[juliag]

Here we come, scotland in August for a holiday, possibly thinking the Great Glen water park lodges as there is plenty on site for the kids but we also want to get out and explore,  dolphin watching, walking  etc  hunting  for nessie. As I live down south and have only ever been as far as Edinburgh I have no idea of the area etc, can any of you help ior suggest alternatives?

[sandy]

Hi again Julie,(still finishing my coffee) We used to go to Devon and Cornwall ALL the time until we moved here and now wounder why we did not come sooner. Devon and Cornwall are stunning and of course the weather is soo much better usually BUT here the Scenery is so much more dramatic and raw, not just fields fenced off, there are so many historic places to see and then the cities, Edinburgh, Glasgow are fabulous to shop or to see the castles and touristy stuff, Stirling is wonderful and as far as the other cities here, only been to Dundee so cannot say...so much to see and do and if you love outdoor pursuits a lot of free fresh air (and rain)


Oh...bring wellies!

[northfifeduckling]

Fife has some beautiful spots, I love the coastal path around Elie and of course St Andrews always has the holiday feel for me, as I went there in 1981 as a student first time! In August of course you are right in time for the Edinburgh Fringe, worth going alone for the street artists! If you now you want to do that I can recommend a B&B in Burntisland, from there you can hop on the train into town as there will be no easy parking at festival time! And for North Fife, the Mega Maize Maze is worth a visit of course you must visit James and his little zoo! And let us know when you are around, maybe we  can meet up this time

[HappyHippy]

Many years ago when my french penpal was visiting my dad took us on a 'lightning tour of the highlands' we drove from Glasgow up to Mallaig, stayed overnight there before sailing across to Skye the following day, we drove up through Skye, crossed back over at Kyle of Lochalsh and drove through the Great Glen up to Loch Ness, stayed in Inverness that night and back home to Glasgow the following day. It was very much whistle stop but a great way for her to see lots of countryside. Once we returned home people had been asking my penpal what she thought of the highlands and she agreed that yes, it was beautiful, but she hadn't seen any highland cattle - if only we'd known ! There are some less than 3 miles from our house 
Doesn't matter where you go Julia - it's ALL beautifull (but I am slightly biased ! )

[juliag]

It sounds lovely, so yes its definitly going to be scotland this year. my daughter lives in edinburgh so we can stop there for a couple of nights before we go on up. Would be great to see some friendly faces whilst we are on our travels so we may well take you up on your offer! And on that note if anyone is holidaying down around here we can certainly recommend plenty of places and are happy to put the kettle on at any time! 

[doganjo]

Edinburgh is only a train ride away - let us know when you'll be here and we can have another TAS meet.  Last time it was in Glasgow, another one due in the Spring at James and Kenny's Hotel near St Andrews, so we'll be ready for another by August!

[Rosemary]

You'll love Scotland. Inverness is lovely - and visit Culloden. Very atmospheric and a good visitor centre.

It woudl be good to meet up.

After James's do, maybe we could have one at our new place.

[sellickbhoy]

well, some places you MUST see......!!

From Glasgow, head up past Loch lomond (you can tak the high road or the low road!!) on route to Oban, you can stay in Oban and ge the ferry for a few days out to the islands.

Oban up to fortwilliam - go via Glencoe, site of the famous massacre. Some nice simple walks in Glencoe, but it's a very haunting place

Avoid Fort William - once described as the ugliest town in the most beautiful countryside - but that person hadn't been to Dundee!! LOL

Head up Loch ness, see the monster, buy tourist tat!! Go to Fort Augustus, lovely auld castle right on the waters edge.

Over to Skye - on the way over you can go see Eilean Donan castle, then over the bridge to Skye (not quite over the sea to skye anymore as they built a bridge!!)

Some great drives/scenery around Applecross too

Along to Inverness, take in Glen Affric nr beauly, Culloden, even the town of Inverness which is quite nice now

Then up to Culloden - which is the most amazing/haunting/saddening place all at once, not far from there is the Clava Cairns, which are really cool. You can also go to Fort George at Ardersier - built by Wade to help keep unruly Jacobites in their place after the 45 rising was quashed

then south from Elgin along the whisky trail to Royal Deeside, across to blair athol/pitlochry/killiecrankie and into Perth and Fife.

that should give you plenty to see and all the history you an shake a stick at!

enjoy!

[Fergie]

well, some places you MUST see......!!


enjoy!

Almost the journey I'm making next week - up to Inverness, then Fort William via the Great Glen, and dropping in at Skye to pick up an ebay purchase while in the vicinity.  And I get paid for it!  Scotland is wonderful.

[sandy]

Scotland is one of the best kept secrets, not sure why??...............STUNNING!!

[sabrina]

I never tire of the places around me and I am more than happy to take our holidays in Scotland while friends go abroad. The wildlife, mountains, lochs and forest are so beautiful. We are just 2 miles from the sea so often can watch the dolphins at Macduff just playing offshore.