Scotland recommendations

[TravellingSpoon]

Am hoping to do a week in Scotland next summer, at the beginning of August, but I just cant decide where to go.

DS wants it to be outdoorsy, he loves walking, especially in forests/round lakes. He also loves Canoeing and high ropes so anywhere that has tose would be a bonus. If its close enough to a beach that is even better.

Any ideas wuld be really helpful.

We love Dumfries & Galloway - it has the Solway Coast for a variety of beaches, plus the Galloway Forest and Loch Ken for lots of inland activities.

Simple answer to all of them is Aviemore - even though it's a freshwater beach at Loch Morlich.

It's a stunning place, but also well served with amenities and tourist things to do such as rent canoes, bikes etc, amazing walks, high ropes etc

Go to the Hebridean Islands, avoid Skye, camper vans are wrecking it. Oban is a great jump of point to the islands. Amazing marine life, food, water sports, beaches, swimming. Get ferry to all the islands from Oban. Stay in a few places.

Agreed

Another vote for Aviemore if you're looking for a range of activities. It's hard to think of an outdoor pursuit that isn't catered for there. The Visit Aviemore site should give you some idea of what's on offer: www.visitaviemore.com/activities/

No doubt about it - Aviemore.

Inveraray

Aviemore is a great shout. Go see the Green Loch and feed the reindeer too.

I'd suggest a day out to Glencoe if you have never been to Scotland before. See 'skyfall' Road and go out the mountain.

Came on to say Aviemore but been beaten to it by everyone! It's got everything you want and more.

Thanks everyone, will have a look at cottages. That sounds perfect.

We stayed at Highland Holiday cottages near Newtonmore. Would recommend. Pub at Aviemore is also good (need to book). Worth taking a trip to Findhorn beach, only an hour and you can go National Trust battle site at Culloden on the way up

And Brodie.

You can get a "hopscotch " ticket with Calmac ferries which allows multiple journeys.

If you can wait until the second half of August then Scotland schools will be back so some areas may be a wee bit quieter.

Avimore!
We used to go every year when our boys were young and now we’ll be back in a couple of weeks with our younger son and his family. We usually stay in Silverglades.

But the midges , in August!!! I would aim to be coastal if you can as the midges are brutal inland in August.

That is an inaccurate statement.

Firstly, not everywhere is affected by midges and dependent on the weather, the exact location, and if the midges are on their second or third wave/breeding cycle or not, and so exact timings (let alone a full month!) are hard to predict, or just a good or bad midge year. You cannot guarantee or rule them out.
Secondly, coasts can be easily as bad as inland - two of the worst midgings I have had are on a beach in Argyll and a small hill overlooking the sea on Harris.
Thirdly, midges are not often that brutal (see us lot who live there quite happily) due to the factors above.
And finally - Smidge, covering up and a midge net make even pretty tough midgings bearable these days.

Go somewhere as it has good reasons to go - the activities and experiences you want to have, not running away from a wee beastie that may not actually be too much of an issue.

Thanks for the lecture @outdooryone 😆

I am Scottish and I have spent a lot of time travelling around all over the country camping/motor homing, hillwalking etc…. Yes I agree Argyll can be hellish too and it is unpredictable. I’ve been savaged on Harris too but the Dalwhinnie area was a shocker this July and even with midge nets etc.. it was miserable - we were wild camping. My husband got over 300 bites even when wearing trousers/long sleeve/ midge nets just because he forgot to tuck his trousers into his socks! He’s normally unaffected too…

I love it here but people need to be aware it’s an issue. Until you’ve met the midge en masse it’s hard to believe the misery and who wants to wear midge nets on holiday! I mentioned it purely because no one else did. I travel in July and August with trepidation and my fingers crossed! May and September tend to be better.

Don't forget that the Edinburgh Fringe takes place in August. It tends to have a big effect on the availability of accommodation over quite a large area.

www.donthibernate.co.uk/summer-trip-to-the-west-coast-of-scotland/

Totally agree! Just over the boarder turn left. Load of outdoor actives, sailing, canoeing, mountain bike trails and lovely unspoilt, empty beaches ( shhh don’t tell anyone ). Loads of history, wildlife and Dark Skies National Oark.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs are beautiful but too busy in the summer . Galloway is a good shout or further north.

Braemar is lovely but not near the sea.

Dumfries and Galloway is your best bet. Kippford, or portpatrick to the very west are lovely, plus you've got lots to do inland as well

Base yourself in Kirkcudbright, historical port town. East access for the Galloway Activity Centre.