My trip to Scotland! - Aug 24th to 29th!
Discussion
Evening!
I was advised by one of your fellow countrymen to post my topic here in the hope that I get some sage advice from you lovely lot on what to do & where to go when I visit Bonnie Scotland in August. Here's my original post on the subject
As I said, all input really is appreciated!
Cheers!
I was advised by one of your fellow countrymen to post my topic here in the hope that I get some sage advice from you lovely lot on what to do & where to go when I visit Bonnie Scotland in August. Here's my original post on the subject
ironictwist said:
Hola boys & girls!
I'm arranging a trip for me & a close girl friend of mine to go upto Scotland & having seen so many pictures from GetCarter & snaps from other people going on road trips it's about time I did the same!
Now...The dates currently scheduled are Aug 24th to the 29th. Unfortunately she works at a School so of course the only time off is during school summer holidays! I take it this little nuisance will blight availability of certain places to us & generally see more traffic up there than there normally would be right?
Budget is around 1.5-2k, maybe a bit less for the whole thing inc petrol.
In regards to places to stay, again having gone through previous threads I've found the Torridon Hotel to be IDEAL. However, way out of my budget! As for those dates they only have the "Master" option available for the type of room which despite looking gorgeous at a shade under 2k is of course unviable for us two!
There Boathouse is EXACTLY what I want from this trip! To the letter!! http://www.thetorridon.com/boathouse/ - Unfortunately it's unavailable during that period. Is there a good alternative to this anywhere else in Scotland that is reasonably priced & available? Any ideas?
Places to visit:
We LOVE castles/churches/quirky shops/historical places & locations where they look like they haven't changed for decades/centuries. To sum up, an idyllic location.
Places to eat:
Open to any ideas. Unfortunately we can only go down to the vegetarian/seafood route as much as it pains me to say. I'd love to murder some Steak or something while I'm up there, unless anyone by chance knows any places which serve "Halal" meat?
Roads:
Still sifting through all previous Scottish threads to nail down a good route.
As our first trip up to Scotland any advice is really really appreciated to make this a summer we will both remember.
Gracias!
Original thread: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...I'm arranging a trip for me & a close girl friend of mine to go upto Scotland & having seen so many pictures from GetCarter & snaps from other people going on road trips it's about time I did the same!
Now...The dates currently scheduled are Aug 24th to the 29th. Unfortunately she works at a School so of course the only time off is during school summer holidays! I take it this little nuisance will blight availability of certain places to us & generally see more traffic up there than there normally would be right?
Budget is around 1.5-2k, maybe a bit less for the whole thing inc petrol.
In regards to places to stay, again having gone through previous threads I've found the Torridon Hotel to be IDEAL. However, way out of my budget! As for those dates they only have the "Master" option available for the type of room which despite looking gorgeous at a shade under 2k is of course unviable for us two!
There Boathouse is EXACTLY what I want from this trip! To the letter!! http://www.thetorridon.com/boathouse/ - Unfortunately it's unavailable during that period. Is there a good alternative to this anywhere else in Scotland that is reasonably priced & available? Any ideas?
Places to visit:
We LOVE castles/churches/quirky shops/historical places & locations where they look like they haven't changed for decades/centuries. To sum up, an idyllic location.
Places to eat:
Open to any ideas. Unfortunately we can only go down to the vegetarian/seafood route as much as it pains me to say. I'd love to murder some Steak or something while I'm up there, unless anyone by chance knows any places which serve "Halal" meat?
Roads:
Still sifting through all previous Scottish threads to nail down a good route.
As our first trip up to Scotland any advice is really really appreciated to make this a summer we will both remember.
Gracias!
As I said, all input really is appreciated!
Cheers!
Loads of threads here so a search will give you loads of ideas but
just to start off with...
Eilean Donan castle - If you've seen a Scottish castle in a movie
it'll probably have been this one.
Plockton is close by to the castle and quite nice. The road out to
here from Loch Ness is fantastic.
just to start off with...
Eilean Donan castle - If you've seen a Scottish castle in a movie
it'll probably have been this one.
Plockton is close by to the castle and quite nice. The road out to
here from Loch Ness is fantastic.
The west coast of Scotland will spoil you for seafood, but the most important thing to pack is the only real deterent for the Scottish midge and that is Avon Skin so Soft from your your local Avon rep or online. Seriously, this is the only thing that works, ask any deer stalker, angler, gamekeeper etc. On the plus side is that the GF will love it since its a moisturiser, a lot better than putting on any of the other insect repellentsand a lot more effective.
Plocton is good, as is Sheildaig, Ullapool etc. But your best bet is just to get lost on the wee roads and see where you end up, adds to the adventure and you will see and meet more.
G
Plocton is good, as is Sheildaig, Ullapool etc. But your best bet is just to get lost on the wee roads and see where you end up, adds to the adventure and you will see and meet more.
G
Edited by VetteG on Tuesday 21st July 11:42
If its castles then it has to be Edinburgh then Stirling then head west for many more then say up to Oban then across to Loch Awe then head for the great Glen up to Inverness then work back down the A9 with a cut across to Huntly then back over to the east coast and down through St Andrews. Should get loads of great things to see and some great roads.
This is quite an idyllic and central highland location, with the Abbey now converted to flats, many for rent.
www.thehighlandclub.co.uk
I have a 2 bed cottage here which may be for rent during this period, can PM you with details and availability if you like.
www.thehighlandclub.co.uk
I have a 2 bed cottage here which may be for rent during this period, can PM you with details and availability if you like.
You need to drop a PM to Ed Legge (Northo), he put together an excellent google map for Scotland showing the best routes and places to stay. He knows most of the roads in Scotland and the good places to stay.
Regarding Halal meat, I think this would be very unlikely once you get out into the countryside, but the seafood on offer will more than make up for it. I would suggest you visit The Loch Leven Seafood Café - http://lochlevenseafoodcafe.co.uk/ The food is amazing and it is close to Glencoe which is a must to drive through on a trip up north – although it can get a bit tourist busy at times.
I am sure that you will have a great time and remember the further north you go, the quieter the roads will be
Regarding Halal meat, I think this would be very unlikely once you get out into the countryside, but the seafood on offer will more than make up for it. I would suggest you visit The Loch Leven Seafood Café - http://lochlevenseafoodcafe.co.uk/ The food is amazing and it is close to Glencoe which is a must to drive through on a trip up north – although it can get a bit tourist busy at times.
I am sure that you will have a great time and remember the further north you go, the quieter the roads will be
Rhuba lodge (5 miles from the Torridon Boathouse) is as good inside, fab view, but not as close to the sea. It'll almost certainly be booked, but worth a try
http://www.cottageselection.co.uk/sites/cottagesel...
Steve
http://www.cottageselection.co.uk/sites/cottagesel...
Steve
ironictwist said:
The dates currently scheduled are Aug 24th to the 29th. Unfortunately she works at a School so of course the only time off is during school summer holidays.
Scottish schools will be back by then.If you don't have any luck finding some accommodation, you can try here, it will give a list of hotels and B&Bs
http://www.visitscotland.com/
If you fancy a drive up to Golspie, you can also go to Dunrobbin Castle, which has beautiful gardens
http://www.dunrobincastle.co.uk/
Edited by onlynik on Tuesday 21st July 13:51
Wow...Great set of responses! Thanks first off!
There'll be other times, cheers for the invite though!
) ideally for all the night with the above dates.
Appreciate the cafe tip...Looks scrumptious!
They don't have any free slots till next year 
Good find though! Know of any others nearby at all?
If you don't have any luck finding some accommodation, you can try here, it will give a list of hotels and B&Bs
http://www.visitscotland.com/
If you fancy a drive up to Golspie, you can also go to Dunrobbin Castle, which has beautiful gardens
http://www.dunrobincastle.co.uk/Perfect. Glad we miss that!
That castle looks STUNNING. I mean really...That's a must! Thanks!
Keep it coming guys & girls, this is superb!
Monaro5.7 said:
Hi mate. Iam putting a Pistonheads run on the 23rd August. We are going round the Scottish Borders. Let you see some of Scotland.
Believe me...I'd love to if I was alone but the lady friend I'm bringing along will disapprove of me doing "geeky car stuff" while we're getting away from it all. Even though it would be heaven for me to tag along with you lot There'll be other times, cheers for the invite though!
RDM said:
Loads of threads here so a search will give you loads of ideas but
just to start off with...
Eilean Donan castle - If you've seen a Scottish castle in a movie
I'll do a search shortly & I'll google that one too, thanks!just to start off with...
Eilean Donan castle - If you've seen a Scottish castle in a movie
VetteG said:
The west coast of Scotland will spoil you for seafood, but the most important thing to pack is the only real deterent for the Scottish midge and that is Avon Skin so Soft from your your local Avon rep or online. Seriously, this is the only thing that works, ask any deer stalker, angler, gamekeeper etc. On the plus side is that the GF will love it since its a moisturiser, a lot better than putting on any of the other insect repellentsand a lot more effective.
Plocton is good, as is Sheildaig, Ullapool etc. But your best bet is just to get lost on the wee roads and see where you end up, adds to the adventure and you will see and meet more.
G
Perfect sage advice...Thanks!Plocton is good, as is Sheildaig, Ullapool etc. But your best bet is just to get lost on the wee roads and see where you end up, adds to the adventure and you will see and meet more.
G
TheD said:
If its castles then it has to be Edinburgh then Stirling then head west for many more then say up to Oban then across to Loch Awe then head for the great Glen up to Inverness then work back down the A9 with a cut across to Huntly then back over to the east coast and down through St Andrews. Should get loads of great things to see and some great roads.
Christ. Let me put that on Google Maps when I get a chance then i'll come back to you Sandy59 said:
This is quite an idyllic and central highland location, with the Abbey now converted to flats, many for rent.
www.thehighlandclub.co.uk
I have a 2 bed cottage here which may be for rent during this period, can PM you with details and availability if you like.
You're not kidding, that place looks gorgeous. Will find out some more tomorrow. Do you have any pictures/Info regarding the cottage that you can email me at all? 2 people, 2 Beds (Yeah I know!! www.thehighlandclub.co.uk
I have a 2 bed cottage here which may be for rent during this period, can PM you with details and availability if you like.
) ideally for all the night with the above dates. Blue Cat said:
You need to drop a PM to Ed Legge (Northo), he put together an excellent google map for Scotland showing the best routes and places to stay. He knows most of the roads in Scotland and the good places to stay.
Regarding Halal meat, I think this would be very unlikely once you get out into the countryside, but the seafood on offer will more than make up for it. I would suggest you visit The Loch Leven Seafood Café - http://lochlevenseafoodcafe.co.uk/ The food is amazing and it is close to Glencoe which is a must to drive through on a trip up north – although it can get a bit tourist busy at times.
I am sure that you will have a great time and remember the further north you go, the quieter the roads will be
Will definitely PM Northo for sure on that map, sounds ideal!Regarding Halal meat, I think this would be very unlikely once you get out into the countryside, but the seafood on offer will more than make up for it. I would suggest you visit The Loch Leven Seafood Café - http://lochlevenseafoodcafe.co.uk/ The food is amazing and it is close to Glencoe which is a must to drive through on a trip up north – although it can get a bit tourist busy at times.
I am sure that you will have a great time and remember the further north you go, the quieter the roads will be
Appreciate the cafe tip...Looks scrumptious!
GetCarter said:
Rhuba lodge (5 miles from the Torridon Boathouse) is as good inside, fab view, but not as close to the sea. It'll almost certainly be booked, but worth a try
http://www.cottageselection.co.uk/sites/cottagesel...
Steve
You're right, it is perfect! But you're also right on it being booked up http://www.cottageselection.co.uk/sites/cottagesel...
Steve
They don't have any free slots till next year Good find though! Know of any others nearby at all?
onlynik said:
ironictwist said:
The dates currently scheduled are Aug 24th to the 29th. Unfortunately she works at a School so of course the only time off is during school summer holidays.
Scottish schools will be back by then.If you don't have any luck finding some accommodation, you can try here, it will give a list of hotels and B&Bs
http://www.visitscotland.com/
If you fancy a drive up to Golspie, you can also go to Dunrobbin Castle, which has beautiful gardens
http://www.dunrobincastle.co.uk/
That castle looks STUNNING. I mean really...That's a must! Thanks!
Keep it coming guys & girls, this is superb!
The Innes Maree Self Catering Bungalows make a comfortable base for exploring the West Highlands.
The Poolewe Hotel, about 400 yards away, does decent food and has a friendly bar. ...it might well have comfy rooms too.
They seem to have taken some publicity photos while we were there last October.
The Poolewe Hotel, about 400 yards away, does decent food and has a friendly bar. ...it might well have comfy rooms too.
They seem to have taken some publicity photos while we were there last October.
If you like castles and seafood then try and take in Dunnottar Castle outside Stonehaven. Then, for lunch, go to the Tolbooth restaurant overlooking the harbour. It's a fantastic little seafood place inside the oldest building in the town.
http://www.tolbooth-restaurant.co.uk/
http://www.tolbooth-restaurant.co.uk/
fluffnik said:
The Innes Maree Self Catering Bungalows make a comfortable base for exploring the West Highlands.
The Poolewe Hotel, about 400 yards away, does decent food and has a friendly bar. ...it might well have comfy rooms too.
They seem to have taken some publicity photos while we were there last October.
Ha!..Can just make out the Alpina The Poolewe Hotel, about 400 yards away, does decent food and has a friendly bar. ...it might well have comfy rooms too.
They seem to have taken some publicity photos while we were there last October.
fluffnik said:
The Innes Maree Self Catering Bungalows make a comfortable base for exploring the West Highlands.
The Poolewe Hotel, about 400 yards away, does decent food and has a friendly bar. ...it might well have comfy rooms too.
They seem to have taken some publicity photos while we were there last October.
It looks nice but I don't think this will be a self catering trip, she'll go insane over the idea The Poolewe Hotel, about 400 yards away, does decent food and has a friendly bar. ...it might well have comfy rooms too.
They seem to have taken some publicity photos while we were there last October.
For next time though, cheers!
Or alternatively if your short of time and want to see as much of Scotland as poissible then you can hire me for an afternoon! Can do Aberdeen, up to the Moray coast, over to the Black Isle, on to Inverness, down Loch Ness and the rest of the Great Glen, a whizz around the summit of the Ben Nevis, Oban, Glencoe, Stirling, Perthshire and back to Aberdeen, all in about 3 hours!
Dont expect any inflight catering unless you bring your own sandwiches and if you need the toilet you'd better bring a bottle with a wide neck! ;-)
Dont expect any inflight catering unless you bring your own sandwiches and if you need the toilet you'd better bring a bottle with a wide neck! ;-)
FezzaDezza said:
Or alternatively if your short of time and want to see as much of Scotland as poissible then you can hire me for an afternoon! Can do Aberdeen, up to the Moray coast, over to the Black Isle, on to Inverness, down Loch Ness and the rest of the Great Glen, a whizz around the summit of the Ben Nevis, Oban, Glencoe, Stirling, Perthshire and back to Aberdeen, all in about 3 hours!
Dont expect any inflight catering unless you bring your own sandwiches and if you need the toilet you'd better bring a bottle with a wide neck! ;-)
Ooo via helicopter or plane? Incredibly interested, please drop me a pm with what sort of figures we would be looking at for the privilige Dont expect any inflight catering unless you bring your own sandwiches and if you need the toilet you'd better bring a bottle with a wide neck! ;-)
Thanks!
Update: Still searching for the right places to stay folks!
Edited by ironictwist on Monday 27th July 22:43
ironictwist said:
FezzaDezza said:
Or alternatively if your short of time and want to see as much of Scotland as poissible then you can hire me for an afternoon! Can do Aberdeen, up to the Moray coast, over to the Black Isle, on to Inverness, down Loch Ness and the rest of the Great Glen, a whizz around the summit of the Ben Nevis, Oban, Glencoe, Stirling, Perthshire and back to Aberdeen, all in about 3 hours!
Dont expect any inflight catering unless you bring your own sandwiches and if you need the toilet you'd better bring a bottle with a wide neck! ;-)
Ooo via helicopter or plane? Incredibly interested, please drop me a pm with what sort of figures we would be looking at for the privilige Dont expect any inflight catering unless you bring your own sandwiches and if you need the toilet you'd better bring a bottle with a wide neck! ;-)
Thanks!
Update: Still searching for the right places to stay folks!
Edited by ironictwist on Monday 27th July 22:43
PM on its way....
ironictwist said:
Update: Still searching for the right places to stay folks!
Perfection or vacancy the problem?I've not stayed in it, but if the accommodation is on par with the public areas the Poolewe Hotel might be worth a look.
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