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

Continued gratitude for your recommendations

I would look at the East Neuk around St Andrews; there is loads to do there, including the new V&A at Dundee, parks, etc.

Or East Lothian - easy access to Edinburgh - a short train journey.

Ah, jeez - posters keep mentioning the most beautiful places.

YY to Fort Augustus, Glen Coe, Loch Lomond, the islands. For me, the West of Scotland is spellbinding.

Edinburgh is great for a couple of days. My kids loved the dungeon. The zoo is okay. There's a Harry Potter escape room.

Blair Drummond was enjoyable when my kids were younger.

There's boat trips from various places for wildlife watching. We took one from Mull recently. Speaking of Mull - just lovely. Iona worth a visit if you do go to Mull.

We go to Arran every year. Our favourite place.

Coastline of Fife beautiful but, for me, not a patch on the West Coast.

I don't want to presume HermioneGrainger but can I suggest you might enjoy a couple of days in Edinburgh for all things Potter and JK related. You can stay in the J K Rowling suite in the Balmoral Hotel, visit the Elephant House Cafe (not the best food but a must if you're a Potterhead. There are HP themed walking tours and escape room. Other HP locations you could think about - Glencoe, Loch Shiel and Glenfinnan Viaduct where you can book tickets on the steam train Jacobite Express & imagine you're off to Hogwarts

Sorry HermioneWeasley reverted to your maiden name there

libertontower.com/
Unusual Edinburgh accommodation

posie I appreciate the suggestion but alas my ungrateful rug rats are not Harry Potter fans. I can only assume they were switched at birth.

@Awrite agree West coast best coast l always say Arran is fabulous- often described as Scotland in miniature!

If yiu are going to be in Edinburgh during August

Ahh yes, but will also blow their entire budget of 3k on a crappy B&B for a week. Edinburgh is ruinously expensive in August.

I would do East Lothian in August - just a short train journey in from Drem, Dunbar or ideally North Berwick - all the benefits of the country & seaside without the madness of town.

If you come in June you could come to the Highland Show just outside Edinburgh.
Culzean Castle by me has some nice holiday cottages to rent. The coastline here in South Ayrshire is stunning. You can do a boat trip to Ailsa Craig and Arran.
I use Smidge to keep midges at bay. Its amazing stuff.