We're off to Scotland! Now where should we go?
Discussion
Me and my boyfriend are driving to Scotland on Friday and we're staying near Inverness for a week. Jumpers and hiking boots packed! I've been on the Visit Scotland site and had a look at TripAdviser for places to visit but I'm sure there are people on this site who can be far more help than they were.
We don't mind driving miles to get somewhere unmissable and incredible.
So my questions are...
Where are the best places to go this time of year?
Does anyone know of any amazing restaurants?
And what are your top tips when styaing in self catering cottages?
Thank you for your help! x x
We don't mind driving miles to get somewhere unmissable and incredible.
So my questions are...
Where are the best places to go this time of year?
Does anyone know of any amazing restaurants?
And what are your top tips when styaing in self catering cottages?
Thank you for your help! x x
I live about 40 miles north of Inverness,
B9176 Struie Hill, lovely road in the mountains (my morning commute) and then onto to Durness or Dornoch beaches if you fancy it.
The Falls of Shin are pretty nice to look at aswell,
Glenmorangie (I think?) in Tain, loads of distilleryies everywhere actually.
B9176 Struie Hill, lovely road in the mountains (my morning commute) and then onto to Durness or Dornoch beaches if you fancy it.
The Falls of Shin are pretty nice to look at aswell,
Glenmorangie (I think?) in Tain, loads of distilleryies everywhere actually.
Wherever you go, if you're planning on going walking this website is a bit of a diamond for finding/planning walks:
http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/
http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/
I did the steam train and it was great. There was a bunch of us (car club) which added to it but it was very enjoyable.
A drive round the Loch is nice with a stop for a boat trip. Urquhart Castle is nice for a wonder too!
Going further west - Eilean Donan castle is stunning as is the road to and from it. The Applecross area is amazing, the Applecross Inn is a must for food. The A832 to Kinlochewe is a road often pictured, proper ribbon of the best tarmac anywhere with amazing views.
Ullapool is a cracking place to stay etc. Lots of fun at the pubs and a great base.
As said earlier, Durness has one of the most stunning beaches, look out for Cocoa Mountain - best hot chocolate and truffles anywhere.
Lochinver pie shop if you fancy a real different dining experience.
I think it's safe to say that I like the highlands and I do try to spend time there.
A drive round the Loch is nice with a stop for a boat trip. Urquhart Castle is nice for a wonder too!
Going further west - Eilean Donan castle is stunning as is the road to and from it. The Applecross area is amazing, the Applecross Inn is a must for food. The A832 to Kinlochewe is a road often pictured, proper ribbon of the best tarmac anywhere with amazing views.
Ullapool is a cracking place to stay etc. Lots of fun at the pubs and a great base.
As said earlier, Durness has one of the most stunning beaches, look out for Cocoa Mountain - best hot chocolate and truffles anywhere.
Lochinver pie shop if you fancy a real different dining experience.
I think it's safe to say that I like the highlands and I do try to spend time there.
More great suggestions, thanks very much!
The steam train doesn't run in November but I wondered if I'd appreciate the view just as much in a regular train... or I could just find a walk that goes via the viaduct. That would probably be better than being stuck on regular British transport.
Loving the sound of cocoa mountain!!!
Boat trips, seen there are loads to choose from. I went on a Loch Lomond boat trip about 4 years ago, this time I'd like to venture out to sea to try and spot the whales. Unless they all swim South for winter..
The steam train doesn't run in November but I wondered if I'd appreciate the view just as much in a regular train... or I could just find a walk that goes via the viaduct. That would probably be better than being stuck on regular British transport.
Loving the sound of cocoa mountain!!!
Boat trips, seen there are loads to choose from. I went on a Loch Lomond boat trip about 4 years ago, this time I'd like to venture out to sea to try and spot the whales. Unless they all swim South for winter..
Chanonry Point on the Black Isle for dolphin watching, Dunrobbin & Cawdor castles. Day runs over to Ullapool, down to Gairloch, Kinlochewe and back to Inverness via Garve. As mentioned Applecross/Shieldaig/Torridon another day. Lochcarron/Plockton/South Skye another? Fort George at Ardersier?
SoggyHonda said:
More great suggestions, thanks very much!
The steam train doesn't run in November but I wondered if I'd appreciate the view just as much in a regular train... or I could just find a walk that goes via the viaduct. That would probably be better than being stuck on regular British transport.
Being a Scotsman- I usually jsut use the regular train- much cheaper, same views!The steam train doesn't run in November but I wondered if I'd appreciate the view just as much in a regular train... or I could just find a walk that goes via the viaduct. That would probably be better than being stuck on regular British transport.
They do stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct usually (at least they did the last time I was on one)
I'd do Applecross if you can, but be aware that the "pass of the cattle" (the hill road) will likely be shut- no gritting etc done there.
My honest suggestion is just get in the car with a map, and pick places you like the name of- you'll win more than you'll lose!
Mind and keep the tank topped up though- you can easily do 100 miles whilst "lost"
The Glenfinnan Viaduct was a bit of a disapointment for me, my wife had me drive halfway across Scotland to see it just because it had been in the Harry Potter films. Wouldn't have minded if it had been a nice drive out but it wasn't that great and there wasn't anything else I wanted to see in the area.
To be honest I wish I had used the time to drive out to Sky, its something I didn't have the time for on my last trip and it will certainly be included in my next. I wouldn't base yourselves as far east as Inverness if you can help it as you waste a lot of time getting to the good parts, my advice would be base yourself as far west as you can and you will spend less getting to and from places.
To be honest I wish I had used the time to drive out to Sky, its something I didn't have the time for on my last trip and it will certainly be included in my next. I wouldn't base yourselves as far east as Inverness if you can help it as you waste a lot of time getting to the good parts, my advice would be base yourself as far west as you can and you will spend less getting to and from places.
Fort William - across to Skye - head for Sconser
http://www.sconserlodge.co.uk/
Then catch (on foot) the Ferry to Raasey and climb Dunn Caan - not the tallest - only about an 8 mile hike - on a clear day it is the best view in Scotland.
Hotels nice too (at least it was when I went)
http://www.sconserlodge.co.uk/
Then catch (on foot) the Ferry to Raasey and climb Dunn Caan - not the tallest - only about an 8 mile hike - on a clear day it is the best view in Scotland.
Hotels nice too (at least it was when I went)
fW to mallaig is good but you'll forget it once youre rounding applecross ..... its like a chapter from Homers Odyssey or being transported into the movie 'the land that time forgot'
Skye is a must too ... go on the ferry, we stayed at the Marmalade in portree, cone back over the bridge and see the castle
Skye is a must too ... go on the ferry, we stayed at the Marmalade in portree, cone back over the bridge and see the castle
Get yourself a trip with these guys if you can. Worth every penny. http://www.ecoventures.co.uk/
Then get yourself a meal here just up the road.
http://www.sutorcreek.co.uk/
Crayfish pizza.....Mmmmmm
Then get yourself a meal here just up the road.
http://www.sutorcreek.co.uk/
Crayfish pizza.....Mmmmmm
Dear SH,
Views are that much better on the West coast. Inverness is a bit like the lakes with funny accents. 
If you have time then drive to Applecross around the coast from the north then back across the Cattle Pass,
regards,
Jet
SoggyHonda said:
I get the feeling I'm gonna wish we had 2 weeks there instead of 1.
At least 2 Views are that much better on the West coast. Inverness is a bit like the lakes with funny accents. SoggyHonda said:
Crayfish pizza!? Are you sure?
Why not, they're just freshwater prawns.SoggyHonda said:
Sounds like Applecross is the number 1 place to go.
It is. Although GetCarter might argue for Torridon. He moved there!If you have time then drive to Applecross around the coast from the north then back across the Cattle Pass,
regards,
Jet
Definitely get across to Skye if you can, I would recommend eating at The Three Chimneys - not cheap but one of my favourite restaurants. They have accommodation there too but that is also expensive.
We got the ferry across to the Outer Hebrides, Lewis and Harris which were lovely, amazing beaches with white sand and crystal clear water. Agree with the above - have been West and East and prefer staying West.
We got the ferry across to the Outer Hebrides, Lewis and Harris which were lovely, amazing beaches with white sand and crystal clear water. Agree with the above - have been West and East and prefer staying West.
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