7 (-10) Days in Sunny June
Discussion
I'm by no means a novice of Scotland having done it 3-4 times by bike and 2-3 times by car (not including trips as a kid) however i'm wondering if there's bits i'm missing out on. I'm planning on getting to Oban for the first night and stopping over, head north and onto Skye to Portree for a night then a couple of nights at Applecross just to chill. From there, up to Ullapool for a couple of nights and then possibly across to Braemar area for a night before going back to England.
7-10 nights is what I'm looking at. That above is 7 nights, but I've done Oban, Portree, Applecross and Ullapool before. All picked because they offer a good place to stop after a days sightseeing and good eating/watering holes.
Braemar is to avoid the A82 or A9 to head back down. Never stayed there before but I did pass through last year.
Anyone recommend any little hidden gems? We are looking at accommodation from camping to B&B's depending on where we are.
The route is home via A85 from Crianlarich to Oban, up Loch Linnhe, up A87 via Kyle of Localsh to Portree. From there back via the bridge to Sheildaig, before heading north to Ullapool. Back via Inverness and through Cairngorms to Braemar.
Any variations on route or stopping places gratefully received.
7-10 nights is what I'm looking at. That above is 7 nights, but I've done Oban, Portree, Applecross and Ullapool before. All picked because they offer a good place to stop after a days sightseeing and good eating/watering holes.
Braemar is to avoid the A82 or A9 to head back down. Never stayed there before but I did pass through last year.
Anyone recommend any little hidden gems? We are looking at accommodation from camping to B&B's depending on where we are.
The route is home via A85 from Crianlarich to Oban, up Loch Linnhe, up A87 via Kyle of Localsh to Portree. From there back via the bridge to Sheildaig, before heading north to Ullapool. Back via Inverness and through Cairngorms to Braemar.
Any variations on route or stopping places gratefully received.
2nd for Durness, the beach is stunning and not too far from Ullapool. If you want to avoid the A9, then from Inverness go down by Loch Ness with a detour to Glen Affric. Nice place to camp and make friend with the midgies. I'm sure where ever you go you'll have a great time with breath-taking scenery.
If you're going back via Inverness it might be worth heading East to the glorious beaches of the Moray Firth. Findhorn is a lovely wee place with a fantastic beach and a couple of pubs/hotels. There's 2 campsites, although I think one is only for caravans. You could also visit the Findhorn Foundation. 
From there you can go via Forres to Grantown over the Dava Moor (A940 then A939) and then continue on to Braemar.
Oh and there's fewer "midges" than on the West Coast.
From there you can go via Forres to Grantown over the Dava Moor (A940 then A939) and then continue on to Braemar.
Oh and there's fewer "midges" than on the West Coast.
Chicken Chaser said:
I was actually thinking about the Hebrides but not sure if its any worth the ferry trips when theres still so much to see on the mainland at the moment.
You'll run out of roads very quickly - I wouldn't bother, although there are some good roads and it's a great place to visit. I'm not sure if Harris is off the list now to be honest, for the amount of time we're up there, we still want to see more of Skye and also more of the West Coast so I think it'll wait for another year.
Trying to sort accommodation out. I love camping but when you're on a moving road trip with a fairly big tent, it becomes a chore putting it up and down all of the time so we're looking for a mixture of places to stop.
B&B for our first night in Oban looks to be sorted, but then I'm looking at spending 2 or 3 nights on Skye to have a bit of a scout about, so ideas for that would be appreciated.
Applecross for a couple of nights after that (possibly 3) where we would look to stay on the campsite in one of those wooden huts that they have.
From there up to Ullapool where it might be a night in a B&B before somewhere else close by for another night (any more huts about?!) then head down to Loch Lomond to Beinglas before heading home.
I always prefer the base to have at least something there i.e a pub generally so if the weather is really poor, rather than being stuck in a damp tent all night, its good to seek refuge in the local boozer sampling their hospitality!
Trying to sort accommodation out. I love camping but when you're on a moving road trip with a fairly big tent, it becomes a chore putting it up and down all of the time so we're looking for a mixture of places to stop.
B&B for our first night in Oban looks to be sorted, but then I'm looking at spending 2 or 3 nights on Skye to have a bit of a scout about, so ideas for that would be appreciated.
Applecross for a couple of nights after that (possibly 3) where we would look to stay on the campsite in one of those wooden huts that they have.
From there up to Ullapool where it might be a night in a B&B before somewhere else close by for another night (any more huts about?!) then head down to Loch Lomond to Beinglas before heading home.
I always prefer the base to have at least something there i.e a pub generally so if the weather is really poor, rather than being stuck in a damp tent all night, its good to seek refuge in the local boozer sampling their hospitality!
Chicken Chaser said:
I'm looking at spending 2 or 3 nights on Skye to have a bit of a scout about, so ideas for that would be appreciated.
As you're going in June there should be loads of B&Bs available, the Scottish school Summer hols haven't started by then. There's so many of them I couldn't possibly name any specific ones.Camping, well there's Sligachan Campsite which is pretty central and has a large restaurant/bar, heard mixed reviews about staying here and the friendliness of staff. http://www.sligachan.co.uk/sligachan-hotel.php
There's also Torvaig Camping just outside of Portree, it's a slight 15 min hike into town but doable. http://www.portreecampsite.co.uk/
There's a place with a couple of wooden teepee things but it's pretty remote iirc. http://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/sitesee...
One place I fancy staying but haven't as yet is the Stein Inn, Waternish http://www.steininn.co.uk/default.php. It's a bit more expensive than a B&B but it's just so quaint. You can eat there or try the nearby Loch Bay Seafood, which has good reviews. http://www.lochbay-seafood-restaurant.co.uk/aboutu...
Another place I've had recommended to me, but never stayed at personally, is Coruisk House in Elgol. Another slightly expensive B&B but the restaurant is meant to be very good. http://www.seafood-skye.co.uk/
Just a word on the Outer Hebrides. We go two or three times a year and love it, but you really, really do need good weather. The beaches on Harris and Barra are something else. Esp in June when it's quiet, the Hebrides are a LOT quieter than Applecross (I live on the Applecross road and go to the Hebrides for some peace and quiet!). The good news is that the ferries are not full in June, so if you are on Skye and the weather is good... just drive up to Uig and jump on the ferry. In August, Easter or Whitsun, you can't do that as the ferries will be full... but in June - no problem.
My point... decide at the time.
Check out some of me Hebridean pics: http://www.stevecarter.com/harris-2007/hebrides.ht...
Just to give you an idea... This was taken from the campsite at Horgabost on Harris
My point... decide at the time.
Check out some of me Hebridean pics: http://www.stevecarter.com/harris-2007/hebrides.ht...
Just to give you an idea... This was taken from the campsite at Horgabost on Harris
Edited by GetCarter on Sunday 20th February 13:29
Chicken Chaser said:
Steve, i've had several discussions with you re your photos and locations under my former monicker (rob13) and have indeed passed by your house. I know that you have "The Knowledge" up there so its always helpful to get your ideas.
Ah right, name change fooled me!Gassing Station | Scotland | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff