Sweeping turrets and fanciful towers distinguish palatial Floors, built in 1721 for the duke of Roxburghe and now Scotland's largest inhabited castle. Sprawling along the banks of the River Tweed, the castle has magnificent interiors and grounds to explore. Melrose Abbey
Scotland's ruined abbeys recall the country's brilliant but turbulent monastic past. Melrose, an elegant but commanding red-sandstone structure, was begun in the 12th century. The abbey's ruins retain their power in well-preserved decorative carvings including a bagpipe-playing pig. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
Sparkling clear water, lush woodlands, jagged mountains, and open skies make Loch Lomond a coveted-and easily accessible from Glasgow and Edinburgh-weekend retreat for visitors and locals alike. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Scotland's first national park, is ideal for hiking, biking, and more. Malt Whisky Trail
Aficionados of malt whisky can explore distilleries around Scotland, but many will head to this northeastern region. The Malt Whisky Trail in the scenic River Spey valley is renowned for its single-malt distilleries. The nine sights include distilleries large and small and a historic cooperage.
Trossachs: The narrow glen between Loch Katrine and Loch Achray is actually named the Trossachs, but the term is now used to describe a wider scenic area around the southern border of the Highlands.
Killin: Tumbling through the centre of this charming little village are the frothy Falls of Dochart. The canny locals have made the best of their unusual water feature, pulling in many a passing tourist coach. Killin is in the northeastern corner of the Stirling region and is a handy base for exploring the mighty mountains and glens that surround it.
Glen Nevis, Glencoe and Glen Affric.
Trundle up to Skye via http://www.eileandonancastle.com and Glencoe, returning via Stirling. You can safely skip Loch Ness - it's one of the less inspiring Lochs. Try instead Loch Coruisk or if you're a harry potter fan Loch Eilt.
Fife (‘the Kingdom of’). In a day you could easily explore little fishing villages like Anstruther, Elie, St Monans. They are very pretty with lovely vernacular architecture and you can do a bit of the coastal walk there with great views back across the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh. Perhaps continue up to St Andrews (very topical). You could drive back down through the inland of the county to places like Falkland Palace and Loch Leven. Fife is so lovely and often overlooked and gives you a taste of something a bit different.
For a first Scotland trip it's a pretty good route. I would suggest you get the train from Glasgow to Mallaig, the ferry to Armadale on Skye and then a bus to Portree. The train journey is one of the most scenic railway journeys in Europe and passes some Harry Potter movie landmarks if you're into that. There is always a bus connecting to the arrival of the ferry in Armadale, so the route is easy enough. Book the train in advance, trains are much cheaper when booked in advance (starting from roughly 6 weeks before your travel date).
On Skye, Portree is by far the most convenient base if you're dependent on public transport. It is a bit of a transport hub for Skye so yes, definitely base yourself there.
From Portree you can take the bus to Inverness (Citylink will probably be the cheapest and convenient) or if you have the time you could go to Ullapool, Lochinver and the North (Assynt). This is one of the most beautiful areas in Scotland, but the transport connections are not great and you need to be into hiking and scenery. It's just something to consider, have a look on line what there is to see and decide whether it's worth it for you.
As for the rest, you can either use trains or buses, of which the later will probably be cheaper if not booked in advance. Also consider Megabus, it only drives a few routes, but they are very very cheap for the distance you will cover.
I'm personally not a big Aberdeen fan and would consider that optional, thought there is plenty to do in and around Aberdeen (consider a trip to Stonehaven). After Aberdeen you could slot in St Andrews, which is lovely and will only take you 1/2 a day.
If you are going to sky I would recomend taking in Mull on rout. Tobalmorry is a nice place for an over nighter mabee two nights. as for abberdeen mmmm. east neuk of fife might be better go via st andrews stay one or two nights in anstruther.
So you would get the two big citys two islands and the west coast the highland capitol and east coast
The only thing you would realy miss would be loch lomond and glen coe
Castles: Edinburgh Castle: Few other buildings symbolize the grandeur of an independent Scotland as clearly as this one. Begun around A.D. 1000, on a hilltop high above the rest of Edinburgh, it witnessed some of the bloodiest and most treacherous events in Scottish history, including a doomed 1573 defense by Kirkaldy of Grange in the name of Mary Queen of Scots.
Palace of Holyroodhouse (Edinburgh): Throughout the clan battles for independence from England, this palace served as a pawn between opposing forces. In its changing fortunes, it has housed a strange assortment of monarchs involved in traumatic events: Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, James VII (before his ascendancy to the throne), and French King Charles X (on his forced abdication after an 1830 revolution). The building's present form dates from the late 1600s, when it was rebuilt in a dignified neo-Palladian style. Today, Holyroodhouse is one of Queen Elizabeth's official residences.
# Drumlanrig Castle (Dumfries): Begun in 1679, this castle took 12 years to build and so much money that its patron, the third earl and first duke of Queensbury, complained that he deeply resented its existence. Later, it was embroiled in dynastic inheritance scandals worthy of a Gothic novel. One of the most prestigious buildings in Scotland, it houses the antiques and artwork of four illustrious families.
# Culzean Castle (near Maybole): Designed for comfort and prestige, this castle was built in the late 1700s by Scotland's most celebrated architect, Robert Adam, as a replacement for a dark, dank tower that had stood for longer than anyone could remember. Culzean was donated to the National Trust for Scotland just after World War II. A suite was granted to General Eisenhower for his lifetime use, in gratitude for his role in staving off a foreign invasion of Britain.
# Stirling Castle (Stirling): Stirling is a triumph of Renaissance ornamentation, a startling contrast to the severe bulk of many other Scottish castles. Despite its beauty, after its completion in 1540 the castle was one of the most impregnable fortresses in the British Isles, thanks partly to its position on a rocky crag.
# Scone Palace (Scone): As early as A.D. 900, Scottish kings were crowned here on a lump of granite so imbued with ancient magic that, in the 13th century, the English hauled it off to Westminster Abbey. (The Stone of Scone was returned to Scotland in 1996 and is now found in Edinburgh Castle.) The palace you see today was rebuilt in 1802 from ruins that incorporated a 1580 structure with stones laid during the dim early days of Scottish and Pictish union.
# Glamis Castle (Glamis): This castle's core was built for defense against rival clans during the 1400s, but over the centuries it evolved into a luxurious dwelling. The seat of the same family since 1372, Glamis is said to be haunted by the ghost of Lady Glamis, a former owner, whom James V had burned as a witch when she resisted his annexation of her castle. It also figured into the ambitions of Macbeth, thane of Glamis.
# Crathes Castle & Gardens (Grampian): Crathes evokes the luxury of a 15th- and 16th-century Scottish laird. The style focuses on high heraldry, with frequent references to the persistent Scottish hope of an enduring independence. The gardens' massive yew hedges were originally planted in 1702.
Balmoral Castle (Ballater): it's still the Scottish residence of the queen. Although inside you can visit only the ballroom, the sprawling manicured grounds and gardens also await you. Braemar Castle (Grampian): Built by the earl of Mar in 1628 as a hunting lodge, Braemar was burned to the ground, and then rebuilt by Farquharson of Invercauld, an ancestor of the present owner. It's often photographed as a symbol of Scottish grandeur and the well-upholstered aristocratic life. Cawdor Castle: From its heavily fortified origins in the 1300s, it evolved into the Campbell clan's luxurious seat. According to legend and Shakespearean plot lines, three witches promised this castle to Macbeth to tempt him into the deeds that led to his destruction.
Cathedrals: # Melrose Abbey (the Borders): If it weren't for the abbey's location in the frequently devastated Borders, this would be one of the world's most spectacular ecclesiastical complexes. Founded in the 1100s, Melrose acquired vast wealth and was the target of its covetous enemies; it was burned and rebuilt several times before the Protestant takeover of Scotland. Today, it's one of the world's most beautiful ruins, a site immortalized by Robert Burns, who advised people to visit it only by moonlight.
# Cathedral of St. Kentigern (Glasgow): In the 7th century, St. Mungo built a wooden structure here, intending it to be his headquarters and eventual tomb. It burned down but was rebuilt in the 1300s. St. Kentigern is mainland Scotland's only complete medieval cathedral, with a form based extensively on the pointed arch. In the 1600s, the Calvinists stripped it of anything hinting at papist idolatry, though a remarkable set of sculptures atop its stone nave screen, said to be unique in Scotland, still represents the seven deadly sins.
# Dunfermline Abbey and Palace (Fife): During the 1100s, in its role as Scotland's Westminster Abbey, Dunfermline became one of Europe's wealthiest churches. Three kings of Scotland were born here, and 22 members of the Scottish royal family were buried here. In the early 1800s, its ruined premises were partially restored to what you see today. Several years later, Andrew Carnegie, a markedly different kind of benefactor, was born within the cathedral's shadow.
# Dunblane Cathedral (Fife): Partly because the site had been holy since the days of the Celts, David I founded a church here in 1150. Despite later alterations and additions, Dunblane is still one of the country's best examples of Gothic architecture from the 1200s.
# St. Magnus Cathedral (the Orkney Islands): The most spectacular medieval building in the Orkneys, St. Magnus features an odd imposition of the Norman Gothic style on a territory administered during the time of its construction (the 1100s) by the Norwegians. The bodies of St. Magnus, patron saint of the Orkneys, and his nephew Earl Rognvald, the church's builder, are buried inside.
The Best Countryside Drives # The Valley of the Tweed: The waters originate in Scotland, define the border with England for part of their length, and are noted for some of Britain's top salmon fishing. Ruins of once-wealthy abbeys dot the landscape like beacons of long-lost power and prestige. Most travelers begin in Kelso and move west through Dryburgh, Selkirk, Melrose, Innerleithen, and Peebles. Although the total distance is less than 81km (50 miles), with a bit of backtracking en route, the many historic sites call for at least a full day's exploration.
# The Isle of Arran: Situated off Scotland's southwestern edge, Arran combines radically different climates and topographies in a relatively small space. Lush, temperate vegetation grows in its southern tier -- which is warmed by the Gulf Stream -- while the moors and hills of its northern edge are as wild and craggy as the Highlands. You'll find prehistoric monuments, a red-sandstone pile beloved by medievalists, and sweeping vistas of Northern Ireland. Allow half a day, not including stopover times, for the 90km (56-mile) circumnavigation of the island's coastal road.
# The Lochs & Mountains South of Oban: In this solitary but dramatic area are Scotland's longest freshwater lake (Loch Awe), one of its longest saltwater fjords (Loch Fyne), some of its most historic buildings (Kilchurn Castle, Carnasserie Castle, and the Kilmartin Church), and one of its most notorious battlefields (the slopes of Ben Cruachan). Locals refer to it as the Hinterlands near Oban, though the 140km (87-mile) route follows an excellent network of highways along the jagged coast. Major towns through which it passes are Dalmally, Inveraray, Lochgilphead, and Oban.
# The Trossachs: Located at the narrowest point of the mainland, just north of Glasgow, the Trossachs have been famous for their scenery since Queen Victoria called them lovely in 1869. Mystery seems to shroud the waters of lochs Lomond and Katrine. According to legend, the region's highest mountain, Ben Venue, is the traditional meeting point for Scotland's goblins. Ruled for generations by the MacGregor clan, this is the setting of Sir Walter Scott's Rob Roy and The Lady of the Lake. A tour through the region, beginning at Callander and meandering through Aberfoyle, Stronachlacher, and Inversnaid, should take about half a day. In summer, expect lots of traffic, often from tour buses.
# The Road to the Isles (Hwy. A830): It begins in Fort William, western terminus of the Caledonian Canal, and ends at Mallaig, the departure point for ferries servicing several offshore islands, including Mull, 74km (46 miles) northwest. Along the way, it passes the highest mountains in Britain as well as one of the Victorian Age's engineering triumphs -- Neptune's Staircase, a network of eight lochs that raise the level of the canal 19m (62 ft.) in a span of less than 455m (1,500 ft.). Although summer traffic can be heavy, services en route are scarce, so start with a full tank of gas.
The Best Ruins # Linlithgow Palace (Lothian): These ruins brood over an island in a loch, an unhappy vestige of what was the most glamorous royal residence during Scotland's golden age of independence, in the early 1500s. Mary Queen of Scots was born here, but tragedy seemed to permeate the palace, as roofs collapsed from lack of maintenance, and early deaths in the royal family hastened an inevitable union of Scotland with England. In 1745, after Linlithgow was occupied by Bonnie Prince Charlie and his troops, a mysterious fire swept over the palace.
# Dryburgh Abbey (the Borders): Begun in 1150 along a meandering curve of the River Tweed, Dryburgh was once home to thousands of monks who transformed the surrounding forests into arable fields, and drained many local swamps. The abbey's location, astride the much-troubled border with England, resulted in its destruction in three episodes (1322, 1385, and 1544), the last of which included the burning of the nearby village (Dryburgh). Today, the red-sandstone rocks are dim reminders of a long-ago monastic age.
# Elgin Cathedral (Grampian): This cathedral was built during the 1100s, and although many other churches were erected in Scotland at the time, Elgin was reputedly the most beautiful. Burned and rebuilt twice (in 1290 and 1370), it -- along with many other Catholic churches -- deteriorated after the Reformation; the belfry collapsed in 1711, shattering most of the roof and some of the walls. Efforts were undertaken to repair the damage, yet the place remains an evocative ruin.
# Skara Brae (the Orkney Islands): Last occupied around 2500 B.C., and far humbler than the feudal castles you'll find on the Scottish mainland, this cluster of fortified stone buildings is the best-preserved Neolithic village in northwestern Europe. Buried beneath sand for thousands of years, Skara Brae was uncovered by a storm in 1850.
Head northwest for 32km (20 miles) to Balloch, a good center for exploring the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. The best way to spend a day touring the lake is to take one of Sweeney's Cruisers. If you return in time, you can also explore Balloch Castle Country Park. Overnight in Balloch, which lies at the southern end of the Loch.
Day 6: Fort William, Gateway to the Highlands
From Glasgow (or Balloch, if you spent the night there), you can strike out for Fort William, 167km (104 miles) north of Glasgow. Located on the shores of Loch Linnhe, Fort William is the best stopover for those traveling between Glasgow and Inverness, in the north. You can arrive in time for lunch, taking in views of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland. In the afternoon, visit the ruins of Old Inverlochy Castle and Neptune's Staircase. Overnight in Fort William.
Day 7: Inverness, Capital of the Highlands
Fort William to Inverness is a drive of 109km (68 miles). Before reaching Inverness, drive along the western bank of Loch Ness, keeping your eye out for the elusive monster. At Drumnadrochit, there is the official Loch Ness Monster Exhibition, and you can also explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle.
Have lunch in Inverness, and then set out to see the Culloden Battlefield, with its Graves of the Clans, and also visit the Fort George/Queen's Own Highlanders Regimental Museum. Spend the rest of the afternoon walking around and exploring the center of Inverness, which lies on both sides of the Ness River, with scenic walks in all directions. Overnight in Inverness.
The following tour is one of the most history-rich in the country. It could be called "Scotland in a nutshell" in that it leaves from Edinburgh and includes everything from beautiful scenery, such as the Trossachs, to historic palaces, such as Scone, and even the royal castles of Glamis and Balmoral. The tour also includes the home of golf at St. Andrews and the country's most charming fishing villages at East Neuk.
Day 1: Stirling & Its Castle
Set out on Day 1 to visit the ancient town of Stirling, lying 56km (35 miles) to the northwest; it's located in the midst of Mel Gibson's Braveheart country. Explore Stirling Castle in the morning, have lunch, and then head for the Bannockburn Heritage Centre in the afternoon. This is on the site of the battleground where Robert the Bruce's army defeated the forces of Edward II in 1314. Back in Stirling, if time remains, visit the 15th-century Church of the Holy Rude. That night you might check to see if a cultural presentation is being staged at the Macrobert Arts Centre, on the campus of Stirling University.
Day 2: Callander & Aberfoyle
On the morning of Day 2, drive 26km (16 miles) northwest of Stirling, to the town of Callander, which is set in a thickly wooded valley of lochs. Stop in at the Rob Roy & Trossachs Visitor Centre and pick up a map that directs you to the scenic highlights of the area. These include Leny Park and Leny Falls.
After lunch in Callander, drive over to the little town of Aberfoyle, 23km (14 miles) to the southwest. Check into a hotel, and then stop into the Trossachs Discovery Centre for a map of the area's scenic attractions. At Aberfoyle you're on the doorstep of the Trossachs, arguably the most beautiful natural attraction in Scotland. From here you can spend the afternoon exploring a section of Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, as well as Loch Katrine, fabled because of the Sir Walter Scott poem The Lady of the Lake. After stopping off at Dukes Pass for a panoramic view, return to Aberfoyle for the night.
Day 3: Perth & Scone Palace
Leave Aberfoyle on Day 3 in the morning, driving east to the ancient city on the Tay, the town of Perth, the former capital of Scotland. The distance is 92km (57 miles). Check into a hotel here and set out to explore the city that is the gateway to the Highlands. For orientation, visit Kinnoull Hill, which is the geographic dividing point between the Highlands and the Lowlands. Follow a nature trail here before having a "prelunch lunch" at the 16th-century Balhousie Castle, after which you can walk through the North Inch, a 41-hectare (100-acre) park along the west bank of the Tay River.
Following lunch in Perth, drive 3km (1 3/4 miles) to Old Scone, site of Scone Palace, with its precious antiques, artwork, and grand architecture. After a visit, you can wander the gardens and woodlands around the palace before returning to Perth for the night. That evening, check out the offerings of the Perth Repertory Theatre.
Leaving Perth in the morning of Day 4, drive 87km east. Here you can begin to explore East Neuk, a generic name used to describe a series of the most beautiful and unspoiled fishing villages in Scotland. Begin your voyage of discovery at Elie, which is our favorite village along the coast, with its picture-postcard harbor and step-gabled houses. If the weather is warm, you can swim from one of the golden sand beaches. After a walk around the village for an hour or so, continue north to Pittenweem, where you can attend a fish auction down by the water, Monday to Saturday morning. After a look-see, drive immediately north along A917 to Anstruther, a fishing port and summer resort. Explore the Scottish Fisheries Museum, down by the harbor, and later take a charming walk over to the tiny hamlet of Cellardyke. Lunch at Anstruther.
For the day's final destination, head north to Crail. Check into a hotel here and spend the rest of the afternoon strolling through this port with its little fishermen's cottages. Pay a visit to its Crail Museum & Heritage Centre, marked by an array of fishing memorabilia. Find a local pub and anchor in with a pint and dinner of fish and chips before returning to your hotel.
Day 5: St. Andrews, Birthplace of Golf
On the morning of Day 5, leave Crail and drive the short distance 15km north to St. Andrews. Golfers will spend the rest of the day playing on this hallowed turf; others can explore the attractions in the area - for example, the grounds of the University of St. Andrews, which Prince William attended. Also, explore the ruins of the Castle of St. Andrews. After lunch, visit St. Andrews Cathedral and Priory before descending on the Secret Bunker, the place where Britain would have been commanded in the event of a nuclear attack. If you like lager, check out some of the local pubs, or attend a performance - perhaps a Shakespearean play -- at the Byre Theatre.
Day 6: Royal Castles Glamis & Balmoral
Leave St. Andrews on the morning of Day 6, heading north toward Dundee, where you link up with the A90 into Glamis, a distance of 133km (83 miles).
For 600 years, Glamis Castle was linked to the British Royal Family, and the late Queen Mother was brought up here. This is the castle where Macbeth is said to have murdered King Duncan. Allow at least 1 1/2 hours for a look around.
If you have extra time, drive north of Glamis for 6.5km (4 miles), to the little town of Kirriemuir. Here you can visit Barrie's birthplace. He, of course, was the author of Peter Pan, the eternal children's favorite, and his body was buried in the local cemetery.
After a quick lunch, drive from Kirriemuir to Ballater, site of the Queen's Balmoral Castle. The distance is 98km (61 miles). Built in the Scottish baronial style, this was the summer home of Queen Victoria, and it's still used in late summer by Queen Elizabeth and her family. Since it closes at 5pm, you have to time your afternoon carefully. If you're running late, you should skip Kirriemuir.
If indeed Kirriemuir doesn't fit your itinerary, spend your time wandering around the towns of Ballater or Braemar. Overnight in either one and fortify yourself for one of your busiest days -- your final day in Scotland.
Day 7: Dunkeld, Crief & Dunblane
Leave Ballater early on the morning of Day 7, heading southwest to Dunkeld, a distance of 108km (67 miles). On the doorway to the Perthshire Highlands, explore Dunkeld Cathedral, one of the most historic in Britain, dating from A.D. 815. After a visit, wander around to see the old houses and shops around the cathedral and the marketplace, walking along both High and Cathedral streets.
After your visit, continue southwest to Crief, a distance of 46km (29 miles). Here you can spend 1 1/2 hours seeing Drummond Castle Gardens, which date from the early 17th century. Before lunch, also visit The Glenturret Distillery (Scotland's oldest).
Lunch in Crief before setting out in the afternoon to Dunblane, a distance of 69km (43 miles) to the south. At Dunblane, see Dunblane Cathedral, one of the best examples of 13th-century Gothic architecture in Britain. Allow an hour for a visit. When finished, drive southeast to Edinburgh - a distance of 68km (42 miles) - for your final night in Scotland.
On Day 8, from your last stopover in Inverness , drive west along A832 to the Kyle of Lochalsh, the gateway to the Isle of Skye; it's 132km (82 miles) southwest of Inverness. You can now drive from Kyle to Skye, over a bridge, which will allow more time for sightseeing.
Once on Skye, check into a hotel for 2 nights. Although it's the largest of the Hebridean Islands, Skye is relatively small, only 77km (48 miles) long, so you can stay almost anywhere and use the town as your headquarters for exploring the entire island. Some of the best places for lodgings include Kyleakin, Sligachan, and Portree. Portree is the capital of the island.
Assuming you base yourself in the center of the island, at the lochside village of Sligachan, you can order lunch and then spend the afternoon driving A856 to the north of Skye, taking in the scenic beauty along the way. You ultimately reach the village of Uig, where you should visit the Skye Museum of Island Life. After leaving Uig, traverse the entire northeastern part of Skye by following A855 in a half-moon crescent, finally heading back to Sligachan for the night.
On the morning of Day 9, set out from Sligachan (or whichever village you've lodged in) to explore the Sleat Peninsula, in the south, following A850 (which becomes A851). Once at Sleat, visit Knock Castle, the former stronghold of the MacDonalds, now some of the most evocative ruins in the Hebrides. You can also explore Armadale Castle Gardens & Museum of the Isles. Allow an hour or so for a visit here.
Sleat is known as the garden of Skye, and you can wander at leisure, taking in its woodland glens, cliffs, and waterfalls, especially enjoying the dramatic beauty of the jagged Cuillin Hills. For your afternoon adventure, take a 3-hour cruise at Elgol, and you'll see some of the island's grandest natural beauty. Finally, return to your hotel for a well-deserved dinner.
Day 10: Oban
On Day 10, take the bridge from Skye back to the mainland and head south to the coastal resort of Oban. On the way to Oban, you'll pass through the previously visited Fort William . Oban lies another 81km (50 miles) southwest of Fort William. Check into a hotel here, and, after lunch, visit such attractions as McCaig's Tower, enjoying the panoramic view across the Firth of Lorn to the Sound of Mull. You should also have time to visit Dunstaffnage Castle and to walk along the harborfront before dinner.
Day 11: Ayr, Ode to Robert Burns
Leave Oban on the morning of Day 11, continuing along the coastline to the town of Ayr. You'll bypass Glasgow to your east as you arrive in the town of Ayr, which has many associations with Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet.
Ayr itself lies at a point 56km (35 miles) southeast of Glasgow. Check into a hotel at Ayr and use it as a base for exploring nearby Alloway, the birthplace of Burns, which is 3km (1 3/4 miles) south. Once here, visit the Burns Cottage and Museum and the Burns Monument and Gardens. Allow at least 2 hours.
You can also make it to Culzean Castle, 19km (12 miles) southwest of Ayr, that afternoon. Designed by Scottish architect Robert Adam, this is one of the grandest castles in the west of Scotland. General Eisenhower was a former guest. For the night, return to Ayr.
On Day 12, leave Ayr in the morning and drive into the Borders country, scheduling a stop at the old sheep-market town of Castle Douglas, 79km (49 miles) southeast of Ayr. Visit the 14th-century ruins of Threave Castle, and have lunch later in town.
Instead of overnighting here, we recommend that you continue for 16km (10 miles) to the southwest until you reach the old town of Kirkcudbright, which is the center of a flourishing artists' colony. In the afternoon, you can stroll around for an hour or two, taking in such attractions as Broughton House and the Tolbooth Art Centre. Stay at the famous Selkirk Arms, where Burns composed his fabled "Selkirk Grace."
Day 13: Dumfries & Moffat
On Day 13, after a night in Kirkcudbright, head north until you reach A75, continuing northeast into the town of Dumfries. At this point, you'll be 129km (80 miles) southwest of Edinburgh and about the same distance from Glasgow.
Like Ayr, Dumfries also has associations with Robert Burns, and you can visit Burns House before taking in Drumlanrig Castle and the Dumfries Museum. You might also want to view the ruins of Sweetheart Abbey before heading for the town of Moffat, a drive of only 35km (22 miles) to the northeast. Check into a hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Devil's Beef Tub, the Grey Mare's Tail, and Annan Water Valley Road before returning to Moffat for the night.
Day 14: Melrose, Highlight of the Borders
For your final look at the Borders, leave Moffat on Day 14, which promises to be busy. The best place to stop today is Melrose, northeast of Moffat and only 60km (37 miles) southeast of Edinburgh. Check into a hotel at Melrose and use it as a base for exploring nearby attractions. In the town itself, visit Abbotsford House, former home of Sir Walter Scott; Melrose Abbey, which embraces some of the most beautiful ruins in Europe; and Traquair House, Scotland's oldest and most romantic house.
In the afternoon, drive 19km (12 miles) east of Melrose, to the town of Kelso. Here it is but an 11km (6 3/4-mile) jaunt to Mellerstain, one of the most famous mansions designed by Robert Adam. Allow 2 hours for a visit. Return to Melrose for the night and plan an early-morning departure for Edinburgh and your return home.
Sweeping turrets and fanciful towers distinguish palatial Floors, built in 1721 for the duke of Roxburghe and now Scotland's largest inhabited castle. Sprawling along the banks of the River Tweed, the castle has magnificent interiors and grounds to explore.
Melrose Abbey
Scotland's ruined abbeys recall the country's brilliant but turbulent monastic past. Melrose, an elegant but commanding red-sandstone structure, was begun in the 12th century. The abbey's ruins retain their power in well-preserved decorative carvings including a bagpipe-playing pig.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
Sparkling clear water, lush woodlands, jagged mountains, and open skies make Loch Lomond a coveted-and easily accessible from Glasgow and Edinburgh-weekend retreat for visitors and locals alike. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Scotland's first national park, is ideal for hiking, biking, and more.
Malt Whisky Trail
Aficionados of malt whisky can explore distilleries around Scotland, but many will head to this northeastern region. The Malt Whisky Trail in the scenic River Spey valley is renowned for its single-malt distilleries. The nine sights include distilleries large and small and a historic cooperage.
Reply
The narrow glen between Loch Katrine and Loch Achray is actually named the Trossachs, but the term is now used to describe a wider scenic area around the southern border of the Highlands.
Killin:
Tumbling through the centre of this charming little village are the frothy Falls of Dochart. The canny locals have made the best of their unusual water feature, pulling in many a passing tourist coach. Killin is in the northeastern corner of the Stirling region and is a handy base for exploring the mighty mountains and glens that surround it.
Glen Nevis, Glencoe and Glen Affric.
Trundle up to Skye via http://www.eileandonancastle.com and Glencoe, returning via Stirling. You can safely skip Loch Ness - it's one of the less inspiring Lochs. Try instead Loch Coruisk or if you're a harry potter fan Loch Eilt.
Fife (‘the Kingdom of’). In a day you could easily explore little fishing villages like Anstruther, Elie, St Monans. They are very pretty with lovely vernacular architecture and you can do a bit of the coastal walk there with great views back across the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh. Perhaps continue up to St Andrews (very topical). You could drive back down through the inland of the county to places like Falkland Palace and Loch Leven. Fife is so lovely and often overlooked and gives you a taste of something a bit different.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=2050093
For a first Scotland trip it's a pretty good route. I would suggest you get the train from Glasgow to Mallaig, the ferry to Armadale on Skye and then a bus to Portree. The train journey is one of the most scenic railway journeys in Europe and passes some Harry Potter movie landmarks if you're into that. There is always a bus connecting to the arrival of the ferry in Armadale, so the route is easy enough. Book the train in advance, trains are much cheaper when booked in advance (starting from roughly 6 weeks before your travel date).
On Skye, Portree is by far the most convenient base if you're dependent on public transport. It is a bit of a transport hub for Skye so yes, definitely base yourself there.
From Portree you can take the bus to Inverness (Citylink will probably be the cheapest and convenient) or if you have the time you could go to Ullapool, Lochinver and the North (Assynt). This is one of the most beautiful areas in Scotland, but the transport connections are not great and you need to be into hiking and scenery. It's just something to consider, have a look on line what there is to see and decide whether it's worth it for you.
As for the rest, you can either use trains or buses, of which the later will probably be cheaper if not booked in advance. Also consider Megabus, it only drives a few routes, but they are very very cheap for the distance you will cover.
I'm personally not a big Aberdeen fan and would consider that optional, thought there is plenty to do in and around Aberdeen (consider a trip to Stonehaven). After Aberdeen you could slot in St Andrews, which is lovely and will only take you 1/2 a day.
If you are going to sky I would recomend taking in Mull on rout. Tobalmorry is a nice place for an over nighter mabee two nights.
as for abberdeen mmmm. east neuk of fife might be better go via st andrews stay one or two nights in anstruther.
So you would get the two big citys
two islands and the west coast
the highland capitol
and east coast
The only thing you would realy miss would be loch lomond and glen coe
Reply
Edinburgh Castle: Few other buildings symbolize the grandeur of an independent Scotland as clearly as this one. Begun around A.D. 1000, on a hilltop high above the rest of Edinburgh, it witnessed some of the bloodiest and most treacherous events in Scottish history, including a doomed 1573 defense by Kirkaldy of Grange in the name of Mary Queen of Scots.
Palace of Holyroodhouse (Edinburgh): Throughout the clan battles for independence from England, this palace served as a pawn between opposing forces. In its changing fortunes, it has housed a strange assortment of monarchs involved in traumatic events: Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, James VII (before his ascendancy to the throne), and French King Charles X (on his forced abdication after an 1830 revolution). The building's present form dates from the late 1600s, when it was rebuilt in a dignified neo-Palladian style. Today, Holyroodhouse is one of Queen Elizabeth's official residences.
# Drumlanrig Castle (Dumfries): Begun in 1679, this castle took 12 years to build and so much money that its patron, the third earl and first duke of Queensbury, complained that he deeply resented its existence. Later, it was embroiled in dynastic inheritance scandals worthy of a Gothic novel. One of the most prestigious buildings in Scotland, it houses the antiques and artwork of four illustrious families.
# Culzean Castle (near Maybole): Designed for comfort and prestige, this castle was built in the late 1700s by Scotland's most celebrated architect, Robert Adam, as a replacement for a dark, dank tower that had stood for longer than anyone could remember. Culzean was donated to the National Trust for Scotland just after World War II. A suite was granted to General Eisenhower for his lifetime use, in gratitude for his role in staving off a foreign invasion of Britain.
# Stirling Castle (Stirling): Stirling is a triumph of Renaissance ornamentation, a startling contrast to the severe bulk of many other Scottish castles. Despite its beauty, after its completion in 1540 the castle was one of the most impregnable fortresses in the British Isles, thanks partly to its position on a rocky crag.
# Scone Palace (Scone): As early as A.D. 900, Scottish kings were crowned here on a lump of granite so imbued with ancient magic that, in the 13th century, the English hauled it off to Westminster Abbey. (The Stone of Scone was returned to Scotland in 1996 and is now found in Edinburgh Castle.) The palace you see today was rebuilt in 1802 from ruins that incorporated a 1580 structure with stones laid during the dim early days of Scottish and Pictish union.
# Glamis Castle (Glamis): This castle's core was built for defense against rival clans during the 1400s, but over the centuries it evolved into a luxurious dwelling. The seat of the same family since 1372, Glamis is said to be haunted by the ghost of Lady Glamis, a former owner, whom James V had burned as a witch when she resisted his annexation of her castle. It also figured into the ambitions of Macbeth, thane of Glamis.
# Crathes Castle & Gardens (Grampian): Crathes evokes the luxury of a 15th- and 16th-century Scottish laird. The style focuses on high heraldry, with frequent references to the persistent Scottish hope of an enduring independence. The gardens' massive yew hedges were originally planted in 1702.
Balmoral Castle (Ballater): it's still the Scottish residence of the queen. Although inside you can visit only the ballroom, the sprawling manicured grounds and gardens also await you.
Braemar Castle (Grampian): Built by the earl of Mar in 1628 as a hunting lodge, Braemar was burned to the ground, and then rebuilt by Farquharson of Invercauld, an ancestor of the present owner. It's often photographed as a symbol of Scottish grandeur and the well-upholstered aristocratic life.
Cawdor Castle: From its heavily fortified origins in the 1300s, it evolved into the Campbell clan's luxurious seat. According to legend and Shakespearean plot lines, three witches promised this castle to Macbeth to tempt him into the deeds that led to his destruction.
Reply
# Melrose Abbey (the Borders): If it weren't for the abbey's location in the frequently devastated Borders, this would be one of the world's most spectacular ecclesiastical complexes. Founded in the 1100s, Melrose acquired vast wealth and was the target of its covetous enemies; it was burned and rebuilt several times before the Protestant takeover of Scotland. Today, it's one of the world's most beautiful ruins, a site immortalized by Robert Burns, who advised people to visit it only by moonlight.
# Cathedral of St. Kentigern (Glasgow): In the 7th century, St. Mungo built a wooden structure here, intending it to be his headquarters and eventual tomb. It burned down but was rebuilt in the 1300s. St. Kentigern is mainland Scotland's only complete medieval cathedral, with a form based extensively on the pointed arch. In the 1600s, the Calvinists stripped it of anything hinting at papist idolatry, though a remarkable set of sculptures atop its stone nave screen, said to be unique in Scotland, still represents the seven deadly sins.
# Dunfermline Abbey and Palace (Fife): During the 1100s, in its role as Scotland's Westminster Abbey, Dunfermline became one of Europe's wealthiest churches. Three kings of Scotland were born here, and 22 members of the Scottish royal family were buried here. In the early 1800s, its ruined premises were partially restored to what you see today. Several years later, Andrew Carnegie, a markedly different kind of benefactor, was born within the cathedral's shadow.
# Dunblane Cathedral (Fife): Partly because the site had been holy since the days of the Celts, David I founded a church here in 1150. Despite later alterations and additions, Dunblane is still one of the country's best examples of Gothic architecture from the 1200s.
# St. Magnus Cathedral (the Orkney Islands): The most spectacular medieval building in the Orkneys, St. Magnus features an odd imposition of the Norman Gothic style on a territory administered during the time of its construction (the 1100s) by the Norwegians. The bodies of St. Magnus, patron saint of the Orkneys, and his nephew Earl Rognvald, the church's builder, are buried inside.
Reply
# The Valley of the Tweed: The waters originate in Scotland, define the border with England for part of their length, and are noted for some of Britain's top salmon fishing. Ruins of once-wealthy abbeys dot the landscape like beacons of long-lost power and prestige. Most travelers begin in Kelso and move west through Dryburgh, Selkirk, Melrose, Innerleithen, and Peebles. Although the total distance is less than 81km (50 miles), with a bit of backtracking en route, the many historic sites call for at least a full day's exploration.
# The Isle of Arran: Situated off Scotland's southwestern edge, Arran combines radically different climates and topographies in a relatively small space. Lush, temperate vegetation grows in its southern tier -- which is warmed by the Gulf Stream -- while the moors and hills of its northern edge are as wild and craggy as the Highlands. You'll find prehistoric monuments, a red-sandstone pile beloved by medievalists, and sweeping vistas of Northern Ireland. Allow half a day, not including stopover times, for the 90km (56-mile) circumnavigation of the island's coastal road.
# The Lochs & Mountains South of Oban: In this solitary but dramatic area are Scotland's longest freshwater lake (Loch Awe), one of its longest saltwater fjords (Loch Fyne), some of its most historic buildings (Kilchurn Castle, Carnasserie Castle, and the Kilmartin Church), and one of its most notorious battlefields (the slopes of Ben Cruachan). Locals refer to it as the Hinterlands near Oban, though the 140km (87-mile) route follows an excellent network of highways along the jagged coast. Major towns through which it passes are Dalmally, Inveraray, Lochgilphead, and Oban.
# The Trossachs: Located at the narrowest point of the mainland, just north of Glasgow, the Trossachs have been famous for their scenery since Queen Victoria called them lovely in 1869. Mystery seems to shroud the waters of lochs Lomond and Katrine. According to legend, the region's highest mountain, Ben Venue, is the traditional meeting point for Scotland's goblins. Ruled for generations by the MacGregor clan, this is the setting of Sir Walter Scott's Rob Roy and The Lady of the Lake. A tour through the region, beginning at Callander and meandering through Aberfoyle, Stronachlacher, and Inversnaid, should take about half a day. In summer, expect lots of traffic, often from tour buses.
# The Road to the Isles (Hwy. A830): It begins in Fort William, western terminus of the Caledonian Canal, and ends at Mallaig, the departure point for ferries servicing several offshore islands, including Mull, 74km (46 miles) northwest. Along the way, it passes the highest mountains in Britain as well as one of the Victorian Age's engineering triumphs -- Neptune's Staircase, a network of eight lochs that raise the level of the canal 19m (62 ft.) in a span of less than 455m (1,500 ft.). Although summer traffic can be heavy, services en route are scarce, so start with a full tank of gas.
Reply
# Linlithgow Palace (Lothian): These ruins brood over an island in a loch, an unhappy vestige of what was the most glamorous royal residence during Scotland's golden age of independence, in the early 1500s. Mary Queen of Scots was born here, but tragedy seemed to permeate the palace, as roofs collapsed from lack of maintenance, and early deaths in the royal family hastened an inevitable union of Scotland with England. In 1745, after Linlithgow was occupied by Bonnie Prince Charlie and his troops, a mysterious fire swept over the palace.
# Dryburgh Abbey (the Borders): Begun in 1150 along a meandering curve of the River Tweed, Dryburgh was once home to thousands of monks who transformed the surrounding forests into arable fields, and drained many local swamps. The abbey's location, astride the much-troubled border with England, resulted in its destruction in three episodes (1322, 1385, and 1544), the last of which included the burning of the nearby village (Dryburgh). Today, the red-sandstone rocks are dim reminders of a long-ago monastic age.
# Elgin Cathedral (Grampian): This cathedral was built during the 1100s, and although many other churches were erected in Scotland at the time, Elgin was reputedly the most beautiful. Burned and rebuilt twice (in 1290 and 1370), it -- along with many other Catholic churches -- deteriorated after the Reformation; the belfry collapsed in 1711, shattering most of the roof and some of the walls. Efforts were undertaken to repair the damage, yet the place remains an evocative ruin.
# Skara Brae (the Orkney Islands): Last occupied around 2500 B.C., and far humbler than the feudal castles you'll find on the Scottish mainland, this cluster of fortified stone buildings is the best-preserved Neolithic village in northwestern Europe. Buried beneath sand for thousands of years, Skara Brae was uncovered by a storm in 1850.
Reply
Day 6: Fort William, Gateway to the Highlands
From Glasgow (or Balloch, if you spent the night there), you can strike out for Fort William, 167km (104 miles) north of Glasgow. Located on the shores of Loch Linnhe, Fort William is the best stopover for those traveling between Glasgow and Inverness, in the north. You can arrive in time for lunch, taking in views of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland. In the afternoon, visit the ruins of Old Inverlochy Castle and Neptune's Staircase. Overnight in Fort William.
Day 7: Inverness, Capital of the Highlands
Fort William to Inverness is a drive of 109km (68 miles). Before reaching Inverness, drive along the western bank of Loch Ness, keeping your eye out for the elusive monster. At Drumnadrochit, there is the official Loch Ness Monster Exhibition, and you can also explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle.
Have lunch in Inverness, and then set out to see the Culloden Battlefield, with its Graves of the Clans, and also visit the Fort George/Queen's Own Highlanders Regimental Museum. Spend the rest of the afternoon walking around and exploring the center of Inverness, which lies on both sides of the Ness River, with scenic walks in all directions. Overnight in Inverness.
Reply
Day 1: Stirling & Its Castle
Set out on Day 1 to visit the ancient town of Stirling, lying 56km (35 miles) to the northwest; it's located in the midst of Mel Gibson's Braveheart country. Explore Stirling Castle in the morning, have lunch, and then head for the Bannockburn Heritage Centre in the afternoon. This is on the site of the battleground where Robert the Bruce's army defeated the forces of Edward II in 1314. Back in Stirling, if time remains, visit the 15th-century Church of the Holy Rude. That night you might check to see if a cultural presentation is being staged at the Macrobert Arts Centre, on the campus of Stirling University.
Day 2: Callander & Aberfoyle
On the morning of Day 2, drive 26km (16 miles) northwest of Stirling, to the town of Callander, which is set in a thickly wooded valley of lochs. Stop in at the Rob Roy & Trossachs Visitor Centre and pick up a map that directs you to the scenic highlights of the area. These include Leny Park and Leny Falls.
After lunch in Callander, drive over to the little town of Aberfoyle, 23km (14 miles) to the southwest. Check into a hotel, and then stop into the Trossachs Discovery Centre for a map of the area's scenic attractions. At Aberfoyle you're on the doorstep of the Trossachs, arguably the most beautiful natural attraction in Scotland. From here you can spend the afternoon exploring a section of Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, as well as Loch Katrine, fabled because of the Sir Walter Scott poem The Lady of the Lake. After stopping off at Dukes Pass for a panoramic view, return to Aberfoyle for the night.
Day 3: Perth & Scone Palace
Leave Aberfoyle on Day 3 in the morning, driving east to the ancient city on the Tay, the town of Perth, the former capital of Scotland. The distance is 92km (57 miles). Check into a hotel here and set out to explore the city that is the gateway to the Highlands. For orientation, visit Kinnoull Hill, which is the geographic dividing point between the Highlands and the Lowlands. Follow a nature trail here before having a "prelunch lunch" at the 16th-century Balhousie Castle, after which you can walk through the North Inch, a 41-hectare (100-acre) park along the west bank of the Tay River.
Following lunch in Perth, drive 3km (1 3/4 miles) to Old Scone, site of Scone Palace, with its precious antiques, artwork, and grand architecture. After a visit, you can wander the gardens and woodlands around the palace before returning to Perth for the night. That evening, check out the offerings of the Perth Repertory Theatre.
Reply
Leaving Perth in the morning of Day 4, drive 87km east. Here you can begin to explore East Neuk, a generic name used to describe a series of the most beautiful and unspoiled fishing villages in Scotland. Begin your voyage of discovery at Elie, which is our favorite village along the coast, with its picture-postcard harbor and step-gabled houses. If the weather is warm, you can swim from one of the golden sand beaches. After a walk around the village for an hour or so, continue north to Pittenweem, where you can attend a fish auction down by the water, Monday to Saturday morning. After a look-see, drive immediately north along A917 to Anstruther, a fishing port and summer resort. Explore the Scottish Fisheries Museum, down by the harbor, and later take a charming walk over to the tiny hamlet of Cellardyke. Lunch at Anstruther.
For the day's final destination, head north to Crail. Check into a hotel here and spend the rest of the afternoon strolling through this port with its little fishermen's cottages. Pay a visit to its Crail Museum & Heritage Centre, marked by an array of fishing memorabilia. Find a local pub and anchor in with a pint and dinner of fish and chips before returning to your hotel.
Day 5: St. Andrews, Birthplace of Golf
On the morning of Day 5, leave Crail and drive the short distance 15km north to St. Andrews. Golfers will spend the rest of the day playing on this hallowed turf; others can explore the attractions in the area - for example, the grounds of the University of St. Andrews, which Prince William attended. Also, explore the ruins of the Castle of St. Andrews. After lunch, visit St. Andrews Cathedral and Priory before descending on the Secret Bunker, the place where Britain would have been commanded in the event of a nuclear attack. If you like lager, check out some of the local pubs, or attend a performance - perhaps a Shakespearean play -- at the Byre Theatre.
Day 6: Royal Castles Glamis & Balmoral
Leave St. Andrews on the morning of Day 6, heading north toward Dundee, where you link up with the A90 into Glamis, a distance of 133km (83 miles).
For 600 years, Glamis Castle was linked to the British Royal Family, and the late Queen Mother was brought up here. This is the castle where Macbeth is said to have murdered King Duncan. Allow at least 1 1/2 hours for a look around.
If you have extra time, drive north of Glamis for 6.5km (4 miles), to the little town of Kirriemuir. Here you can visit Barrie's birthplace. He, of course, was the author of Peter Pan, the eternal children's favorite, and his body was buried in the local cemetery.
After a quick lunch, drive from Kirriemuir to Ballater, site of the Queen's Balmoral Castle. The distance is 98km (61 miles). Built in the Scottish baronial style, this was the summer home of Queen Victoria, and it's still used in late summer by Queen Elizabeth and her family. Since it closes at 5pm, you have to time your afternoon carefully. If you're running late, you should skip Kirriemuir.
If indeed Kirriemuir doesn't fit your itinerary, spend your time wandering around the towns of Ballater or Braemar. Overnight in either one and fortify yourself for one of your busiest days -- your final day in Scotland.
Day 7: Dunkeld, Crief & Dunblane
Leave Ballater early on the morning of Day 7, heading southwest to Dunkeld, a distance of 108km (67 miles). On the doorway to the Perthshire Highlands, explore Dunkeld Cathedral, one of the most historic in Britain, dating from A.D. 815. After a visit, wander around to see the old houses and shops around the cathedral and the marketplace, walking along both High and Cathedral streets.
After your visit, continue southwest to Crief, a distance of 46km (29 miles). Here you can spend 1 1/2 hours seeing Drummond Castle Gardens, which date from the early 17th century. Before lunch, also visit The Glenturret Distillery (Scotland's oldest).
Lunch in Crief before setting out in the afternoon to Dunblane, a distance of 69km (43 miles) to the south. At Dunblane, see Dunblane Cathedral, one of the best examples of 13th-century Gothic architecture in Britain. Allow an hour for a visit. When finished, drive southeast to Edinburgh - a distance of 68km (42 miles) - for your final night in Scotland.
Reply
On Day 8, from your last stopover in Inverness , drive west along A832 to the Kyle of Lochalsh, the gateway to the Isle of Skye; it's 132km (82 miles) southwest of Inverness. You can now drive from Kyle to Skye, over a bridge, which will allow more time for sightseeing.
Once on Skye, check into a hotel for 2 nights. Although it's the largest of the Hebridean Islands, Skye is relatively small, only 77km (48 miles) long, so you can stay almost anywhere and use the town as your headquarters for exploring the entire island. Some of the best places for lodgings include Kyleakin, Sligachan, and Portree. Portree is the capital of the island.
Assuming you base yourself in the center of the island, at the lochside village of Sligachan, you can order lunch and then spend the afternoon driving A856 to the north of Skye, taking in the scenic beauty along the way. You ultimately reach the village of Uig, where you should visit the Skye Museum of Island Life. After leaving Uig, traverse the entire northeastern part of Skye by following A855 in a half-moon crescent, finally heading back to Sligachan for the night.
On the morning of Day 9, set out from Sligachan (or whichever village you've lodged in) to explore the Sleat Peninsula, in the south, following A850 (which becomes A851). Once at Sleat, visit Knock Castle, the former stronghold of the MacDonalds, now some of the most evocative ruins in the Hebrides. You can also explore Armadale Castle Gardens & Museum of the Isles. Allow an hour or so for a visit here.
Sleat is known as the garden of Skye, and you can wander at leisure, taking in its woodland glens, cliffs, and waterfalls, especially enjoying the dramatic beauty of the jagged Cuillin Hills. For your afternoon adventure, take a 3-hour cruise at Elgol, and you'll see some of the island's grandest natural beauty. Finally, return to your hotel for a well-deserved dinner.
Day 10: Oban
On Day 10, take the bridge from Skye back to the mainland and head south to the coastal resort of Oban. On the way to Oban, you'll pass through the previously visited Fort William . Oban lies another 81km (50 miles) southwest of Fort William. Check into a hotel here, and, after lunch, visit such attractions as McCaig's Tower, enjoying the panoramic view across the Firth of Lorn to the Sound of Mull. You should also have time to visit Dunstaffnage Castle and to walk along the harborfront before dinner.
Day 11: Ayr, Ode to Robert Burns
Leave Oban on the morning of Day 11, continuing along the coastline to the town of Ayr. You'll bypass Glasgow to your east as you arrive in the town of Ayr, which has many associations with Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet.
Ayr itself lies at a point 56km (35 miles) southeast of Glasgow. Check into a hotel at Ayr and use it as a base for exploring nearby Alloway, the birthplace of Burns, which is 3km (1 3/4 miles) south. Once here, visit the Burns Cottage and Museum and the Burns Monument and Gardens. Allow at least 2 hours.
You can also make it to Culzean Castle, 19km (12 miles) southwest of Ayr, that afternoon. Designed by Scottish architect Robert Adam, this is one of the grandest castles in the west of Scotland. General Eisenhower was a former guest. For the night, return to Ayr.
Reply
On Day 12, leave Ayr in the morning and drive into the Borders country, scheduling a stop at the old sheep-market town of Castle Douglas, 79km (49 miles) southeast of Ayr. Visit the 14th-century ruins of Threave Castle, and have lunch later in town.
Instead of overnighting here, we recommend that you continue for 16km (10 miles) to the southwest until you reach the old town of Kirkcudbright, which is the center of a flourishing artists' colony. In the afternoon, you can stroll around for an hour or two, taking in such attractions as Broughton House and the Tolbooth Art Centre. Stay at the famous Selkirk Arms, where Burns composed his fabled "Selkirk Grace."
Day 13: Dumfries & Moffat
On Day 13, after a night in Kirkcudbright, head north until you reach A75, continuing northeast into the town of Dumfries. At this point, you'll be 129km (80 miles) southwest of Edinburgh and about the same distance from Glasgow.
Like Ayr, Dumfries also has associations with Robert Burns, and you can visit Burns House before taking in Drumlanrig Castle and the Dumfries Museum. You might also want to view the ruins of Sweetheart Abbey before heading for the town of Moffat, a drive of only 35km (22 miles) to the northeast. Check into a hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Devil's Beef Tub, the Grey Mare's Tail, and Annan Water Valley Road before returning to Moffat for the night.
Day 14: Melrose, Highlight of the Borders
For your final look at the Borders, leave Moffat on Day 14, which promises to be busy. The best place to stop today is Melrose, northeast of Moffat and only 60km (37 miles) southeast of Edinburgh. Check into a hotel at Melrose and use it as a base for exploring nearby attractions. In the town itself, visit Abbotsford House, former home of Sir Walter Scott; Melrose Abbey, which embraces some of the most beautiful ruins in Europe; and Traquair House, Scotland's oldest and most romantic house.
In the afternoon, drive 19km (12 miles) east of Melrose, to the town of Kelso. Here it is but an 11km (6 3/4-mile) jaunt to Mellerstain, one of the most famous mansions designed by Robert Adam. Allow 2 hours for a visit. Return to Melrose for the night and plan an early-morning departure for Edinburgh and your return home.
Reply
Leave a comment