Driving Scotland in July - advice & suggestions

[Graze01]

Like all Aston fans I've seen Henry Catchpole's Old Military Rd video

it became a bucket list item - a one day maybe thing (from far off Australia)

well I'm going to be in Europe in July so I'm committed to making the trip to the UK, hiring an Aston and driving around Scotland for 4 or 5 days. Apart form Henry's video I know nothing of where to go or where to stay and all and any advice will be welcome - so please give freely

I will most likely have my bride with me so a decent level of sophistication will be required for accommodation

It will also mean not just driving , but stopping at sight seeing spots etc

I'm thinking 5 days should be plenty to pick up a car in Edinburgh and return it - or is that too long?

Look forward to your help regards

Graeme

[john ryan]

There's more than enough to see and do, but beware that you are in the middle of the midge season - small spiteful mosquitos. Come prepared, with clothes which cover and suitable sprays.

[Fitz666]

Glen Etive for the obligatory Skyfall pic?

[Graze01]

john ryan said:

There's more than enough to see and do, but beware that you are in the middle of the midge season - small spiteful mosquitos. Come prepared, with clothes which cover and suitable sprays.

Thanks John, fair warning, we get them here too so I know what to expect

Graze

[Graze01]

Fitz666 said:

Glen Etive for the obligatory Skyfall pic?

Thanks Fitz, that had crossed my mind - although far from original idea I know.

Graze

[Riddochg]

Graeme, good to find another Graeme on the forum!

One of the best routes anywhere is the NC500. Takes you up and across the top of Scotland, stunning roads and scenery.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&a...

I know that part of Scotland very well and it's simply sensational. You could easily do 5 days on that route and lots of great things to do and see on the way.

[nebpor]

Graze01 said:

Thanks John, fair warning, we get them here too so I know what to expect

Graze

You actually don't - they are nothing like mozzies in other parts of the world. We lived in Sydney for 6 years, so I know the little Aussie blighters ;-) I would nip outside for a quiet smoke at night and come back in with bites all over my legs

Scottish midgies are tiny and swarm around you - they don't typically bite you. I never get bitten, but my wife and kids occasionally do. There is decent midgie repellant available all over the shop, which helps. Don't let them put you off. Unless you are staying in a tent, they aren't much of a problem. If your hotel has an outside area they'll probably have adequate candles to keep them at bay. I just put my hood up or wear a cap and can live with them, and our caravan is in one of the places the midgies actually go on holiday

In terms of sophisticated accommodation, be warned our country is quite sparse and the nice places sell out quite quickly! Lower your standards a bit for the widest choice of places to stay. July can be miserably wet, albeit with climate change it's getting harder to predict as our last two Julys have been pretty awesome in comparison to most years! It's unlikely you'll be sitting outside at night without a jumper or jacket on BTW

In terms of places to stay, you could do worse than stick Loch Melfort Hotel (main building only) and the Ballachulish Hotel on your list. Melfort isn't on the N500 but Argyll is the prettiest part of Scotland IMO and it's a nice detour on your way north, that still allows you to go up through Glencoe and stop at Glen Etive ... which is always a highlight as it's so dramatic in that area

Edited by nebpor on Monday 7th November 11:28

[Graze01]

Riddochg said:

Graeme, good to find another Graeme on the forum!

One of the best routes anywhere is the NC500. Takes you up and across the top of Scotland, stunning roads and scenery.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&a...

I know that part of Scotland very well and it's simply sensational. You could easily do 5 days on that route and lots of great things to do and see on the way.

Thanks Graeme, have of course heard of the NC 500 so will do some research

Graze

[Graze01]

nebpor said:

In terms of places to stay, you could do worse than stick Loch Melfort Hotel (main building only) and the Ballachulish Hotel on your list. Melfort isn't on the N500 but Argyll is the prettiest part of Scotland IMO and it's a nice detour on your way north, that still allows you to go up through Glencoe and stop at Glen Etive ... which is always a highlight as it's so dramatic in that area

Edited by nebpor on Monday 7th November 11:28

Thanks Nebpor

I'll look them up as soon as I get dates confirmed (and the car hire set)

Graze

[nebpor]

It's a shame - we had a really nice classic & sports car hire business start near Glasgow Airport (so perfect for starting the trip North), but alas it was the year before Covid, so they went under. I know there is prestige hire at Edinburgh - good luck!

[Ken Figenus]

It is lovely up there. Sadly that is busy season and many people don't think that Scotland has fab hotels so hire a camper van and scare themselves to a crawl up there! Get up early for a nice drive might be a top tip.

Never had a McMossie bite there - ever! Go at a brisk pace and take them out first!



Last time took the ferry to the Outer Hebrides - 2 teenage kids in the back. Seminal family time



Basis for some good routes here - esp the route to the top - many more options on the East:



Ohh I have many pics to tempt you from past jaunts :-) You will love it.

[huntsen]

The Isle of Eriska is both a nice hotel and a privately owned Island near Oban.
https://eriska-hotel.co.uk/

[Simpo Two]

Ken Figenus said:

Basis for some good routes here - esp the route to the top - many more options on the East:

From Inverness I'd nip down the Great Glen to see Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle too.

[Graze01]

Ken Figenus said:

It is lovely up there. Sadly that is busy season and many people don't think that Scotland has fab hotels so hire a camper van and scare themselves to a crawl up there! Get up early for a nice drive might be a top tip.

Never had a McMossie bite there - ever! Go at a brisk pace and take them out first!



Last time took the ferry to the Outer Hebrides - 2 teenage kids in the back. Seminal family time



Basis for some good routes here - esp the route to the top - many more options on the East:



Ohh I have many pics to tempt you from past jaunts :-) You will love it.

thanks Ken, some great photos as you said - much appreciated & love the mozzie photo!

Graze

[Graze01]

huntsen said:

The Isle of Eriska is both a nice hotel and a privately owned Island near Oban.
https://eriska-hotel.co.uk/

Huntsen that looks amazing - will definitely try & get a night there, thanks

Graze

[Ocean53]

Pass of the cattle Wester Ross. Awesome single track road and best Fish and Chips at Applecross. Look up in U Tube

[Ken Figenus]

Bealach na Baa in the local lingo/guidebooks - and the steepest Rd in Scotland. (of course I have pics if required ) 😉

[V8V Pete]

Ken Figenus said:

Bealach na Baa in the local lingo/guidebooks - and the steepest Rd in Scotland. (of course I have pics if required ) ??

It's not that steep Dewi. Certainly not too steep to get a 1970s French steel tandem up



And why have fish & chips at Applecross when you can have lobster?



I'll counter how much some have dismissed the problem the midges can cause a little. Admittedly, most of my Scottish holidays involve hill walking and cycling but they can be a bit of a nightmare if you are stood/sat still or moving slowly outside. They bite some people (me), much more than others but I've no idea what that depends on. If you're in a car or a nice hotel you should be fine though.

For me May is the best time to visit because the weather is the closest it gets to reliable and the midges are only just appearing. However, if your visit is fixed to July then that doesn't help. I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time.

[Graze01]

V8V Pete said:

It's not that steep Dewi. Certainly not too steep to get a 1970s French steel tandem up



And why have fish & chips at Applecross when you can have lobster?



I'll counter how much some have dismissed the problem the midges can cause a little. Admittedly, most of my Scottish holidays involve hill walking and cycling but they can be a bit of a nightmare if you are stood/sat still or moving slowly outside. They bite some people (me), much more than others but I've no idea what that depends on. If you're in a car or a nice hotel you should be fine though.

For me May is the best time to visit because the weather is the closest it gets to reliable and the midges are only just appearing. However, if your visit is fixed to July then that doesn't help. I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time.

thanks Pete

yes fixed in July due to other commitments unfortunately

If i can get that meal you have photographed I'm sure we will have a great time

thanks

Graze

[Graze01]

Ocean53 said:

Pass of the cattle Wester Ross. Awesome single track road and best Fish and Chips at Applecross. Look up in U Tube

thanks Ocean

great clips on youtube

Graze