First time to Scotland

[tiger.banana]

Hi everyone,

I’m travelling up to Glasgow and Edinburgh next weekend from Portsmouth for a week away.

I’ve never been to Scotland before and was wondering if you had any recommendations on places to visit, things to see etc.

We are hoping to travel up to Loch Lomond from Glasgow one day, and good driving roads to drive?

Thanks in advance!

[Who me ?]

if using the M 74,, then check out the hiding places of the speed vans . Years ago with several forces in Scotland, D & G territory ( especially J14+15) was an area to keep a close eye on the speedo.

[woodysnr]

Unless you want to visit the castle and the capital. I would keep up the west coast LL and beyond is where the real Scotland is Loch Rannock area Oban/ Fort William and beyond is the best .Just bring warm clothes and a waterproof jacket as the weather is turning colder from now on. The roads will be a lot quieter for sure .Just keep to the speed limits and you will nothing to fear you will see nothing of the country if you are flat out .

[vindaloo79]

If you like walking/cycling mugdock country park, near milngavie is very pleasant.

Milngavie is a nice area and has a couple of premier inns which are usually cheap.

The stand comedy club can be good fun. If your around Sunday, this guy is good (was on father ted) http://www.thestand.co.uk/show/29170/michael_redmo...

Mother India Cafe: http://www.motherindia.co.uk/index.php/menus/mothe...

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g1...

Some good biking to be had up there too, this place near Edinburgh is one of the seven staines and is some of the best biking trails in the UK IMHO. http://www.glentressforest.com

Edited by vindaloo79 on Tuesday 21st November 23:06

[naetype]

There's some significant road closures and convoys operating at the top end of Loch Lomond. Review your plans after looking at Traffic Scotland/Planned roadworks for the A82 (road closed on the 28th for example, which means a 55 mile detour for some of us).

Your timing could have been worse though, last few weeks the A82 at the top end of the Loch has been closed completely between 8am and 6pm.

[tiger.banana]

Thanks for the advice everyone, really helpful! I’m really excited to visit!

[cuprabob]

Let's hope it stop raining for you because over the last few days it's been biblical.

As an aside, Stirling Castle is much better to visit than Edinburgh Castle. Also take in the Wallace Monument and the Falkirk Wheel at the same time.

If you are driving up the A82 along Loch Lomond be aware the road is closed between Tarbet and Crianlarich.

[StescoG66]

I would personally suggest a trip round the East Neuk of Fife too. St Andrews, Crail, Anstruther, Pittenweem down to Lundin Links. Stirling too is lovely. You are spoiled for choice however I am of the opinion to see Scotland at its best May/June is the best.

[Drive Blind]

tiger.banana said:

We are hoping to travel up to Loch Lomond from Glasgow one day, and good driving roads to drive?

Turn off the A82 and drive the A817 over to Faslane and back. It's only 9 miles each way but it's know as the rollercoaster road

[bigwheel]

Drive Blind said:

tiger.banana said:

We are hoping to travel up to Loch Lomond from Glasgow one day, and good driving roads to drive?

Turn off the A82 and drive the A817 over to Faslane and back. It's only 9 miles each way but it's know as the rollercoaster road

[sherman]

I would check the weather. The way its going skis will be better than driving.

[sandman77]

how about a day trip to Glencoe? £10 for a chair lift pass (30 minute ride) that takes you onto the mountain then lovely walking and great views once you get up there. If there is snow there is sledging available outside the cafe. Its too early for skiing/snowboarding unfortunately.

[tiger.banana]

sandman77 said:

how about a day trip to Glencoe? £10 for a chair lift pass (30 minute ride) that takes you onto the mountain then lovely walking and great views once you get up there. If there is snow there is sledging available outside the cafe. Its too early for skiing/snowboarding unfortunately.

How far is Glencoe from Glasgow?

[tiger.banana]

Drive Blind said:

tiger.banana said:

We are hoping to travel up to Loch Lomond from Glasgow one day, and good driving roads to drive?

Turn off the A82 and drive the A817 over to Faslane and back. It's only 9 miles each way but it's know as the rollercoaster road

This is now on my go-do list

[tiger.banana]

cuprabob said:

Let's hope it stop raining for you because over the last few days it's been biblical.

As an aside, Stirling Castle is much better to visit than Edinburgh Castle. Also take in the Wallace Monument and the Falkirk Wheel at the same time.

If you are driving up the A82 along Loch Lomond be aware the road is closed between Tarbet and Crianlarich.

Thanks for the heads up on the road closure, I’m unsure of how far north we will go but willing to do as much as possible!!

[The Don of Croy]

Nothing much to add but keep a weather eye open - if the opportunity arises for clear ckies, try to get into the hills as some of the scenery is...well...scenic. Museums and shopping good for lesser weather.

If it's peeing with rain, low cloud and/or blowing then some of the sightseeing can be challenging/impossible.

But when it's clear, it all makes sense and you'll want to go back. Again. And again. (I'm booked for next May to go bagging Monroes - third visit in four years).

[tiger.banana]

vindaloo79 said:

If you like walking/cycling mugdock country park, near milngavie is very pleasant.

Milngavie is a nice area and has a couple of premier inns which are usually cheap.

The stand comedy club can be good fun. If your around Sunday, this guy is good (was on father ted) http://www.thestand.co.uk/show/29170/michael_redmo...

Mother India Cafe: http://www.motherindia.co.uk/index.php/menus/mothe...

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g1...

Some good biking to be had up there too, this place near Edinburgh is one of the seven staines and is some of the best biking trails in the UK IMHO. http://www.glentressforest.com

Edited by vindaloo79 on Tuesday 21st November 23:06

Thanks for this! I’m not in Glasgow on Sunday (still in Edinburgh) but the Mother India place looks good! May have to sneak a takeaway into the hotel room

[sherman]

tiger.banana said:

vindaloo79 said:

If you like walking/cycling mugdock country park, near milngavie is very pleasant.

Milngavie is a nice area and has a couple of premier inns which are usually cheap.

The stand comedy club can be good fun. If your around Sunday, this guy is good (was on father ted) http://www.thestand.co.uk/show/29170/michael_redmo...

Mother India Cafe: http://www.motherindia.co.uk/index.php/menus/mothe...

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g1...

Some good biking to be had up there too, this place near Edinburgh is one of the seven staines and is some of the best biking trails in the UK IMHO. http://www.glentressforest.com

Edited by vindaloo79 on Tuesday 21st November 23:06

Thanks for this! I’m not in Glasgow on Sunday (still in Edinburgh) but the Mother India place looks good! May have to sneak a takeaway into the hotel room

Mother India has a place in Edinburgh too

[PaulJC84]

Yeah or try Dishoom in Edinburgh if you fancy an Indian.

[sandman77]

tiger.banana said:

How far is Glencoe from Glasgow?

Just under 2 hours. Here is a link to the live webcams so you can check out the weather if you decide to visit.
http://www.glencoemountain.co.uk/webcams/