Help needed - weekend car hire and Highland itinerary
Discussion
Hey folks
Need some pointers in the next day or so. My American other half wants to see the Highlands this weekend before heading back to the US. But I have no car.
So, can anyone recommend :
1) a car hire company (in Edinburgh) and car that might be vaguely fun (budget is err...an issue, so it's not going to be a Caterham. In fact, it's going to have to be a FWD schlepper, unless there's some hidden gem in the bog standard hire company fleets. But I don't want to get bored)
2) a route that lasts 2 days from and to Edinburgh (leaving Sat morn, returning Sun eve), and possibly any B&B/cheap hotel recommendations for the overnight stay.
I used to do Rannoch, Glencoe, Ballachulish, F.William and across to Dalwhinnie and the A9 back in a day, and total highland tours lasting 4+ days, but I haven't done anything taking 2 days. Cracking on, on Friday night to reach a halfway house is possible too, but the additional costs for a hotel might make it unworkable.
Is Eilean Donan reachable in one day, for example?
On a budget
Cheers
Need some pointers in the next day or so. My American other half wants to see the Highlands this weekend before heading back to the US. But I have no car.
So, can anyone recommend :
1) a car hire company (in Edinburgh) and car that might be vaguely fun (budget is err...an issue, so it's not going to be a Caterham. In fact, it's going to have to be a FWD schlepper, unless there's some hidden gem in the bog standard hire company fleets. But I don't want to get bored)
2) a route that lasts 2 days from and to Edinburgh (leaving Sat morn, returning Sun eve), and possibly any B&B/cheap hotel recommendations for the overnight stay.
I used to do Rannoch, Glencoe, Ballachulish, F.William and across to Dalwhinnie and the A9 back in a day, and total highland tours lasting 4+ days, but I haven't done anything taking 2 days. Cracking on, on Friday night to reach a halfway house is possible too, but the additional costs for a hotel might make it unworkable.
Is Eilean Donan reachable in one day, for example?
On a budget
Cheers
Edited by Famous Graham on Monday 6th September 21:50
Already done that 
We (along with a few friends) spent a weekend wild camping in Glen Etive back in April. (It was midnight when we got there, and we left late, so she only saw the glen itself)
Midges absent
(I drove the minibus - that was ... interesting)
Cheers, Ian. I don't think we can stretch to that, unfortunately (I've already almost destroyed my first full paycheck after getting this new job).
We (along with a few friends) spent a weekend wild camping in Glen Etive back in April. (It was midnight when we got there, and we left late, so she only saw the glen itself)Midges absent
(I drove the minibus - that was ... interesting)
Cheers, Ian. I don't think we can stretch to that, unfortunately (I've already almost destroyed my first full paycheck after getting this new job).
Edited by Famous Graham on Monday 6th September 21:58
Eilean Donan is reachable in a day no probs. I've made it there in around 4 hrs going quick from Falkirk with no stops.
You will probably stop in Glen Coe or at top of Bridge of Orchy (car park with piper). Possible Fort William for a quick stop and then on to Eilean Donan. Budget 6 hrs should be fine. Take A890 or go round by Plockton if time and get B&B somewhere round there. I stayed years ago in one beside Loch Carron. Follow A896 through Torridon, then on to Garve. Torridon would be a leisurely 6 hrs drive home taking the A9. If time allows go A82 stopping at Nessie (castle & visitors centre), then back via Fort William or cut accross from Spean Bridge to A9 seeing the mega sandy beach on Lock Laggin.
A lot you can do in two days, if you don't mind driving 250+ miles per day.
Have a good trip.
You will probably stop in Glen Coe or at top of Bridge of Orchy (car park with piper). Possible Fort William for a quick stop and then on to Eilean Donan. Budget 6 hrs should be fine. Take A890 or go round by Plockton if time and get B&B somewhere round there. I stayed years ago in one beside Loch Carron. Follow A896 through Torridon, then on to Garve. Torridon would be a leisurely 6 hrs drive home taking the A9. If time allows go A82 stopping at Nessie (castle & visitors centre), then back via Fort William or cut accross from Spean Bridge to A9 seeing the mega sandy beach on Lock Laggin.
A lot you can do in two days, if you don't mind driving 250+ miles per day.
Have a good trip.
[quote=kmm] the mega sandy beach on Lock Laggin.]/quote]
I'm sure you meant to say Loch Laggan, which by the way is where they filmed Monarch of the Glen. The estate was also Queen Victoria and Albert's first choice, but because of it's remote location (in those days) they were persuaded to buy Balmoral instead. Just a couple of useless facts that an American might be interested in.
G
I'm sure you meant to say Loch Laggan, which by the way is where they filmed Monarch of the Glen. The estate was also Queen Victoria and Albert's first choice, but because of it's remote location (in those days) they were persuaded to buy Balmoral instead. Just a couple of useless facts that an American might be interested in.G
Just a thought - why not blatt up the A9 to Inverness early on Saturday morning, then head north and west and cruise back down the west coast? Loads of great places up as far north as Lochinver (the Albannach is v. romantic), there's the Torridon hotel in Carter Country, or further south the Pierhouse in Port Appin used to be lovely. From there its an easy and interesting day back across country to Stirling and Edinburgh.
And don't worry about the car - some of those roads are fantastic even in a base Clio. i know, that's what they gave me!
And don't worry about the car - some of those roads are fantastic even in a base Clio. i know, that's what they gave me!
Just a thought - why not blatt up the A9 to Inverness early on Saturday morning, then head north and west and cruise back down the west coast? Loads of great places up as far north as Lochinver (the Albannach is v. romantic), there's the Torridon hotel in Carter Country, or further south the Pierhouse in Port Appin used to be lovely. From there its an easy and interesting day back across country to Stirling and Edinburgh.
And don't worry about the car - some of those roads are fantastic even in a base Clio. i know, that's what they gave me!
And don't worry about the car - some of those roads are fantastic even in a base Clio. i know, that's what they gave me!
Two days? I'd probably do a little island hop.
Drive up the west side of Loch Lomand and up to Oban, ferry over to Mull. Drive up to Tobamory and ferry over to Kilchoan, drive up towards Malaig (loads of spectacular places to camp up that road). Ferry from Malaig to Skye, over the Skye bridge and back via Glen Garry, Glen Coe, Bridge of Orchy, Trossachs etc.
Drive up the west side of Loch Lomand and up to Oban, ferry over to Mull. Drive up to Tobamory and ferry over to Kilchoan, drive up towards Malaig (loads of spectacular places to camp up that road). Ferry from Malaig to Skye, over the Skye bridge and back via Glen Garry, Glen Coe, Bridge of Orchy, Trossachs etc.
Nefarious said:
Two days? I'd probably do a little island hop.
Drive up the west side of Loch Lomand and up to Oban, ferry over to Mull. Drive up to Tobamory and ferry over to Kilchoan, drive up towards Malaig (loads of spectacular places to camp up that road). Ferry from Malaig to Skye, over the Skye bridge and back via Glen Garry, Glen Coe, Bridge of Orchy, Trossachs etc.
This is your most scenic route so far. Drive up the west side of Loch Lomand and up to Oban, ferry over to Mull. Drive up to Tobamory and ferry over to Kilchoan, drive up towards Malaig (loads of spectacular places to camp up that road). Ferry from Malaig to Skye, over the Skye bridge and back via Glen Garry, Glen Coe, Bridge of Orchy, Trossachs etc.
If you are on a budget then a few of the campsites in Arisaig (just south of Malaig) have static caravans that they rent out by the night. They are right by the beach where you can watch the Hebridean sunset, which is pretty spectacular.
Aye, it sounds good, but ferries are out for this one, due to cost, unfortunately.
(She's just finished her Masters - skint student - and I've only been back in work for a month, so the first paycheck has been somewhat chewed up
).
I like joncastle's suggestion. Kmm's could work too - I'm familiar with the 82 and the cross country blat to the A9 via Spean Br & Dalwhinnie.
(She's just finished her Masters - skint student - and I've only been back in work for a month, so the first paycheck has been somewhat chewed up
).I like joncastle's suggestion. Kmm's could work too - I'm familiar with the 82 and the cross country blat to the A9 via Spean Br & Dalwhinnie.
Edited by Famous Graham on Tuesday 7th September 10:36
Famous Graham we recently stopped for a night right on the banks of Loch Ness at a place called Loch Ness Caravan Park near Drumnadrochit, they have some small basic lodges for £35 per night based on 2 sharing. I am unsure if links are allowed but it is the first result on google anyway, it is the Hobbits Lodges you want. Just a bed and a fridge inside them and you use the onsite shower and toilet facilities. Cracking little place and all the lodges are located about 5 metres from the banks of the loch. the furthest away lodge is about 70 metres from the toilets. Onsite the food is pretty poor and expensive so maybe eat off site. You will need your own bedding, a sleeping bag would be ideal.
You could still do the route up to Arisaig by road on the Saturday then take the ferry from Malaig to Skye on Sunday morning. The ferry is only £27 for a car and two passengers. You get a great view of Skye as you approach from the sea.Take a drive around the sights of Skye then head south down the A87.
This route will give you Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Glenfinnan, a night by the beach in Arisaig, sea crossing to Skye, the Cuillins, Eilean Donan, Glen Shiel and so on.You can drive from location to location in girlfriend friendly time periods. You don't want her last memories of Scotland to be of hours spent cooped up in a little eurobox trying to cover 300 miles a day and a night spent in some nondescript B&B. I take it you do want to see her again.
This route will give you Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Glenfinnan, a night by the beach in Arisaig, sea crossing to Skye, the Cuillins, Eilean Donan, Glen Shiel and so on.You can drive from location to location in girlfriend friendly time periods. You don't want her last memories of Scotland to be of hours spent cooped up in a little eurobox trying to cover 300 miles a day and a night spent in some nondescript B&B. I take it you do want to see her again.
As it's late notice can do you a Mini Cooper S Conv for £100 cash if thats of interest. You'd need to collect friday before 6. Email me if it works.
I'd blat up over the bridge to Skye and stay there on saturday night. Up M90 to Dalwhinnie, turn left to Spean Bridge then right towards Inverness. Turn left at Invergarry then left again towards Kyle of Lochalsh. I've got to Skye in 4 hrs from Edinburgh before...
I can't really help you find anywhere to stay but there's amazing scenery and a great night at Isle Ornsay - there may be a cheaper alternative to the hotel but I can't be sure.
M
I'd blat up over the bridge to Skye and stay there on saturday night. Up M90 to Dalwhinnie, turn left to Spean Bridge then right towards Inverness. Turn left at Invergarry then left again towards Kyle of Lochalsh. I've got to Skye in 4 hrs from Edinburgh before...
I can't really help you find anywhere to stay but there's amazing scenery and a great night at Isle Ornsay - there may be a cheaper alternative to the hotel but I can't be sure.
M
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