Anywhere in Scotland - Ayrshire?

[zerominuszero]

I might post this in the UK forum too, but basically we're going to the Edinburgh festival for a few days and also want to go somewhere more rural for another 3 or 4 days in August. We have a car but ideally don't want to spend TOO long on the road, so I was thinking maybe Ayr/Ayrshire, but I really have no idea.

Not too long ago we went to Ambleside in the Lake District and loved it, so somewhere like that would be a nice (ie. pretty scenery, a bit of water, nice restaurants).

Any suggestions, no matter how stupid, would be very gratefully received.

Hmm, not sure I'd go to Ayrshire, although I'm sure others would disagree.

You could go somehere in East Lothian, like North Berwick, which is about half an hour from Edinburgh.

If you don't fancy that, what about going to Mull or one of the West Coast islands.

Arran is lovely (actually, it may well be in Ayrshire!) and Skye is spectacular, but it's a bit further away.

I was originally thinking East Lothian but I was told that the west coast is where it's at. But they might have been talking about the west coast north of Glasgow, as opposed to Ayrshire. Hmmm.

Probably - the further north west you go, the more beautiful it is.

How about Arran? That's pretty gorgeous. We like going to Troon but it's just a quick-ish drive from Glasgow, not sure it would sustain a few days holiday though. Are you camping or hotel/B&Bing? West coast is lovely going north from Glasgow but takes a fair drive. I've always quite liked Undiscovered Scotland site for getting a feel for places... East Neuk of Fife is also pretty, fishing villages etc. Depends on what you like.

Hotel, most likely. Thanks for all the excellent suggestions so far, I will investigate them today and let you know what I think. I do quite like the sound of Arran.

loch lomond is very pretty. don't forget your insect spray!

West is best!

Arran is perfect for you - it's often referred to Scotland in miniture...amazing scenery, plenty to do, good restaurants, beaches etc - def good for keeping you busy for a few days

It would be about a 2 hour drive from Edinburgh and then it's about an hour from Adrossan to Brodick on the ferry.

Or you can stay on the mainland, Argyll is beautiful - perhaps base yourselves in
Inverary and explore the area around there.

Scotland's small, you can get around easily and see lots!

Ayrshire is nice but not where I would choose for a holiday really

We live in Glasgow and often choose to take short breaks up north rather than leave the country! The views are honestly breath-taking.

Have a fanastic trip. If you need any info on anywhere specifically, please ask.

Am currently 95% decided on Arran, thanks for the tips everyone!

Are you wanting hotel or camping?

We live just outside Glasgow, but have returned from a fab weekend camping at heads of Ayr. Totally unspoilt,but only 10 mins from Ayr - loads to do with kids down that way - keburn castle, Culzean castle, Heads of Ayr Harm, Largs, Louden Castle Theme Park, Seal watching round Cumbrae..

Echo what geordieminx says. I live in Ayrshire and there is loads to see and do

Ooh Macdog - we went to a lovely pub in Ayr called The Balgarth, its on the way out of Ayr towards Heads of Ayr - huge kids playground, lovely food, nice seperate terrace for adults. Totally reccomend it!

While you are in the area, go and have a look at the Falkirk Wheel. An absolutely stunning feat of engineering. Now geared up for tourist visits with a shop, cafe and boat rides.

geordieminx, we've passed it many times, but have never stopped. Will make special effort now

The garden was lovely - seperate terrace for adults, then a huge garden with sunken trampoline and a couple of huge climbing frames/slides - we could have stayed all afternoon!

If you liked Ambleside, then Callander and surroundings will be right up your street.. lochs, lovely hills and lots of good food

I love Ayrshire!! Echo all the posts about heads of Ayr, Culzean etc but also love Arran - for luxury look at Auchrannie Hotel - think there might also be a teepee village on Arran if you fancy camping!! You could do Ayrshire, then Arran , travel round Arran to lochranza and pop over to the Mull of Kintyre - lovely!!
Avoid Saltcoats, Stevenston, Ardrossan, irvine as seaside resorts if you see them coming up - cos they're not!! they are towns by the sea but "resorts" is stretching it a bit far!!