Scotland here I come!

**Tukaram** · 17th September 07, 02:02 PM

For the last 6 years the kids and I have been going to Orlando for our vacation but my son decided we needed to go to Scotland next year. Well I got my reservation confirmed for the 20JUN08 in Aviemore! (about 40 miles South of Iverness) I know it is a bit early but I am very excited about the trip. Now I have to figure out what to do in the highlands for a week. (8 days, 7 nights) Luckily it is the summer so it won't be freezing too bad. And we are fairly close to Loch Ness so we can go critter hunting. (here nessie...nessie....nessie....)

Do I want to rent a car and drive on the wrong side of the road or are the trains and buses good enough for a week? I do want to take a day and go to Edinburgh.

Anyone from the neighborhood? Got any ideas of what not to miss?

**cessna152towser** · 17th September 07, 02:33 PM

Aviemore is quite well placed for public transport with regular trains to Inverness, Edinburgh, Perth, Stirling, or Glasgow, all of which can be comfortably reached on a day trip.
There is also a tourist steam train along the Speyside line runs ten miles to Broomhill, where the station was used as Glenbogle station in filming Monarch of the Glen.
There is a frequent bus to the Cairngorm ski slopes which takes you to the base station for the Cairngorm Mountain Railway which can then take you to the visitor centre near the summit.
I don't know about availability of any day tours by coach from Aviemore - I'd have thought if you wanted to visit Loch Ness from there you may need to hire a car. I posted some pictures from my holiday in that area in July of this year, but as you will see my wife and I had a car to take us around. Although I did once have a week's holiday in Aviemore without a car, having travelled from Glasgow by train, so a car's not essential for every activity. In case you missed the pics here is the link:-
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=29429

**McClef** · 17th September 07, 03:15 PM

It'll nae be cauld bit ye'll hae the midges tae compensate!

**Jock Scot** · 18th September 07, 01:40 AM

Our roads can be a little daunting, particularly with those not used to driving on "the wrong side" of the road.It would be to your advantage if you did hire a car though.The western highlands and Loch Ness are not really a train option for you if you are staying at Aviemore.If I can help with your plans in some small way,then please get in touch.