Are you searching for a vacation with a difference? Have you taken a look at visiting Scotland? Have you ever taken a vacation in a remote island? In the following article I  discuss the Isle of Skye situated off Scotland’s west coast.

The breathtaking Hebridean Isle of Skye is an extremely popular destination for vacations and short breaks. Frequently associated with older tourists Skye is famed for it’s most incredible landscape and the most clearly seen feature is the impressive sight of the Black Cuillins.

The Cuillins are a ridge of mountains which contain rocks from all 3 periods of geology; Triassic, Cretaceous and Jurassic, making the mountains seriously popular with both folk hunting for fossils and geologists as well as mountain climbers, ramblers, hikers, hill-walkers.

The mountain tops of Sgurr nan Gillean and Am Basteir provide the most striking vistas. The Isle of Skye’s easiest munro to climb (a munro is a mountain in Scotland which is more than three thousand feet) is Bruach na Frithe. The most difficult is Basteir Tooth. Sgurr Beag is another easy climb but you may find Sgurr Na h-Uarma a moderate climb.

Most hill walkers and mountain climbers set off from Sligachan as it is approximately 3km from there to the start of the Cuillin mountains.

Safety In The Cuillins

Each year far too many folk (including a fair few experienced mountain climbers) find themselves in  a certain amount of difficulty. Skye weather can change in the blink of an eye, one minute the sun is shining in a clear sky and the next you can find yourself being pounded by icy winds.

One thing which is crucial to do, is to check the local weather forecast. The information is available at the island’s Tourist Information Centres. These are found at the following sites: 2 Lochside in Dunvegan, the car park in Broadford and Bayfield Road in Portree.

The Tourist Information Centres print a handy brochure about safety in the Cuillins which is very worthwhile picking up and filling out. You can not fail to see it as it is coloured bright orange. When you have filled in all the boxes on the form leave it with a responsible person who will not be going with you.

Isle Of Skye Accommodation

As earlier mentioned the island is incredibly popular so finding bed & breakfast on Skye is very difficult during the summer season. If you like the idea of a climbing vacation on Skye it is crucially important that you reserve your Isle of Skye bed and breakfast as early as possible.

This article gives advice about places to visit, places to stay and places to eat in Scotland. Scotland is a superb country to visit and it is steeped in history. With famous cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scotland has plenty to offer for everyone.

Now before I continue I must stress that I do not work in any shape or form in the travel industry; I am in fact involved with offering DVD authoring, Asda Voucher Codes as well as providing training for foster carers.

Places to visit in Scotland

Edinburgh castle has been a focal point of the Edinburgh skyline for over eight hundred years.

It includes the Scottish National War Museum which lists all of Scotland’s war dead since 1914.

Adult admission to the castle is currently £8 and for children it is only £2.

Loch Ness and the Great Glen is a must. I am sure you have all heard of the loch ness monster, see if you can see him when you visit here. Many people have stated that they could!

The Glasgow science centre is the most recent major museum opened in Glasgow. This is a most impressive place which caters for all age groups. I have only ever heard positive comments from people who have visited this museum.

The National Gallery of Scotland has a wide range of paintings including works from Rembrandt, Gainsborough and Ramsay. Entrance is free apart from for special exhibitions.

Places to stay in Scotland

Edinburgh

I personally think that the Balmoral is one of the most impressive hotels within Edinburgh and it is based on the famous Princes Street. It is also one of the most expensive hotels however.

Albany is a Georgian style hotel and is situated on Albany Street.

The Bonham is a very plush establishment and has a top quality Euro styled restaurant. This is a very popular place to stay and is situated in Drumsheugh Gardens.

Ingrams is more of a hotel/bed and breakfast. It is situated on Northumberland Street.

Glasgow

Glasgow Hilton is a hotel that is well known to be at the top end of the market and therefore one should expect to pay a premium when stopping here in comparison to lesser hotels in the same city. It is a newly updated and modern. It is situated on William Street.

St Jude’s is a petit establishment which is located on Bath Street.

There is must see Oshi spa at Langs; this is certainly something to be hold.

Where to dine in the beautiful country of Bonny Scotland

Inverlochy Castle has three dining rooms and has won many awards. If you can afford it, this is the one you want to visit.

Alternative eateries include:

Culloden House

Summer Isles Hotel

Eden Court

Seagreen

I hope this short guide is of use during your trip to Scotland. The above suggestions are only a few of many wonderful places to go.