Hi all,
I am planning 6-day self-drive trip to Scotland from south London in May 2018. It will be 6 of us, my wife and I, two children (13 and 7) and my parents (early 60s). My children and parents are ok with light physical activities, but not anything too strenuous. Our main interest is in natural beauty, mountains, lakes, scenic routes, landscapes etc. (of which there is no shortage in Scotland!)
I am no expert on Scotland tourism, but I have done some research and have come up with the following high-level itinerary.
I request to fellow members and experts is to make any suggestions on attractions, scenic routes and activities etc that I should do as per the high level itinerary below. I am happy also to make changes to the itinerary itself if I am being stupid by including or excluding certain things!
Please comment especially on MUST DO items.
Many thanks to everyone.
Day 1:
Start from south London
Drive 300 miles / 5 hours
Windermere Lake (MUST include Kirkstone Pass, Ulswater)
Lunch and Boating at Windermere
Drive 130 miles / 3 hours
Reach Edinburgh
Stay overnight in Edinburgh
Day 2:
Edinburgh Sightseeing (Details TBC)
Stay overnight in Edinburgh
Day 3:
Start from Edinburgh
Drive 3 hours 20 mins / 135 miles
Arrive at Fort William
(MUST include the scenic drive from "GLENCOE TO FORT WILLIAM", and the glen itself)
(TRY to include Steall Falls, Glen Nevis, near Fort William)
Lunch and Afternoon in Fort William
Take A830 ("ROAD TO THE ISLES") from Ben Nevis to Mallaig, including Glenfinnan Viaduct
Drive 1 hour / 40 miles
Arrive in the evening at Mallaig
Stay overnight in Mallaig
Day 4:
Skye
Portree
Mallaig
(Details TBC)
Stay overnight in Mallaig
Day 5:
Morning in Mallaig
Travel to TBC
Options (Ayrshire & Arran / Glenashdale Falls on the Isle of Arran are impressive! It's a great wee 4.5km circular walk in Whiting Bay.)
Stay overnight near TBC (Ayr)
Day 6:
Start from Ayr
Drive 7 hours 30 mins / 450 miles
Stop at TBC on the way...Oxford? Yorkshire dales?
Arrive at south London late evening
Comments
Another concern I have is that this itinerary has way too little "feet on the ground" sightseeing, all of you will be in the car for the majority (maybe even 70%) of the trip. Where this does maximize the distance covered, you'll have trouble appreciating any of the stops because they are jaw-droppingly beautiful and Scotland is best enjoyed relaxed and not in a hurry.
Final concern I have is that if you (@hardik_shah) are the only one driving, you will be exhausted on each leg of the trip and would have to start early and end moderately late on most days. Even with 2 drivers, I think these 6 days can be stressful. But it is your call.
Before I make a separate comment about potentially reworking your itinerary, I'll ask a few questions below and comment on your must-sees
Best of Scotland in 1 week itinerary (fully by public transport)
My Scotland travels (includes Edinburgh, Skye, Harris, Mull, Arran, Orkney, Loch Lomond, Islay, Oban, Dunoon, Speyside)
Thanks also for other suggestions.
You want to get to know Scotland and experience it fully. Not drive through, periodically stopping for photos to say you have "been there."
Less is definitely more. Please do come back to us if you need help on ideas, timings etc.
Good luck
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