Subject: Trip to Scotland

Good morning,
during the Easter holidays, I'll probably make trip to Scotland with a friend of mine. We're planning to do all by ourselves (so no travelling agency). Anyway, we're planning for a 1 week stay (might be some days more or less). The best way to see the nice sides of a place is always by asking the local people, so that's why I'm here.
Some things you should know first though:
- we do not plan to stay on 1 place, so we can do some travelling in Scotland itself
- we're students (21 and 22 yo), so we cant afford too expensive stuff, unless it's really a must have seen thing.
- we're mostly interested in nature and culture (local life, history, folklore, ...)
- we both have a driving license, but we're not that keen on driving on the left side of the road, so we'll mainly use plain (to get there), train and bus.

So, shoot your suggestions: what cities to visit, what countrysides, any special events during that period, ... :)

For nature and scenery do the west highland way, it is cheap, very be Beautiful and you will meet some cool people on your way. Easter is a good time to do it as there are very little midges and it will be warm enough to camp.

For culture just hang around the pubs in Glasgow or Edinburgh...

About the camping, we're not sure whether to use camping sites or stay in youth hostels (Assuming there are some of the latter). About the pub, we were planning to spend some evenings in a pub :)

Thx for the West Highland help, will have a loot at the web about it :)

For history then Edinburgh would be as good a starting point as any.

http://www.stuckonscotland.co.uk/edinburgh/old-town.html

Also, at Easter you could climb Arthurs Seat and roll your eggs :)

You will find Youth Hostels about.

Defo Highlands for scenary and Edinburgh for History/Culture.

If your spening most time in Highlands check out Inverness, Fort William or Fort Augustus for youth hostels. IMO these are best locations to head off from. I would recommend car hire if you want to travel to remote places. As buses can be every other day or on as required basis.

Don't go to John 'o' Groats. Its a waste of time. Unless you really love driving up crazy ridicolous can't believe they managed to build this road up this cliff, hill etc. Also this and other roads are liable for closing in bad weather conditions, so if there is doubt check road is open first before traveling. Local info places will help you out there.

Definite take a trip to Loch Ness, and get on a boat if you can, Its Awe-inspiring. You may want to nail a few Englishmen afterwards, so be careful...

If you visit Aberdeen I'll get the first drink in...
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With that last line, Sokker Scotland has just gone into shock! :)


I visited Fort William as a nipper and a lasting memory i have is of a waterfall which i stood in/behind, it was brilliant watching the water come down right in front of my face. About 10 miles outside of FW iirc.

>Don't go to John 'o' Groats. Its a waste of time. Unless you really love driving up crazy ridicolous can't believe they managed to build this road up this cliff, hill etc. Also this and other roads are liable for closing in bad weather conditions, so if there is doubt check road is open first before traveling. Local info places will help you out there.

The drive to John O'Groats is fantastic, especially if you go the long, long way round - up the west coast and along the top. Plus, once you get there you're only a short boat-trip away from the Orkneys, and that's definitely a place worth visiting if you're into history, archaeology and drinking.

Oh, and the roads up here never close for bad weather at Easter time. What do you think this place is - the Frozen Northern Tundras or something? ;)
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about the car renting: what age do you have to be to be allowed to rent a car? I know that for some reason this is not the same everywhere. Some countries only let people rent cars if they are aged 25 or older. So what's the age for car renting in Scotland? :p

i honestly dont know but dont see why they wont rent to a 17yr old just the insurance would be quite high.

and for a 22 yo? ,)

22yr olds are fine mate. Although unfortunately for you 22yr old Mods of sokker get victimised and quite right so in my opinion :D

I think it would depend on the company.

21 & 23 seem to spring to mind as common cut offs. And 21-25 might be more expensive than 25+.

You might be cheaper buying an old reliable used car!

Sure you could pick up a decent vehicle for £100 - £300. You'd have insurance on top of that. But thats a lot of hassle I suppose.

I'll travel incognito and as an extra security check, I'll let my friend sign all the stuff ^^

I just done a quick search of Avis..

All other optional equipment and services (eg special equipment, additional drivers, optional insurances, fuel, additional days) will incur additional charges, which you must pay directly to the Local Supplier either when you pick up or return your vehicle. Additional charges may also be made by the Local Supplier when you pick up your vehicle if you are under the age of 25.

http://www.avis.co.uk/AboutAvis/Booking-Conditions

bastards!
edit: yet it's better than take my own car :p
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