I`m planning a trip to Scotland...

I`m hoping to get a week off work around september/october to explore a bit of Scotland. Me and my girlfriend were going to hire a campervan but my god they`re expensive! So we`re going in the car with a tent.

We spend some time in Snowdonia and the peaks, alot of time in the lakes but we`ve never been to Scotland! Our aim is to do some walking in the mountains, maybe even a wild camp or 2, some car camping and maybe even a midweek treat in a lodge or B&B.

Thing is, we don`t know where to start as we don`t know Scotland. I was thinking Glen Coe for a couple of days, then up to Fort Bill for a couple of days, then maybe over to the Cairngorms. Or would we be better staying on the west side and finishing off in Skye rather than Cairngorms?

I don`t want to be walking every day, I`d like to have a couple of relaxing days in an area that`s worth seeing.

Cheers

You could do worse than buy CT's volume on Scotland - a fine guide.

A good site for lots of info and routes is that of Steve Fallon.

Then for lots of detailed walk-specific info there is Scottish Hills.

As to what might suit you - depends on what suits you; I like steep rocky terrain personally - you might be the soft rolling 'where's Heathcliff' type..

You could be right, a week is nowhere near enough but I feel it`s time we atleast broke the ice.

Thanks for that info, I`ll have a good look this week

...and as to what I prefer, something inbetween steep and rocky, and rolling hills. My GF is up for a challenging mountain but nothing too extreme.

Try Mull.  Lots to see, sea & golden eagles, fabulous bays, Iona and Ulva islands to go to from it, castles, bothy, one Munro but lots of other hill areas.  A week would be great there.  Good biking, too.  And it's an island!  How cool is that?

But do be aware of stalking issues, wherever you go.  A limited number of areas don't have stalking - possibly all SNT sites, and in other areas, the 'rule' is that if you stay on recognised paths and ridge lines you should be ok.  But we need to respect estates and their activities.  Most are ok and helpful, but an ignorant or uncaring walker can screw things up quite badly.  Contacting the estate to ascertain their plans is a wise move.  They're generally helpful and may suggest alternative routes, or alternative days for your intended route.

Keep us posted on what your plans are?

Hi Alan, I've just got back from a trip to Scotland, my first in lawd-knows how many years.

Remember to factor in the distances and times - from Merseyside to Glasgow is a fair old drive but at Glasgow you are little over half-way (in driving time if not in miles) from Skye. The roads are virtually all single carriageway northwest of the central belt and are quite busy especially at weekends. Rannoch Moor aside they tend to be twisty so there are few chances to overtake safely. So if you average 40mph you'll be doing well. I was surprised how long it took to drive between the places I stayed.

Skye is fantastic. Really fantastic. There are some great walks  whichever end of the island you choose and plenty of camping opportunities. If your lady likes rocky scenery and walking head for the Cuillins. Skye's not much cop for shops though so stock up on milk and stuff as you pass the Co-op at Broadford unless you are pressing on to Portree.

If you are in the Lochaber / Fort Bill area and fancy doing Ben Nevis, choose any route rather than the tiring, boring overcrowded 'tourist path'.

Good luck and enjoy your trip.

I still think Mull!  It's closer, too.  Skye is magnificent but many of the hills are 'ambitious' for a first time and you may get more out of it when you have a bit more experience?  I think you could get a pretty good overview of Mull in a week, but Skye is bigger.  Again, good cycling tho. 

Shouldn't this thread be under 'Walking and Climbing'?

Hi Alan,

I live in Derby now, I'm originally from the Coe.

I probably spent more days on the hill in Glen Coe since I move to England over twenty years ago than I did when I lived there.

I've spent many a night driving up the M6 etc heading north and letting the car eat up the miles.

Now, someone mentioned the time it takes to drive from A to B, well there probably right. I would probably suggest heading for one place and explore that area.

One place that is often over looked is Arrochar.

Just a short drive form Glasgow most people go strait past heading north. But  it's well worth spending the time to explore what this area has to offer.

There plenty of camp sites and things to keep you busy, you can have a day of from walking and spend the day sailing on Loch Lomond.

If you want to start bagging Munos http://www.munromagic.com/MunroMap2.cfm then this is a good place to start as there are 5 in the area. Or take a drive along the A83, up Glen Croe to the rest and be thankful! The view on a clear day is breathtaking.

Oh and if you go up the Cobbler, and it a hot day (sometimes the sun shines) you can take a dip at the weir at GR 279 051. Also a great wild camp location is GR 274 048.

I hope this helps you make your mind up.

Cheers Mac

This might help

try this for free mapping

Don't forget the bastard midge they will eat you if camping so pitch in the wind/breeze at all times,a midge net for the both of you.

Glencoe/Kinlochleven is a fantastic place to start with many a walk to be had no matter what/how hard or not.

one for a rainy low level day is the scenic one at the foot of Glen nevis where the Mamores meet the Mighty Ben and only the river seperates them both,wire bridge and one of Scotlands highest waterfalls,its the walk out from Corrour station to fort william route....

Most of all enjoy....

I think we`ve pretty much decided on Glencoe as our first visit to Scotland, may check out the surrounding area too.

Thanks all

Ah the, Coe.

Make sure to take a trip down Glen Etive. You can still wild canmp down there.

And a must is the http://www.clachaig.com/ .

Camp sites, http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/details.asp?revid=4096 

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/reviews.asp?revid=3352

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/reviews.asp?revid=5754

Mac