Scotland (1 Viewer)

[Cliffy38]

hi guys going to west Scotland in two weeks time can you recommend any must see places , we are going for scenery walks bike rides not shopping thanks xx

 

[Puddleduck]

No matter where you go you will find a lot of scenery! A lot depends on exactly where you are going, The Whithorn peninsula is lovely and quiet - bike rides and walking - further north more dramatic. Two weeks is probably not long enough if you want to get out to some of the further islands. There is a guide to cycling The Hebrides here

http://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/see-and-do/cycling

The West Highland Way

http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/...cle/west-highland-way-walking-and-cycle-route

actually a lot of cycle routes in Scotland:

http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/uk/cycling-in-scotland

enjoy!

 

[tedontour]

lochgilphead,oban,fort William. skye and all places inbetween

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[Chockswahay]

Without sounding flippant, do take warm clothes and waterproofs........... seriously

And it might be worth buying some 'midge nets' for your heads (trust me, you will know what I mean when the midges find you!)

 

[DP+JAY]

Without sounding flippant, do take warm clothes and waterproofs........... seriously

And it might be worth buying some 'midge nets' for your heads (trust me, you will know what I mean when the midges find you!)

We just got back in time(last week) they were just starting to be a pain.

 

[WillH]

We live on the west coast, gone to Holland because of midges. No, seriously, two weeks not enough, been going up for the last 40 years and still discovering new places. We do try and avoid the midges though so don't go north between June and September. Skye is as bit of a hit and miss, wonderful when sunny, the rest of the time it disappears in the mist and rain. Just go and see what you find. Enjoy.

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[keith]

Ridiculous request, every bend in the road is another photo opportunity and somewhere to explore. Don't miss out anything, look in every nook & cranny you will have a fabulous time.

Just spent a week near Oban, weather good and the seafood ..... that could be another 2 pages.

Enjoy and explore, the things YOU find will be your finds and differ from others.

 

[lorger]

The west coast is quite big do you have an idea if your going for South middle or North.

 

[irnbru]

Try Isle of Cumbrae for a cycle round the island . Its only 10.5 miles and really is the main tourist attraction on the island. Just stock up in Largs before you go though there is a few shops in Millport.

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[robnchris]

hi guys going to west Scotland in two weeks time can you recommend any must see places , we are going for scenery walks bike rides not shopping thanks xx

It`s all just a big sweetie shop, we`ve been going for years, just got back from a month touring around and never tire from it`s magnificence .

Have a look at a website called "walkingworld" £18 subscription but 1000`s of very detailed walks from all over Europe, we have done many of the Scotland ones.

Just enjoy and pay heed to advice re the midges, much better on the East Coast at this time of the year, last week we were on The Black Isle watching the Dolphins from the beach feeding on the running Salmon.

 

[Seven of nine]

Try the island of Islay , the whiskey Isle . Relatively midge free and , in my opinion , the loveliest island of them all . No matter where you go you will hopefully enjoy it all .

 

[Puddleduck]

The east coast has it's own attractions - try panning for gold at Helmsdale or look for Scottish Rubies on the beach at Elie.

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[Seven of nine]

Not a patch on the west coast, conference compared to premier league

 

[Puddleduck]

Not a patch on the west coast, conference compared to premier league

Not inferior, just different. Love the west coast for kayaking and the east for prospecting

 

[Seven of nine]

Not inferior , just better

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[Puddleduck]

Never found gold or rubies on the west coast though........ a few carnelians (not gem stone quality) and a little quartz but that was all of interest. Each to their own.

 

[robnchris]

Not a patch on the west coast, conference compared to premier league

Ahh but not so inhabited with the dreaded Midge.

 

[ABZSteve]

Best advice is to avoid midge season. Enjoy

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[Mags52]

And buy some Smidge

 

[Gellyneck]

Best advice is to avoid midge season. Enjoy

Correct!
January to December.
Don't want flooded with all these touristy folk!
Leave more room for us yokels, eh locals.

As others have said, it's a big place, even just the West Coast. You could spend a fortnight alone in D&G, Argyll, etc and never see half of them. Suggest you limit your "search" to a specific area and take it from there.

 

[Mags52]

My current favourite for a shortish trip is Arisaig. (west side) I also love the Moray coast (east side and less midges). If you're a golfer the Findochty (pronounced Finnechty) site near Buckie has free golf on a fabulous cliff top course. We live in Scotland and still haven't seen a fraction of it.

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[namwaldog]

I don't know how accurate this site is......
http://midgeforecast.co.uk/home
but may be worth consulting.

 

[Gellyneck]

My current favourite for a shortish trip is Arisaig. (west side) I also love the Moray coast (east side and less midges). If you're a golfer the Findochty (pronounced Finnechty) site near Buckie has free golf on a fabulous cliff top course. We live in Scotland and still haven't seen a fraction of it.

And more importantly a pub at the gate!

 

[Cliffy38]

so my husband is now getting worried, he only has to see something that will bite or sting and he will be covered, 5 bites from a close encounter with a single bug yesterday. Is there a very good midge repellent or should we consider devon and cornwall as a better option?

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[Puddleduck]

so my husband is now getting worried, he only has to see something that will bite or sting and he will be covered, 5 bites from a close encounter with a single bug yesterday. Is there a very good midge repellent or should we consider devon and cornwall as a better option?

Smidge is said to be a good repellent. I have citronella spray, candles, oil etc and that appears to work (I usually get eaten alive). You can also get bands that you wear around your ankles and wrists (Aldi had them a couple of weeks back and may have some left).

Some places are worse than others..... the area around Loch Shiel / Loch Sunart I found to be the very worst. The west coast is warmer and wetter - the conditions the midge prefer. Any area where there is little wind and plenty of water is a biting insect breeding ground

 

[Mags52]

By the sea is better than by the lochs (to avoid midges). 20 or more years ago I went on a canoe trip on a loch in full midge season. I still have the scars.

 

[Campercaillie]

Is there a very good midge repellent or should we consider devon and cornwall as a better option?

You only need to pack one - and that is Smidge. Forget the rest!

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[DBK]

Another vote for Smidge, my brother does a lot of outdoors stuff and lives in Fort William. He has tried them all and Smidge is best. It also works in Spain for other flying irritants!

 

[Campercaillie]

The humble midge - deterring all but the most determined of tourists .... every cloud .......

 

[Chockswahay]

or should we consider devon and cornwall as a better option?

NO ! I live in Scotland and we are off to Devon and Cornwall next week or so........... if you go there'll be less room for me

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