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UK travel

Welcome to our UK travel forum where you can get advice on everything from holidays to exotic destinations, to tips on London travel.

Can you tell me where I want to go in Scotland?

42 replies

Hassled · 20/05/2010 13:38

We're going to Scotland this summer, purely on the basis that I've been to Edinburgh once, 20 years ago, and it's ridiculous that we know so little about it. Plus, I have the most Scottish name going (some of the Hassled's originated from Perth - my father was very proud of this).

So - where? I know nothing. Don't say "Do you fancy the Highlands or the Islands?" (as my friend just did) because I have no idea. I don't know what they're like. We'd quite like a beach, and I like mountains and dramatic scenery, and we're not fussed re how far North of the border it is (I don't think)and we'll have a car. At least 2 adults and two young DCs, possibly my older DCs (who are adults) as well. Can anyone help?

OP posts:
glacierchick · 20/05/2010 15:54

Ullapool area is stunning. World class in my opinion, complete wilderness nearby, fabulous beaches, fantastic hill walking.

Haven't been for a few years sadly as no longer in the UK, but when I lived in Scotland (on the east coast!), that was always first choice for a venue. It's 4 hours (fast) drive up the A9 from Edinburgh.

Other parts of the West Coast also spectacular. The East has it's charms, and the weather is often better. Both Edinburgh and Glasgow worth a visit, but depends on what you like to do on your holidays. Edinburgh is an immensely beautiful city and lots of culture but will be packed in August. Glasgow very vibrant, if you do go, don't miss the Burrell Collection.

Fife is nice, but not especially different from much of rural England in terms of scenery etc.

Agree that wildlife park at Aviemore is worth a visit, especially with young DCs, but while I love the Cairngorms, it's pretty bleak in Summer (outside of Rothiemurchus Forest) and you really have to like your wilderness walking to get the most out of it in August.

Inner and Outer Hebrides also stunningly beautiful (ferry to Lewis leaves from Ullapool), plus (apart from Skye), the rain tends to pass over the islands relatively quickly, so you often get brief showers rather than days and days and days of rain. If you're into sailing, how about renting a boat for a few days, there is a place on Skye at Armadale which has some of the finest scenery in Europe on it's doorstep.

It depends a bit whether you are intending on touring around or staying in one place?

glacierchick · 20/05/2010 15:59

Wahwahwah Now craving fish and chips on the beach at Anstruther.

This post is in fact making me a bit homesick...

Think it might be time to plan a wee trip home.

haggisaggis · 20/05/2010 16:09

If you really don't mind going far North, head for Assynt - it is THE most spectacularly beautiful place in Scotland - but around 5 hours drive from Perth so pretty far up. It is an area not a town - if you are on teh visit scotland site look for Lochinver. It is about 40 minutes north of Ullapool.
It has stunning mountains, blue lochs and sandy beaches. (also has midges though..)
Even further up is Durness - again beautiful white beaches, good scenery
Also pretty is Ardnamuchan - another midge zone though.
But East neuk of Fife is very pretty and not quite as far.

Joolyjoolyjoo · 20/05/2010 16:14

All this talk of fish and chips in "Ainster" is making me think it might be time for a wee visit to MIL soon...(Pittenweem)!

Hassled · 20/05/2010 16:29

Oh blimey - thank you all so much. I will read, digest and research. DH's face fell when I mentioned midges - insects love him. Oh well .

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FiveOrangePips · 20/05/2010 16:39

I would say the wind keeps the midges off the beaches - achmelvich
is a beach I have spent many hours on as a child, I know it is remote, but it is worth it! There is a tiny youth hostel and basic campsite there. I have never stayed because I have family nearby in Lochinver, but I would love to camp there with my children, waking up to that beach and views must be incredible.... Feel slightly uneasy sharing it so keep it quiet .

yama · 20/05/2010 16:45

I love Arran.

Only an hour on the ferry but it feels like getting away from it all and is essentially a holiday island.

It's also very safe and a bit like stepping back in time.

Wish I was going there this summer but we're going the opposite direction and visiting the south of England.

fruitymum · 20/05/2010 16:54

try the inverness area - we have just had a weekend at the dairy at daviot and it was lovely.

fruitymum · 20/05/2010 16:57

should have said - lovely beach at Nairn , 20 miles to Aviemore - lovely scenery and quiet yet just 10 mins to Inverness.

sillyoldfatcatpuss · 20/05/2010 17:07

Aviemore. Steam trains, Landmark Adventure Park, Kincraig Wildlife Park, Funicular, Rothiemurchus, close to Inverness where there is the BEST swimming pool ever...I could go on Your children will love you

meep · 20/05/2010 18:51

get your dh some of this - keeps the pesky midges from chomping!

orienteerer · 20/05/2010 18:53

Rothiemurchus?

EdgarAllenPoll · 20/05/2010 18:59

Appledore peninsula? plenty in the way of walks, and the pub there does lovely grub if you can brave the midges.

JaxTellersOldLady · 20/05/2010 19:01

I would say west coast is better. Warmer at least, but you dont go to Scotland for the weather! It can be beautiful, but it can be cold and grey too, so you have to pack wellies and shorts!

I agree with nicky2times, Dumfries and Galloway area has lots to do, very family friendly and you can travel along the coastal route and find things to do all along the way. Lovely beaches and the drive isnt too bad. Takes me 7 or 8 hours coming from SE England with 2 children and dog oh hubby too.

The Highlands are fabulous, Perth, Pitlochry and further up to Inverness, lots and lots to do.
Actually, most of Scotland is beautiful and there are plenty of things to entertain children, whether wet or sunny.

I think you need to decide on an area and then the 'locals' on MN can help you more.

Hassled · 20/05/2010 20:41

You're all stars - I need to get my head down now, research and maybe come back with more specific questions. Thank you so much.

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dbm · 03/06/2010 22:20

Loch Lomond area fab. Amazing scenery and all the excellent rural stuff. Good access to Glasgow for great museums, science centre and urban stuff.

hf128219 · 03/06/2010 22:25

You need to get out to the Islands - Skye, Mull and Harris etc. You can Island Hop with CalMac ferries.

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