What to see on a trip to Scotland?

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miss_jojo

First, the cottage: it's a good idea if the sights you want to see are nearby. So, where will you be staying?
It's also an excellent chance to cook with local produce, and spend your free time as you want - sleeping, reading, or general pottering around.

Now for the lakes and Highlands: they're actually fairly extensive, incorporating Skye, the Cairngorms, Inverness - all the way up to John o'Groats.
Personal experience:
the Cuillin of Skye are an amazing sight,
Nairn's got nice beaches,
Cairngorms are worth it if you like walking/climbing,
Inverness is a bit disappointing but convenient if you want to shop,
Northern Highlands are unlike any other part of Britain (and there's a newly opened geopark now - haven't been!),
and if you need a dose of 'twee', 'Monarch of the Glen' was filmed in several locations all around Speyside - Laggan was Glenbogle village: http://www.monarchcountry.com/

jemiwemii

Well, for about a week I'd recomend you start in Edinburgh. The castle is definitely worth a visit. You get an idea on the history of Scotland and some nifty stuff like the crown jewels. There's also plenty of pubs and museums and guided tours including their famous "Ghost Walks."

Because of your time frame, I'd reccomend Fort William, which is a pleasant town smack in the middle of the highlands. It's big enough to have plenty of accomodation and small enough you get the small town feel. It's on the edges of a lake (Loch Linhe) and there's gorgeous scenery around, including majestic Ben Nevis (Highest mountain in the UK). It also about 20 min. from gorgeous Glencoe. Near Ft. William you can also visit Glen Nevis, which is a lovely glaciar valley. The area is so beautiful it has been used for numerous films like Harry Potter (all of them), Highlander, Rob Roy, etc...

This is what I would do... you get lakes, castles, heaps of activities both in Edinburgh and the highlands. And the scenery really is breathtaking.

I wouldn't reccomend Loch Ness. It's just a big lake surrounded by Nessie tourist shops. Also, on the bus ride from Edinburgh to Ft. William you get to see the "bonnie banks" of Loch Lommond.

About accomodation, well, I guess it depends if you have your own transportation. If not, accomodation is plentiful, and for your time frame, it might be easier to stay in a hotel. Check out the Visit Scotland website, they're pretty helpful with that and can offer some ideas.

Hope this helps, best of luck!

DramaGuy

There are lots of sites with cottages for rent on the web.

ong jon

... well if i went i'd make a point to spend 4-5 days in the high lands. you gotta go see loc ness, bring your camera !... a few castels... and a few bars... its all good . dont matter where you go its what you do when you get there ... and the best thing i find any place ive been is hang out with the locals. "they'll show you whats up...a scotsman kilt "

Einstein

Look under those Kilts.

pendlewrenn

Lovely castles, cities and country side. How about Edinburgh castle? Or the Castle Trail through the Highlands?
The whisky trail - a tour round the whiskey distilleries?
The International Youth Festival? The Edinburgh Fringe Festival - alternative acts by up and coming artists as well as famous ones? The Loch Ness Monster? Neolithic stone circles?

And there is, of course, ME!
I work for the Scottish Youth hostel Association - we provide low cost accommodation to backpackers and travellers from all over the world, throughout our 70 hostels all over Scotland - I recommend our hostel - Aberdeen Youth Hostel!!
We are a non profit charity organisation. Don't worry, we cater for all ages, not just the "youthful" :)

rainydaydreamr

i went for the first time last september. i didn't get nearly enough time there, but definitely go to Edinbourgh and to the castle there. jedburgh abbey, the home of mary queen of scots was interesting, as well. you can get nice hot meat pies in the bakeries for cheap lunch or breakfast, and if you get a chance to go south into england, the lake district is awesome.. below is the email to a bed and breakfast in the lake district. the woman who owns it is great, but don't ask to take her picture, because all the tourists do and she gets tired of it. in scotland, ireland or england, you can stay in b&bs or farm houses pretty cheap, and it is better that hotels because it is less touristy and they usually provide a really good breakfast and sometimes supper. i have looked into cottages, and plan to do that myself when i have more time, but if you are travelling all over, you may be better with the b&b or hotels. cottages may be better for day trips when you are staying in the same area. hint...for breakfast, the black pudding is actually made of blood. it doesn't taste bad, but just so you know and don't feel like a tourist having to ask, haha. they also drive on the left side, just like england does, and most cars are stick shift, though you can rent an automatic. gas is expensive, but the cars are good on gas. you will have a wonderful time!!! happy travelling! enquiries@broadlandsbedandbreakfast.co.u...

barakban

go see the whiskey fractures

BiGbOiDuMpStA

Golf courses if that's what you're into. They have some of the best Courses in the world.

lucky star

see all the bagpipes lol

suecd5116

Edinburgh castle, the fourth bridge, and the Highlands.

arabphil

I think you're best to base yourself in Edinburgh, there probably 2-3 days of good sight-seeing there, around the royal mile, the castle, the zoo etc. Visit Glasgow for a weekend for nightlife, Aberdeen, Inverness, Stirling, St.Andrews are all good for day trips. Hire a car and get yourself to loch lomond for the nature, visit a distillery on the isle of Skye, and visit Drumnadrochit for nessie stuff.

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