My wife and I went with friends in 2011. We had a base camp near London
(with other friends who were living there) and then went to Scotland for
the last week of June and first week of July. No midges that I recall
despite being close to some of the lochs.
We left London by Virgin train first class up the west coast (a mistake
actually but a good one... recommended, great accommodations). We went
to Glasgow where we rented a car and stayed at these places in both
Glasgow and Edinburgh <http://www.hot-el-apartments.com/> (also
recommended). We used Glasgow and Edinburgh as bases from which to make
day trips by car to the lochs and many other places. But getting to
Piers's place wasn't practical from those places due to distance and
road conditions. After the trip was done we returned the car in
Edingburgh and took a 2nd class train (*not* Virgin) back to London down
the east coast. (I use the term "coast" loosely) A comfortable trip,
not bad but no comparison with Virgin.
I'd be happy to repeat the same trip but, if I had more time, I'd spend
some of it further north in Piers country. I don't think I've ever
posted more than a few of my photos from that trip. Perhaps I should.
Chuck Norcutt
On 3/23/2013 3:21 PM, Bob Whitmire wrote:
> So, most of you heard about and some of you may recall all the health
> problems we've had to deal with concerning No. 2 son over the years,
> the most critical time being 2008-2012.
>
> It would appear all of that is behind us for the moment. Ben's never
> been better, and all his docs are most pleased with his status.
>
> Joan and I have started talking about taking A Trip, something we
> have not been able to do since our London sojourn in 2006. When I
> asked her where she'd like to go, her rather prompt response was
> "Scotland." So it would seem that if The Trip happens, it will be to
> Scotland. (I would choose motorcycling in the Alps, but I believe I
> would face some stiff opposition, and besides, my riding skills may
> not be honed enough at this point to tackle the Alps.)
>
> So, I know we have a list members intimately familiar with that part
> of the UK who might be willing to answer some questions.
>
> First, the talk is either mid to late September 2013, or late May
> 2014. We're already starting to lean toward late May 2014 to give us
> time for proper preparation. Of course there's a bit of a maverick
> inside me that says just buy the tickets and go and to hell with
> preparation. They speak a variety of English. The whisky is good and
> the scenery is awfully pretty. What's to plan?
>
> My notion of September had to do with avoiding the high-high tourist
> season and perhaps find some elbow room, especially as part of the
> plan is to rent a car and see if we can survive that whole driving on
> the left thing. But then it occurred to me that Scotland is a bit to
> the north, and a check of the records shows that there's considerably
> less sunlight in late September than in late May. It's cooler as
> well. But my guess is there's also more people in late May (and
> perhaps more biting bugs as well?). London certainly was packed to
> capacity in late May, early June, but then it's a big honking' city,
> and packed is normal and in some cases charming and picturesque.
>
> We're also thinking between just riding around and staying somewhere
> different every night, or using the list to help us find two
> strategically located holiday rentals to act as headquarters from
> which to venture forth on day trips. The whole island thing is very
> appealing, too.
>
> So, oh you of vast knowledge, is this enough information to elicit
> advice, hints and suggestions? I should add that my cousin-in-law,
> who is like a sister to my daughter-in-law, is married to a Scotsman,
> and they have a whiskey business in Huntly. (
> http://www.singlemaltsdirect.com ) It is remotely possible that we
> may be able to spend some or all of our time there, thus resulting in
> massive savings. An iffy proposition at best, but not outside the
> realm of possibility. They spend most of their time in Los Angeles,
> and so could be a perfect thing. (Also, I noticed on a map that
> Huntly is not far from Peterhead, and I must say that Peterhead
> quickly became a MUST VISIT on The Trip. One must have a photograph
> of one's self standing beside the sign that says "Welcome to
> Peterhead".)
>
> Of course, meetings with list members would be high on my list as
> well. Should we consider a gathering, with attendees throwing in to
> rent some awesome location in the Highlands for a few days, with
> wives, SOs and other companions included? Good weather: hike around,
> take pictures, drink, swap lies. Bad weather: sit around, drink, swap
> lies.
>
> Awaiting Wisdom,
>
> --Bob
>
--
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