Travel to Scotland

[Jock Scot]

Jock,

I wish I had these answers...All I know right now is that the competition will take up a weekend. I plan to arrive several days in advance (maybe on a Wednesday or Thursday) to rest and see a few sights.

If time wasn't an issue, I'd love to visit the North end of the Isle of Lewis (I'm a Morrison), but I'm not sure how that will fit into the plans.

I'm positive that I could spend two weeks in Scotland alone, and still not come close to seeing a fraction of what there is to offer.

Hobbies would certainly include a trip to a distillery or two or twelve. I love to hunt and fish, but I'm unsure of seasons and regulations, so this is probably not an option on this first visit.

The issue of rental vehicle is an interesting one. I will have to look into this further. I guess I assumed that public transportation in most of Europe was cheap, reliable, and readily available.

I think as others have said renting a car is your best option, but public transport is pretty good too. However public transport does limit you somewhat to the main routes although there is a very efficient taxi service from most hotels, coach/bus/train stations, airports etc and are not too expensive although it would be wise not to venture too far as that meter does keep ticking!

A visit to the Isle of Lewis would not be too difficult to arrange and is quite doable considering that you are in Inverness anyway. It would be unwise, I think, to think that it could be done(there and back) in a day though, although flying to the islands from Inverness is a realistic consideration, but I do not have details.

September is a fine time for your sporting activities. Salmon and trout are in season, as are red deer, grouse, partridge and wildfowl. Please let us get the terminology right here and without getting too mired in the detail, Hunting in the UK is usually done on horseback with a pack of hounds and not in the Highlands. Shooting/deer stalking is what we do when in pursuit of grouse etc, or the deer. Many hotels can arrange these activities given prior notice and there are also many sporting agents who can arrange these activities for you and are quite used to dealing with visitors from overseas and the assorted legal aspects that go with these sorts of pastimes. Be warned, these activities can be very hard on the wallet!

As you are obviously interested in wildlife, bring a pair of binoculars as there is much wildlife to be seen whilst on your travels around the place. One particular place that I enjoy with my binoculars is watching the dolphins from the ramparts of Fort George. Fort George situated a few miles from Inverness is a must see in my book anyway,but the dolphins are an added bonus and if you want to see the dolphins close up(20 yards sometimes) then Chanonry Point, opposite side of the Firth to Fort George, is THE place to go.

I do not wish to depress you, but after extensive travelling in the UK in general and Scotland in particular, over the last 70 something years I doubt that I have even seen half of what there is to see, so be kind to yourself with the few days/weeks that you are here!

Hope this helps.

[Detroitpete]

azwildcat,

I'm headed there for the MWC as well. I hope to spend at least 6 days there. Thank you all for your help. I wonder if you all can help me on a decision--hopefully this may be useful to the OP as well. I've contacted a guest house who is already taking reservations for September, 2014. Does it make sense to book as early as possible?

Thanks.

[Jock Scot]

azwildcat,

I'm headed there for the MWC as well. I hope to spend at least 6 days there. Thank you all for your help. I wonder if you all can help me on a decision--hopefully this may be useful to the OP as well. I've contacted a guest house who is already taking reservations for September, 2014. Does it make sense to book as early as possible

Thanks.

With all that is predicted to be going on in Scotland next year, then probably it does make sense to book early. Whilst I as a local, have no direct information on booking trends, I would have thought-------I could be wrong---- that you don'thave to rush just yet though.

[azwildcat96]

azwildcat,

I'm headed there for the MWC as well. I hope to spend at least 6 days there. Thank you all for your help. I wonder if you all can help me on a decision--hopefully this may be useful to the OP as well. I've contacted a guest house who is already taking reservations for September, 2014. Does it make sense to book as early as possible?

Thanks.

That is a helpful question Pete. See you there!

[azwildcat96]

A visit to the Isle of Lewis would not be too difficult to arrange and is quite doable considering that you are in Inverness anyway. It would be unwise, I think, to think that it could be done(there and back) in a day though, although flying to the islands from Inverness is a realistic consideration, but I do not have details.

Well, this may be one adventure that will be on top of the list. I will look further into it.

September is a fine time for your sporting activities. Salmon and trout are in season, as are red deer, grouse, partridge and wildfowl. Please let us get the terminology right here and without getting too mired in the detail, Hunting in the UK is usually done on horseback with a pack of hounds and not in the Highlands. Shooting/deer stalking is what we do when in pursuit of grouse etc, or the deer. Many hotels can arrange these activities given prior notice and there are also many sporting agents who can arrange these activities for you and are quite used to dealing with visitors from overseas and the assorted legal aspects that go with these sorts of pastimes. Be warned, these activities can be very hard on the wallet!

As an avid wingshooter and deer/elk stalker here in the States, I would love to add these activities to the itinerary, but as you've stated, I imagine they are very hard on the wallet. The travel expense just to get to Scotland is rough enough. These luxuries may have to wait for another trip (after I win the lottery).

At least the privilege of throwing heavy things on Scottish soil will be accomplished this time!

[Beertigger]

The Edradour distillery, at Pitlochry, is one of my favorite spots in the word. Take a hike up through the woods, past the Black Spout, and have a dram in Scotland's smallest distillery. Then walk down the road back into town, with lunch at the Moulin Inn.

In Inverness, be sure to have a meal at the Mustard Seed. Amazing beef. The Trafford Bank guest house is a nice brisk (and somewhat sobering ; ) walk from the town center.

If you have time to head south, stop for a couple of nights at Ferintosh in Dumfries. You might have the opportunity to sit in Robert Burns' chair at the Globe Inn.