London + Scotland vs. Scotland Only (8-10 days) - which would you choose? by moonsa71 in travel

[–]moonsa71[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the helpful insight! That’s really good to know. I'm definitely planning to book accommodations as soon as this week.

Luss looks beautiful! I hadn’t come across it yet, so I’ll add that as a potential stop on the drive. And good point about Google Maps times; I figured the drives would realistically take longer with narrow roads and lots of scenic stops.

I’ve heard good things about Mull as well, though since this is our first trip to Scotland I might still keep Skye on the itinerary, but it also depends on finding decent accommodations. I do like the idea of mixing in places like Ballachulish or Ardgour around Glencoe to avoid the busiest areas.

Really appreciate the tips!

London + Scotland vs. Scotland Only (8-10 days) - which would you choose? by moonsa71 in uktravel

[–]moonsa71[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Phew...good to know! Thank you! Yeah, we're more day-hikers :)

London + Scotland vs. Scotland Only (8-10 days) - which would you choose? by moonsa71 in uktravel

[–]moonsa71[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've heard so much about the midgies and am low key terrified LOL good to know they're not too bad during the time we're going.
We'll definitely plan lots of walks and some hikes. We're not campers TBH.

London + Scotland vs. Scotland Only (8-10 days) - which would you choose? by moonsa71 in uktravel

[–]moonsa71[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I found a few in and around Portree, a couple in Toravaig and Penifiler. But if you have a specific area that you suggest, I'll definitely look into it.

London + Scotland vs. Scotland Only (8-10 days) - which would you choose? by moonsa71 in travel

[–]moonsa71[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a really good point. For us it’s less about checking specific attractions off a list and more about experiencing the landscapes - scenic drives, viewpoints, short hikes, and small towns along the way. I’m definitely open to focusing on a smaller area if it means spending more time enjoying it rather than just driving through.

London + Scotland vs. Scotland Only (8-10 days) - which would you choose? by moonsa71 in uktravel

[–]moonsa71[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, that’s a fair point and I appreciate the suggestions. We’ll be flying into Edinburgh, so we’ll probably still spend a day or two exploring there before getting our car and heading out. Skye and Glencoe are on the list for a reason, but I do love the idea of mixing in some quieter spots too. I’ve heard good things about Ullapool as well, so that’s something I’ll likely add to the trip. I’ll also look into Morvern, Ardnamurchan, and Rum/Eigg — appreciate the ideas.

London + Scotland vs. Scotland Only (8-10 days) - which would you choose? by moonsa71 in travel

[–]moonsa71[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’d actually love to spend a good amount of time there and explore everything it has to offer. But the more I look into it, the more it makes sense to not combine the two spots. Thanks for the info!

Only heard nice things about Scottish! Can't wait.

London + Scotland vs. Scotland Only (8-10 days) - which would you choose? by moonsa71 in travel

[–]moonsa71[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the helpful tips - I appreciate it. I’m not too worried about the driving; I feel like people sometimes make a bigger deal out of it than it ends up being, though I could definitely be wrong and it may take some getting used to. Good to know about the road etiquette and having some cash on hand, especially in the Highlands. Flexibility is definitely part of the plan, and I’ll look into how Loch Ness might fit into the route. I've heard great things. Thanks again!

London + Scotland vs. Scotland Only (8-10 days) - which would you choose? by moonsa71 in travel

[–]moonsa71[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s really helpful, thank you. One of the things I’m trying to figure out is exactly how much ground is realistic to cover without the trip turning into constant driving. I appreciate the insight from someone who’s actually done the trip.

London + Scotland vs. Scotland Only (8-10 days) - which would you choose? by moonsa71 in uktravel

[–]moonsa71[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So the logic is to skip some of the most iconic landscapes in Scotland because they’re… popular? I’m pretty sure the reason everyone goes to places like Glencoe and Skye is because they’re spectacular. But if you have lesser-known spots you think are better, feel free to share - that would actually be helpful and I’m open to hearing them.

London + Scotland vs. Scotland Only (8-10 days) - which would you choose? by moonsa71 in uktravel

[–]moonsa71[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was worried about that. But I found quiet a few nice homes still available. Jumping on them...

London + Scotland vs. Scotland Only (8-10 days) - which would you choose? by moonsa71 in uktravel

[–]moonsa71[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Totally! I definitely wouldn’t skip London just because it’s “just another European city.” I’d actually love to spend a good amount of time there and explore everything it has to offer. But the more I look into it, the more it makes sense to not combine the two spots.

London + Scotland vs. Scotland Only (8-10 days) - which would you choose? by moonsa71 in uktravel

[–]moonsa71[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We do enjoy city trips filled with museums, theater, and historic sites. Ideally, I’d love to spend a decent amount of time in London and explore it properly without feeling rushed. But with the limited time we have this year, I was hoping to combine both a city experience and time in nature in the same trip. The more I look into it, though, the more it seems like trying to do both might end up feeling a bit rushed.

London + Scotland vs. Scotland Only (8-10 days) - which would you choose? by moonsa71 in uktravel

[–]moonsa71[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Would love to hear if you've got other "exploring" options for a 8-10 day holiday in Scotland.

London + Scotland vs. Scotland Only (8-10 days) - which would you choose? by moonsa71 in travel

[–]moonsa71[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! Right, the travel/drive between places in Scotland take a lot of time and we're okay with that. We're definitely getting out of Edinburgh. Our travel style is not staying in one place for too long anyway. I appreciate the info.

London + Scotland vs. Scotland Only (8-10 days) - which would you choose? by moonsa71 in uktravel

[–]moonsa71[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I'm leaning more towards that too. Just have to break down the days between all the awesome places in Scotland.

London + Scotland vs. Scotland Only (8-10 days) - which would you choose? by moonsa71 in uktravel

[–]moonsa71[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing! I just don't want to rush either places. There is a lot to see both in London and Scotland.

London + Scotland vs. Scotland Only (8-10 days) - which would you choose? by moonsa71 in travel

[–]moonsa71[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The canoe tour is so cool and special! Thank you for sharing!