Edinburgh Castle Travel Forum

I am planning to hire a car and drive round Scotland for a week / ten days, in July or August this year. I've been reading comments and get the impression that Ed Castle isn't very good and is too crowded? What d oyou think? Where is best to go instead?
Also, Loch Ness is high on my agenda but lots say that is rubbish. Is there anything worth seeing in Scotland, or is its best known attractions no good?

Any info on car hire, best deals, versus coach travel and problems getting t oway out places would help.
Many thanks
Angus

Edinburgh in general is very busy in August and so is the Castle as it's most famous feature. Maybe try Stirling Castle instead, which is almost as big and maybe even better. At least not as crowded, although it will still be very busy. Other castles: The Ruin of Urquart Castle on Loch Ness is nice, even though its really busy. Otherwise try Eilean Donan Castle (featured in Highlander...) which is not original (it was reconstructed in the 1910's) but has quite a genuine touch to it. Also Duns Castle is good and maybe a bit off the beaten track.

Scotland is definitely worth seeing!!!!

Loch Ness is more famous for Nessie than for it's beauty, although the southern side (which is less easy accessible) is very pretty. Also Loch Tay, Perth and Loch Leven/ Glencoe/Glen Etive!

Edinburgh Castle is definitely worth a visit. The town of Edinburgh is also very beautiful and though it might be crowded during summer, it wont be as crowded as a place like London, NY etc. Since you seem to have a lot of time traveling in that area, Loch Ness may be worth a visit not for the Loch Ness Monster but for the beauty of that area. Personally, I would prefer the Highlands and the Lowlands as they are more beautiful and pristine.

The entire Old Town of Edinburgh is a must-see. However, I would prefer to walk the Royal Mile in July, before the Festival begins, otherwise you are always met by guys who want to give flyers to promote their shows.
I agree with the suggestion of Stirling Castle.
I love also Loch Ness. I would certainly recommend a trip to Fort Augustus, at the South end of the Loch.

Hi,
I also agree with the previous postings that you should leave both in your list, even if it's a busy that time of year. A good (alternative, extra) place to visit in Edinburgh is Holyrood castle, with it's neighboring hill (great viewpoint so I heard) reaching into towncentre.

As for the south(-east) bank of Loch Ness: it may be more remote and less accessible, but it has some great view- and campingspots!
Other not to miss areas on my list would include driving Northwest from Inverness to Ullapool, take in the isle of Skye when driving down the Westcoast, and maybe even drive down to the Mull of Lintyre before returning to Glasgow or Edinburgh... if you haven't stopped for a walk and a stay before that!

Enjoy your trip,

P.

Edinburgh itself is my favourite British city - if you want to visit the castle or not is up to you but don't miss the city!

I agree that Stirling Castle is more interesting as a castle.

Coming from Sweden, I thought Loch Ness looked far too much like home with birch trees and a lake. Go for the much more rugged Scottish landscapes at Glencoe and the rest of the west. Inner Hebrides and such.

I would leave out Loch Ness, but not Edinburgh.
Glazgow, is a place I would go back to, if I'll have the oportunity, as well as the Trosacs, which are beautiful at this time of the year

Rather odly i've just written a tip about lock ness on my scotland page

as i've put it under tourist traps - it's fairly obvious what i think to it.

Edinburgh Castle - Yes - Go inside. Edinburgh is a truelly amazing place - and the other comments are correct to also highlight the Royal Mile (cobbled High street) that runs down to the Holyrood Palace and Abbey, beneath the giant hill (extinct volcano) called Arthur's Seat (fantastic - brilliant views and great climb). Maybe best to get in the castle early in the day to avoid most tourists, then head off for the hill and some open space!
Stirling Castle is excellent. Would be my number one choice, but I would suggest both that and Edinburgh. Take out membership of Historic Scotland at first visit to save money - say by the time you reach Urquhart castle to relieve the strain of passing loch Ness! Ignore Loch Ness - just pass by and wave!
South side of Loch Ness is nice but still inferior to other said places, Glencoe, Loch Tummel, Trossachs, Loch Earn & Loch Tay, and there is also Orkney, Isle of Skye, Lewis, Harris ...
A general rule of thumb: If its an island - Go for it!!!

Car hire - see my homepage and comments under Perth.

All the best - have a great journey. Email if you want more help.
Malcolm

Thank You everyone of you.
I am much reassured now. Planning with confidence.
Regards
Angus

Of all the castles we visited in Scotland - Sterling was our least favorite!

Edinburgh castle was interesting and the noon day gun was fun. We enjoyed the pipers. If you can get tickets to the Tattoo - GO!

Linlithgow palace is facinating. Eileen Donon is lovely,
The village of Inverrary and it's castle is a real treat.

If you haven't already found a place - Culag Lochside guest house in Luss on Loch Lomond really is lovely.

Scotland is gorgeous!!!

East side of Loch Ness is better - Foyer Falls worth the climb.

Head to the west and avoid the northeast - the highlands just have to be seen to be believed.

Hi there~
We'll be visiting Scotland for the 2nd time since 2002 - and have found that there is a neat way to cover a number of areas.

If you're staying in Edinburgh, take a one-day trip down through the border lands to see the historical castles and abbeys; another through Fife and St. Andrews; another to Stirling and Linlithgow.

If you're from the US - we're used to driving long distances to get places. You can cross Scotland east-west in about 2 hours at it's narrowest point, I've heard. We never tried it yet, but did travel from 15 minutes south of Edinburgh all the way up to Loch Ness in 4 hours. You can really "make tracks" if you like to drive.

You can reach the highlands by going to either Pitlochry or Fort William. Fort William makes for a really long day. On our 4-hr trip to Loch Ness from Edinburgh, the scenery was so enjoyable, we didn't mind the long drive.

We have been putting together this second trip for a group of 13-18 yr. olds. It has been fun, and we plan to post our enjoyable travels over the summer months, so you can look at the few pages we have up under the United Kingdom now, but there will be more coming once we arrive home again from this trip with the kids.

Edinburgh Castle is nice - we took a tour, which was enjoyable. Sometimes you can schedule your visit during one of their drama presentations.

Check Historic Scotland's website and get an Explorer's Pass if you'll be driving around. They "own" most of the historical landmarks, and you'll save quite a bit in fees. www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

We look for our cars from Hertz via Ryan Air's website. They always have good deals there.

One more thing - www.edinburgh-midlothian.co.uk- Go here to request your free info packet. They send an AWESOME interactive presentation of the area on a CD (the nicest HIGH TEC way we’ve seen yet!!!) What you really need is their visitor attraction discount card included with the CD. It has special deals like 2-for-1 tour admission and special rates for other attractions in and around Edinburgh.

Karen and I drove around Scotland a couple of years ago and in our opinion the one thing you must see if nothing else is Edinburgh Castle. The history of the whole country revolves around this one spot, and although there are many other outstanding sites, Edinburgh Castle gives a foundation and perspective without which all the rest cannot be fully appreciated. See our Edinburgh Castle page for a few more details.
Stephen-KarenConn