions for budget accomodation, either hostel, some sort of glamping, air bnb or just a general area would be gratefully received.

Getting to Eigg, I'm thinking the Sheerwater ferry from Arisaig because of the wildlife spotting, does anyone have an opinion on this crossing vs the Mallaig>Eigg route?

Thinking of probably not camping in Eigg.

Eigg ----> Edinburgh
We will stay at Linwater and go and see some shows, hopefully do the Harry Potter tour, eat ice-cream from Mary's Milk bar, maybe even get round to climbing Arthur's seat this year!

Again we would probably like a stopover on the way from Eigg to Edinburgh.

[bekind]

The solway view campsite is on my list of places to go, it looks terrific.
Your trip from Arran to Eigg goes thru some fab scenic areas and well worth a few days of your time. I'd go across on the ferry from Arran to the mainland from the NW corner of Arran (can't remember what it's called at the mo) then up Kintyre to Oban and then on to Arisaig. Eigg, Muck and Rhum are fab. We stayed in Arisaig campsite then took day trips.
On way from Eigg to Edinburgh I'd focus on Loch Lomond and Trossachs area - campsites at Cashel and Sallochy on the Loch itself. Otherwise Cobleland nr Aberfoyle is nice too

[DramaAlpaca]

Your itinerary sounds fab.

The only advice I'd give you is to take lots of insect repellent. Scottish midges are like nothing on earth, especially in August.

[masquerade]

Solway View does look great doesn't it bekind, and very good prices! I will look at the places you've suggested for on the way to Edinburgh.

Definitely lots of insect repellent DramaAlpaca as well as anti-histamines and antibiotics. I've had cellulitis infections the past two summers after bites, so will be doing my very best to avoid the same this year.

[roisin]

dh stayed in this bothy on Eigg. Very basic, great view.
We've seen wildlife from the Calmac Ferry from Mallaig, but Sheerwater is good too.

Midges tend to be less problematic on the coast, or when it's dry. Do be flexible with your itinerary as they can suddenly become a massive problem i certain areas and there's no escape if you're camping.

[roisin]

Forgot the bothy link: www.spanglefish.com/cuagachbothy/

[susannahmoodie]

We rated at Solway view last summer!! It was such an
incredibly beautiful site. best of all is the walk to private tiny beach - we spent hours there skimming stones. We love d&g there is tonnes to do!

[masquerade]

That's good to hear susannahmoodie What did you enjoy in D&G?

Thanks for the link Roisin, I've seen a couple of bothys on Eigg. Any idea how far in advance I'd need to book?

So looking for the drive back from Arisaig to Edinburgh I think if I stick to the A82 we'll pass through Glencoe and then Trossachs. Going to look for places to stop along the way now. Then I need to decide if it'd be better continuing down to Glasgow and the across the M8 or heading towards Stirling and the M9 - plenty of time for that though.

Nothing like a bit of holiday planning to pass the time in January.

[roisin]

I don't know: we're book and plan in advance people! Eigg has a growing reputation, but there isn't loads of accommodation. So I would expect it gets quite "full" in summer.

I've stayed on Muck, nut not Eigg.

[masquerade]

Me too, if you can't tell by me starting a thread in January about a trip to Scotland I'm planning for August!

[voluptuagoodshag]

Assume you are driving and have all your camping gear in car.
I'm not totally sure but imagine the ferry from Arisaig is passenger only.
All the camp sites around Arisaig are just stunning, but would highlight Silversands and Gorten Sands as particularly beautiful.
In August they will be very busy so booking a must though Silversands have always said no need to book, never turn anyone away (best to verify though).
Like folk have said before, midge repellant, in bucket loads. I always find concentrated citronella oil good used on top of Skin So Soft. As you are camping I'd invest in a couple of midge hoods too.
The west coast is beautiful but beware the weather. You might want to have a back up plan just in case it is foul. I've had the best and worst holidays in the Scottish west coast all due to weather. If the forecast is grim for a few days you might want to consider heading east or North east. The weather tends to be drier and sunnier. Aviemore area is wonderful with campsites at Glenmore, Rothiemurchus, Dalraddy and lots of walking/cycling paths heading into the wilderness. Also lots of wet weather stuff to do - Highland Museum in Newtonmore, wildlife park in Kingussie, zip wire park in Kincraig, water sports at both Loch Morlich and Loch Insh.
Another area which is fab is the a Moray coast, East of Inverness. Reputation for sunniest area in Scotland with lots of lovely campsites next to beaches. Plenty castles to explore. Would recommend Findhorn, Hopeman and Portsoy.
Finally, check out this website www.scottishcamping.com
It has virtually all the campsites available, both commercial and wild camping with good reviews from users.
Have fun, it sounds marvellous.

[HotCrossMummy]

I suggest Smidge for the midges: www.amazon.co.uk/Smidge-That-Midge-Insect-Repellent/dp/B00413715E?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21