Hi everyone!! My cousin and I will will be travelling to Scotland within the next year and a half and I was wondering if anyone knew of any special interest places and events that they have annually that we can go to? Also if anyone knows of any places to stay or places where we can go to research our family tree that would be great. Or even if anyone knows of any web sites that we can go on to check things out! We are really looking forward to going and can't wait to get over their since our family originates from there.
Moon Child, I think the most fascinating thing for me would be to visit the castles in the area. They hold so many ancient traditions and times of chivalry and knights. I could get lost in that world. Also I would really like to visit some of the really old town and places where Rob Roy and William Wallace roamed. Way too cool, I would have to spend about a month in Scotland.
Were planning on going for at least a month, maybe longer were not really sure yet. Everyone I have talked to that has either been there or Ireland suggests spending at least a month to see everything. I can't wait to get over there! I really want to check out the castles and I think they even have castles there that are hotels but I imagine it'd be pretty expensive to stay the night!
Pick up Lonely Planet Scotland. By far the best travel book series. Well worth the cost. Keep it with you, as it is helpful in all aspects of travel. I used one in 1999 and can not praise it enough. Other books were cheaper, but there is a good reason for that, you get what you pay for.
My wife and I were in Scotland on a very fast tour for 10 days last October, and we tried to see as much as possible. We saw castles in several places. Urquart on Loch Ness is a ruin, but has ancient memories you can feel. Eillean Donan is another on the way to the Isle of Skye, partially lived-in today. Stirling Castle is a very busy place with on-going and active displays, and then there were the showpieces, Scone Palace in Perthshire and Edinburgh Castle. We also visited the Cava Cairns near Culloden, which were a bit away from the beaten path, but have a 'feel' all their own. Yes, the roads are as narrow as a dining room table, so if you're driving (on the other side), be wary.
Thanks Davidm for the tip about driving! We haven't really decided weither or not were going to drive ourselves or if were going to do a tour! It's good to know just in case!!
I would drive and just get lost in Scotland. I find it annoying having to run to something different right when you are getting into it. I like the leasure stroll through the highlands or stop whenever you want to.
I'd have to agree with that too. Some of our best time in Scotland was when we got lost by taking a wrong turn south of Inverness on the way to the Loch Ness area. We ended up on a roadway that was one valley west of where we had intended to be, and we couldn't have been happier. It was the epitome of the 'wooded glen' and we expected fairies and nymphs and rugged highland clansmen to jump out in front of us at every turn. We just 'went with it' as the route eventually re-connected to where we were going. Our timetable was too fast and furious, so our advice to ourselves this next trip is to go and spend a few days in a couple places, instead of tring to do a Witman's Sampler trip, where you see a lot, but never really savor any of it. Don't forget to stop off at whisky distilleries too. Very uplifting as well.
I have to say. Take a car and drive around. A few stops you decide beforehand and alternatives for rainy weather (most unlikely in Scotland ). Take your time and let inspire you by the scenery and the people. That's it. Enjoy the trip.
Slainte Mhor
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