Best Places in Scotland to Visit

[Calvin]

I'm back home for the first time in years in September. Getting the sleeper up from London on the Sunday night and then away again the following Sunday morning.

Aussie girlfriend is in tow for the first time so the idea is to show her the best of Scotland.. but by the time you factor in a family day in East Lothian on the Monday, and going to the Hibs game (wherever it is) on Saturday 21st September; it actually doesn't leave much time. Even less when you consider that at least a day in Edinburgh is obvious, likely on the Tuesday.

So really, it leaves probably Wednesday and Thursday to explore somewhere in Scotland. I fancied heading up to Skye via Glencoe and Mallaig and back via Urquhart Castle and over the Cairgorms; but really then it becomes a driving holiday without really spending much time somewhere (which I'm aware is what it is in the timeframe that I have.) Added into that a lot of chat that Skye has become even more tourist-filled post-pandemic; it leaves me pondering where to go!

So the question is; if you have only a few days to show someone Scotland, where would you take them? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[hibsbollah]

At that time of year the tourists will have thinned out a bit and midgies almost away so i would go for the obvious spectacular road to the isles; Glencoe and Rannoch Moor, Five sisters of kintail across to Skye. Book ahead, get yourself a nice restaurant booking. See quite a lot in a couple of days. There are more hipstery out of the way choices but at that time of year go for the big bang for your buck choices.

Still following the seahawks i hope? :greengrin

[Smartie]

For someone who has never been to Scotland before, I tend to find Linlithgow to be quite a nice day out.

A very manageable walk around the loch, see the palace (which looks quite cool to Americans, Australians etc), a few decent pubs in the town and a short hop on the train back here.

[patch1875]

If your looking for a base to explore Spean Bridge is a lovely place to stay with access to many places not far away.

[Pedantic_Hibee]

Dornoch 👍🏼

[Moulin Yarns]

Dornoch 👍🏼

Heading there next week, will report back.

[Moulin Yarns]

A suggested route.

Linlithgow palace and Loch, kelpies and Falkirk wheel. Head for Crook of Devon (twinned with Thief of Baghdad) then up through Glen Eagles, View of the hotel, then Glenturret distillery for a tour, tastes and lunch. From their take the Sma' Glen to Amulree, take a left up Glen Quaich to Kenmore and the iron age village at the Crannog Centre.

Then the choice of West along Loch Tay and do glencoe or up the A9 to Inverness.

Journey back via skye, glencoe, Loch lomond, and Glasgow.

The first part, from crook of Devon to Kenmore take in some wonderful roads and views.

[Pedantic_Hibee]

Heading there next week, will report back.

Dunrobin Castle is fantastic and even better if you hang around for the birds of prey show.

[silverhibee]

Pilton :cb :thumbsup:

Meal at the Ferry Boat.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Meal at the Ferry Boat.

Bacon Fries? 🤔😉

[Scouse Hibee]

Pilton :cb :thumbsup:

Meal at the Ferry Boat.

Any wild animals?

[The Modfather]

I'm back home for the first time in years in September. Getting the sleeper up from London on the Sunday night and then away again the following Sunday morning.

Aussie girlfriend is in tow for the first time so the idea is to show her the best of Scotland.. but by the time you factor in a family day in East Lothian on the Monday, and going to the Hibs game (wherever it is) on Saturday 21st September; it actually doesn't leave much time. Even less when you consider that at least a day in Edinburgh is obvious, likely on the Tuesday.

So really, it leaves probably Wednesday and Thursday to explore somewhere in Scotland. I fancied heading up to Skye via Glencoe and Mallaig and back via Urquhart Castle and over the Cairgorms; but really then it becomes a driving holiday without really spending much time somewhere (which I'm aware is what it is in the timeframe that I have.) Added into that a lot of chat that Skye has become even more tourist-filled post-pandemic; it leaves me pondering where to go!

So the question is; if you have only a few days to show someone Scotland, where would you take them? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

If time is short, what about a walk in the Pentlands? Depending on how active you want to be lots of various options. There’s a great route from Threipmuir car park. 12k and 525m elevation so maybe more a tough hike than a gentle stroll in the hills, but up the red road and over the West Kip, East Kip and Scald Law is beautiful and back up Phantoms Cleugh. Can’t go wrong anywhere for beauty in the Pentlands to be honest.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

If time is short, what about a walk in the Pentlands? Depending on how active you want to be lots of various options. There’s a great route from Threipmuir car park. 12k and 525m elevation so maybe more a tough hike than a gentle stroll in the hills, but up the red road and over the West Kip, East Kip and Scald Law is beautiful and back up Phantoms Cleugh. Can’t go wrong anywhere for beauty in the Pentlands to be honest.

We spread our mum's ashes up there after she passed, it truly is a beautiful place.

[O'Rourke3]

Stirling Castle / Wallace monument to Oban overnight. Way back detour south to Clachan Bride(the only bridge over The Atlantic) and come back through Loch Lomond Park stopping off at Luss or Arochar.

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[Edina Street]

I'm back home for the first time in years in September. Getting the sleeper up from London on the Sunday night and then away again the following Sunday morning.

Aussie girlfriend is in tow for the first time so the idea is to show her the best of Scotland.. but by the time you factor in a family day in East Lothian on the Monday, and going to the Hibs game (wherever it is) on Saturday 21st September; it actually doesn't leave much time. Even less when you consider that at least a day in Edinburgh is obvious, likely on the Tuesday.

So really, it leaves probably Wednesday and Thursday to explore somewhere in Scotland. I fancied heading up to Skye via Glencoe and Mallaig and back via Urquhart Castle and over the Cairgorms; but really then it becomes a driving holiday without really spending much time somewhere (which I'm aware is what it is in the timeframe that I have.) Added into that a lot of chat that Skye has become even more tourist-filled post-pandemic; it leaves me pondering where to go!

So the question is; if you have only a few days to show someone Scotland, where would you take them? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Day 1 - Deep Sea World, followed by Blair Drummond Safari Park, followed by a Haggis Neaps n Tatties in Whisky Sauce in Rob Roy's pub.
Day 2 - Up to Loch Ness for some Nessie Hunting via a stop off at the Trossachs for some Haggis and Adder hunting, topped off by a McNessie Meal in McDonalds Fort William. Might also consider taking the sky lift up Ben Nevis.
Day 3 - Tour of Edinburgh

[Jones28]

St Andrews would be a great day out if you’re looking for something near by. You could even do Stirling on the same day.

Stirling in the morning, head over towards St Andrews, there’s a great pub in Culross for lunch on the way, then over to St Andrews through central Fife which is a lovely spot in itself and a walk around the town, walk the old course over the wee bridgey thing and back over the mighty Queensferry crossing.

[staunchhibby]

And stop of in Anstruther to visit chippy

[Fuzzywuzzy]

Lunan Bay. Amazing beach. Just south of Montrose

[Northernhibee]

Lunan Bay. Amazing beach. Just south of Montrose

Beautiful. Often go camping there.

[Calvin]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone - much appreciated.


At that time of year the tourists will have thinned out a bit and midgies almost away so i would go for the obvious spectacular road to the isles; Glencoe and Rannoch Moor, Five sisters of kintail across to Skye. Book ahead, get yourself a nice restaurant booking. See quite a lot in a couple of days. There are more hipstery out of the way choices but at that time of year go for the big bang for your buck choices.

Still following the seahawks i hope? :greengrin
I dragged her to Cincinatti last year for Bengals Seahawks hence having to do something 'better' this year :greengrin


A suggested route.

Linlithgow palace and Loch, kelpies and Falkirk wheel. Head for Crook of Devon (twinned with Thief of Baghdad) then up through Glen Eagles, View of the hotel, then Glenturret distillery for a tour, tastes and lunch. From their take the Sma' Glen to Amulree, take a left up Glen Quaich to Kenmore and the iron age village at the Crannog Centre.

Then the choice of West along Loch Tay and do glencoe or up the A9 to Inverness.

Journey back via skye, glencoe, Loch lomond, and Glasgow.

The first part, from crook of Devon to Kenmore take in some wonderful roads and views.

That's definitely a good shout, I'll propose it.


If time is short, what about a walk in the Pentlands? Depending on how active you want to be lots of various options. There’s a great route from Threipmuir car park. 12k and 525m elevation so maybe more a tough hike than a gentle stroll in the hills, but up the red road and over the West Kip, East Kip and Scald Law is beautiful and back up Phantoms Cleugh. Can’t go wrong anywhere for beauty in the Pentlands to be honest.
If we get the weather for it then up the Pentlands could definitely make the list.


St Andrews would be a great day out if you’re looking for something near by. You could even do Stirling on the same day.

Stirling in the morning, head over towards St Andrews, there’s a great pub in Culross for lunch on the way, then over to St Andrews through central Fife which is a lovely spot in itself and a walk around the town, walk the old course over the wee bridgey thing and back over the mighty Queensferry crossing.
I had pondered St Andrews as I have a chunk of Accor points so was thinking of a night at the Fairmont.


Day 1 - Deep Sea World, followed by Blair Drummond Safari Park, followed by a Haggis Neaps n Tatties in Whisky Sauce in Rob Roy's pub.
Day 2 - Up to Loch Ness for some Nessie Hunting via a stop off at the Trossachs for some Haggis and Adder hunting, topped off by a McNessie Meal in McDonalds Fort William. Might also consider taking the sky lift up Ben Nevis.
Day 3 - Tour of Edinburgh
Drumnadrochit will nearly definitely make the list.


And stop of in Anstruther to visit chippy
Of course, will be one of many chippy visits on the East coast.

[Edina Street]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone - much appreciated.


I dragged her to Cincinatti last year for Bengals Seahawks hence having to do something 'better' this year :greengrin



That's definitely a good shout, I'll propose it.


If we get the weather for it then up the Pentlands could definitely make the list.


I had pondered St Andrews as I have a chunk of Accor points so was thinking of a night at the Fairmont.


Drumnadrochit will nearly definitely make the list.


Of course, will be one of many chippy visits on the East coast.

Another thing perhaps worth considering is a drive to Aberdeen via Scotland's Secret Bunker, and putting your car on the Ferry to the Shetlands. The Ferry has a restaurant and a cinema as well as a bar. Can't beat getting drunk out at sea. So relaxing!

If you choose Drumnadrochit, be sure to stop off at House of Bruar, splash out on some Sheepskin. Not so sure I would recommend their restaurant however. Perhaps make do with buying some takeaway grub from one of their Kiosks instead.

There is another favourite haunt that I would recommend. It is not in Scotland however. But it is closer to Edinburgh than many other Scottish destinations. Holy Island. You might want to consider becoming marooned on Holy Island accidently on purpose. If you do, you could consider camping inside one of their old ruins. Or if you prefer comfort, then the Manor House Hotel is a very quiet and quaint little place perfect for a relaxing drink.

[JimBHibees]

Always thought Stirling castle was the best big castle

[weecounty hibby]

I'm in Shetland at the moment for a bike rally. Absolutely stunning. Island hopping at the moment, Yell and now on Unst. We'll worth a visit if you have the time to get to Aberdeen and then a ferry over

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

I'm in Shetland at the moment for a bike rally. Absolutely stunning. Island hopping at the moment, Yell and now on Unst. We'll worth a visit if you have the time to get to Aberdeen and then a ferry over

How much was the fare on the ferry?

[Pretty Boy]

I'm in Shetland at the moment for a bike rally. Absolutely stunning. Island hopping at the moment, Yell and now on Unst. We'll worth a visit if you have the time to get to Aberdeen and then a ferry over


How much was the fare on the ferry?

It's something I have always meant to really look into.

My Granny's maternal side hailed from Shetland and there is still family there. Always thought about making contact, which should be easy in the age of social media, and paying a visit. I know my aunty went up about 15-20 years ago and got a great welcome.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

The documentary series that has been on the BBC for the last few Sundays is well worth a watch.

[weecounty hibby]

How much was the fare on the ferry?
There are 4 of us and including the bikes and a cabin it cost was £817 for here and back. So basically a couple of hundred quid each. Dunno about the cost for a car.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Nice one, cheers. 👍

[Bishop Hibee]

I did the boat trip around the Bass Rock recently. Absolutely brilliant. Guide was excellent and getting close to puffins, gannets, seals etc was special. Well worth £27. Take the family for your East Lothian get together!

[Jones28]

Can’t recommend Shetland highly enough.

12 hour crossing from Aberdeen is a great way to go, the boat is comfortable and the bar is open late. I’d recommend a cabin but if you’re inclined you can slum it in on of the seating areas, or get a sleeping pod.

The standard food is decent and you can splash out and go into the Magnus Lounge for something a bit posher.

Stunning scenery, great beaches, Lerwick is a great wee town where everything is walkable and if the weather is on your side there really is nowhere better. If the weather isn’t on your side the Clikimin pool is great. Flumes, lazy river, outdoor pool, sauna and steam room and diving boards. The museum in Lerwick is great too.

St Ninians is a beautiful tombolo in the South, and there’s beaches all over the place to suit everyone. You can go up to Unst and rent one of numerous spots across the Island, Saxa Vord is nice with self contained holiday houses.

Brae for a Frankie’s fish and chips is as good as any I’ve ever had. The Dowrie in the town is a great bar and restaurant. I’ve got an auntie in Lerwick with an air bnb on Queen Charlotte street if anyone wants details.

We’ve booked to go to Greece next year but I’m itching to go back up, might well go in October before it gets too cold to fish.

[hibsbollah]

Can’t recommend Shetland highly enough.

12 hour crossing from Aberdeen is a great way to go, the boat is comfortable and the bar is open late. I’d recommend a cabin but if you’re inclined you can slum it in on of the seating areas, or get a sleeping pod.

The standard food is decent and you can splash out and go into the Magnus Lounge for something a bit posher.

Stunning scenery, great beaches, Lerwick is a great wee town where everything is walkable and if the weather is on your side there really is nowhere better. If the weather isn’t on your side the Clikimin pool is great. Flumes, lazy river, outdoor pool, sauna and steam room and diving boards. The museum in Lerwick is great too.

St Ninians is a beautiful to mobile in the South, and there’s beaches all over the place to suit everyone. You can go up to Unst and rent one of numerous spots across the Island, Saxa Vord is nice with self contained holiday houses.

Brae for a Frankie’s fish and chips is as good as any I’ve ever had. The Dowrie in the town is a great bar and restaurant. I’ve got an auntie in Lerwick with an air bnb on Queen Charlotte street if anyone wants details.

We’ve booked to go to Greece next year but I’m itching to go back up, might well go in October before it gets too cold to fish.

That’s some great recommendations, thanks. I went to Yell twice when i was wee but have few memories apart from family stuff, the scenery was stunning and id like to go back. Everyone seemed to be called ‘Tulloch’. Swimming in the sea there IS possible :greengrin

[Peanut Shaz]

That’s some great recommendations, thanks. I went to Yell twice when i was wee but have few memories apart from family stuff, the scenery was stunning and id like to go back. Everyone seemed to be called ‘Tulloch’. Swimming in the sea there IS possible :greengrin

My Granny was from Shetland (Unst) and she was a Tulloch. Other family name was Petrie. My Aunt did quite a bit of research on our family tree and left us lots of info. I’ve recently retired and I really would like to take the time to visit.

[hibsbollah]

My Granny was from Shetland (Unst) and she was a Tulloch. Other family name was Petrie. My Aunt did quite a bit of research on our family tree and left us lots of info. I’ve recently retired and I really would like to take the time to visit.

Ive traced my family back to the late 18th century, very rewarding and fun thingvto do. I am waiting for my DNA analysis to come back from a ancestry company, which will solidify a few things.

[Peanut Shaz]

Ive traced my family back to the late 18th century, very rewarding and fun thingvto do. I am waiting for my DNA analysis to come back from an ancestry company, which will solidify a few things.

Yeah, that is something else I plan to do. I think it will be really interesting.

[Bridge hibs]

Ive traced my family back to the late 18th century, very rewarding and fun thingvto do. I am waiting for my DNA analysis to come back from a ancestry company, which will solidify a few things.

I done that a few years back and got scunnered by it, the amount of second cousins I have in Zimbabwe, Morocco, Egypt as well as Australia and the US bubbled my head

My Wife and Daughter went to registries house and got some brilliant family stuff from there, my Grannies Grandad was a wealthy landowner in England and owned a couple of mansions in sprawling fields, he was an army general but the land was passed onto him.

My Dads side were just Irish radges, mon the radges 😁

[hibsbollah]

I done that a few years back and got scunnered by it, the amount of second cousins I have in Zimbabwe, Morocco, Egypt as well as Australia and the US bubbled my head

My Wife and Daughter went to registries house and got some brilliant family stuff from there, my Grannies Grandad was a wealthy landowner in England and owned a couple of mansions in sprawling fields, he was an army general but the land was passed onto him.

My Dads side were just Irish radges, mon the radges 😁

Yeah, is that the place thats now called Scotlands People at the east end of princes street? Lovely place to work under the big glass dome, amazing building. My relatives appear to be poverty stricken **** of the earth types, fishermen and roofers, with a shipwreck thrown in.

[Bridge hibs]

Yeah, is that the place thats now called Scotlands People at the east end of princes street? Lovely place to work under the big glass dome, amazing building. My relatives appear to be poverty stricken **** of the earth types, fishermen and roofers, with a shipwreck thrown in.

It was indeed mate, Wife said it was a brilliant experience and staff were so helpful in deciphering the fantastically written but very difficult to read text

My Wifes side were grave robbing Gypsys from Southern Ireland who funnily enough appeared to be married into my side of the family, horrible *******s !! 🤬

[Jones28]

That’s some great recommendations, thanks. I went to Yell twice when i was wee but have few memories apart from family stuff, the scenery was stunning and id like to go back. Everyone seemed to be called ‘Tulloch’. Swimming in the sea there IS possible :greengrin

Swimming absolutely is, if you’ve got the inclination to do so you can go up to Mavis Grind and swim in the North Sea, then nip across the road and jump in to the North Atlantic.

Fishing is another thing overlooked in Shetland, lochs for trout are everywhere though some are permit or fly fishing only.

If your timing is right (late July in to august) you can usually throw a spinner off a pier and catch mackerel just about anywhere.

[JimBHibees]

Ive traced my family back to the late 18th century, very rewarding and fun thingvto do. I am waiting for my DNA analysis to come back from a ancestry company, which will solidify a few things.

How much does that sort of thing cost?

[hibsbollah]

How much does that sort of thing cost?

£75.

[JimBHibees]

£75.

Ok cheers