From: dam@dcs.glasgow.ac.uk (David Morning)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: >>>Scotland ideas (LONG)
Date: 29 Jul 92 11:16:34 GMT
Organization: Glasgow University Computing Science Dept.

Grant writes:
>> >1.) See the "great glen" whihc divides the hgihlands,
>> >running, essentially up Loch Ness.
>>
>> This is boring and full of tourists on a Loch Ness monster hunt.
>
>Gee, I don't agree.  First, the geological formation of the Glen is
>fascinating. 

Well, I suppose my view is coloured to a certain extent
by driving along this road stuck behind innumerable tour buses viewing silly
monster models that seems to be outside every second hotel along the Loch side.
If your your interest is geology then, yes it might be of some interest but
the Great Glen isn't the only geological fault in Scotland, the other runs
from Dumbarton on the west coast to around Dundee on the east coast.

> Second, the top end is gorgeous. 

Well, I reckon there are far nicer lesser known places in Scotland such as
Torridon, in which, on a nice day, Ben Eigg absolutely gleams like its covered
in snow. (It isn't, its quartz on the mountain)

>Third, Culloden
>is of tremendous historical interest to many folks.  

Oh no!! Argfh!!! I spent 2 weeks working on Culloden. Unless it's changed
considerably the only thing that may be of interest is actually seeing
Cumberland's Stone and the centre. The scenery is dull. (There's some
standing stones about a mile away though)

>What do you suggest avoiding vs. seeing, since I'll be in the
>area this fall?

Things to avoid? Hmm...anything that has the title Highland Arts Centre
on it.
Climb Ben Nevis (seriously! It's just a walk up a path). The weather is
usually clearer in the autumn and there's a good chance the summit will
be clear giving some great vistas.

Go to Beauly north of Inverness and buy a jumper out of the outfitters there.
The main road by-passes Beauly now and it's like its been left in a time
capsul. The outfitters is like it was in the 50s with your purchases wrapped
up in brown paper and string with not a plastic bag to be seen. Cute.
Cross the road and get an afternoon tea in the big old hotel. About 5 pounds
buys you a pile of sandwiches and cakes and a big pot of tea (or coffee if you
must) This is true of most hotels in Scotland but the quantity and quality
varies. This one was good when I was there a couple of years back.

Further afield, try Easdale on Seil island, just south of Oban. There's a
road bridge to it called the Atlantic Bridge, an old hump backed stone
affair and a great pub just at it!! Spring is probably better for this though
as the area is awash with daffodils.
Easdale itself is an old fishing village of parallel rows of low whitewashed
cottages. The area was also a slate mining place at one time. Unfortunately,
its been blighted by one of those hellish Highland Arts Centres, a bit like
having a MacDonalds built in the middle of Stonehenge..ugly! ugly! ugly!
If you really want a laugh and enjoy seeing Hong Kong dolls dressed in tartan
with the inevitable "Frae Bonny Scotland" stamped on them and like being
regaled by young ladies dressed in tartan mini skirts offering free tablet or
toffee samples then head for these. There's one in Fort William, Oban, Easdale
and on the banks of "not so bonny now" Loch Lomond. Run by a guy called C.
John Taylor who claims to be a poet, writer, artist and general all round
good guy. He's not. He's a smart businessman cashing in on tourists with
tacky toys....in fact maybe I should correct myself and say these are a
must see!!!
There's rather better craft shops in Easdale than this monstrosity. A little
pottery and a wood turner the last time I was there (about 5 years ago)

Crinan, further south than Easdale is also worth a visit if just for nice
views of the islands off the west coast. This is where the Crinan Canal
meets the sea and is very pretty in winter when the locks are frozen
half open and the fishing boats are iced in. Pretty place.

I suppose to a certain extent, living here makes me somewhat indifferent to
the likes of the Great Glen, preferring some of the less well known places
but if your interest is in battles, monsters, geology, well yes, the Great
Glen has them, but so do other places Monsters?:- Try Loch Morar near Mallaig
on the west coast with the additional bonus of a great and empty beach of
silver sand (needs the weather though) and good views of the Cuilins on
Skye, Eigg, Rhum, Muck, Canna and, on a good day, the Outer Hedrides. This is
a real nice area. Stay at the Youth Hostel, Garramore or, if you don't like
walking, in the village.(Hostel is about 3 miles from the village so you've
a 6 mile round trip if the hostel store doesn't have your requirements)

I'd say if you don't have much time but want a quick swatch at Highland
scenery then head for here or Ullapool much further north and take in the
coastline from Ullapool down to and including Torridon.

Either of these areas will give you a reasonable 'bite' of Scotland, Ullapool
and its environs probably having a slight edge on things to see and do.
Morar is still relatively uncommercialised, most people passing it by on
there way to Skye.

Ok, so I prefer the west coast :-)

Dave
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