| Question One short week is all we have - the first week in October. Never been to
Scotland before. Flying into/out of Glasgow. Not into museums, whiskey, or large cities.
Prefer to wander (by car) through pretty scenery, taking lots of landscape photos and
perhaps see/photograph some CASTLE RUINS, not tour castles. I am wondering if three days
in the Ft William area and 3 days on Skye would be good bases? I understand weather is
quite "variable"? Should I pack heavy coats, light jackets, or somewhere in
between (like sweatshirts?) Is it likely to rain daily? Any recommendations on
accommodations?
Answer
Carole, just love these challenges!
One week is all, you say!
I'm sure I've posted this itinerary before (I love it myself); here goes, with your own
variations as you see fit.
Glasgow Airport south / west to Erskine bridge (Toll);
Cross to north side of River Clyde;
Follow divided hwy (Dual Carriageway) to Dumbarton / Loch Lomond(A82);
Take turn to Dumbarton / Helensburgh (A814);
Follow this road for "many a mile" - takes you right along the coast with nice
views along Gare Loch;
At Garelochhead keep going to Arrochar along Loch Long - some of Scotland's finest Fjord
type country - these are all sea lochs, surrounded by high mountains.
At Arrochar follow the A83 to Inverary - biased opinion here - even if you just want to
see ruins, see Inverary Castle and township.
Tell them that I sent you (it's Campbell country).
From Inverary take the Oban road (A819) - you will need to pass under one of the town
gateway walls. This cuts across country with some really nice views. This will eventually
take you down beside Loch Awe - ruined castle on an island - Campbell lordship starting
place.
If you want to visit Dalmally, I believe there is a relic of Bruce in the town, just don't
remember exact spot.
You should visit Oban (A85), very nice friendly spot, plenty of places to stay, even cross
over to Mull.
If you want to go to Fort William directly you should leave the A85 at Connell Ferry and
take the A828 all the way to Ballachulish and join the A82 to Fort William.
One relatively easy day of driving - I've done it often.
Couple of days in Fort William exploring around - even drive to Inverness along the Great
Glen / Caledonian canal system.
I would then go from Ft. William to Mallaig (A30) - Prince Charlie landed at Glenfinnan in
1745 - there is a tourist site and monument.
Ferry from Mallaig to Skye (Armadale) - tour Skye and leave the island from Kyleakin over
the bridge (Toll).
The A87 takes you back down to the A82 to Ft. Willam / Inverness.
I would go back through Ft. William to Ballachulish.
Then I would vear east into Glencoe. Follow the A82 to Crianlarich.
Then take the A85 south to Lochearnhead.
Then A84 south to Callander, follow it to join the M9 which will the lead to the M80.
Cut off into Stirling for a visit - it's a MUST.
This highway will take you (it becomes the A80) right into the centre of Glasgow and even
across Glasgow to the Airport.
Should be a blast. |
