Time: 5hr ahead, but shift only 2 hours ahead
Wake: 4am (Boston) /9am Scotland
Nap: 11am (Boston) /4-6pm Scotland
Bed: 5pm (Boston) /10pm Scotland
600mi driving
220-240 Volts
WED 21 (RAIN)
11am arrive
12-1 drive to Doune Castle/ Wallace Monument/ Stirling
2-3pm drive to Glasgow
3pm Riverside museum
4pm Gallery of Modern Art (nap)
5pm Walk around Buchanan Street or sightseeing bus
6-7pm drive to Hotel 1 night
THU 22 (AFTERNOON RAIN)
10am check-out
1hr drive to Glencoe
11am Lost Valley Hike 3hr, or skara brae
2pm Drive to Oban
7pm Fort William 2 nights
FRI 23 (AFTERNOON RAIN)
8-12pm Ben Nevis hike
Hogwarts Train ?
SAT 24 (RAIN)
11am check-out
11-1pm drive towards Skye or ferry via Mallaig
1pm Eilean Donan castle
3-6pm Fairy Pools
6pm Check into cottage 2 nights
SUN 25 (RAIN)
2hr Old Man of Storr hike
2hr Quiraing hike
Dunvegan Castle
Museum of Island Life
Portree
MON 26
10am Check out
10-12pm Drive to Fort Augustus/ Loch Ness
1-2pm Urquhart Castle
2-3pm Drive to Inverness
3pm Inverness bridge, mall, Culloden
5pm drive to Hotel (1 night)
TUE 27
10am-1pm drive back to Edinburgh
Drive to Castle/viewpoints
2pm check into Apartment
3pm National Gallery of Scotland
5pm walk from Castle to Holyrood; sightseeing bus
WED 28
9am check-out
10am return car
12pm Flight home
Doune Castle
Marvel at the splendour of Doune Castle, built as the home of Regent Albany, ‘Scotland’s uncrowned king’. His rich tastes can be seen clearly in the architecture of themedieval courtyard castle. Today, you can walk in the footsteps of rulers both real and fictional. Doune is a popular filming location and has featured in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Game of Thrones and Outlander. Actor/director Terry Jones narrates an audio tour that reveals Doune’s exciting history and tales from the Holy Grail film set.
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/doune-castle/
Wallace Monument
GLASGOW
Glasgow sightseeing bus 11/5 , George sq
Citysightseeingglasgow.co.uk
Gallery of modern artFound in the heart of Glasgow in Royal Exchange Square, GoMA is free to enter. The gallery hosts a number of exhibitions from artists across the world which run throughout the year so have a look at their website for the full programme. The Gallery collects and borrows works that highlight the interests, influences and working methods which international artists share with those from Glasgow.
FREE; 10am-5pm
Buchanan Street
Riverside Museum
Riverside is home to some of the world’s finest cars, bicycles and in 2013 won the European Museum of the Year award and it is free to enter. A visit to the Riverside provides the ultimate day out. The Riverside is a multi-award winning museum located on the banks of the River Clyde, with over 3000 objects on display from Glasgow’s rich past. You will find an incredible array of objects from skateboards and vintage cars to prams and powerful locomotives. You can even walk down an old cobbled Glasgow street with shops dating from 1895 to the 1980s. Berthed outside you will find the Tall Ship, Glenlee, the UK's only floating Clyde-built sailing ship and also free to enter. Step on board this impressive ship where you will find all sorts to entertain the kids including an under 5s play area in the cargo hold to a mouse hunt!
FREE; 10am-5pm
GLENCOE / FORT WILLIAM
Skara Brae
Uncovered by a storm in 1850, Skara Brae gives a remarkable picture of life 5,000 years ago, before Stonehenge was built. Explore this prehistoric village and see ancient homes fitted with stone beds, dressers and seats. A replica house allows visitors to explore its interior, while the visitor centre provides touch-screen presentations, fact-finding quizzes and an opportunity to see artefacts discovered during the archaeological excavations of the 1970s.
Glencoe "lost valley" Trail
3mi / 2.5hr
http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/fortwilliam/lostvalley.shtml
Ben Nevis Hike
8.5mi round trip, 4hr to climb/2hr come down
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1112286
Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles which dominates the landscape of Fort William, outdoor capital of the UK. Ben Nevis, or the 'Ben' as it is fondly known locally, sits majestically at the head of Loch Linnhe, its presence obvious from all corners of Fort William and some parts of Lochaber.
The Buachaille Hike
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1457500
Mountain at the head of Glen Etive (Gleann Èite) in the Highlands. It’s one of the most recognisable mountains (photographed and filmed (Skyfall) in Scotland. Personally I’d recommend visiting in low season to avoid the tour buses of tourists making their way to Glencoe. The easiest of routes is by way of the Cloiche Finne Coire in Glen Etive. The route leads easily up the centre of the coire to reach a bealach. The main summit is then half-a-mile due west.
Jacobite Steam Train (Hogwarts)
Also known as the Hogwarts Express, Scotland's legendary Jacobite Steam Train is photogenically featured in the Harry Potter films when Harry and crew are transported by train to Hogwarts from Platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross Station. Away from the cameras, the historic Jacobite runs from Fort William to Mallaig, essential destinations when touring Scotland's West Coast. The 84-mile (135-km) round-trip journey features old-fashioned carriages and compartments, plus the pure nostalgia of traveling under the power of steam, as it winds through through Highlands valleys and beside lochs and glens. One of the main highlights of the journey is crossing the 21 arches of the Glenfinnan viaduct, memorably captured in the Harry Potter films and overlooking Loch Shiel. Then, travelers can exit the train at Glenfinnan station to stretch and visit the West Highland Railway Museum. After, the train passes through the villages of Lochailort, Arisaig and Morar before reaching the end of the line in Mallaig, the ferry port for the Isle of Skye. Views from Mallaig stretch across the water to the islands, and the little harbor town is small enough to explore on foot after the train ride. British fish and chips are a specialty here. Round-trip passengers have about an hour and a half to explore Mallaig before the return journey to Fort William commences.
M-F - Fort William To Mallaig Return
10:15am; 2:30pm £34.00 / £19.00
OBAN
The most outstanding feature within Oban is McCaig’s Tower, the Colosseum lookalike which stands above the town and features in many of the postcards to be found on George Street. The Tower is 10 minutes hard walk uphill from the centre of the town but provides spectacular views over the town and onto the neighboring islands.
Standing close to the shore is also the ruined Dunollie Castle, stronghold of the MacDougall Clan while Dunstaffnage Castle, which has belonged to the Campbells since 1470, is only two miles away and is open to the public all year round. Kids would love a visit to the Scottish Sea Life & Marine Sanctuary near to Oban on the shore of Loch Creran.
Fairy Pools
At foot of the Black Cuillins near Glenbrittle are the Fairy Pools, beautifully crystal clear blue pools on the River Brittle. These famous pools entice visitors from all over the world, as they make some great ‘Wild Swimming’ for those brave enough to enter the cold water. For the less adventurous these magical Fairy Pools make some fantastic photos. The walk to the pools uses the same route there and back. The complete return distance to the first main waterfall and pool is 2.4km, with the average time to complete the walk being 40 minutes (with no stops). Most people will spend some time working their way up the river from the first waterfall exploring the different pools.
https://www.isleofskye.com/skye-guide/top-ten-skye-walks/fairy-pools
Castle Ewen, Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye
A short drive up the minor road from the ferry port at Uig towards Balnaknock brings you to an astonishing geological formation called The Fairy Glen. This small area is like the Highlands in miniature, with craggy peaks and a gorgeous little lochan. The most prominent feature of the Fairy Glen is Castle Ewen, a completely natural rock formation that looks for all the world like a medieval castle tower looming over the landscape below. A narrow path leads to the top of the 'castle' tower for fantastic views.
Dunvegan Castle
Dunvegan Castle is thought to be the oldest occupied castle in northern Scotland; it has stood on its rock outcrop by the shore of Loch Dunvegan for over 800 years. Dunvegan has been continuously occupied by the chiefs of Clan MacLeod in an unbroken line stretching back for over 7 centuries and 30 generations.
Portree
Set round its natural harbour and fringed by high ground and cliffs, the town is a popular tourists’ holiday destination and the harbour continues to be used by fishing boats as well as pleasure craft. It boasts excellent leisure facilities including a swimming pool, pony-trekking and boat cruises plus plenty of shopping opportunities in addition to the great variety of accommodation ranging from upmarket hotels through guest houses, B&Bs, self-catering establishments and hostels. There is also a campsite nearby.
Old Man of Storr Hike
5mi, 2hr
640m gain
http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksWalks/old-man-of-storr-walking-route
https://www.isleofskye.com/skye-guide/top-ten-skye-walks/old-man-of-storr
The carpark is located right by the main road 6.8miles from Portree which will take about 10 minutes to drive. The carpark is not that big so fills up quickly mid-summer, there is an extended layby to the main road that continues from the carpark entrance. From the carpark look uphill and you will see ‘Old Man’ and the high cliffs that surround. Getting to the foot of the ‘Old Man’ will take about 45 minutes, longer if you stop for rests. The first stage of the walk used to pass though farmed pine woodland, but recently it has been harvested (cut down). The path has now been repaired with a new layer of gravel as it passes through these lower slopes where the forest was. The top section of the walk on the approach to the Old Man (the rock pinnacle) is a lot rougher as the path is in poor condition.
Quiraing Hike
6.8km, 2hr
http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye/quiraing.shtml
https://www.isleofskye.com/skye-guide/top-ten-skye-walks/the-quiraing
The Quiraing walk is a loop, returning you to the same point (the carpark). It covers a distance of 6.8km, with the average time to complete the walk being 2 hours (with no stops). We have classed this walk as ‘Medium’ in length and ‘Hard’ for difficulty
Museum of Island Life
£2.50; 9:30am-5pm
NORTHERN SCOTLAND
Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan is recognised as one of the most iconic images of Scotland all over the world. Situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by some majestic scenery, it is little wonder that the castle is now one of the most visited and important attractions in the Scottish Highlands. Although first inhabited around the 6th century, the first fortified castle was built in the mid 13th century and stood guard over the lands of Kintail. Since then, at least four different versions of the castle have been built and re-built as the feudal history of Scotland unfolded through the centuries.
"not worth paying to cross the bridge"
Urquhart castle
Urquhart Castle is close to Drumnadrochit, on the shores of Loch Ness. Seized after Edward I's invasion of Scotland, it was reclaimed by Robert the Bruce in the 14th century. It was repeatedly attacked during the 15th and 16th centuries by the MacDonald Lords of the Isles, but nowadays enjoys a more peaceful existence under the curatorship of the National Trust for Scotland.
Fort Augustus
At Fort Augustus visitors can also enjoy a visit to the Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre which details the history of the canal. Sit and watch the boats navigating the locks or explore the Clansmen Centre, where appropriately attired guides demonstrate 17th century clan weaponry.
Inverness
Victorian Market
At one time Inverness had open-air markets, in 1876-70 the Town Council built a covered market which was destroyed by fire although the original sandstone entrance in Academy Street remains. Following the fire the Victorian Market was rebuilt by Inverness Town Council in 1890-91.
Culloden Battlefield
With over 1,200 dead in just one hour Culloden was a short but bloody battle - the last to be fought on British soil. Now all the family can experience and understand so much more about the events leading up to, during and after the battle. Follow characters who were actually involved in the battle around the interactive exhibition, experience the true horror of the battle in an immersive film, take a battlefield tour, and watch the daily Living History presentations which bring the battle to life.
Cairngorms National Park
Loch An Eilein Aviemore
EAST COAST
Dunnottar Castle
A romantic, evocative and historically significant ruined Castle, perched on a giant conglomorate on the edge of the North-Sea. Once seen - never forgotten. Visit Dunnottar Castle for an unforgettable experience and discover the importance of Dunnottar – an impregnable fortress that holds many rich secrets of Scotland’s colourful past. The dramatic and evocative ruined cliff top fortress was the home of the Earls Marischal, once one of the most powerful families in the land. William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, the Marquis of Montrose and the future King Charles II have graced the Castle with their presence. Most famously though, it was at Dunnottar Castle that a small garrison held out against the might of Cromwell’s army for eight months and saved the Scottish Crown Jewels, the ‘Honours of Scotland’, from destruction.
9-18:00
St Andrews
EDINBURGH
Holyrood Abbey
Holyrood Abbey is a ruined abbey of the Canons Regular in Edinburgh, Scotland. The abbey was founded in 1128 by King David I. During the 15th century, the abbey guesthouse was developed into a royal residence, and after the Scottish Reformation the Palace of Holyroodhouse was expanded further. The abbey church was used as a parish church until the 17th century, and has been ruined since the 18th century. The remaining walls of the abbey lie adjacent to the palace, at the eastern end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile. The site of the abbey is protected as a scheduled monument. Rood is an old word for the cross which Jesus Christ was crucified upon; thus the name Holyrood is equivalent to "Holy Cross."
FREE; 10am-5pm
David Bann veg rest
£2.50; 9:30am-5pm
NORTHERN SCOTLAND
Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan is recognised as one of the most iconic images of Scotland all over the world. Situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by some majestic scenery, it is little wonder that the castle is now one of the most visited and important attractions in the Scottish Highlands. Although first inhabited around the 6th century, the first fortified castle was built in the mid 13th century and stood guard over the lands of Kintail. Since then, at least four different versions of the castle have been built and re-built as the feudal history of Scotland unfolded through the centuries.
"not worth paying to cross the bridge"
Urquhart castle
Urquhart Castle is close to Drumnadrochit, on the shores of Loch Ness. Seized after Edward I's invasion of Scotland, it was reclaimed by Robert the Bruce in the 14th century. It was repeatedly attacked during the 15th and 16th centuries by the MacDonald Lords of the Isles, but nowadays enjoys a more peaceful existence under the curatorship of the National Trust for Scotland.
Fort Augustus
At Fort Augustus visitors can also enjoy a visit to the Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre which details the history of the canal. Sit and watch the boats navigating the locks or explore the Clansmen Centre, where appropriately attired guides demonstrate 17th century clan weaponry.
Inverness
Victorian Market
At one time Inverness had open-air markets, in 1876-70 the Town Council built a covered market which was destroyed by fire although the original sandstone entrance in Academy Street remains. Following the fire the Victorian Market was rebuilt by Inverness Town Council in 1890-91.
Culloden Battlefield
With over 1,200 dead in just one hour Culloden was a short but bloody battle - the last to be fought on British soil. Now all the family can experience and understand so much more about the events leading up to, during and after the battle. Follow characters who were actually involved in the battle around the interactive exhibition, experience the true horror of the battle in an immersive film, take a battlefield tour, and watch the daily Living History presentations which bring the battle to life.
Cairngorms National Park
Loch An Eilein Aviemore
EAST COAST
Dunnottar Castle
A romantic, evocative and historically significant ruined Castle, perched on a giant conglomorate on the edge of the North-Sea. Once seen - never forgotten. Visit Dunnottar Castle for an unforgettable experience and discover the importance of Dunnottar – an impregnable fortress that holds many rich secrets of Scotland’s colourful past. The dramatic and evocative ruined cliff top fortress was the home of the Earls Marischal, once one of the most powerful families in the land. William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, the Marquis of Montrose and the future King Charles II have graced the Castle with their presence. Most famously though, it was at Dunnottar Castle that a small garrison held out against the might of Cromwell’s army for eight months and saved the Scottish Crown Jewels, the ‘Honours of Scotland’, from destruction.
9-18:00
St Andrews
EDINBURGH
Holyrood Abbey
Holyrood Abbey is a ruined abbey of the Canons Regular in Edinburgh, Scotland. The abbey was founded in 1128 by King David I. During the 15th century, the abbey guesthouse was developed into a royal residence, and after the Scottish Reformation the Palace of Holyroodhouse was expanded further. The abbey church was used as a parish church until the 17th century, and has been ruined since the 18th century. The remaining walls of the abbey lie adjacent to the palace, at the eastern end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile. The site of the abbey is protected as a scheduled monument. Rood is an old word for the cross which Jesus Christ was crucified upon; thus the name Holyrood is equivalent to "Holy Cross."
South bridge vaults
Scottish national gallery
Spend an hour strolling around this peaceful setting and you’ll find masterpieces from Raphael, Velázquez and Vermeer to Monet, Cézanne and Van Gogh. For a nation of Scotland’s size, the collection is rightfully regarded as one of the very best in the world. The most comprehensive part of the collection covers the history of Scottish painting. All the major names, including Ramsay, Raeburn, Wilkie and McTaggart, are represented in depth. Works on show include Raeburn’s much-loved The Reverend Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch or, as it has become known, the ‘Skating Minister’.FREE; 10am-5pm
City sightseeing £12/5 open top busses every 20min from waverly bridge
Sheep heid pub
Cafe royal circle bar
