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London to Scotland / Scotland in general

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London to Scotland / Scotland in general

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Old Oct 2nd 2006, 3:15 pm
  #16  
Dan Stephenson
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Default Re: London to Scotland / Scotland in general

On 2006-10-02 03:17:32 -0500, [email protected]
(David Horne, _the_ chancellor of the royal duchy of city south and
deansgate) said:

    >> It depends on what you want to see. Some castles are hard to reach
    >> by bus or train (Castle Campbell, Tantallon, Crichton), or the bus
    >> doesn't stop while going past them (Eilean Donan, Urquhart Castle),
    >> but a lot are accessible on foot from towns.

Tantallon is cool.

Has anyone else been to Fast Castle? It's somewhat near to Tantallon.

There is little left of the castle, but its situation on a tiny
promontory over the ocean is just about the most spectacular thing I've
ever seen. It is very remote, a mile or two along the coast from the
car park at the end of the tiny dirt track.
--
Dan Stephenson
Photos, movies, panos from the Europe, USA, plus N.Z.:
http://homepage.mac.com/stepheda

(remove nospam from email address to reply via email)
 
Old Oct 2nd 2006, 8:39 pm
  #17  
Mike Reid
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Default Re: London to Scotland / Scotland in general

On Sat, 30 Sep 2006 00:37:37 +0100,
[email protected] (David Horne, _the_ chancellor of
the royal duchy of city south and deansgate) wrote:

    >I was going to suggest a similar itinerary- stop somewhere in the Lake
    >District then stay in Stirling. Though the OP seems to want quieter
    >spots, Stirling is also ideally situated for daytrips to Edinburgh or
    >Glasgow, as it's a fast journey on the train. Car doesn't take long
    >either, but train would be best for that journey.

he wants to go hiking, David! Not the big cities! I wouldn't stop in
the ELD, it will just be a frustration, not time to do anything and
you will lose an hour each way on the A66 to Mesick, three hours if
you want to rubberneck along the internal roads.
The west coast is the place, Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor and Glencoe,
then Skye and the west coast.
--
Mike Reid
I will agree bendybuses are a good idea when they build bungalows on Mayfair
Walk-eat-photos UK "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Walk-eat-photos Spain "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk"
 
Old Oct 2nd 2006, 8:39 pm
  #18  
Mike Reid
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Default Re: London to Scotland / Scotland in general

On 29 Sep 2006 15:25:18 -0700, [email protected] wrote:

On breaking the journey I usually just go for it and drive through,
especially if you have two drivers, if not just use the travel lodge
south of Glasgow. Fort William is the upper limit on a single stage,
even for a nutter like me.

    >Where should we base ourselves in Scotland? We'd like to get a B&B
    >somewhere and take day trips.
    >We like hikes, castles, lakes, scenery....

I wouldn't have one base, otherwise you will spend all your time
driving to start of walks etc. There's lots of accommodation in Fort
William or you could stay at the Clachaig in Glencoe unless you name
is Campbell. Skye is another good place to spend a couple of days, in
fact Fort William/Glencoe and Skye will fill you week without
venturing further north or east.
--
Mike Reid
I will agree bendybuses are a good idea when they build bungalows on Mayfair
Walk-eat-photos UK "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Walk-eat-photos Spain "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk"
 
Old Oct 2nd 2006, 8:39 pm
  #19  
Mike Reid
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Posts: n/a
Default Re: London to Scotland / Scotland in general

On Sat, 30 Sep 2006 23:01:31 +0100, Jack Campin - bogus address
<[email protected]> wrote:

    >I'm not clear why you want a car at all, let alone using one to get up
    >from London.

because its the best way to see western Scotland!
--
Mike Reid
I will agree bendybuses are a good idea when they build bungalows on Mayfair
Walk-eat-photos UK "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Walk-eat-photos Spain "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk"
 
Old Oct 2nd 2006, 8:53 pm
  #20  
David Horne
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Default Re: London to Scotland / Scotland in general

Mike Reid <[email protected]> wrote:

    > On Sat, 30 Sep 2006 00:37:37 +0100,
    > [email protected] (David Horne, _the_ chancellor of
    > the royal duchy of city south and deansgate) wrote:
    >
    > >I was going to suggest a similar itinerary- stop somewhere in the Lake
    > >District then stay in Stirling. Though the OP seems to want quieter
    > >spots, Stirling is also ideally situated for daytrips to Edinburgh or
    > >Glasgow, as it's a fast journey on the train. Car doesn't take long
    > >either, but train would be best for that journey.
    >
    > he wants to go hiking, David! Not the big cities!

There are plenty of places to go hiking near Stirling.

--
David Horne- http://www.davidhorne.net
usenet (at) davidhorne (dot) co (dot) uk
http://www.davidhorne.net/pictures.html http://soundjunction.org
 
Old Oct 2nd 2006, 8:55 pm
  #21  
David Horne
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Default Re: London to Scotland / Scotland in general

Mike Reid <[email protected]> wrote:

    > On Sat, 30 Sep 2006 23:01:31 +0100, Jack Campin - bogus address
    > <[email protected]> wrote:
    >
    > >I'm not clear why you want a car at all, let alone using one to get up
    > >from London.
    >
    > because its the best way to see western Scotland!

There are vast stretches of Scotland (and not just cities) which are not
just accessible, but perfectly practical by PT- which indeed is favoured
by many hikers to the area.

--
David Horne- http://www.davidhorne.net
usenet (at) davidhorne (dot) co (dot) uk
http://www.davidhorne.net/pictures.html http://soundjunction.org
 
Old Oct 2nd 2006, 9:01 pm
  #22  
Mike Reid
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Default Re: London to Scotland / Scotland in general

On 1 Oct 2006 06:03:30 -0700, [email protected] wrote:

    >Do you really think it'll be better to just take the train rather than
    >rent a car & drive? I was concerned about having places we'd want to
    >go to that wouldn't be reachable by public transport;

exactly.
--
Mike Reid
I will agree bendybuses are a good idea when they build bungalows on Mayfair
Walk-eat-photos UK "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Walk-eat-photos Spain "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk"
 
Old Oct 2nd 2006, 9:01 pm
  #23  
Mike Reid
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Posts: n/a
Default Re: London to Scotland / Scotland in general

On Sun, 01 Oct 2006 23:40:36 GMT, Dan Stephenson
<[email protected]> wrote:

    >If I were you and planned to only spent time in Edinburgh and Glasgow,
    >I would take the train. If I wanted to see anything out in the
    >countryside, a car is the only practicable option.

this is a fact. The glories of the Scottish Highlands are generally
away from practical public transport routes and the OP will want to
turn off to explore, take photos, go for a walk....
--
Mike Reid
I will agree bendybuses are a good idea when they build bungalows on Mayfair
Walk-eat-photos UK "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Walk-eat-photos Spain "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk"
 
Old Oct 2nd 2006, 9:04 pm
  #24  
David Horne
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Default Re: London to Scotland / Scotland in general

Mike Reid <[email protected]> wrote:

    > On Sun, 01 Oct 2006 23:40:36 GMT, Dan Stephenson
    > <[email protected]> wrote:
    >
    > >If I were you and planned to only spent time in Edinburgh and Glasgow,
    > >I would take the train. If I wanted to see anything out in the
    > >countryside, a car is the only practicable option.
    >
    > this is a fact.

No, it's bollocks actually, but as you have no doubt never relied on PT
in Scottish countryside, you wouldn't know.

--
David Horne- http://www.davidhorne.net
usenet (at) davidhorne (dot) co (dot) uk
http://www.davidhorne.net/pictures.html http://soundjunction.org
 
Old Oct 2nd 2006, 9:59 pm
  #25  
Mike Reid
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Posts: n/a
Default Re: London to Scotland / Scotland in general

On Tue, 3 Oct 2006 09:55:39 +0100,
[email protected] (David Horne, _the_ chancellor of
the royal duchy of city south and deansgate) wrote:

    >> because its the best way to see western Scotland!
    >There are vast stretches of Scotland (and not just cities) which are not
    >just accessible, but perfectly practical by PT- which indeed is favoured
    >by many hikers to the area.

the vast majority wanting to climb the Scottish hills favour cars
because its the practical way, the vast majority of hill starting
points are not at all well served, if at all, by public transport. Its
quite often *possible* by public transport but *much* harder and
considerably more inconvenient. The few people who have completed the
Munros using public transport only (or entirely on foot) have been
applauded for thier tenacity, determination and fitness, thats how
much harder it is.
Even the South Cluaine ridge, which has a main road beside it, is the
constant scene of tired completists thumbing lifts from cars and
lorries back to the start.
--
Mike Reid
I will agree bendybuses are a good idea when they build bungalows on Mayfair
Walk-eat-photos UK "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Walk-eat-photos Spain "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk"
 
Old Oct 2nd 2006, 9:59 pm
  #26  
Mike Reid
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Posts: n/a
Default Re: London to Scotland / Scotland in general

On Tue, 3 Oct 2006 09:53:26 +0100,
[email protected] (David Horne, _the_ chancellor of
the royal duchy of city south and deansgate) wrote:

    >> he wants to go hiking, David! Not the big cities!
    >There are plenty of places to go hiking near Stirling.

I can go for a walk here in London but the best walks are in sparsely
populated areas (which are the best walking) you need a car, its a no
contest.
--
Mike Reid
I will agree bendybuses are a good idea when they build bungalows on Mayfair
Walk-eat-photos UK "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Walk-eat-photos Spain "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk"
 
Old Oct 2nd 2006, 10:56 pm
  #27  
David Horne
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Default Re: London to Scotland / Scotland in general

Mike Reid <[email protected]> wrote:

    > On Tue, 3 Oct 2006 09:53:26 +0100,
    > [email protected] (David Horne, _the_ chancellor of
    > the royal duchy of city south and deansgate) wrote:
    >
    > >> he wants to go hiking, David! Not the big cities!
    > >
    > >There are plenty of places to go hiking near Stirling.
    >
    > I can go for a walk here in London but the best walks are in sparsely
    > populated areas (which are the best walking) you need a car, its a no
    > contest.

The Ochils are excellent hiking, and they're reachable by bus from
Stirling. You don't know what you're talking about.

--
David Horne- http://www.davidhorne.net
usenet (at) davidhorne (dot) co (dot) uk
http://www.davidhorne.net/pictures.html http://soundjunction.org
 
Old Oct 2nd 2006, 11:21 pm
  #28  
Neil Williams
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Posts: n/a
Default Re: London to Scotland / Scotland in general

Mike Reid wrote:

    > I can go for a walk here in London but the best walks are in sparsely
    > populated areas (which are the best walking) you need a car, its a no
    > contest.

It does help, but you can get to some wonderfully isolated places by
train, especially on the Far North and Kyle lines, but make sure you
don't miss the train as it'll be a long wait.

Altnabreac, a few stops from Wick, is probably the most bleak and
isolated place I've been, especially in the middle of winter as it
was...

Neil
 
Old Oct 3rd 2006, 12:29 am
  #29  
Mike Reid
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Posts: n/a
Default Re: London to Scotland / Scotland in general

On Tue, 3 Oct 2006 11:56:48 +0100,
[email protected] (David Horne, _the_ chancellor of
the royal duchy of city south and deansgate) wrote:

    >> I can go for a walk here in London but the best walks are in sparsely
    >> populated areas (which are the best walking) you need a car, its a no
    >> contest.
    >The Ochils are excellent hiking, and they're reachable by bus from
    >Stirling. You don't know what you're talking about.

Walking in the hills is my specialist subject. The Ochils are second
or third grade hills. If you want to miss all the best hills and just
do the ones near towns reachable by bus, fine. If you must use PT you
can probably lose a day of the trip and get to (say) Glencoe or the
Cluanie and stay there, but even then you will have some massive walk
ins to the individual hills. Probably more than is possible for non
"hard men of the hills".

Take the example of Teide, theres three ways of getting there. A bus,
which IIRC runs a couple of times a day at "social" times, a tourist
coach, which runs "civilised" hours too, or a car. Only the car will
get you on the hill an hour before dawn, which is where you need to
be. (A wild camp would be a way round it but isnt allowed). so
forgetting the camping ban, its three days of roughing it and leave a
tent somewhere to be stolen, or use a car. You could stay at the
parador and add something like six miles or so to your day, a bit
daunting with over 4000 feet to climb (at altitude). We were just
about finished without the extra.
Its a no contest.
--
Mike Reid
I will agree bendybuses are a good idea when they build bungalows on Mayfair
Walk-eat-photos UK "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Walk-eat-photos Spain "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk"
 
Old Oct 3rd 2006, 12:29 am
  #30  
Mike Reid
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Posts: n/a
Default Re: London to Scotland / Scotland in general

On Tue, 3 Oct 2006 10:04:13 +0100,
[email protected] (David Horne, _the_ chancellor of
the royal duchy of city south and deansgate) wrote:

    >> >If I were you and planned to only spent time in Edinburgh and Glasgow,
    >> >I would take the train. If I wanted to see anything out in the
    >> >countryside, a car is the only practicable option.
    >>
    >> this is a fact.
    >No, it's bollocks actually, but as you have no doubt never relied on PT
    >in Scottish countryside, you wouldn't know.

I certainly haven't! But I'm a hillwalker with a fair number of Munros
under my belt, I know where the starts of the hill walks are and
theres usually no bus stops around, let alone buses, in the Highlands.
I'm also a photographer and I know you cant get the bus to stop and
wait where you want to go off and take a photograph. And the bus
doesnt usually go off down the single track with passing places side
roads that are the best ones for views.
No contest.
--
Mike Reid
I will agree bendybuses are a good idea when they build bungalows on Mayfair
Walk-eat-photos UK "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Walk-eat-photos Spain "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk"
 


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