indy_dad

We had such a great trip to Scotland this summer, I think we'll go back ahead next year. Family of 4 (DD14, DS11) driving from Derby. Week long holiday next May/June during the bank holiday and half term week. Figure 6 full days of touring with 8 days total including travel time.

This past trip, we saw my top tier items with 3 days in Callander, 3 in Skye and 2 around Loch Ness. We briefly saw Glencoe and Glenfinnan enroute to Skye. We really enjoyed the combination of short walks and historical sites and would be looking for the same (if we can get a week of sunshine like we did, all the better). Last trip for info:

http://ukfrey.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06...highlands.html

Now what?

Geographically, it looks like a few combinations could be
a) Fife + Castle Trail
b) Glencoe / Oban / "island" (Arran or Mull/Iona) or Dumfries & Galloway
c) NW (Plockton/Applecross/Ullapool etc.) though a bit far

So, any suggested itineraries and base camps? Thanks.

Weegie

Big yes to C. Applecross pass, Wester Ross Coastal trail, Torridon are all fabulous. The scenery is just wonderful.

To be fair all your choices are potentially brilliant though.

janisj

All three are terrific choices -but w/ your kids and all -- I'd probably opt for A.

The fishing villages of Fife, the Deer Park, a boat trip to the Isle of May (Puffins, other sea birds, ruined lighthouses), St Andrews (Old Course/Cathedral/Castle).

Then up the coast to the Castle Trail/Deeside - Dunnottar would be a MUST and then as many other castles as you can manage/stand. Bullers of Buchan

This would a great trip.

mbloggs

We spent three weeks island hopping earlier this year. We visited Mull and had the most wonderful time there. I think it is one of the prettiest of the islands. Then we moved on to Skye, then Harris/Lewis (FANTASTIC if you are interested in archaeological sites) and then drove on up to Orkney.It was a trip to remember.

So I'd opt for B and send you off to Mull. We stayed at Fionnphort in a great B&B called Staffa House, took the ferry to Iona, drove round the island and took a boat trip out to Staffa to see the weird rock formations and meet up with dozens of puffins (not guaranteed of course).

irishface

When I took my nephews (11 and 14) to Scotland, we enjoyed Mull a lot. We visited Torosey and Duarte Castles and took a ride on a little train beyween the two sites. However, I think I read recently that Torosey (sp?) was no longer open to the public. Duarte is older and more rugged. Gruesome stories and some good walks in the area.

Our favorite day was the one when we went from Fionnphort to Staffa and saw the puffins. Then back to Iona and walked out to the abbey and visited the graves of ancient Scottish kings.

We came back to Oban and headed north and stopped at Dunstaffnig Castle on the way. Built in the thirteenth/fourteenth century, thick walls and lots of little nooks and crannies.

We spent some time in the Loch Ness area, but see that you have already been there. The Highland Wildlife Park near Kingussie was a great day where we saw lots of animals in large enclosures and learned a lot from the ranger who led us on a walkabout. Saw wolves which many would like to reintroduce into Scotland but farmers are fighting it. The park is taking great care not to get them used to humans for the time when they will be released into the wild and it is an interesting story.

Whatever itinerary you choose, I am sure that you will have fun. Looking forward to hering your story of the trip!

janisj

Mull is probably my favorite island - been there several times. LOVE it, but the reason I suggested the east coast for your next foray into Scotland is because you've already done the one trip to the west and north. Skye, the Trossachs, the Highlands and everything else you saw.

W/ the Isle of May and all the castles etc I just think the east coast itinerary would be a good contrast to your last trip.

You could also visit Glamis and Edzell castles on your way between Fife and Aberdeenshire. These two couldn't be more different but both are great for kids.

indy_dad

Appreciate the input. I figured it would be varied given the fine options that exist. I guess I can't really go wrong.

For option A, would you suggest 2 bases? Or 3? One if Fife (e.g. Crail, etc.) and one in ???. How would you split the time?

The NW would be quite a trek by car (9-10 hrs) so that's a long shot. Might have to save that one from when we are flying over in coming years.

janisj

two bases would work great. Crail is my fav, but really anywhere along the coast between Elie and St Andrews would be good.

And the other base somewhere along the Dee -- probably between Banchory and Ballater. You shouldn't have any problems finding accommodations on Deeside -- there are a lot of B&Bs and hotels in the area.

Probably 3 days each - the drive up from Fife isn't that long. Maybe 2.5 hours. But w/ Glamis (maybe 2 hours), and Dunnottar (usually 2 hours - there is so much to explore and the setting is amazing. Pray for a nice day there) you'd probably take most of a day to get to Deeside.

janisj

Oh -another option would be to start up on the Dee. You could drive via Edinburgh and Perth > Blairgowrie and up the amazing Spittal of Glenshee to Braemar and hit the Dee from the west end. Stay in/near Ballater for 3 full days -- then south to Fife (again, via Dunnottar and Glamis)

Doing it this way will give you a shorter drive home. IME when traveling w/ kids the ride home at the end of a holiday always seems more tiring. This would help that at least a bit.

historytraveler

IMO janisj's suggestion is probably the best for reasons stated. The NW reallys needs more time and you've seen some of the west coast. Her itinerary will give you considerable variety with the East Neuk fishing villages,spectactular Dunnottar,St Andrews (lovely town) castles along the Dee and the Spittal of Glenshee.

indy_dad

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll probably go with Fife/Deeside as Plan A. I'll get the map out and put together an itinerary and post back.

Ackislander

I like janisj's second suggestion. When in the Deeside, visit Fyvie Castle, a National Trust property. It was the childhood home of a friend. Your children will be interested to know that she and her brother used to ride their ponies up the grand stair.

indy_dad

Taking a look into Option A (Fife/Deeside). I can see easily filling 2-3 days in Fife and picking off a few castles on the way to Deeside. Once there I'll have plenty of other castle options. However, what if we are castled out? Any other suggestions for things to do around the Deeside base camp?

I'll look into some walk options on www.walkhighlands.co.uk as well.

Any particularly unique stays (castle, lighthouse, etc.) for either location?

Thanks again.

indy_dad

FYI, here's what I'm thinking.

Day 1: Drive to Crail via Rosslyn Chapel

Day 2: St. Andrews (Cathedral, Castle, Old Course, Himalyas, etc.). Sunday. Reason for doing this first (Old Course walk).

Day 3: Isle of May trip

Day 4: Flex day. More in area or day trip to Falkland and Scone if up to it. Possible walk in area instead.

Day 5: Drive to Deeside via Glamis, Edzell, Dunnottar. Skip Edzell if pushed. Stay in Banchory area.

Day 6: Castle loop -- some combination of Crathes, Drum, Fraser, Craigievar

Day 7: Flex. Likely walk in Cairngorms or coast.

Day 8: Drive home via Spittal of Glenshee and possibly Scone Palace if not visited earlier. Late return but another day to recover.

So 4 nights around Crail, possibly here:
http://www.thehazelton.co.uk/

And 3 nights near Banchory, possibly here:
http://www.tornacoille.com/

janisj

Looks like a wonderful trip. I'm staying for a week not far from Crail again about a month before you'll be there.

I've walked past the Hazelton many times but never stayed there.

Tor Na Coille looks very nice. I personally don't think Bancory's is as pretty a setting as Ballater - but it is more convenient for touring around to the castles. It would be a good base.

indy_dad

Thanks for the feedback. On to plan the next one!