Scotland trip help please!

[HermioneWeasley]

We are planning a week in Scotland next summer, but no idea of itinerary! Things we’d like to do

• couple of days in Edinburgh
  
• see wildlife
  
• go for gentle, well marked walks
  
• stay in a castle (family of 4)
  

Any suggestions for a route? Also, any midge avoidance tips? Thanks

[Skippii]

I'd recommend Glasgow over Edinburgh, lots of family friendly things to do. Also take the train/drive to Loch Lomond and the national park for lots of walks.

The Scottish National Trust website has a section on staying in castles. Head up to the the Highland Wildlife park, there are various other attractions nearby

[madvixen]

www.dalhousiecastle.co.uk/about-us/

Dalhousie Castle is within easy reach of Edinburgh. It's also within an easy drive of St Andrews where you have the most amazing beach which is perfect for a long walk. Follow this us with a potter around St Andrews Cathedral ruins and an ice cream at Jeanettas.

[smartcarnotsosmartdriver]

Depends how far north you want to go, Aberdeenshire has a lot of beautiful countryside, and coastal walks. There's also castles or even hotels that are castle-like.

[KlutzyDraconequus]

If I had the money I'd fly to Inverness, hire a car and dive down loch Ness to Fort Augustus, I'd stay at fort Augustus as it's the most beautiful place I've ever been.
The I'd drive down to Fort William and stay on the A82 to Loch Lomond.
The A82, imo, is absolutely breathtaking. Some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen in person or on TV.
Loch Lomond is also far more beautiful than Loch Ness but Loch Ness is a lot eerier.. is Eerier a word?

After lochlomond I'd head to port Patrick and wave at Ireland, then about turn and head to gretna green before flying home from wherever you can.

But that's just me..
Hell if I had the money I'd love to Fort Augustus and never leave again.

[happydays1983]

Look up the route 500 which a tour around the north of Scotland.

[bookishtartlet]

I would disagree with pp and say Edinburgh is far better than Glasgow for a visit, much more to do and just a much more beautiful city. Depends on the age of your kids really, how long you are here for, are you driving etc
Also, budget? Air Bnb have some amazing properties, particularly rurally. Lots of log cabins etc too dotted every where.
I love Angus which is just north of Dundee for beaches, but St Andrews and the Fife coastal route are also gorgeous. There is also the west coast driving route that is very well documented for places to stay. The islands on the west coast are also incredible, I love Skye. Places can book really well in advance and be expensive during peak times.
Midges; they hate lavender. Try Avon skin so soft. You will only be really bothered in warm weather and mostly rurally.

Bring wellies, waterproofs and Sun cream! You can have all 4 seasons in a day.

[Santaissleepingoffmincepies]

Highland wildlife park at Aviemore is better than Edinburgh zoo ime.

[Raglansleeve]

You could do Argyll and Bute, you can do ferry trips, lochs and mountains, not far from Glasgow, then have a couple of days in Edinburgh,and stay In a castle - Dalhousie as mentioned above, Greywalls if you are Rockefeller, Melville.

You will stand a better chance of avoiding the midges on the east coast, and they can absolutely ruin a holiday if they’re bad. Fife is beautiful - you could visit Culross and Falkland for palaces and history, the East Neuk for pretty fishing villages and great beaches, St Andrews, Tentsmuir forest and Dundee. There are castle hotels in the area - Kilconquar (sp), or somewhere like Balbirnie.

[HermioneWeasley]

Wow, thanks for all the esponses. We’ve been to Glasgow so would like to see Edinburgh.

Budget - £2-3k, willing to pay for really unusual/memorable accommodation

[KlutzyDraconequus]

Bank House, fort Augustus.
It's a BnB but it's also an old.converted Bank of Scotland branch. It's amazing.

[S0upertrooper]

What age are your DC? St Mary's Close in Edinburgh is interesting (spooky, hidden history) maybe the kids would like the Castle or the military tattoo.

Glasgow, Art Galleries, Transport Museum, Botanic Gardens, West End cafes.

Nearby islands for walks and cycling Cumbrae and Rothesay.

[Awks]

We stayed here loads when the kids were young. It's just the most beautiful place and very convenient for sightseeing www.fingaskcastle.co.uk/index.php/general

[ShaniceDanielle]

The zoo is fantastic will take up a day to get round it

[HermioneWeasley]

Thanks so much for all your suggestions

[TulipsInbloom1]

Highland Wildlife Park in Kingussie is excellent. Also stayed near Aberdeen at Stonehaven right next to the amazing Dunnotar Castle.

We usually always holiday in Scotland. Twice a year. Edinburgh is great for a night or so but the Highlands and islands are way way better for a weeks holiday.

[S0upertrooper]

For midgie repellent we use Skin So Soft by Avon.

[Serin]

I would take in a Highland games and a few of the Islands. Islay is my favourite. It's like going back in time.
I find smidge is a much better repellant.

[HermioneWeasley]

Thanks all!

[Yabbers]

Definitely get out of the Central Belt for a bit. Take a drive up the A9, down the A93 to Balmoral. The scenery on Royal Deeside is stunning.

The Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel are apparently popular with tourists.

Stirling Castle is interesting too.

[GoGoGadgetGin]

Where are you coming from? This castle near me in Ayrshire you can hire 'the Eisenhower suite' by the night!
www.culzean-eisenhower.com

[MrsMoastyToasty]

We have done a circular road trip s couple of times. Starting in Glasgow, up to Loch Lomond, then either go to Oban or Fort William and out to Mull. Returning from Mull and going up Loch Ness to Inverness and then to Aviemore and onto Edinburgh before returning to Glasgow.

[jenthehen]

I'd go to the NW Highland coast and travel between Plockton and Ullapool, take in the Torridon Hills, lovely lunch at Applecross and go out on a Wildlife boat from Gairloch. We've been several times and seen scores of dolphins, a couple of Minke Whales and a Humpback.

[MrsBungle]

Totally agree with dalhousie. I got married there, it’s beautiful and very close to Edinburgh.
My advice is make sure you include glen Coe and try to get an island in.

[Freezingtoes]

How about Traquair House? It’s about 45 minutes to one hour from Edinburgh and the local area is beautiful. (www.traquair.co.uk)

[Mossend]

If you are thinking about Edinburgh remember August is really busy with the festivals. It's great but does make hotels etc more expensive.