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An August 2005 trip to Scotland by txgolferguy Best of IgoUgo

Urquhart CastleMore Photos

Every true golfer at some point in their life must play in the country where it all started. However, you surely don't want to leave out any of the other great reasons to visit Scotland.

  • 20 reviews
  • 4 stories/tips
  • 79 photos

Glenderran Guest HouseBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

Glenderran House
Glenderran House was a joy to stay at. Ray and Maggie made us feel at home immediately upon our arrival. There was limited parking, due the carnival that was in town. Ray immediately jumped in the car with me and directed me to a place where he knew I could park the car. He was amazed that, as an American, I had been driving around Scotland all week and still had my wing mirrors intact.

Located just two blocks away from the St. Andrews Golf Courses, Glenderran House is convenient to both golf and shopping. Our stay was very enjoyable. We stayed in a recently renovated double room, which we thought was very charming (pictures of the room are attached). The bed was very comfortable, and there was plenty of room for the two of us to navigate around. The bathroom was recently updated as well, and contained all of the modern conveniences.

Ray did a masterful job of serving breakfast, while Maggie cooked up a great assortment of tasty dishes. I must say that the breakfasts were very filling and made for a great way to start the day. The dining room where the breakfast is served had more than adequate space, so you never felt crowded. We always sat by the window, which had a nice view of the street out in front.

I can't say enough about how friendly and helpful both Ray and Maggie were during our stay. We would definitely stay there on a return visit.

For more information on the Glenderran Guest House URL: http://www.glenderran.com/
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by txgolferguy on June 7, 2006

Glenderran Guest House
9 Murray Park St. Andrews, Scotland
+44 (1334) 477 951

Trafford Bank Guest HouseBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

Trafford Bank House B&B in Inverness
Inverness is a loaded with picturesque bed and breakfast inns. Trafford Bank House is about seven blocks from the town, on Fairfield Road. Trafford bank has five rooms, each one of them rather large. We stayed in the Floral room (see attached pictures). It was beautiful and faced the front lawn. The bathroom overlooked the garden.

The owners were very helpful during our stay, including obtaining our restaurant reservations. There was adequate parking for all of the guests on the property. The garden area made a great place to relax. The living room was nicely appointed, and the greenhouse where breakfast is served allowed views of the garden as well.

The breakfast was tasty and included sizable portions. The service was relaxed, but well timed. Coffee and tea were served, as was customary throughout Scotland, in individually portioned presses. My wife enjoyed pressed coffee and tea so much that she immediately brought one upon our return home.

For more information please go to the Trafford Bank Guest House URL: http://www.traffordbankguesthouse.co.uk/index.htm
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by txgolferguy on June 7, 2006

Trafford Bank Guest House
96 Fairfield Road Inverness, Scotland IV35LL
+44 (0)1463 241414

Fairmont St AndrewsBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "St. Andrews Bay Resort & Spa"

St. Andrews Bay Resort
St. Andrews Bay Resort & Spa is located just a few miles south of the town of St. Andrews on St. Andrews Bay. The resort is set far from the main road on a large piece of property. The resort also includes two great championship golf courses.

The resort is well equipped to handle all of your needs—from fine dining, a nice bar area, large lobby for relaxing or catching a snack, or the spa facilities. The guest rooms are huge, with views of either the bay or the surrounding grounds. The guest rooms are luxurious and the bathrooms are large. The heated floor in the bathroom was a nice touch, in addition to the heated towel rack.

If you are looking for the best and want to be pampered, St. Andrews Bay Resort & Spa is the place.

For more information about the St. Andrews Bay Resort & Spa please go to the URL: http://www.standrewsbay.com/hotel/index.html
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by txgolferguy on June 7, 2006

Fairmont St Andrews
St. Andrews, Scotland KY16 8PN
+441334 837000

Dunvegan's Hotel/Restaurant/PubBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Dunvegan's Tavern
If you don't stop in at Dunvegan's and have a pint, or try another new single malt scotch, you missed a real treat. This is by far St. Andrews' best watering hole. Every major golfer is friends with the owners. The pub is lined with the photos of the owners and golf's greats. This time I tried Lagavulin, a single malt scotch from the island of Islay. With its peaty aroma it has a very distinctive taste. Laphroaig is another single malt scotch from the same island, all with the peaty aroma. It doesn't get any better sipping on one of these tasty treats and smoking a stogie outside on the patio watching folks go by (absolutely no smoking inside though).

While Dunvegan's may be better known as the best pub in St. Andrews, it has great food as well. While I have noted that reservations are recommended, a reservation is required if you don't want to be left out. The steaks were awesome, and so were the side dishes, and desserts. Dunvegan's also plays host as a bed-and-breakfast.

Dunvegan's is conveniently located at the corner of North Street and Golf Place Road, only a block from the St. Andrews Old Course.

For more information, check out the website:
www.dunvegan-hotel.com/
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by txgolferguy on June 7, 2006

Dunvegan's Hotel/Restaurant/Pub
7 Pilmour Place St. Andrews, Scotland
+44 (1334) 473-105

The Oak RoomBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Oak Room
The Oak Room is one of the better restaurants in St. Andrews that is moderately priced. Both the food and service is good. There is a separate bar area with sitting for about 20 folks. In the dining room there are about a dozen tables. The decor is simple buy cozy.

Conveniently located on North Street it is easily accessible from anywhere in town. An interesting point is that while the food is good, we did not need a reservation to get in, which was requirement to get into any of the other good restaurants in St. Andrews.

While at the Oak Room we were introduced to a Spanish wine. It was modestly priced, and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by txgolferguy on June 8, 2006

The Oak Room
127 North Street St. Andrews, Scotland

Riva Ristorante ItalianoBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Riva Restaurant"

Riva, an Italian restaurant in Inverness
Located across the River Ness from the Inverness Castle, Riva was conveniently located near our bed and breakfast and all of the other major sites in Inverness. We really enjoyed this restaurant. The food was great, but the service was a little slow. The wait staff was working hard, so I am not sure if the issue was that they were shorthanded or experiencing more customers than normal. The restaurant was packed, and we made reservations earlier in the day.

The restaurant is relatively small, and is definitely one of the better restaurants in town. They have some excellent dishes and a good wine selection.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by txgolferguy on June 9, 2006

Riva Ristorante Italiano
4-6 Ness Walk Inverness, Scotland IV3 5NE
+44 (1463) 237377

Carnoustie Golf LinksBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Carnoustie Golf Links - Championship Course"

Carnoustie Golf Course
Golf has been played over the links at Carnoustie since the 1500s but the present course came into being in 1850 when it was designed by Alan Robertson of St. Andrews. Some 20 years later the legendary Old Tom Morris improved and extended the course to 18 holes and in 1926 the famous architect James Braid redesigned the Championship course extensively.

Golfing at Carnoustie is a true test of your golf skills. Carnoustie is a relatively short drive from St. Andrews, where we were staying. The golf course is easy to find in the town of Carnoustie. There are well marked signs providing directions on how to get to the golf course.

To arrange tee times, it is best to contact the pro shop via the Internet. They do allow singles to sign up for a tee time. They will mail you all of the necessary documents you will need once you show up at the course. I would recommend securing a tee well in advance of your travel date.

I would highly recommend obtaining a caddie. The caddie will provide all of the pointers you need to have an enjoyable round. Remember you did not come all this way to play badly. The caddie master will arrange a caddie for you. You will pay the caddie directly the standard, fee plus any tip, usually an amount equal to the standard fee at the end of the round.

The course is a fair test of your skills. As you may be aware it is critical to stay out of the bunkers. Also, the greens, as they all are in Scotland, are hard as rock and very few shots to the green will hold. It is a must that you roll the shot up to the green.

One of the highlights of the round for me was going into the Barry Burn, which is the same one that Jean van de Velde found himself in during the 1999 British Open. However, in my case I did not venture into the water. In the attached photo you will see me sitting on the side of the burn where he craved his name into the concrete.

You can check out more information about Carnoustie golf course at: www.carnoustiegolflinks.co.uk/aspnet/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=0&tabid=1

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by txgolferguy on June 1, 2006

Carnoustie Golf Links
Carnoustie DD7 7JF
+44 (0)1241 802270

Glenfiddich DistilleryBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Glenfiddich Distillery
As soon as you step out of your car in the parking lot of the distillery, you can smell the wonderful odor of single malt whisky. Also, you can tell right away that Located in Dufftown on Scotland's famed Whisky Trail, Glenfiddich is serious about the way they conduct their tours. There are special facilities set up for this very reason. The tour starts with a short movie about the history of Glenfiddich. Glenfiddich, Gaelic for "Valley of the Deer," is one of the oldest distilleries still in existence.

The folks at Glenfiddich do an awesome job of spending time with you during the tour to ensure they answer every question you may have. And, you get to see every step of the process. Glenfiddich is one of the only distilleries who bottle their own whisky. So, you are ensured of seeing the entire process that is involved in making whisky. Each tour group included about 12 to 15 folks. The tour is about 30 to 40 minutes long, and tours are starting on a frequent basis.

My favorite part or the tour was at the end, when it was time to partake in a sampling. Additionally, you are welcome to go to the gift shop where you can purchase a wide variety of branded merchandise. My favorite purchase were the branded Glenfiddich glasses that allow you to get the full aroma of the whisky.

There are easy to follow signs, taking you to the distillery once you arrive in Dufftown. There is ample parking as well.

Weekdays: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Saturday: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Sunday: noon to 4:30pm

For more information go to:
uk.glenfiddich.com/world/distillery/index.html
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by txgolferguy on June 1, 2006

Glenfiddich Distillery
Dufftown Dufftown, Scotland AB55 4DH

St. Andrews Links - The Old CourseBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

St. Andrew Golf Course
Where else can you play on one of the best courses in the world? Also, where else can you simply cross a public street, within a town, and be standing in front of the 1st hole tee box or the 18th hole green?

I would highly recommend obtaining a caddie. The caddie will provide all of the pointers you need, to have an enjoyable round. Remember you did not come all this way to play badly. The caddie master will arrange a caddie for you. You will pay the caddie directly the standard fee plus any tip, usually an amount equal to the standard fee at the end of the round.

The course is a fair test of your skills. As you may be aware it is critical to stay out of the bunkers. Also, the greens, as they all are in Scotland, are hard as rock and very few shots to the green will hold. It is a must that you roll the shot up to the green.

Securing a tee time is next to impossible on your own. It is best to acquire one through a tour company. The alternative is participating in the lottery the day before, for groups of two or more. The single golfer, you must get up early the day you want to play and get on the wait list. The starter, located next to the 1st tee box keeps the wait list.

If you are not lucky enough to get a tee time to play the Old Course though, there are five other courses to play, as well as a putt-putt course for the children. Additionally, there is a well stocked Pro Shop with all the memorabilia that you may want. I was not initially aware that St. Andrews is a publicly owned facility, and has its own Pro Shop. Additionally, there is a gift shop near the 1st tee of the Old Course close to Scores Road.

You may also check out the St. Andrews website: www.linksnet.co.uk
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by txgolferguy on June 7, 2006

St. Andrews Links - The Old Course
Pilmour House St. Andrews, Scotland
+44 (1334) 466666

Glenalbyn TavernBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Glenalbyn Tavern in Inverness
Glenalbyn Tavern is a good example of a true Scottish pub. The pub was loaded with locals just after the end of the work day. Most of the clientele were business professionals, but there appeared to be a few tourists as well. It is also a great place to catch a nightcap after dining at the Riva restaurant just across the street on Ness Walk.

I chose to try another single malt scotch. This time I chose one of Scotland's more popular ones, Glenmorangie, which is made just north of Inverness in the town of Tain. You should definitely stop in and try one as well.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by txgolferguy on June 7, 2006

Stirling CastleBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Stirling Castle
While we were too late to join a tour to go through the castle, it was probably the one we should not have missed. If anything, though, the view from on top of the hill, where the castle is located, is awesome (see attached photos). Stirling Castle would definitely meet those childhood visions you conjured up of what a castle was really like, immense and sitting on top of a hill. I will make sure I don't miss it on my return trip.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by txgolferguy on June 7, 2006

Stirling Castle
Stirling Old Town Stirling, Scotland
+44 (1786) 450-000

William Wallace MonumentBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

William Wallace monument near Stirling
The William Wallace monument is located atop a hill outside of Stirling. At the base of the hill lies the William Wallace museum and another monument in the likeness of Mel Gibson, who made William Wallace famous the world over through his role in the 1995 movie "Braveheart." William Wallace and Robert the Bruce are Scotland's most notable military heroes.

To go to the monument you will walk up a pretty steep small road. A small bus is available for those of you who may be physically handicapped, or too tired to make the hike up.

Once atop the hill, you will encounter some great views of the surrounding countryside, including Stirling Castle sitting atop another hill in the distance.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by txgolferguy on June 7, 2006

Nairn Golf Club—Championship CourseBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Nairn Golf Course club house
The Championship Course at Nairn Golf Club has been the site of many qualifying golf tournaments. The course is set along the Moray Firth, and includes mostly gently rolling terrain, but does have a couple of holes leading uphill and downhill. I found the course challenging and well worth the reasonable green fee.

As usual with Scottish golf links, the fairways are hard and so are the greens. It seems your drive goes forever. However, be careful to ensure you roll your ball up to the green, because a ball hit to the green does not stick. There is the occasional pot-hole bunker in the fairway that requires going out sideways or backwards.

A caddie is not essential here since the course is fairly flat, and it is "what you see is what you get." A driving range is available near by where you may warm up some, as well as a practice putting green. Nairn does have a second course, the nine-hole Newton Course. But by my survey, I think I would take a pass on it.

Nairn is easily accessible and only a short distance from Inverness, if you chose to stay there to be closer to other attractions.

For more information please go to the Nairn Golf Club website: http://mail6.bigmailbox.com/users/tongaonlinecom/ext_link_frameset.cgi?bframe=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Enairngolfclub%2Eco%2Euk
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by txgolferguy on June 7, 2006

Loch Lomond Park CentreBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Loch Lomond
On the A82 heading north outside of Glasgow, one of the first towns you come to is the town of Luss. Luss is a quaint town, and very scenic. It is located on Scotland's favorite loch, Loch Lomond. Loch Lomond was the subject of Sir Walter Scott's novel "Lady of the Lake."

Luss was our first stop after departing Glasgow airport on our way north to spend the night in Inverness. Luss is a small, quaint and very picturesque town. The dock, located nearby, extends into the lake where you get a great sense of tranquility. You also get a sense of a slower pace of life as you walk through the town. It is a great stop off point to relax or enjoy lunch at the Coach House Coffee Shop.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by txgolferguy on June 7, 2006

Loch Lomond Park Centre
Luss Glasgow, Scotland G83 8PA
+44 1436 860601

St. Andrews Bay Golf Resort & SpaBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "St. Andrews Bay Resort & Spa - Devlin Course"

St. Andrews Bay Resort Golf Course
The St. Andrews Bay Resort-Devlin course has the best views of St. Andrews bay of any other course in the vicinity. Additionally, you can see the entire town of St. Andrews as well. St. Andrews Bay Resort has another course, the Torrence course, but the views are not as cool. However, either course is a challenge and a joy to play for the golfer.

St. Andrews Bay Resort is located just a few miles south of the town of St. Andrews. The resort is located on a large expanse of property on the St. Andrews Bay. The Pro Shop is adequately supplied and a great restaurant occupies the same facility. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Since this course is fairly open, it is definitely a "what you see is what you get" course. Thus, a caddie is not essential. The green fees are reasonable, and there is a discount available for those staying at the resort. The dining facility has great food and some fantastic views of the bay.

This is one of the courses that allows golf carts. However, why take one when there is so much scenery to enjoy. The fairways are similar to those in the United States, very lush. But don't let that fool you about the conditions of the greens. They are all Scottish, hard and fast. Plus, these babies are undulated, a true test for any golfer.

I enjoyed the round very much, and it was made more enjoyable by the two German golfers I met up with on the back nine, one of which was a frequent visitor to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex near my hometown.

For more information check it out on the Web:
www.standrewsbay.com/golf/the_devlin.html
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by txgolferguy on June 7, 2006

St. Andrews Bay Golf Resort & Spa
St. Andrews Bay St. Andrews, Scotland KY16 8PN
+44 (1334) 837000

Urquhart Castle on Loch NessBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Urquhart Castle
Located next to Scotland's most famous lochs, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle is the quintessential medieval castle. There is adequate parking to visit the castle along the A82. The castle's visitor center is quite modern and contains many amenities that makes the visit enjoyable, including a well-stocked souvenir shop and restaurant.

Before you head off to view the castle though, make sure you become well acquainted with the model of the castle and view the short background film in the theatre, both of which are located in the visitor center.

There is a rather lengthily walk from the visitor center to the castle, so please be prepared if you need assistance. The walk back is actually more difficult since it is all uphill.

On the walk to the castle you will encounter a replicable of the gigantic catapults that were used in battle back in the day of the castle. While the castle is neatly perched on the loch, why they chose to defend a castle in such a bad spot makes no sense. As I mentioned earlier it is below a hill which would have provided a good view of the inside of the castle, plus makes the objects thrown from the catapults even more devastating.

The parts left standing of the castle are the outer walls and the tower where the king and queen's quarters were located. To enter the castle you cross a drawbridge. Immediately inside the castle you experience the castle jail. One of the amazing features of the castle are its three foot thick stone walls. The castle stood throughout a fair number of onslaughts and changed hands among defenders several times. What resulted in most of the damage to the castle was the detonation of powder kegs so that the opponents could not make use of the castle.

You will definitely want to make your way through the narrow passageways of the tower to see the views of loch. While still scenic today, it must have been a splendid sight when the castle was in its prime.

There are plenty of placards located throughout the castle that provide background and interesting facts. You should allow at least 2 hours to make your way through the visitor center and castle. The food at the visitor center is good and makes a great snack.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by txgolferguy on June 8, 2006

Bus Tour to Culloden BattlefieldBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Culloden Battlefield"

Culloden Battlefield near Inverness
As you approach the Culloden Battlefield you quickly get a sense of why the Scots chose to stand their ground at this location. Far outnumbered by the English forces in 1746, the Scottish clans fought valiantly, but lost the battle. There are numerous monuments marking the various fallen clans, which adds a rather haunting element to the visit. Additionally, there is a larger monument dedicated to all who fought in the battle. The Culloden Battlefield was the sight of the last major battle on British soil, and ended Scotland's fight for independence.

As you approach the battlefield a short distance from the visitor center, you immediately come upon where the English were stationed. It is a relatively flat stretch of land with a magnificent view of all of the surrounding countryside, except where the Scots were located. The Scots, led by their hero Bonnie Prince Charlie, were hunkered down below the ridge, in the trees, and in the more marshy area of the terrain. They hoped to use the difference in terrain to their advantage, but alas to no avail.

The visitor center contains quite a bit of memorabilia about the battle and events leading up to the battle. Plans for a new visitor center are in the works.

You should allow at least an hour to peruse the battlefield and visitor center upon your visit.

The following Web site can provide more information: www.culloden.org
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by txgolferguy on June 8, 2006

Bus Tour to Culloden Battlefield
Visitor's Information Shop Inverness, Scotland

Bannockburn National Heritage CentreBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Bannockburn Battlefield"

Battle of Bannockburn near Stirling
Bannockburn battlefield is the sight of one of Scotland's most famous battles. In 1314 King Robert The Bruce turned back the English forces and won the war, which resulted in peace between the two nations for over 30 years.

Other than the statute of Robert The Bruce there is not a lot to see on the battlefield. Additionally, the surrounding area unfortunately has been built upon, so it is not as scenic as say the Culloden Battlefield, which appears more remote and somewhat in its native environment.

The visitor center provides a good background about the battle.

For more information go to:
www.geo.ed.ac.uk/scotgaz/features/featurefirst1039.html
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by txgolferguy on June 8, 2006

Bannockburn National Heritage Centre
Route A9 Stirling, Scotland

Cawdor CastleBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Cawdor Castle near Inverness
Unfortunately, they do not allow photograph inside the castle. However, don't let that stop you from taking some wonderful photos of the the castle gardens. There is a long road to the parking lot, and a rather long walk to the ticket booth. From there, you walk through tall trees lining the road to the castle. The castle is accessed by a drawbridge. Once inside the castle you enter through a side door to begin the tour.

The castle has been increased in size over time, including the addition of a modern kitchen. Until recently, the castle was actually someone's home. There are plenty of great artifacts to see, and there are all appropriately described by either a audio tour or by simply reading the details conveniently located on a podium in each room. Cawdor castle is also the thought to be the subject of Shakespeare's Macbeth, as noted in his character, the Thane of Cawdor. Although, there is great controversy over this issue.

My favorite part of the castle tour was the original castle entrance. When originally constructed a guest was admitted to the castle by scaling the front wall and entering through a rather small opening.

As mentioned above, the gardens are quite beautiful (see attached pictures). There are three gardens, the Walled Garden, the Flower Garden, and the Wild Garden. The Walled Garden is the oldest and as the name suggests is surrounded by a stone wall. In the center of the Walled Garden is a huge manicured hedge with a maze-like design. The flower garden is very large and includes a wide assortment of flowers. I would have like to have spent more time in the flower garden, but the sky opened upon us and the rain drove us out.

I would suggest allowing at least 2 hours to go through the castle tour and spend time in the gardens. It was well worth the time spent.

Please see the following Web site for more information about the castle:
www.cawdorcastle.com/
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by txgolferguy on June 8, 2006

Cawdor Castle
Nairn IV12 5RD
+44 (1667) 404401

Inverness CastleBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Inverness Castle
Located in the city of Inverness, the Inverness Castle is located on a summit overlooking the town of Inverness. From the top of the hill you can get some great views to the west of the town and of the River Ness. The castle was built in 1835.

Inverness Castle is near the site of an older castle where it is rumoured that the murder of Duncan in Shakespear's Mabeth took place. It is now the houses the Sheriff's court. Near the rear of the castle is a statue of Flora MacDonald. Flora was made a heroine in Scotland for helping Bonnie Prince Charlie flee from the English after the Battle of Culloden in 1746.

For more information see:
www.castles.org/Chatelaine/INVERNES.HTM
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by txgolferguy on June 9, 2006

Inverness Castle
Inverness, Scotland

St. Andrews CathedralBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "St. Andrew Cathedral"

St. Andrews Cathedral
Located next to St. Andrews Bay, St. Andrews cathedral is a definite must see. While there is nothing but ruins left now, you get a definite sense of what a mighty structure it once was.

Conviently located at the end of North Street, the St. Andrews Cathedral has a storied past. Entry is free, and there are plenty of markers throughout the cathedral grounds providing background and interesting details.

The cathedral was built over several centuries, beginning in the 12th century. The differences in the architecture are visible from one end of the cathedral to the other. the massive stone bases for the once-present stone columns, and the 3-feet thick walls of the cathedral are most impressive.

For more information go to:
www.saint-andrews.co.uk/Tour/cathedral.htm
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by txgolferguy on June 9, 2006

St. Andrews Cathedral
St. Andrews, Scotland

Scotland Driving Tour - Part 1Best of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

The western highlands
A journal of Scotland would not be complete without discussing and showing the beautiful countryside as we made our way around from town to town.

During our week long vacation in Scotland our journey took us from Glasgow, north to Inverness, to the east to visit the Whisky Trail, and then south to St. Andrews. I generally don't drive when I visit the British Isles, but it is the only way to go if you want to take charge of your own itinerary. We did a great amount of planning for trip, using IgoUgo of course, and had created an itinerary that provided lots of flexibility should our plans change. The trip consisted of lots of sightseeing (as noted by the many reviews in this journal) and golfing, while my wife went shopping.

After about a half an hour on the road I got used to the driving on the other side of the road, and shifting backwards. It took me longer to get familiar with the roundabouts, primarily due to needing to check the signs as I am approaching the roundabout. At first, it the reaction time to view the myriad of alternatives was slow. However, by the end of the first day of driving my reaction time was improving. By the beginning of the second day I was comfortable with all of the changes and driving with reckless abandon as I do at home.

The major cities are connected by wide roads similar to the interstate system in the United States. However, most of the driving I did, and to connect to most parts of Scotland, is spent on narrow two-lane roads. It reminded me of being a small child traveling in my parents car in the 1950s in the United States. In addition to narrow winding roads, you occasionally came to a point where only one car could pass at the time. Additionally, in some places you just prayed that no one was going to pull out in front of you as you rounded a blind corner.

Another source of problems were the motorcycles, not that I have anything against motorcyclists (just the way these folks were riding). All along the A82 from Glasgow to Inverness I would look in the rear mirror and see one to three motorcycles on my tail. With a zip of acceleration each of them would pass me, sometimes while going around those blind corners. Up ahead I would see them weaving in and out of cars on those narrow roads. We came close to having a head on with a few of them as they were passing other cars. We encountered literally hundreds of them, clad in full-body gear of all colors. I thought perhaps life must be so boring there that they need the thrill ride to liven things up. Unfortunately, a few days later we came across one of those motorcyclists who was not so fortunate, backing up the road for miles.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by txgolferguy on June 9, 2006

Scotland Driving Tour - Part 2Best of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

The western highlands
The biggest source of frustration was my miscalculation of the amount of time it took to get from one point to another. To the road conditions, you would be lucky to average 50 mph. Thus, you should multiply the drive time factor by 50%. In a couple of cases it was worse. On our journey from St. Andrews to Stirling to see the Stirling Castle we unfortunately got behind a large tractor. We followed that tractor for over an hour. There are no passing lanes or opportunities to pass due to the winding roads. Needless to say, my mouth needed washing out badly by the time the tractor finally pulled off the road.

While I noted that I quickly adopted all of the driving changes, it is necessary to remind yourself of that each time you get in the car. One time I was in a hurry and forgot to remind myself. Pulling out of the William Wallace monument, another blind entrance/exit, I found myself on the wrong side of the road. I quickly pulled off the road in time. Fortunately, there was just enough room between the road and side of the hill for me squeeze the car in. Fate must have been on my side, because that was the only place where there was adequate room.

Even with my travails and frustrations noted above, the Scotland countryside more than made up for it. There were large magnificent mountains, glistening lochs, shadows from the forest of trees, and lots of sheep. I am just glad that I did not come across one on the road. Some of the roads were a gas to ride on. You literally felt like you you were on a roller coaster and you flew along the rolling and winding roads. At that point I was wishing I was driving my own sports car on those roads.

The trip was over, and we took off from Glasgow. I reflected on the great fun in Scotland and all the places we visited. We look forward to returning to Scotland in the future. In the meantime, I will fondly think back to those rolling and winding roads as I am charging along in my sports car at home.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by txgolferguy on June 9, 2006

St. Andrews Walking TourBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

St. Andrews
The town of St. Andrews has a lot to offer, from great shops to great golf. There are also a number of good restaurants. Unfortunately though, there are not enough good ones to go around. It is imperative that you make a reservation if you want to eat at one of the better restaurants.

Additionally, there are plenty of medieval ruins and centuries old buildings to admire, St. Andrews Cathedral, St. Andrews Castle, and others. One of favorite signs that we found humorous was the "Watch for Elderly People" sign (check out the picture of me by the sign). I am not sure if it means that ederly people ignore other signs or are prone to stepping in the middle of traffic.

Also of note is the St. Andrews beach, the site of the opening scene to the 1981 movie "Chariots of Fire."

As noted above, the shopping is great. There are plenty of stores to obtain golf-related items. If you are after official St. Andrews logo items though, you will need to buy them at either the St. Andrews Links Clubhouse or the Links Shop near the first hole of the Old Course. Many other shops carry replica merchandise.

My wife found several interesting articles but her favorite was the wool Scottish blanket that was very good value at Johnston's of Elgin, which would cost much more in the United States. She makes great use of it on cold winter nights. Johnston's of Elgin is located alongside the 18th hole of the Old Course.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by txgolferguy on July 31, 2006

St. Andrews Walking Tour
St. Andrews St. Andrews, Scotland

About the Writer

txgolferguy
txgolferguy
Southlake, Texas

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