Scottish Pentaxians! (or those who've been)

Heie2 · Mar 6, 2014

I'm fulfilling a bucket list bullet by backpacking through your beautiful country!

I (literally, as in yesterday) just found out where my career will take me, and part of every duty station move/re-location is a period associated with taking copious amounts of leave. Because my move is sooner than the average move timeline (<45 days notice rather than 90+ days notice), I cannot take the full 30 days of usual block leave (I still have to do all the not-so-fun stuff such as move all my personal belongings to the States, sell my car, cancel all rent/phone/internet/utilitity/etc. contracts (auf Deutsch!), and clear the military installation (another 10-day process by itself).

Jenny and I are flying into Edinburgh on 20 or 21 March (Thursday/Friday). She will be there just through the weekend (she has to get back to work), while I will continue on exploring for the next two weeks or so.

That being said, does anyone have any must-see recommendations, both to visit and any really awesome/unique/fun lodging arrangements? I'm not opposed to renting a car, although I prefer public transit because it would be easier and cheaper for this type of trip (especially just me). My cousin lives in Glasgow (she married a Scot and moved there), and another priority is the Scottish Highlands. Other than that, my tangible knowledge of Sean Connery's homeland ends with his (amazing) accent.

For those who live off the beaten path, in exchange for a roof over my head I promise to be the most enthusiast farm-hand you've ever had to help out with the daily grind

One of my friends lived on a farm and all through college I would visit because I just loved doing all the farmwork I missed out on while growing up in the city. Or at the very least we could just meet up for coffee. Either way, let me know if there's a specific camera/lens that I own you would like me to bring and I have no problem letting you play around with it/them. Of course, this doesn't include the telemonsters - would you want to backpack with one of those?

-Heie

tom1234567 · Mar 6, 2014

Hi there since your going to Glasgow, you are only 30/40mins from the beautiful Loch Lomond,

(you could head for Loch Ness, you know were they go on about nessy the Loch monster )

a beautiful part of the country, then you could head North to Stirling ,Perth,

The further north the more Beautiful scenery you will find,

I myself stay 15mins from Troon, and Ayr, you have Rabbi Burns the famous poet visit his Cottage in Ayr.

Just a few thoughts for you, have a nice holiday the weather has to improve in the next few weeks

I hope

Cheers Tom G

awaldram · Mar 6, 2014

Glasgow go up-to Oban and catch a ferry to the isle of Mull

Or if your really adventurous out to the Outer Hebrides,

Some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK

allanmh · Mar 6, 2014

Hi,

I spent 3 fantastic weeks in Scotland in the summer of 2010, and had a lot of help in planning my itinerary from a couple of great websites. One was called 'Undiscovered Scotland', and the other 'The Orkney Jar'. The Inner Hebrides are just as spectacular as the Outer, and more easily reachable; I had to cancel my visits to some of the Outer Isles because of bad weather.

Have a happy trip, and good shooting.

emem · Mar 6, 2014

While I now live in Australia, I'm Scottish by birth and grew up there. I've also been back on various touring holidays many times.
If you start in Edinburgh, I'd suggest you drive to Glasgow, stopping off at the Falkirk Wheel (check it out in Wikipedia) and Stirling Castle (both roughly midway between Edinburgh and Glasgow. You could even detour for a short drive around the Trossachs on the way. Edinburgh of course has enough things of interest to occupy a visitor for many days itself.

There are many castles throughout Scotland but one of the most spectacular and scenic is Dunnottar Castle near Aberdeen (some photographs on my website - link in signature). The Cairngorm Mountains National Park is a must see for mountains and wilderness. I'm sure you'll get many more suggestions because it's a beautiful country. Every scene is a photograph.

Meuh · Mar 6, 2014

Heie2 said:
I'm fulfilling a bucket list bullet by backpacking through your beautiful country!

I (literally, as in yesterday) just found out where my career will take me, and part of every duty station move/re-location is a period associated with taking copious amounts of leave. Because my move is sooner than the average move timeline (<45 days notice rather than 90+ days notice), I cannot take the full 30 days of usual block leave (I still have to do all the not-so-fun stuff such as move all my personal belongings to the States, sell my car, cancel all rent/phone/internet/utilitity/etc. contracts (auf Deutsch!), and clear the military installation (another 10-day process by itself).

Jenny and I are flying into Edinburgh on 20 or 21 March (Thursday/Friday). She will be there just through the weekend (she has to get back to work), while I will continue on exploring for the next two weeks or so.

That being said, does anyone have any must-see recommendations, both to visit and any really awesome/unique/fun lodging arrangements? I'm not opposed to renting a car, although I prefer public transit because it would be easier and cheaper for this type of trip (especially just me). My cousin lives in Glasgow (she married a Scot and moved there), and another priority is the Scottish Highlands. Other than that, my tangible knowledge of Sean Connery's homeland ends with his (amazing) accent.

For those who live off the beaten path, in exchange for a roof over my head I promise to be the most enthusiast farm-hand you've ever had to help out with the daily grind One of my friends lived on a farm and all through college I would visit because I just loved doing all the farmwork I missed out on while growing up in the city. Or at the very least we could just meet up for coffee. Either way, let me know if there's a specific camera/lens that I own you would like me to bring and I have no problem letting you play around with it/them. Of course, this doesn't include the telemonsters - would you want to backpack with one of those?

-Heie

steephill · Mar 6, 2014

Just back from there today! It is a very varied country for its size so there is something for everyone except tropical sunshine of course.

I was raised on the bonny banks of Loch Lomond so have a bias for the west. I took this on Monday about a mile from the family home.

Anywhere north of Glasgow on the west coast will be wonderful. The bleak wilderness of Rannoch Moor leads you down into Glencoe and is an amazing sight. Brett Meikle has posted some great shots of these landscapes. Once you get to Fort William take a detour up the Aonach Mor ski lift for a fabulous view of the west coast as well as looking Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, in the eye. They have had record levels of snow this winter and will be skiing there until May or even later. Further north and west it only gets better and then you get to the islands.

Glasgow is a fine Victorian city and worth spending a few days getting to know especially as it prepares to host the Commonwealth Games. Personal favourites include the Burrell Collection and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum. Great bars and restaurants abound.

--
Steve
www.pbase.com/steephill

GeoffNS · Mar 6, 2014

I'd second Andrew's recommendation of staying in Oban and touring hinterland and Mull. Going to Iona by a tour bus was a highlight of our visit to Scotland in 2012. Edinburgh & Glasgow were of course impressive, but the highlands and islands were outstanding. If you have time by all means also tour Skye. Here are a few photos of places we enjoyed.

Have a great trip. We will look forward to your photos. Regards, Geoff.

Oban

Iona Abbey

Loch Awe

Kitchurn Castle

Skye rainbow

Queens View

Englund · Mar 6, 2014

Hi Heie2, and thanks for all your posts over the years. I lived five years in Scotland (Dundee) and enjoyed it immensely. I will find some time during the wekend to post some ideas and images.

cheers,

Mikael

Heie2 said:
I'm fulfilling a bucket list bullet by backpacking through your beautiful country!

I (literally, as in yesterday) just found out where my career will take me, and part of every duty station move/re-location is a period associated with taking copious amounts of leave. Because my move is sooner than the average move timeline (<45 days notice rather than 90+ days notice), I cannot take the full 30 days of usual block leave (I still have to do all the not-so-fun stuff such as move all my personal belongings to the States, sell my car, cancel all rent/phone/internet/utilitity/etc. contracts (auf Deutsch!), and clear the military installation (another 10-day process by itself).

Jenny and I are flying into Edinburgh on 20 or 21 March (Thursday/Friday). She will be there just through the weekend (she has to get back to work), while I will continue on exploring for the next two weeks or so.

That being said, does anyone have any must-see recommendations, both to visit and any really awesome/unique/fun lodging arrangements? I'm not opposed to renting a car, although I prefer public transit because it would be easier and cheaper for this type of trip (especially just me). My cousin lives in Glasgow (she married a Scot and moved there), and another priority is the Scottish Highlands. Other than that, my tangible knowledge of Sean Connery's homeland ends with his (amazing) accent.

For those who live off the beaten path, in exchange for a roof over my head I promise to be the most enthusiast farm-hand you've ever had to help out with the daily grind One of my friends lived on a farm and all through college I would visit because I just loved doing all the farmwork I missed out on while growing up in the city. Or at the very least we could just meet up for coffee. Either way, let me know if there's a specific camera/lens that I own you would like me to bring and I have no problem letting you play around with it/them. Of course, this doesn't include the telemonsters - would you want to backpack with one of those?

-Heie

awaldram · Mar 7, 2014

Thanks for posting them brings back great memories

Englund · Mar 7, 2014

Hi again Heie2,

Sorry, I forgot that I actually had a few in my gallery (never mid the rubbish).

There is plenty to see in Scotland. My problem, travelling with three kids is that I often struggled to get the time to wait for the optimal light etc and often had to shoot now and there when I had the opportunity. Where are you going to live? And for how long?

//Mikael

Englund said:
Hi Heie2, and thanks for all your posts over the years. I lived five years in Scotland (Dundee) and enjoyed it immensely. I will find some time during the wekend to post some ideas and images.

cheers,

Mikael

Heie2 said:

I'm fulfilling a bucket list bullet by backpacking through your beautiful country!

I (literally, as in yesterday) just found out where my career will take me, and part of every duty station move/re-location is a period associated with taking copious amounts of leave. Because my move is sooner than the average move timeline (<45 days notice rather than 90+ days notice), I cannot take the full 30 days of usual block leave (I still have to do all the not-so-fun stuff such as move all my personal belongings to the States, sell my car, cancel all rent/phone/internet/utilitity/etc. contracts (auf Deutsch!), and clear the military installation (another 10-day process by itself).

Jenny and I are flying into Edinburgh on 20 or 21 March (Thursday/Friday). She will be there just through the weekend (she has to get back to work), while I will continue on exploring for the next two weeks or so.

That being said, does anyone have any must-see recommendations, both to visit and any really awesome/unique/fun lodging arrangements? I'm not opposed to renting a car, although I prefer public transit because it would be easier and cheaper for this type of trip (especially just me). My cousin lives in Glasgow (she married a Scot and moved there), and another priority is the Scottish Highlands. Other than that, my tangible knowledge of Sean Connery's homeland ends with his (amazing) accent.

For those who live off the beaten path, in exchange for a roof over my head I promise to be the most enthusiast farm-hand you've ever had to help out with the daily grind One of my friends lived on a farm and all through college I would visit because I just loved doing all the farmwork I missed out on while growing up in the city. Or at the very least we could just meet up for coffee. Either way, let me know if there's a specific camera/lens that I own you would like me to bring and I have no problem letting you play around with it/them. Of course, this doesn't include the telemonsters - would you want to backpack with one of those?

-Heie

Click to expand...

brettmeikle · Mar 7, 2014

Scotland is a wee country that takes a long time to travel in (and between places) - for that reason I'd advise a couple or three 'bases' from which to explore closely or, since you have no vehicle, undertake one of our many walking routes that don't require a return to the start (linear A to B). I thoroughly enjoyed your illustrated walk in New Zealand so know you are well up for that.

Late March early April can be kind months but some parts of the country have had record snow falls and this may present opportunities as well as problems for you - it's going to start melting and rivers will be up. I also suggest you look into our network of bothies , small isolated huts that offer free, basic shelter in the mountains. Some are rough, some excellent, all will give that sense of the place and its history. They are part of a tradition celebrating shared access and safe travel in our hills - pick up a few sticks for the fire as you walk.

If you want an experience off grid I'd seriously consider both Knoydart , accessible by boat from Mallaig (at the terminus of the West Highland Railway and one of the world's best train journeys) where you can walk at will (ALL Scotland is freely accessible, private and public lands), in from the south and exit at the north perhaps. There is a bunk-barn in Inverie if you wanted to make day outings and return to base, or walk over the pass to Sourlies bothy and do a loop - I was there recently and it's a fine wee shelter by the loch side (driftwood fire?) If you exit to the north or east, hitching is not frowned upon in Scotland (no buses from Kinlochhourne) but delays are likely on some quiet roads. Other hill goers often take a shine to you though.

The other is the Letterewe-Fisherfield area, Britain's largest road-less tract of land. Do the peaks on the route from Kinlochewe to Dundonnel, passing (or ascending) our most spectacular mountain An Teallach, in about three or four days or take the old droving route (less arduous - equally spectacular but requires a river crossing) in 2-3 days. These landscapes, on the edge of the Atlantic, are what memories are meant to be made of mate. A high camp with the sunset over the sea - it's on my list (in summer!) There's a bothy about midway on this route, though I've not used it.

This is all west - the weather can be famously wet. If so, try the Cairngorms as others have mentioned but consider a traversing walk to Braemar from Aviemore, on the main train line. Fantastic peri-glacial scenery, ancient pine forest, a sub-Arctic plateau but with lots ( I mean lots) of snow this year. Corrour bothy sits in there, handily located for a night.

All the places the others mention are fantastic - with great photo ops etc. Many are right by the road, and some of my images linked to by Steve above, are of that type (cheers Steve, I got a thrill from that). I think you want experiences as well and those should fit the bill - in the end, let the weather be your guide ;-)

Don't spread yourself too thin - it will be here for a long time yet!

Dédéjr · Mar 7, 2014

Not saying that because i am half orcadian no not I. But there is so much to see history wildlife and all that.

Not forgetting the world's best whisky Highland park and litlle brother scapa.

Scapa flow where the german fleet was scuttled in 1919 still can dive amongst the wreckage. Or where Kitchner of khartoum's ship hit a mine, or the royal oak being torpedoed by a u-boat, why Churchill had the barriers built, linking the islands except in bad weather where no crossing is possible.

Plenty of other stuff too.

cheers

André

Italian chapel at Lamb holm, old nissin hut built by italian pow's who built the Churchill barriers.

Inside the chapel

Ring of brodgar, no need for stonehenge in orkney.

Ring of brodgar

Hoy in the background

Skara brae perfectly preserved ston age village

brettmeikle · Mar 7, 2014

Thanks for the nod Steve, it fair made my day. I didn't know you hail from the high road country - I grew up on the outskirts of Kilbarchan and the Ben was famed in my childhood window, shaping no doubt the hill man I became.

Cheers

Vector12 · Mar 7, 2014

I lived in Scotland for several years. You'll have a lovely visit. If you're keen on public transport, you could hardly do better than to ride the West Highland Rail as far as Fort William. The B&Bs there are charming, and you're in the right place to walk up Ben Nevis, for superb views of the highlands.

If you're in Edinburgh, you can take a bus, or a train and then a bus, over to Fife. It's full of lovely fishing villages and you can take a quite nice walk on the Fife costal path. I happen to like the section that runs from Crail up to St. Andrews the best, but you won't go too far wrong. Once in a while you can see dolphins swimming off the coast there.

Another fairly easy trip from Edinburgh by bus would take you to the Ochil Hills. These aren't tall, but as you'll discover, you don't need to go high in Scotland to run into rough weather; it's best to go prepared even at their low height. There's a sensible route that would start you in Tillicoultry and take you more or less to Dollar, if I recall correctly. You'll need an OS map and a compass, since the trail there, and many places in Scotland, isn't marked very obviously. It's interesting and quite beautiful terrain. It was one of my favourite walks whilst living there.

Have fun!

richteed · Mar 7, 2014

I live in Scotland. Lots of great suggestions so far. If you're heading for the Highlands, then don't miss the islands. Generally the further North and/or West you go, the more gobsmacking the scenery. Weather permitting, these are my recommendations:

West Highland Railway from Glasgow to Fort William to Mallaig. Absolutely unmissable!!
Cal Mac Small Isles Ferry from Mallaig to Eigg, Rhum and Canna - don't need to get off .. just a cheap cruise with great wildlife and scenery
The wild bounds of Knoydart (ferry from Mallaig or very long walk) - Scotlands great wilderness and last frontier
Isle of Skye (nowhere in the world like it)
Harris and Lewis (if you've got time) have the most beautiful beaches in the British Isles and a unique inland scenery
The Ross of Mull and Iona - just amazing. Carsaig Bay gives access to the best coastal walks in Scotland in either direction
Red Point near Gairloch - the beach at the end of the world.. You'll well up just standing there looking out to sea - I guarantee
Glen Nevis near Fort william - Hike up to Steall Falls - awesome mountain scenery
The Inverpolly area north of Ullapool - a mystical landscape with megalithic mountains that rise from the bog (car required)
The caledonian forests in the Cairngorms National Park. Rothiemurchus Estate near Aviemore is a good place to start - Hire a bike from Bothy Bikes and explore

Bonus at the moment is that there's been more snow than for the last 60 years this year, so the tops will be plastered for the next few months. Plenty of snowsports to be had too if you're into that.

Enjoy your trip!!

Rich

steephill · May 1, 2014

Or did I miss them? Love to see what you thought of the old country.

Meuh · May 1, 2014

steephill said:
Or did I miss them? Love to see what you thought of the old country.

--
Steve
www.pbase.com/steephill

I don't think if seen him post any yet, and he has a nice one I took of him to post along with them as I'm sure he will be making a nice little article/post about his time here.

emem · May 1, 2014

Meuh said:
steephill said:

Or did I miss them? Love to see what you thought of the old country.

Click to expand...

Heie2 · May 4, 2014

Hey all, sorry. Working on it right now.

Since getting back I've outprocessed from my unit in Germany, packed and shipped all the contents of my house, flown to America, and been doing this training ever since:

Been a bit busy, but I will have them up today

-Heie

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