Scotland June trip

domtheone

Being a Scotch cat myself I may be able to offer some pointers.

June is a great choice. Statistically less chance of rain in an already high rain area i.e the west, where you're planning to go. Lower tourist numbers than in July-Aug ( afaik )

I like the earlier suggestions for powered ways to get up high !

May I suggest working in the Jacobite steam railway, which is arguably one of the world's best scenic , heritage railway journeys. It runs from Fort William to Mallaig. It is also known for being the famous "Harry Potter" train.

Steam train trips in Scotland, Yorkshire and across the UK – Online Booking Now Available - operated by West Coast Railways

You can see it operating on Youtube, from without and within. Remember to get it booked in advance !

As far as cities go, Edinburgh is the only one which merits a lot of time and I suspect that for you this is a western trip only and besides, Edinburgh makes a great stand alone trip of its own for another time. Glasgow in the west seems pointless to me, unless you're really into museums, art and things like that and want to do that sort of thing on this trip. The one city in the west I'd recommend to have fun with, is Stirling. What for ? The excellent castle, the Wallace Tower ( a must ) and the Bannockburn centre, which displays well the story of the wars involving Edward ( Hammer of the Scots ) and his lesser son, up against the Scots, with Robert the Bruce and William Wallace. If you're into the whole Braveheart thing, Stirling is a great one day place to visit.

I don't know where exactly you'll be driving, but I'd like to confirm for you, that in general, west is best. You're coming to the right area ! And islands - yes. Skye is a good one. Mull is another beautiful one and would make a great stand alone outdoors trip another time ( either island ).

For future reference, use of the overnight sleeper train is a good option if not driving, or even driving if you hire a car locally. Sleeper destinations are Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen - and of greater tourist relevance for those seeking the best scenery, Inverness and Fortwilliam. From 2018 they are getting a new set of rolling stock.

Caledonian Sleeper - London to Scotland by sleeper train

Check out the experience on Youtube.

MaineRoad00

Get yourself one of those midge face mask things.  Or at the very least some skin protection.

Went hiking around Glencoe last June and was practically eaten to death by the midges up there.

I should caveat that by saying we were generally in midge territory.  Forest car parks etc.  Bit of breeze and away from water etc and it was much better.

MaineRoad00

Hi all,

Thanks for all the suggestions

Our time in Scotland is coming to an end and we're on the road back home tomorrow morning, via a detour through Girvan to pick something up for the mother.

It's been amazing, we stayed in Fort William, did Isle of skye on  Tuesday, hiked the mountains and walked to the top of the fairy pools. Had an amazing burger in Portree.

Wednesday we went up the gondolas to aonach mor and did the hikes to see Ben nevis

Came to Aviemore Wednesday afternoon, stopped off at the Highland wildlife park which was great, saw the amur tigers trying fed.

Got to the glamping pods, amazing.

Cairngorns is a site to behold too and Loch an eilein is beautiful

Last night relaxing in the pod then home