A Wee Bit Of Scottish Travel Advice Please?

August 11, 2017 6:44 AM

We'd appreciate some advice for hiking and staying in Scotland next month.

My wife and I just booked an anniversary trip to Scotland in September. We'll be flying into Glasgow, training up to Tyndrum and hiking the West Highland Way from Tyndrum to Fort William. We just learned it's better for use of our flight miles miles to tack on a day in Edinburgh and one more in Glasgow. So, first, any general tips on hiking the West Highlands Way? I think we're cool on most details but we don't know what we don't so so any, even little, tidbit from someone who's done it, will be appreciated. Second, we have to quickly book a hotel now in Edinburgh and one more in Glasgow before we hop back on the plane at the end of our jaunt. So, any advice for a cool non-chainy hotel to stay in Edinburgh? One that we can just walk out of and see what needs to be seen. And we would appreciate the same advice for Glasgow. We'll be taking trains between all points unless someone can tell us a better way to go. Thanks ahead of time for any help you can offer.

posted by lpsguy to Travel & Transportation around Scotland (4 answers total)

The best way of tackling the West Highland way will depend on your preferences and fitness; I don't think there is a catch all solution. If it were up to me then I would try to do some planning so as to minimise the amount I was carrying: if you are planning to camp then that might mean making use of one of the baggage carrying services which can take most of your stuff from one site to another each day. If you are staying anywhere else - then make sure that your accommodation is booked - options are more limited north of Tyndrum and the route is popular. You will probably enjoy yourself more if you allow more time to complete the journey - that will permit you to take some detours and generally relax a little more. You will find many source advice that tell you to be aware of midges - they persist in abundance even in September - and to equip yourself for temperatures which can range from freezing to 30 degree sun. The West Highland line to Tyndrum - and then returning from Fort William to Glasgow - is a great way of getting in and out.
posted by rongorongo at 7:09 AM on August 11, 2017

I've shared some thoughts on the WHW before here., as have others.
posted by sagwalla at 7:13 AM on August 11, 2017

We stayed in an AirBnb in Edinburgh and couldn't have been happier. Our hosts were amazing, we were a short walk (it was not in the center of town but close enough) from everything, and just had the best time. MeMail if you want the link - I just checked and it's still listed.
posted by DoubleLune at 7:24 AM on August 11, 2017

Glasgow City Centre isn't the most interesting for tourists. Check out Kelvingrove in the West End and have a wander around the West End. The Hunterian Art Gallery has a nice extension with a good Charles Rennie Mackintosh exhibition. Oran Mor top of Byres Road has a good selection of whisky and is non-tourist/tacky. Botanics opposite Oran Mor are always pleasant (full disclosure: I live next door & love spending rainy days there).
posted by kariebookish at 7:43 AM on August 11, 2017 [1 favorite]