A long weekend by road to visit Scotland

[Anordinarymum]

That's what we are planning to do. Drive up one Saturday before Christmas and stay over until Tuesday morning.

We would like to visit Glencoe/Inverness/Loch Lomond/Edinburgh as examples. We have a dog and she will be coming. Not that that makes a lot of difference but worth mentioning.
Can anyone help with ideas for places to visit?

The last time I did anything like this was over 40 years ago so my memory is not as sharp, but I remember camping at Ayr and Inverness and Fraserborough.

Any help appreciated.

Thank you

Honestly you don't need such a mental journey for what you want out of it. We have plenty of space and beauty!

The higher areas are more of a risk at that time of year. Perth is lovely. You could do a few nights there and get the train out to Aviemore or drive if the roads are okay.
It puts you nice and central and if you hit lucky with weather can do the a93 and up spittal of glenshee.
I love aberfoyle and the areas around it too. All within fairly easy reach. It has a great three lochs drive.

Personally I'd plan based on weather being poor and if it's not then it's an advantage. But booking accommodation four hours apart even when conditions are good is risky.

Pick a smaller loop whether it's central taking in bit of Cairngorms and Trossachs or go east or west. It is getting from east to west that requires high ground!

Actually if you can do Friday to Monday, Forest holidays at Strathyre may fit the bill. Gorgeous surroundings and you can get dog friendly cabins www.forestholidays.co.uk/booking/cabins/?l=468bfc3fc2374d92a99d0c73face813a&d=3&sd=2021%2F12%2F17

Ooh, that looks lovely @rookiemere. Nothing that for future reference

Its started snowing in Glencoe already. Was up today and snow has settled on the Three Sisters.
Definitely watch the weather as they do shut the snow gates.

It really is @WouldBeGood , the accommodation is a little less luxurious than the price tag would suggest and I resent having to pay extra for wifi in this day and age, but the setting is gorgeous and it's 4 miles away from Callander which is a lovely wee town.

Those Strathyre cabins are well located - easy access from central belt but tucked in the trossachs. Ben Ledi (walk from the door) is only just off a munro and is doable with a bit of snow on top. But you're not so likely to get properly bad weather at Loch Lubnaig. There are plenty of lower level walks, cafes at Callander or Stronachlachar, cycle at Loch Katrine etc. And you could easily get a day at Stirling Castle 30 mins away.

I love it round there, but don’t know it well. Thanks for the WiFi info - useful if I force DS to come 🤣

Your itinerary/wish list is way too ambitious.

Just pick one or two places (close together) and enjoy them to the full.

Other than that, you will spend all your time in the car, and in the dark.

To accommodate your dog, you will pretty much need to go the private B&B route, or a holiday park (eg Haven near Edinburgh).

My recommendation would be to base yourself in or near Edinburgh, as you can't predict the weather further afield. There is plenty to do and see in Edinburgh/East Lothian/Fife.

You are basically only available on the Sunday and Monday.

I think holiday inn express takes dogs?

I would either just do Edinburgh ( which is amazing) . Or I would drive up to West coast. You could stop in Glasgow or go straight up to Glencoe . Which is atmospheric in any weather. Stay in Ballachullish,. Then on to Oban and then Inveraray. ( stay at the George Hotel ) Then back home.
Weather in the West tends to more often be windy and rainy. East is drier and colder.
Dumfries and Gallowayis a lovely place to explore with some pretty scenery ( around Kippford has some great walks). But it’s not like the wild rugged scenery on the West Coast

Thank you for all the replies. It is only an idea really. I know the list is ambitious but those are the places I want to visit, however, this can be done anytime. I realise its not a good time of year and am rethinking the whole thing now.
I appreciate the help. Its fab on here at times !

You could still have a lovely long weekend here. Doesn't even need to be expensive. Lot of the Travelodges take dogs and some are in good locations.
The Perth one is well situated just across bridge. You can get some lovely walks from it along the river and they can often cancelled up to the day.
It sounds like you need a break and some fresh air. You can easily get that. Personally I'd save Glencoe and Inverness for another time - or base yourself in Inverness but limit your exploration while there to the black isle or places a little nearer, within around an hour (which still offers loads of amazing places).

I think everyone is just trying to say your plan is essentially all travel in the time frame you have but stripped back could be an amazing break.
You're making me want to squeeze in another trip somewhere!

Yes I agree, a trip away is definitely doable if you pick a closer (yet still scenic) base. I checked and Leeds to Bamburgh is just under 3 hours and Callander is I think about 4.5 hrs - definitely doable for a long weekend. The weather up here can be cold, but there are some beautiful frosty days if you wrap up warm.

As others have said maybe do a smaller loop or have a holiday in one specific place. Snow is forecast for the weekend and it’s bitterly cold here in Glencoe today. There would also be more to do in one of the cities/bigger towns in the evening for you too as it’s pretty much dark here by 3.30pm.

I like @Scottishskifun suggestions. You could do the lovely circular walk at The Hermitage just past Dunkeld, it's stunning!

It's doable but you need to change the order of how you'd normally do a road trip. So instead of getting up and driving to a place/sightseeing and dinner you have to do the sightseeing early - while it's still light - and then drive in the dark to your next stop. That's the only real way to do more than one location in Scotland in the winter! So it's not for you if you're not confident driving country roads in the dark.

I suggest basing yourself somewhere like Edinburgh or Glasgow then taking trips out. There's loads within easy reach.

@emmathedilemma

What about the Borders, Northumberland coast and a day trip to Edinburgh from one of them by train?

I agree. North Northumberland (Bamburgh, Lindesfarne, Alnwick) is beautiful. Wild. Fairly empty. Stunning beaches, Castles, sunsets. Follow the River Tweed across the Borders to Melrose & climb the Eildons. Go to Edinburgh and see the Castle & Christmas lights. Reverse.

'reverse' - I don't mean 'this is a reverse' as in aibu, I meant back down :)
But if you do go to Edinburgh climb Arthurs seat in good light, it's quite steep in places but the view across the City & to the Forth Bridge is amazing :)