Scotland Trip

[Stanton]

Robyn and I have wanted to go to Scotland for several years, so earlier this year, we made the decision to go.
Left on the 18th and flew to Newark, then on to Glasgow. Arrived on Thursday morning and headed on a one week counter-clockwise trip around the country. Saw the east coast and North Sea, the Cairngorms, Glen Coe and the Highlands.
Both Robyn and I can trace our family back to this beautiful country. So glad we went.
Saw a lot of large 4-wheel drive tractors, several John Deeres, usually pulling large trailers. Roads were narrow and locals drive like they know what they’re doing.
Would love to go back someday.

[Don McCombs]

Did you enjoy driving on the wrong side of the road?

[coppersmythe]

Robyn and I have wanted to go to Scotland for several years, so earlier this year, we made the decision to go.
Left on the 18th and flew to Newark, then on to Glasgow. Arrived on Thursday morning and headed on a one week counter-clockwise trip around the country. Saw the east coast and North Sea, the Cairngorms, Glen Coe and the Highlands.
Both Robyn and I can trace our family back to this beautiful country. So glad we went.
Saw a lot of large 4-wheel drive tractors, several John Deeres, usually pulling large trailers. Roads were narrow and locals drive like they know what they’re doing.
Would love to go back someday.

i can only imagine how much fun a trip like that is . we have dreamed and somewhat planned a trip to ireland , both sides of my wife's family are from there , and part of mine . how was the change in driving , there ? a little scary at first ? coppersmythe.................

[randallc]

Yeah, now that is a vacation.

[Stanton]

Did you enjoy driving on the wrong side of the road?

...how was the change in driving , there ? a little scary at first ? coppersmythe.................

Driving wasn't a big deal, other than almost hitting a car in the Avis parking lot as we were leaving the airport--not a big deal. Once out on the open road, it's much easier than in the cities/towns. Cars were parked right along the smaller city streets and in many cases, were overlapping onto the driving lanes. City streets weren't marked very good either. Our car had a navigation system with monitor screen that was very helpful. Their "M" system roadways are similar to our interstate systems; 4-lanes with interchange exits. I believe the Scots' biggest contribution to traveling by vehicle is the roundabout--wouldn't surprise me if they invented it. They're everywhere and of course, all go in a clockwise circle.

I understand that Ireland drives on the left side, same as the UK. It was helpful that they use MPH instead of kilometers/hour. So that didn't complicate it further. The biggest challenge were the tight corners combined with narrow driving lanes where there was a loch (lake) on one side with guardrail and a sheer rock wall on the other. Meeting a tour bus, large tractor or semi-truck was harrowing:

All in all, we didn't get into any wrecks and we kept our side view mirrors intact through the whole trip.

Would we do it again? You bet!

[coppersmythe]

thanks for the info , we will go soon , ( i guess extra auto insurance would be advisable ) . wow , too cool . coppersmythe...................

[Gary Dotson]

Looks like a great trip, thanks for sharing!

[Stanton]

Sorry I didn't include pics to begin with...

[Bob McCarty]

Sounds like you had a great trip. No photo of Nessie?

[Stanton]

Sounds like you had a great trip. No photo of Nessie?

Nope. She didn't make an appearance for us. Probably a good thing, since I had to focus on watching the road.

[coppersmythe]

Sounds like you had a great trip. No photo of Nessie?

WOW . imagine all that has been down that cobblestone road through the centuries !! thank you for the photos , an experience not soon forgotten . val.......................PS: i've heard that a trip to the local pub is required before nessie will make an appearance .

[Stanton]

...PS: i've heard that a trip to the local pub is required before nessie will make an appearance .

Val, that may go a long way to seeing her and many other unexplainable phenomenon (gnomes, fairies, trolls, etc.).

[Into Tractors]

Happy you were able to visit there. Was lucky to be stationed in the UK and was able to visit that area often, and see the castle Duncanson, pretty much ruins, where my family come from.