totobell

We (30-year old son and myself) are planning to travel to Scotland the first week in September. We will start a few nights in Glasgow. Son wants to golf at least once, but I am not sure how to get a tee time or if he can even play at the club courses. Also, he needs to rent clubs. He is a very accomplished golfer…help please. After Glasgow, we are hoping to travel via CityLink bus to Glencoe. I found a AirBnb for us but we would like 3 days of full-day hikes (moderate rated) with our base of Glencoe. I would also like to do a 1-day hike at Isle of Sky. I am frustrated with trying to find bus schedules and I am concerned that we might need to rent a car, which neither of us really want to do. Are we trying to do the impossible?! I am confused about the Explorer pass and if the CityLink bus is included ( I read somewhere that it is). Also, as far as Glencoe and Isle of Sky, we would feel more comfortable with a guide for our hikes…..(bad experience in Switzerland going it alone and getting terribly lost)…..how can we find a local guide for these?
Can you help sort this out?

janisj

Welcome to Fodors.

Golf isn't a problem -- If you are staying in Glasgow I'd suggest Prestwick. https://www.prestwickgc.co.uk. It is no longer on the Open rota but is one of the most historic courses in Scotland. He'll want to prebook a tee time and will need a handicap certificate from his home course (or at least that used to be a rule) . U=It is across the road from the train station (like a two minute walk) so he can play a round while you stay in Glasgow sightseeing if you want. A 45 minute train ride from Glasgow Central.

" would also like to do a 1-day hike at Isle of Sky. I am frustrated with trying to find bus schedules and I am concerned that we might need to rent a car, which neither of us really want to do. "

Taking a bus to Skye (note the spelling) isn't really practical. And a train really doesn't work because of the times frm Ft William to Mallaig then ferry across to Skye.). He will find more than enough day hikes around Glencoe, Ft William, Ben Nevis etc to keep him busy. But -- how were you planning on getting to Glencoe? Renting a car after you are finished with Glasgow is your best option. Take the bus out to GLA (the airport) and pick up a rental car there -- from there you wouldn't need to drive in urban Glasgow at all. Straight up Loch Lomond and on to Glencoe. About a 2 hour drive over rural roads.

He won't need a guide -- just tell him to research/buy Ordinance Survey Maps. Based in Glencoe there will be MANY other walkers and hikers he can compare notes with.

totobell

Wow! Thank you for the great information. I was afraid that trying to do Skye (thank you for the spelling correction…new IPad keyboard and not quite used to it yet) was not going to be possible by bus. I will rethink the car rental. We are also a little apprehensive for driving on the right I guess. This trip may have to just whet our appetite for another longer trip. I will also need to look more into doing hikes self-guided. I guess I don‘t want to waste time as we have limited time and missing out on a great hike or worse scenario getting lost. Any other recommendations on that front would be appreciated.

hetismij2

My only advice for any hiking in Scotland is to tell someone where you are going, and when you think you will be back. If you hire a car leave a note visible from the windscreen stating intended route, times etc.
Even if it is a well trodden path it never hurts to err on the side of caution, and could make all the difference should you get lost or injured. You can't rely on a mobile phone.
Be prepared for bad weather too, even if it is fine when you set off.
OS maps are great for planning routes and to take with you on them. Being able to read a compass also helps.
Don't be worried about driving on the "wrong" side oof the road. Plenty have gone before you and lived to tell the tale. Being able to drive a manual "stick" helps as you can't guarantee an automatic. Also smaller is better/easier on Scottish roads

totobell

Great advice! Thank you.

Gardyloo

If you want to be car-less in the Highlands (which can be a PITA, it's really an area best suited to car touring) then give strong consideration to swapping Oban and Mull for Glen Coe and Skye.

One of the problems with Glencoe village is that it sits at the bottom of the actual Glen. The most scenic parts of Glen Coe (note two words vs. one for the village) are 2-4 miles (mainly east and southeast) from the village, so if hiking in the scenic parts of the glen, or hillwalking etc. are the aim, it's a longish walk just to get to the start points. Obviously, it's not a deal-breaker for the enthusiast, but it's a consideration for those without vehicles.

The reasons I'd suggest Oban and Mull are twofold. First, you can ride the train straight from Glasgow to Oban. The route is very scenic and the trains operate several times daily. There are numerous hotels, B&Bs and other lodgings walkable from the station in Oban, or of course plenty of taxis. The town itself is quite interesting too, with food and shopping options and lots of local activities.

Second, Oban is situated such that tours to Mull, Iona, or Staffa, all stunning examples of Inner Hebrides beauty, are drop-dead easy for those without vehicles. Especially for those with limited time, there are "three island" tours that feature highlights on Mull as well as visits to historic Iona and to Staffa. You'll be too late for the puffins on that rocky island, but a tour to and into Fingal's Cave will leave you gobsmacked. Because of its ferry connections (which have been a little chaotic this year, so be sure things are working "normally" when you get there) Oban has become a base for "island hoppers" or "island baggers," those who want to add various islands to their "been there" lists - Coll, Tiree, Lismore... as well as Mull, Iona and Staffa. You can spend a day or two seeing these remote and beautiful places without having to relocate from Oban.

And if you wanted to get a car for a day or two, maybe to cross to Mull and explore that glorious island, or maybe to travel south (around 45 minutes) from Oban to Kilmartin Glen, home to a huge number of prehistoric ruins - standing stones etc., you can do so from several local car hire (rental) agencies in Oban.

It might be worth some research. I'd suggest using Undiscovered Scotland as a primary resource. Undiscovered Scotland: Home Page

totobell

Thank for more great information….but now I am really scratching my head if I need to drop Glen Coe and Skye. I will need to do more research albeit quickly. Thank you for the link for Undiscovered Scotland but the adds that pop up on that site are really annoying. Any way around that?

Gardyloo

I use an ordinary ad blocker, which works fine.