Scotland road trip!!

wilde1 said:

That is a lovely picture Jonathan, just going of the topic slightly, what camera do you use as I've seen some of your other pictures and they are all stunning. One thing I am discovering is that a lot of campsites are closed until April which is worrying

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Thanks. Just an iPhone 7 for this one, I purchased a SONY DSLR a couple of years back..... But find the iPhone is good enough for my needs, and normally wins due to the fact it's always with me anyhow.

Hi Wilde1, just catching up with this thread having been away. You've chosen a good route but my suggestion would be to leave the Lakes until another time so you have more time to see Scotland. I fear that you'll end up doing too much driving and will regret not being able to stop at places you pass through.

Scotland's a big place and you'll find that the roads up the north west are much slower than in England. Taking a different perspective, turn the map upside down. You're effectively going to drive from York to Plymouth (Cairngorms) in one go, then on to Land's End (Ullapool), Skye etc spending just one night in each place, finishing around Bristol/Gloucester (Ft William). We spent a fortnight touring Cornwall alone so it seems a stretch to try to fit all of this into just 5 days - there's so much to see !!

So given a couple of days 'freed up' by not going to the Lakes, why not spend an extra night near Aviemore (I'd recommend Rothiemurcus Campsite) and another either near Arisaig (suggest Camusdarach) or Glencoe ?

You'll find my recommendations for campsites (and a lot more) on my blog. You might also be interested in my review of Applecross Campsite as well as a post on the most scenic journeys as part of my 'best of Scotland' recommendations.

PS The little snow we've had this winter has all but melted from the mountains - none of the ski resorts are open at the moment and this is supposed to be peak season. Unless there's cold weather coming over the next few weeks I wouldn't worry at all about snow.

Ewan said:

So given a couple of days 'freed up' by not going to the Lakes

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I would also miss the lakes and take the slow roads in Scotland.

Hello wilde1,
I've been only once to Scotland however I liked every single part of it. People, landscape and weather, everything was great.
I loved Skye (we stayed in a B&B Seabreeze, it is no closed) and the small town of Portree (try "the Granary"), we stayed in Edinburgh in a nice apartment (Nicolsons Apartments), visited the castle and the Calton Hill.

Cheers sapto

@Jonathan Duke As already said: Wonderful picture!

I have to take notes...
Ferry to Newcastle is booked for April 28 and on the other side the only way is up for almost 4 weeks.

Jonathan Duke said:

When in Skye.... I'd recommend a walk up to the "Old Man of Storr."

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I have to add my 2 penny worth...........Stunning photograph, great lights and contrasts and wonderfully moody.