From Canada

[Dave GS]

Well final taken the trip, yup coming in June. My wife has family in Holland so were there first for four days then jumping over to Scotland. We will be there June third to the thirteenth (only site seeing have to leave the GS back here in Canada.) I looked up renting a 1200 like mine just for shits and giggles, (wow lots of cake.) Any of you natives have any good local treasures not in the guide books? My wife and two teen daughters are with me so no adult only beaches or anything. Were doing the whole tourist thing Loc Ness boat cruise and Edinburgh Castle … We would like to see some cool places off the beaten trail. Any help or suggestion would be awesome. Thanks Dave from Canada

 

[skyenet]

Were doing the whole tourist thing Loc Ness boat cruise and Edinburgh Castle …

Dave

Welcome to the SS section. If you are aiming on visiting quite a few attractions then it might be best getting family membership of Historic Scotland (around £75). You can easily join at any venue such as Edinburgh Castle. Benefits include

Free Entry to all Historic Scotland's properties.

Half price entry to over 500 heritage attractions in England, Wales and the Isle of Man in your first year of membership and free entry for renewal or life members. See Visiting Partnership Sites for further information.

Free Entry to over 400 Historic Scotland daytime events from living history and music to battle re-enactments and spectacular jousting tournaments.

20% retail discount in all Historic Scotland shops and online shop - includes books, clothing and gifts.

Free quarterly magazine keeping you informed with features on Scottish history and heritage, conservation projects and places to visit.

The opportunity to take part in members activities from guided tours and lectures to lunches and concerts.

Membership pack containing your membership cards and handbook, events guide and full information on all your membership benefits.

Exclusive online area allowing you to manage and update your membership details.

http://members.historic-scotland.gov.uk/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=22

 

[weewan]

Hi
When ever I am up Inverness area and travelling south, If I have time I love travelling this route,it will be nice in June hopefully. If you make a day of it, Fort George at Nairn is worth a visit if you like that sort of thing Google it. Findhorn bay near Kinloss is a lovely area. As the route ends at Pitlochry you will pass through the village of Moulin where you can get a good bar lunch at the Moulin Hotel.Some of the route is single track with passing places Have a good look through the Scotland section and you will find loads H T H

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[skinnersscotch]

Guiding services

I am a Blue Badge Guide with the Scottish Tourist Guide Association so if you would like a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle and anywhere else, let me know.

I will do discounted rates...

 

[Rocky Mountaineer]

Well final taken the trip, yup coming in June. My wife has family in Holland so were there first for four days then jumping over to Scotland. We will be there June third to the thirteenth (only site seeing have to leave the GS back here in Canada.) I looked up renting a 1200 like mine just for shits and giggles, (wow lots of cake.) Any of you natives have any good local treasures not in the guide books? My wife and two teen daughters are with me so no adult only beaches or anything. Were doing the whole tourist thing Loc Ness boat cruise and Edinburgh Castle … We would like to see some cool places off the beaten trail. Any help or suggestion would be awesome. Thanks Dave from Canada

You've had some good suggestions, would also suggest the route further east from Aboyne to Banchory. I'm ex-Toronto, now 18yrs in Scotland, and my wife is a tour guide for castles and the Gordon Highlanders Museum in Aberdeen. The roads are superb.

 

[Rushy]

I dont know the area very well but after a weekend trip on the GS with the better half I can recommend The Castle Urquhart visitor centre on the west shore of Loch Ness ont heA82. watch the short film presentation inside the centre BEFORE you go outside to see the Castle itself. And also if you trip up to Inverness come back down the East side of Loch Ness on the B862 / B852..........its a much nicer road and less well travelled than the A82

 

[skyenet]

Hi
Fort George at Nairn is worth a visit if you like that sort of thing Google it.

Historic Scotland site

watch the short film presentation inside the centre BEFORE you go outside to see the Castle itself.

another Historic Scotland site

 

[hank]

If you are in the South West, Culzean Castle.


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[Klanky]

The Culloden Battlefield Centre is a must-see for the authorative version of 1745 an' all that. Only 7 miles outside Inverness.

To be honest, Dave, it's a bit difficult to recommend pubs/roads/places without a better idea of where you'll be staying and for how long. Inverness and Edinburgh are about 130 miles apart with a big swathe of countryside and attractions in between. Even going South from Embra will put you into some nice territory on the Borders.

Give us some more info. Come up with a basic itinery and we can then help you fill in the gaps.

 

[Posh Pete]

When in Edinburgh ...

Lots to do but drop me a PM nearer the time. I'll take you on a wee familiarisation tour. No charge.