Scotland ideas

[whiteroseredrose]

I’ve been tasked with arranging a long weekend in Scotland, probably June. We’ll be going with another couple and their (not dog-friendly) dog.

But Scotland is vast with lots going on and I don’t know where to begin!

We’d like something to see, maybe a castle, some nice walks (not too much uphill) and nice pub or two.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Many thanks

You can't beat going to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle Urquhart Castle | Historic Environment Scotland. Lots of places to walk and see. Also close to Inverness if you want to visit too.

Thank you! I will have a look.

East Neuk of Fife.

Perth.

North Berwick.

Ardrossan. You can take the ferry to Arran, the town itself is lovely and you are near enough to enjoy the Clydebank area which gives you access to a lot

Perth/Perthshire ticks all your boxes. It’s lovely in June.

Lovely. Thank you for the suggestions. Will research places to stay.

Aberfeldy! Not too far from Edinburgh, nice town and lots on the doorstep.

Arran has two castles, one run by National Trust for Scotland with lovely gardens, and one an interesting ruin with free-range deer and a fabulous outlook. Two distilleries with tours. Some great walks, cafes and restaurants. Heritage Museum. Very varied scenery. Not for nothing is it called Scotland in miniature!

Dunkeld and Aberfeldy are lovely! Aberfeldy has Menzies Castle nearby. North Berwick is wonderful, beautiful beaches and the stunning Tantallon castle nearby which was filmed during the Strictly series intro two years ago if you want to look it up.

does it have to be Scotland? Northumberland would suit your wish list and many of the beaches are big and empty and perfect for dogs.
if you insist on Scotland than Aberdeenshire is your place for castles but I don’t think the scenery is on a par with most of the rest of Scotland.
where are you coming from because if it’s only a long weekend some of these places could be a days drive from you.

Was about to ask the same question as @MiddleAgedDread. If you’re in the south east of England and travelling by car I’d stick to the south but if you can get to the north west highlands in the time you have then there’s nothing more spectacular in my opinion.

Aberdeenshire is the place for castles and the scenery is stunning, particularly around Ballater and Braemar.

I think it depends - where roughly are you travelling from?

You need to work backwards. Where are you and where can you get to - are you driving or going on train (assume not flying given the dog - dog will be a real pain for a weekend break btw).

Once you know that and how much travel time you want let that help you. A city break will be difficult though eating out more places take dogs now but accommodation will be difficult. Are you thinking cottage and walks and pubs?

Was coming on to say Aberdeenshire too.

Lots of National Trust castles (Drum, Crathes, Castle Fraser, Fyvie, Craigievar etc) - the June Borders will be at their best at Crathes.

Great walking in the area too - Loch Muick, Glen Tanar, Bennachie, Burn o’Vat, Mar Lodge etc.

Hi. Sorry for the delay.
We are driving from Manchester so a few of the places mentioned are only about a 4-4.5 hour drive. My friend has never been to Scotland, so really wants to go. We have been to Northumberland a few times and agree it is stunning, but it needs to be Scotland this time.

My friend is also a relatively new dog owner and were trying to get into the swing of holidaying with a dog.

DH has spent time in and around Aberdeen and has said how lovely it is, but it is probably too far for this trip.

DD had a field trip on Arran and also recommends it so I will do my research on accommodation and ferries.

Thank you for all of the suggestions. I’m sure this won’t be our only trip.

Central belt might be good?

Stirling Castle is great - been years since I’ve been but I remember brilliant views.

Edinburgh Castle and a walk up to Authur’s seat (though Edinburgh is very touristy and expensive accommodation).

The Falls of Dochart are beautiful - in Killin which is on the Rob Roy Way (a walking route)

St Andrews - lots of pubs, Dog friend cafes, amazing beaches, castle and cathedral. Can also go a bit further north to tensmuir forest for walks or down the coast to the east neuk

If you're coming up from Manchester (a trip I drive regularly) then Stirling and the Trossachs is your answer.
Great castle and Wallace Monument, some shops / Kings Park area.

Then a day out to the Trossachs out to Loch Katrine (you can get on the cruise boat, not sure if it takes dogs), maybe Brig O Turk cafe and a walk up to Glen Finglas (trends to be quiet for the dog), a drive over the mountain pass and Forest Drive (complete with fabby home made ice cream place), over to Aberfoyle.

If you have a third day, take the walk from Bride of Allan to Dunblane along the Allan Water, visit the Dunblane museum and Cathedral, then train back to Bridge of Allan. Again, tends to be quieter walk.

All my back yard.

I agree - this would be good.

I also agree with what @outdooryone suggested!

I agree too!

Wow @outdooryone you have done my planning for me. A big thank you!