Scotland trip itinerary assist, please

[steveinUS]

Try the highlands and north west coast.It will make you happy just to be alive.

That sounds like heaven, and I’m already starting to fear that I might not want to return home after two weeks, with all the places we will want to see but won’t have enough time. Same reason we bagged my proposed side trip to Shetland. SWMBO thought two nights on the ferry, primarily to satisfy my desire to visit Mousa for the Broch and the birds, was unjustified both in cost and in time. We’ve settled on trying to do less, at a more relaxed pace. So we will enjoy the heck out of wherever we get to.

 

[steveinUS]

I live in Edinburgh but generally give the tourist destinations a body swerve. However Roslyn Chapel is worth a visit.
I can advise on plenty of good beer spots though!

Thanks! Three full days in Edinburgh should allow for plenty of pub visits. I’ll definitely come back to you for advice on beer and whisky spots. Wife is also keenly interested in seeing the underground vaults. Sights are also set on Edinburgh Castle, but that urge might be as well satisfied with Floors Castle near Kelso?

 

[Brew_DD2]

Thanks! Three full days in Edinburgh should allow for plenty of pub visits. I’ll definitely come back to you for advice on beer and whisky spots. Wife is also keenly interested in seeing the underground vaults. Sights are also set on Edinburgh Castle, but that urge might be as well satisfied with Floors Castle near Kelso?

Lots of great traditional Scottish pubs in Edinburgh. For a more contemporary feel and beer selection, go to The Hanging Bat. Great bar!

If you are planning to be near the Black Isle, go to The Anderson. It's a hotel and pub that is run by an ex-beer writer from Philadelphia. Two separate bars; one that has many lovely beers, and a whisky bar which is something to behold.

You'll have a blast in Scotland.

 

[DavieC]

driving on the wrong side of the road,

Steady on Steve!!

 

[Crappyfish]

I was working there a few years ago theres was a lovely pub in Queensferry on the foreshore near the bridge did a lovely dark beer and had a open fire. If it's still there that is

 

[peebee]

Where does Druncan live?

I think (needs confirming) you are looking for this?
https://ceabhar-restaurant-and-bun-dubh-brewery.business.site/
The other bit I gleaned was to ask for forum discount on the beers (I'd get my ears boxed for that but I'm too far away … I think).

His old Web site is dead - I presume he's still at Ceabhar, he was threatening to up-sticks a while back.

 

[Crappyfish]

Anchor Inn was the place

 

[peebee]

Anchor Inn was the place

Damn, head isn't what it was …

Meanwhile you might read this: https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/still-here-and-now-going-all-the-way.77802/#post-765610

(EDIT: Ah, I think I see now: Lack of continuity in conversation. Always worth adding a "quote" to a reply so these mistakes canna 'appen ).

 

[Ghillie]

A warm jacket.

Where in Scotland are you headed?

 

[steveinUS]

A warm jacket.

Where in Scotland are you headed?

We will have 11 days on the ground. At this point, the abbreviated version is looking like:

1. Edinburgh and environs (3 nights)
2. Kelso and Borders (4 nights)
3. Glasgow (1 night)
4. Islay (3 nights)
5. Edinburgh (1 more night before we fly out)

Original plan was to get a car at the airport for the whole trip. I'm starting to wonder if we'll even need a car for the first 3 days in Edinburgh, and maybe just get a car in Edinburgh before going to Kelso. We're not big on walking all over the place all day, and we don't have a room booked in Edinburgh yet for the first three nights, but I'm thinking somewhere in the city center is the way to go. Other than public transport and taxis, is the Uber/Lyft situation there good?

 

[Brew_DD2]

We will have 11 days on the ground. At this point, the abbreviated version is looking like:

1. Edinburgh and environs (3 nights)
2. Kelso and Borders (4 nights)
3. Glasgow (1 night)
4. Islay (3 nights)
5. Edinburgh (1 more night before we fly out)

Original plan was to get a car at the airport for the whole trip. I'm starting to wonder if we'll even need a car for the first 3 days in Edinburgh, and maybe just get a car in Edinburgh before going to Kelso. We're not big on walking all over the place all day, and we don't have a room booked in Edinburgh yet for the first three nights, but I'm thinking somewhere in the city center is the way to go. Other than public transport and taxis, is the Uber/Lyft situation there good?

Take a look at Premier Inn for central Edinburgh. They have these "hub" hotels witj more compact rooms that are very good value for money, and much cheaper than the usual for Edinburgh. Public transport in Edinburgh good. I personally wouldn't hire a car for your days in Edinburgh. Also, you can get Uber in Edinburgh if you need it.

 

[Ghillie]

We will have 11 days on the ground. At this point, the abbreviated version is looking like:

1. Edinburgh and environs (3 nights)
2. Kelso and Borders (4 nights)
3. Glasgow (1 night)
4. Islay (3 nights)
5. Edinburgh (1 more night before we fly out)

Original plan was to get a car at the airport for the whole trip. I'm starting to wonder if we'll even need a car for the first 3 days in Edinburgh, and maybe just get a car in Edinburgh before going to Kelso. We're not big on walking all over the place all day, and we don't have a room booked in Edinburgh yet for the first three nights, but I'm thinking somewhere in the city center is the way to go. Other than public transport and taxis, is the Uber/Lyft situation there good?

I’d probably not bother with renting a car in Edinburgh either.

The bus service is good and they have a fairly new tram system also. Not sure on the Uber front, but plenty of black cabs to choose from.

 

[Clint]

Edinburgh is buzzing...I need a return visit without my children so I can get leathered!

 

[prog99]

Edinburgh is buzzing...I need a return visit without my children so I can get leathered!

Let us know, can show you round.

 

[prog99]

I’d probably not bother with renting a car in Edinburgh either.

The bus service is good and they have a fairly new tram system also. Not sure on the Uber front, but plenty of black cabs to choose from.

The tram is good to get from the airport to the city centre but useless after that(I've used it once!).
If I'm out on the town I take the bus, despite all the moans we actually have a pretty good modern bus service. (It does help I can get the bus from practically my front door to multiple good eateries and drinking establishments in the city centre)

 

[Clint]

Yes we found the bus service very easy to use. We used the park and ride to get from Rosslyn to Edinburgh although we could have caught the bus a five minute walk from our holiday cottage just outside the pub ..which I went to every night! Iirc the bus was £8.50 for two adults and two kids day pass,get on and off when you like and buses ran 24 hrs! It also dropped off and picked up just outside the Brewdog bar which was a torment!!

 

[Ghillie]

The tram is good to get from the airport to the city centre but useless after that(I've used it once!).
If I'm out on the town I take the bus, despite all the moans we actually have a pretty good modern bus service. (It does help I can get the bus from practically my front door to multiple good eateries and drinking establishments in the city centre)

Aye the tram was a Scottish Exec disaster before it was even built. Massively over budget and massively out-with the original plan. End result = the bus is still cheaper...

But things will change eventually, just takes time.

 

[Alex.mc]

I should say whilst this thread is live, even as an Englishman, and one who has been around the world a fair bit, for me... Scotland has without a doubt the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen.
Even as a rufty tufty beer drinking bloke, that scenery has in the past, and I hope again in the future brought tears to my eyes. I hope you can find some of that too.

 

[GhostShip]

I was at Traquair House earlier this year. Magical place which I remember well from my childhood. They brew beer there too!

 

[dad_of_jon]

Take a look at Premier Inn for central Edinburgh. They have these "hub" hotels witj more compact rooms that are very good value for money, and much cheaper than the usual for Edinburgh. Public transport in Edinburgh good. I personally wouldn't hire a car for your days in Edinburgh. Also, you can get Uber in Edinburgh if you need it.

I've stayed in the premier inn in edinburgh central, great location but the food was bland beyond belief. find somewhere else to eat if you decide to stay there.