Great Britain 2012 Guidebook
Favorite discoveries or tips:
Chestnuts House B&B - same street at Villa Magdala. Open. Cute B&B. Tony is a great cook and is very friendly and informative too. Quick walk to the Roman Bath House and Abbey (8-10 min). http://www.chestnutshouse.co.uk/ 100£ in Dec 2011
Caroline in New York, NY USA 01/01/2012
Euston Tap in London. This small pub is located near the Euston Tube stop. It is a great place for beer lovers or someone just looking for a pint before heading home at the end of the day. They also offer "order in" pizzas.
Erica Tomaras in Deer Island, OR USA 12/06/2011
I would like to recommend a wonderful B&B in Blair Atholl. Dalgreine Gusthouse. The info is below. This is a great place to stay when visiting Blair Castle and the nearby areas. The rooms are bright, clean, and very comfortable. Colin and Lena are wonderful hosts who even pick you up at the train station - as well as sharing tips and ideas. I saw in the guestbook that they even have golfed with guests. I would highly recommend!
Colin and Lena Robertson Tel: 01796 481276 Web: www.dalgreineguesthouse.co.uk
Olivia Robinson in Seattle, WA USA 09/21/2011
the castles in Scotland were amazing! the Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness was a treasure. Your suggestions were superb!!!
Kim Anderson in North Vancouver, BC Canada 07/11/2011
La Vecchia Scuola ristaurante in York. This is a former girls' school near the Minster. Beautiful atmosphere; they have a daily special for only 5.95 GBP.
Kyle Dameron in Tulsa, Ok USA 07/03/2011
Great Britain 2011, "Ironbridge Gorge" p. 404. All recommended accommodations were fully booked in June. We stayed in the nearby town of Telford at the International Hotel. This is a big, new business-class hotel and easy to drive to. Rooms only 45 GBP per night and included all you can eat breakfast.
Kyle Dameron in Tulsa, Ok USA 07/03/2011
World of James Herriot, at Thirsk, an easy drive north of York. All fans of "All Creatures Great and Small", both the books and tv show will love this place where the real James Herriot (Alfred Wight) lived and practiced.
Kyle Dameron in Tulsa, Ok USA 07/03/2011
Loved the London Bike Tour. Great Way to see London. Also loved the Handel House.
Nancy Robinson in Nampa, ID USA 06/16/2011
Dear Rick, We planned our trip to Scotland working from your Snapshot Scotland guide and the internet. We stumbled upon this small hotel when we were looking to avoid the crowded Fort William area. The Letterfinlay Lodge (www.letterfinlaylodgehotel.co.uk) lies just outside Spean Bridge on the shores of Loch Lochy, home to Lizzie, the Loch Lochy monster. There was a terrific storm knocking out power to the area while we were there. The staff scurried around, making sure everyone was fed something. A staff member brought extra blankets and candles to our room. I can't say enough about the hardworking wait and bar staff.
Leslie Talley in Titusville, FL USA 06/15/2011
Dear Rick, We recently went on a castle tour of Scotland. Here are some additional places to stay that we really enjoyed. For a castle stay, Castle Levan, Stirling Drive, Gourock, Scotland. Check out www.castle-levan.com. Owners Lady Lydia Edlman and husband Jan bought this castle about nine years ago; the restoration had been done about 25 years ago. Great hosts, great breakfast, ghost who kept to herself! In Pitlochry, right on the main drag, Atholl Villa Guest House (www.athollvilla.co.uk) run by Anne and Jim Nicol. This is a 150-year-old house, beautifully kept, wonderful breakfast. In Portree, Dunborrodale B & B (www.dunborrodale.co.uk), run by Ewen and Robina MacDonald, overlooks Portree Bay, beautiful home with conservatory/lounge area. Separate guest house. Rooms in house are all second story, so not suitable for disabled travelers. Great breakfast; I had real porridge! Cash only.
Leslie Talley in Titusville, FL USA 06/11/2011
Two places that may be too far off the beaten path: 1) The beach near Sanna Point (a detour on the route from Skye to Oban) -- totally unexpected 2) the northwest from Ullapool to Durness, especially the area to/from the Stoer Peninsula. Wow !
Mark Gibson in Fairfax, VA USA 05/25/2011
Great book, again! I recommend the Royal McGregor restaurant on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. It has fantastic vegetarian haggis (a mushroom pie). I also highly recommend taking a day-trip to Stirling. www.royalmcgregor.co.uk
Mark in Austin, TX USA 05/03/2011
a great farmhouse b and b in north yorkshire: browson bank, Dalton, near Richmond www.browsonbank.co.nr tel 01325 718504, mobile 07703 325088 easier to reach by phone because of spotty internet service kim and peter a good location for travels around the dales. we used it as a base to visit York and Durham too. Altogether, a very warm and friendly experience, tops in cleanliness, comfort, breakfast and welcome, recommendations for nearby pub dining...and a very good price too.
carol thibault in vancouver, bc canada 04/29/2011
We would like to recommend these B&B's: Cambridge: Worth House, 152 Chesterton Rd., tel. +44(0)1223 316074, e-mail: enquiry@worth-house.co.uk Off the beaten path, but comfortable, clean, great Eng. breakfast, and wonderful proprietors. St. Ives, Cornwall: Glanmore, The Belyars, tel.: 01736 795613, e-mail: stives.glanmore@googlemail.com A gorgeous, spotless home and rooms, many having sea views, off street parking, fabulous breakfasts (including the most wonderful fresh fruit cup I have ever seen), and the nicest, most gracious proprietors! Royal Tunbridge Wells (SE of London): Studley Cottage, Bishops Down Park Road, tel.: 01892 539854, e-mail: cook@studleycottage.co.uk Also a beautiful, old home with off street parking. Has only two rooms, but they are beautiful, comfortable, and immaculate. Fabulous breakfast. The proprietors couldn't do enough for us. Restaurant ENZO on Gay Street in York for fabulous, true Italien food.
Diane & Rick Steiner in CLifton Park, NY USA 04/26/2011
I want to HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you include in your guest houses for Edinburgh the SONAS GUEST HOUSE 3 East Mayfield, Edinburgh, EH9 1 SD Proprietors: Irene and Dennis Robins; Phone: 01316672781 e-mail: www.sonasguesthouse.com
This guest house was one we chose from information on line since all of the Rick Steves recommendations were booked during the time we were to be there -- early September 2010. The proprietors were the very best we have stayed with (and we have traveled widely throughout both western and eastern Europe, Russia, the Baltic countries and Scandinavia. The rooms were beautiful -- extremely roomy, comfortable beds, shower and a large bathtub -- Georgian house -- very close to the city center. Parking is available and the nearest bus stop is a three minute walk. Pleasant local pubs and Chinese take-out as well as some really fine restaurants within walking distance.
The breakfast at the guest house is sumptuous, made to order eggs, bacon, potatoes, toast (including gluten-free items which we needed). The dining room is open in the evenings and we were able to heat up take-out in the kitchen microwave and eat there.
We stayed for 12 days and would have stayed much longer if our budget and our plane tickets had allowed. The morning we left, not only did our hosts arrange for our cab to pick us up to take us to the airport, but they also rose from their beds at 5:45 a.m. to help take our bags out to the cab.
I cannot emphasize enough how wonderful this place was. We have stayed in many Rick Steves recommended places and definitely think the Sonas Guest House should be added to your list for Edinburgh housing!!!
Maggie Anderson in Kent, OH USA 11/27/2010
Aberdour Castle, south coast of Fife, Scotland, just off A921 coastal road. Lovely, 12th century castle, walled gardens, church and graveyard. Quiet, undiscovered. Nice drive up the coast on the Tourist Coastal Route.
Ann in Minneapolis, MN USA 11/18/2010
My favorite place was Frondirion Guest House, Harlech, Wales. Owned by Mike and Bethan Rainbird. rainbird@waitrose.com 01766 780 662. Harlech is off the main tourist path, but this is such a lovely couple and they make your visit so very warm and personal. We used it as a jumping off point for visiting the castles in northern Wales. We also visited the Highlands of Scotland and decided to find a place near the Glenlivet Distillery, and ended up in the little town of Carrbridge at Carrmoor Guest House, run by Christine and Michael. Michael is also a chef and they have an extensive dinner menu just for residents, plus a very nice lounge with fireplace and wide-screen TV. Everything else was very lovely also, and the town and their ancient bridge is charming. www.carrmoorguesthouse.co.uk.
Nancy Kline in Mission Viejo, CA USA 11/10/2010
1. Mad Max Tours - The Cotswolds A delightful day trip. Chris was entertaining and knowledgeable about the area. 2. Timberbush Tours - St. Andrews and the Fishing Villages of Fife. This tour was just the right length of time. The tour was at various sites and not traveling to a site. Billy was an excellent tour guide.
Steve Read in Madison, WI USA 11/07/2010
If you dine at Cafe Concerto in York, England try the Banoffee! It is a pie and it was something I have never tried before. Graham cracker crust, toffee mousse like layer with banana layer and other delicious creamy light stuff on top! Mmmm.
Darla Weiser in Friant, CA USA 10/24/2010
We recommend adding the Firgrove Country House B&B. http://www.firgrovecountryhouse.co.uk/ This very nice, three bedroom, B&B is run by Philip and Anna Meadway, has wonderful gardens, is about 1 mile from the centre of Ruthin, and has excellent free parking. (parking in Ruthin is a real problem) Room “F” is larger than room “R” but for 1-2 nights either would be fine. A tall person would like the lack of footboard in room "R". We had Anna's dinner one evening, it was very enjoyable, and did not require driving home afterwards. You can walk to a local pub about 2500 feet towards Ruthin.
Frederick Metcalfe in North Vancouver, BC Canada 10/15/2010
“Great Britain 2009” on p. 445 in the area near Llangollen, you mention the Pontcysyllte Aquaduct. Since this is in the section “if you have a car”, I recommend adding that it is a simple 6km (10 minute) drive from Llangollen to the Pontcysyllte Aquaduct. The Pontcysyllte Canal and Aquaduct is an UNESCO World Heritage site. Directions: Leave Llangollen heading east on A539 (Castle Street) and drive 6km to B5434. Turn right on B5434 (Station Road), drive 1000 feet and turn left onto New Road, across the stone bridge over the canal, and immediately turn right into the parking lot. It is a flat, 300 foot walk to the little museum/gift shop, and then 200 feet to the end of the aquaduct. There is a pedestrian walkway 1,007 feet across the aquaduct, the highest in Britain, and the views are great.
Frederick Metcalfe in North Vancouver, BC Canada 10/15/2010
Yes! The Royal Oak Foundation is the National Trust organization for Americans. Fees are $55 for individual, $90 for family and all entries to NT properties are free for the year. I always have mine, have saved lots on entry fees and find the coolest places to go. Besides supporting the NT is a good thing!
Liz Snell in Montpelier, VT USA 09/10/2010
Doune Castle (near Stirling) a MUST for Monty Python fans as a large part of the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail was filmed here. Audio tour narrated by Terry Jones. Interesting Castle history as well. A signing member of the Declaration of Independence was held prisoner here and escaped.
Kristen in Raleigh, NC USA 07/08/2010
"Elderfields Guest House" in Edinburgh was a beautiful B&B. Our room looked out on Arthurs Seat, the location is only a 10 min. walk to Holyrood Palace and the Royal Mile, and the hostess, Maureen is charming. Lovely decor and yummy breakfasts with lots of fresh, seasonal fruit. We will be going back. http://www.guest-houses-edinburgh.com/index.php
Jo in Frankfurt am Main, Germany 06/05/2010
One very basic skill that I didn't see mentioned in the ETHBD book is to 'walk on the left side side'. It seemed pretty much a 'free for all' in London, but it appears that most brits 'stay to the left' - just like they drive.
Richard Kussin in Cincinnati, OH USA 05/03/2010
THE only book we take with us on trips. Having Rick in our car saved us time, money, and disappointment.
Beth in Trappe, MD USA 04/16/2010
best travel tip is to download software for your GPS and use the Ordance survey maps to navigate..that way you can distinguish the class of roads. we traveled to south wales and the town of St. David is a gem as well as the pembrokeshire coast
Pamela King in Vacaville, Ca USA 03/06/2010
I did the grand tour of Europe with my (soon-to-be) wife in 1997. 6 weeks all over the Continent at breakneck speed. It was exhausting (though your Europe book was an exceptional help then). When I went to Great Britain with a friend in 2006, he and I had a different travel philosophy: the day has 3 parts (morning, afternoon, evening), and we will only schedule stuff in 2 of those 3. In the other unscheduled part, we'll read, people-watch, nap, write postcards, journal, etc. That style of travel & tourism was better for me (even though it is more expensive)
Craig in Parkton, MD USA 03/03/2010
We were on a British Isles cruise Fall 2009. We contacted Ken Hanley in Edinburg to take us on a private tour. We got the information from your book. All communication was via email. He picked us up at the ship and took us to St. Andrews. He was wonderful. It was our best day of the cruise. Thanks for the information.
Wanda Conder in Granbury, TX USA 02/23/2010
Review of Dalhousie Castle and falconry Stayed 02.08.-02.10.2010 in room 40 Positive first: LOVED LOVED LOVED the falconry, it was amazing , Julie and Kylie are 2 of the most kindest and funniest people we have ever meet. The time they took for us to explain the birds and then kylie took us out to fly them was superb and made my birthday just fantastic, The castle at a whole is a great experience, the food is good not amazing, the staff for the most part very nice and helpful. There were some things that bother us, But to make this clear we would go back. Rooms: For a Castle Hotel in this price range, why do you have scratchy wool blankets over the sheet? The bed could be better, but that is such a individual taste . Huge room, nice and very clean. Fix the drive way please, you can ruin some cars with those holes. Housekeeping , could be much better about the dusting part and removing all the garbage and refilling" coffee-tea-shower gel ,etc; We only received the paper on 1 day. We are 2 larger women so the average size bathrobe does not fit us usually in a hotel in this class they have bigger ropes. Front desk: angus super dude, most of the front desk staff was smiling and helpful. Scot needs to learn to relax and to smile more and not to ignore people when they stand in front of him The Spa: it sounds fancier than it is, I had a massage. It was nice but it was NOT a Swedish massage or a deep tissue one. My partner had the luxury Manicure and the actual manicure was bad, sloppy work, not down to the cuticle looked runny. In our opinion way to expensive for what you receive. Would not go there again for any paying services. We had lunch at the Orangery where one also has breakfast, I am sorry I don't recall the Blond Waitress name , she spend time in Spain, but she was super nice and fun to talk to and good service. Lunch was very good, so was Breakfast every morning. We made reservation for Dinner at the Dungeon restaurant, Hats up for the waitress from Poland whose first name starts with a M, great service good attention to detail. The food was wonderful presented, it was good food but not amazing. But it never went into pretentious food but it is probably not worth the money we made for it.
All together said I wished this place was locally owned and not by some big company, due to I think it need some more TLC than a huge company can give it.
pat coffey in kingston , ma USA 02/12/2010
Marlborough House B&B 1 Marlborough Lane Bath, BA1 2NQ, United Kingdom 01225 318 175
We stumbled on this B&B because the B&B next door were not in (we had no reservation). It was outstanding, excellent room at an excellent price (70 pounds, which was discounted from the usual range of 80-110 pounds because of slow business). The room was spacious, well appointed and clean. The bed was comfortable, the bathroom large enough and well-outfitted. The breakfast was excellent, very well prepared and plentiful. The owner reports that he bought the whole establishment from its prior owner and that it was previously listed in your guidebook; it isn't now, but it should be. You list a couple of other B&Bs on the same street; we cannot compare them with Marlborough House, but it is hard for me to imagine that they would be better and I should be unsurprised if they were not quite as good.
H Aaron in Washington , DC USA 01/13/2010
York was an absolute pleasure to visit, and the Merchant Adventurers' Hall was an unexpected find. Though downplayed in the '09 guidebook, my wife and I found it to be thoroughly interesting, especially with its excellent audio guide. We had British Heritage Passes, so we didn't pay to get in. Very worthwhile in our opinions.
Matt L. in Arlington, VA USA 10/21/2009
We stayed at the Coalbrookdale Inn. The food was gourmet in the restaurant. My husband had rack of lamb and I had salmon, both delicious. Breakfast was very good also. Danny and Dawn Wood were great hosts and very helpful with places to hike and visit besides what was in Rick's book. They are listed under "Eating", but we think it should also be under "Sleeping". They have lovely, recently remodled rooms upstairs. The room was large and airy as was the bathroom
Jan and Greg Wieboldt in Ormond Beach, FL USA 09/12/2009
The summer tour of Parliament is a great one. The book tends to play it down, I think.
nancy nathan in bethesda, md USA 09/08/2009
On Thursday, Aug. 27, '09, we were returning a Budget rental car to Heathrow Airport. Fortunately, we were not trying to catch a flight, because there are no signs for Budget in the area where all the signs for other rental companies are. After circling the area more than once (which takes quite a while) we stopped and asked at another car rental co. site, and were told that Avis handles returns for Budget. This took up a lot of our precious time, and certainly should be corrected by Budget, or the people who design the signs there.
Nancy Holler in Auburn, ME USA 09/07/2009
I knew there was something else I wanted to mention- As you recommended we took the Orignal Bus hop on-hop off in London. You suggest getting off at Victoria Station to see the changing of the guard. You may want to add in the book that if you get off at Trafalgar Square and go to their office an exceptional guided walking tour is given of the Changing of the Guard and it is included with the purchase of the bus ticket. They take you to the different stages of the Changing of the Guard (Like the walking tour you provide) and it is a lot of fun to have a guide take you through it. Ours was very sociable and entertaining and informative. It is very worthwhile especially since it is included with the fare of the bus. but I'd even pay extra for it.
Pam Davis in Chicago, IL USA 08/08/2009
We highly recommend including Calton Hill in the Edinburgh section. Walking or hiking up there, especially at dusk provides some breathtaking views of Edinburgh. Not that there is a shortage of views in EDI but this was a fun and free thing we did and there were lots of people up there.
We also took a tour in EDI on the royal mile of Mary King's Close. That is very interesting and worth mentioning for people who have time. It gets you inside the close and into the vaults where people lived. You get a real idea of what the living conditions were like for the poor. It is also very entertaining. The tour guides are in character. Not a must do but very worthwhile if you have enough time.
http://www.realmarykingsclose.com/
2 Warriston's Close, Writers Court, Edinburgh EH1 1PG, Tel. 08702 430160
Pam Davis in Chicago, Il USA 08/08/2009
If you purchase an "Explore Passport" from Historic Scotland, you can get discounts on admission prices 78 historic attractions.
Valerie Brodie in Coventry, CT USA 07/25/2009
The Ashtree Guest House in Glasgow is very nice place to stay in Paisley, close to the airport. The B & B is very nice with soft beds and lovely accomodations. Plus the owner provides a free shuttle service to the airport.
Kristi Davis in Carmel, IN USA 07/19/2009
Get out and walk where practical. You see more.
John Manuel in Golden, BC Canada 06/21/2009
Bath. Great little city. Enjoyed London but tired of the city noise. Over all book had great suggestions. Saw MANY Rick Steve travel guides in the UK!
Kendra K in Denver, CO USA 06/06/2009
The Old Brewhouse in Cirencester. Very nice rooms, atrium, convenient, numerous extras, and helpful hostess.
Bev Terry in Shelby Township, MI USA 06/03/2009
I discovered a hat trick for visiting South Wales without wasting a lot of time backtracking on trains. I had been staying in Bath, and noticed that Cardiff has an airport. There are flights on FlyBe to Edinburgh.
So on my last day in Bath I booked your recommended Celtic Horizons for a full day trip all throughout South Wales, ending at Cardiff Airport for our 8PM flight.
Ethan Solomita in San Francisco, CA USA 05/30/2009
Just returned from Edinborough. The BEST walking tour I have taken in any city was the Edinburg Literary Pub Tour. The tour guide was, himself, a well-known author. The tour went to three pubs that had literary connections to Sir Walter Scott, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Robert Burns. Besides great, small,neighborhood pubs, that you would normally never find on your own, the tour went to various sites of the novels and poems, these famous people had associations with. The price of the tour was ridiculously low for the time given, and the spontanous positive enjoyment of the group leader sharing his literary Edinburg with us.
Elliot S. Cohen in Colorado Springs, Co USA 05/27/2009
We used the 2008 guidebook. I would really like to recommend adding the Tyn-Y-Fron Guesthouse for lodging at Betws-Y-Coed in Wales to your guidebook. The bedrooms are well-appointed and comfy. Lesley, the proprietor, is very helpful with suggestions on places to see. She provides very nice breakfasts, including porridge with whisky, and the breakfast room has a beautiful view. The guesthouse is about a 5 minute walk from town and is in a nice, quiet area. Lesley also offered to do our laundry, which I think cost about 10 pounds per load (wash & dry), and which we really appreciated. The web site is: http://www.snowdoniabedandbreakfast.co.uk/.
Adele Buttolph in Enterprise, OR USA 05/15/2009
Travel in March, or February for that matter, just not in season. In Edinburgh, we chatted with the warden (we say docent) in the Edinburgh Castle Crown Jewel Room for nearly 10 minutes before the next tourists arrived. He said it is insufferable during the festival times. The Royal Mile was plenty crowded enough in March, ditto the National Museum of Scotland, and the 3 big museums of York. Perhaps the only beneficial shot-term benefit of global warming is that the weather isn't necessarily awful in winter. We walked the 385 steps of Durham Cathedral to look down on the university students on the green playing frisbee in sleeveless shirts. In 2 weeks we were sprinkled on twice.
Carla White in San Francisco, CA USA 04/05/2009
JBaker restaurant in YORK. Open for 3 years now, still with the same wait staff, which tells you a lot. Food was fabulous. It was our one splurge dinner and well worth it. It was recommended to us by our hosts at Abberyfields B&B. It is their favorite splurge place too.
Carla White in San Francisco, CA USA 04/05/2009
We use a navigation system when travelling throughout Europe. Frequently there are multiple confusing options if you use the city name, so the post code is usually the best way to enter the address. It would be really helpful if you could include that along with your recommended destinations and hotels.
Ron Martin in Schlossborn, Germany 03/11/2009
My wife and I recently took a trip to the UK. We spent two weeks, flew into London, went to Oxford, then Pembroke, Conwy, Glasgow, Oban, Iona, back to Glasgow and then London. We used your book Great Britain 2008 as a guide. We found it very helpful and would like to contribute some information in order to make it better.
Here are some of our discoveries and tips:
- Near the tower of London is a little church called All Hallows. It's a wonderful church, one of our favorite sights in London, and it's free.
- The Shaven Crown is a great place to stay in the Cotswolds; it is in Shipton-under-Wychwood. It's a six hundred year old Inn and we got a terrific price for staying two nights (65 pounds).
- Wednesday is market day (at least in the area of Oxfordshire were we where), we went to the market in Oxford and Chipping-Norton, and they were interesting. Perhaps you could include more information about the village markets.
- Free Wi-fi is available to customers at Conwy Coffee, which is at the bottom of High Street in Conwy, Wales.
- The bar in the Conwy hotel is a great place for local beers. And for those who like beer, look for pubs that serve "real ale".
- We highly recommend Pembroke and Pembrokeshire; looking at your map it looks like you list it as only a place to pass through. However, we found Pembroke to be a great town, we stayed at the Beech House which was the nicest B&B we stayed in and also the cheapest (17.50 a night per person). From what we’ve heard St. David's is a must see, but we didn't get to see it, because we didn't have time. However we did go to St. Govan's chapel, which was amazing, and took a nice walk past lily ponds to a very beautiful beach. We definitely plan to go back there. There are supposed to be miles of walking paths through the national park and a very good bus system, which stops at them. However, apparently the military practices out there, so some areas are closed off at times.
- On the way from Glasgow to Oban is Loch Awe; there is a very nice castle ruins at the northeast end of the Loch called Kilchurn Castle. You can get there from Inveraray by taking the A819 to the A85. When you first see it, it appears to be on an Island, but it is accessible by a walking path. However, there are no signs telling you where to park, so you have to keep your eyes open for the turn off. I've been to this castle twice and it's a very wonderful place to explore, and it’s free. Here's a site that gives info about it http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/lochawe/kilchurncastle/
Nearby is St. Conan's Kirk, which is another nice place to stop.
- Iona is a very beautiful place, but it is difficult to enjoy the island during gale force winds. However, it was a wonderful time to visit the abbey, and we went to a wonderful candlelit service when power was out on the entire island. It's also difficult to get off the island during a storm. We got stuck for an extra night. In the local pub we overheard a man who had worked on the ferry for many years saying that getting to and from the island was always dicey that time of year -- we were there in October. He said however that most people didn't know this and were not warned. Also, on Friday there are only two ferry trips going from Mull to Oban, one at nine am, the other at five pm. So, if you don't get off Iona at seven am, you'll be stuck on Mull all day.
- On the way from Oban to Sterling is the town of Balquhidder, it's just off the A84. A ten minute drive will take you to Balquhidder Church. There you will find the grave of Rob Roy, other interesting graves and gravestones, and the ruins of an old church. There is one grave featuring a picture of the deceased carved in an Art Nouveau style.
- If you do travel by train, you can get the best deals on Virgin if you buy your tickets before hand, but you have to buy them in the UK.
- Our biggest mistake was not looking up all bus, train and ferry routes and times -- we wasted half a day by going to Chipping-Norton from Oxford in an attempt to get to Shipton, as we were told to do by a lady at the Oxford tourist info. However, there was no bus from Chipping-Norton to Shipton. We also put ourselves through a lot of undo stress thinking we would be able to figure out our train route as we went. We didn't realize how long it took to travel from one place to another. And we usually didn't get ourselves enough time in each place. I'd say a person needs at least two nights in an area to be able to see anything, otherwise you get in at night, and have to leave by noon, and get only a few hours to see anything. We made way too many assumptions. We thought public transport would be more available and quicker. And we should have printed out all travel info before hand. We assumed we would be able to look things up on the internet as we went. But in most places it was difficult, or impossible to find internet access. Libraries close early and open late, the one tourist info station we tried to get access didn't have it, St. Columba Hotel on Iona was closed for the season, many buses and train stations had access, but for some reason we couldn't connect to it.
- It can be tricky getting off the train. We had trouble, it was dark and we couldn't see the platform at Conwy, so we tried to get off on the wrong side, then in our rush we couldn't figure out how to open the door on the other side.
- We spent a night in Glasgow, but really didn't give ourselves time to see much, we really wish we would have. We heard all kinds of things about it once we got to the UK.
-If you want to see an area, we discovered, you have to give yourself at least two nights. Quite often we spent a whole day traveling, spent the night, and then had to leave early without seeing much because we had to travel most the next day to get to our new destination.
Nathan Willard in Medford, OR USA 01/10/2009