We're planning a long trip (5-6 weeks next year in late spring / early summer). I made another thread about recommendations for long term rentals but here I'm seeking specific feedback and recommendations on a Scotland itinerary. We're planning on a week in northern England in and around the Yorkshire Dales, then another 4-5 weeks in Scotland.

We'll have 3 kids with us (4, 6, and 8), and our aim is to break the 4-5 weeks in Scotland into 2 or maybe 3 home bases in different areas for a week or two each, rather than staying on the move to try and see everything. We're more the types to want to experience a place and take it slow.

We've never been to Scotland but I've done a little research. From what I see, I think we're most interested in the western highlands and the islands. The Cairngorms and some of the towns around that area look nice too. My inclination currently would be to stay for a couple of weeks at a place in the general area between Glencoe and Oban, and another week or more on Skye or the northern highlands. I would really like to visit Islay, but I know it's harder to get to, and it would mostly be because those are my favorite scotches. I'm sure there are cool things to do in the cities but we're really more into outdoors stuff, scenery, and smaller villages.

Greatly appreciate any thoughts or feedback.

Lived there for two years....Best memory was a family trip over to Oban and doing random hikes around Glencoe area. We had a memorable hike from Glencoe visitor center, literally just started hiking up one of the hils (not on any path) there for some spectacular views. Can't go wrong with that area. For that time frame just get an air bnb. FYI, growing up in Texas amd then moving to Scotland i would always be like where the hell is Spring and summer. Spring is still cold and I would joke that summer was like 2 weeks in August. Dress accordingly for wet weather and it will make all the difference.

We spent 10 days in Scotland last fall. 7 days in Aviemore (in Cairngorms NP) and 3 days in Edinburgh.

I envy you because it will take weeks to see the Highlands.

Driving will be a challenge, but you'll get used to it. Just remember, 100 miles here in Texas takes 90 minutes. 100 miles in Scotland is minimum 3 hours.

We had a cabin in Aviemore and cooked all of our meals. Packed lunches and did road trips and covered as much ground as we could.

I wanted to do the North Coast 500 but just couldn't make it work. Driving to Isle of Skye was also too far from Aviemore. Made it as far as Eilean Donan Castle, and that was a long days drive.

Been to Scotland twice for a total of about four weeks and also done Northern England.

For Northern England I'd recommend the Lake District over the Yorkshire Dales, but you could hit some of both as they're not that far apart.

For Scotland in 4 to 5 weeks you can see all of the country in depth. I'd pick no more than three bases and most things should be within a few hours drive outside of the Northern Highlands. I'd recommend:

Glencoe: A week in the area between Glencoe and Perth. Basically the A82 to A85 area. I spent a week based in Aberfeldy and did a number of hikes around Loch Tay through to Glencoe. Glencoe will be crowded depending on when you're there so I'd recommend getting to sites early as parking will fill up. Can give a great Airbnb recommendation if needed - 2 bedroom with a large kitchen, washer/dryer, and porch.

Western Isles: I only spent a few days on Isle of Skye and thought it was nice, but overrated. Was pretty, but fairly crowded and thought other areas of Scotland were equally as pretty and less crowded. It's worth the drive through at the least.

Cairngorms: This is likely my favorite part of Scotland. If towns are your vibe you can stay in and around Aviemore. I elected to stay outside of town in the middle of no where and the area is beautiful. The drive through Balmoral, Braemar, to Glenshee is stunning. It's on the other side of the park though so if you're staying around Aviemore, it's a bit of a trek.

I also wouldn't discount Eastern Scotland. If the family likes to see Castles, Ruins, Abbeys, etc. there are many in North Eastern Scotland that are worth the trek in the amount of time you have. This area is also where there's lots of golf courses, scotch distilleries, and the Walker's Shortbread factory.

People also rave about the Oban area, but have not been.

If you're renting a car, I'd look at Arnold Clark. They're a Scottish company with most locations in Scotland and Northern England. I've had great experiences renting from them in Edinburgh, Manchester, and London. Usually really new cars and friendly staff. Usually located just off airport so the shuttle takes a bit longer, but worth it for the experience imo.

I've basically traveled all of the area between Edinburgh and Inverness so if you have specific areas you'd like feedback on let me know.

Wife and I went about 18 months ago and did Glasgow to Oban to glencoe to Edinburgh.

Favorite party of the trip for me was taking the ferry from Oban to isle of mull to Iona. There is an abbey on Iona that apparently is the birthplace of Christianity to Scotland when monks came over in 560 AD.

It's a long trip as we had to get on a ferry at 8 am from Oban to isle of mull (car on the ferry) then you drive across isle of mull which was about 45 minutes i believe. Then you get on a passenger ferry (no cars) to go over to Iona.

We got off the ferry in Iona and it was a downpour of rain. We walked in it to the abbey and saw all the old church stuff (I'm kind of a dork for old Christian churches) then when we walked out the rain was gone and the sun was shining and it was incredible.

Was a really long day but one that my wife and I talk about all the time. Apparently Macbeth is supposed to be buried in the cemetery on Iona which was kinda cool.

Oban had a fun pub that was near the water. Can't remember the name but we met some fellow Texans there. It was something generic like the Oban pub maybe but it was a good time.

Iona pictures below

Also, not to oust myself as a total nerd but we had a day trip from glencoe to Loch Ness planned that got cancelled because our dudes boat got messed up.

We audibled and went to the place where the train for Harry Potter was filmed. It was a really pretty area with some historical significance and the train was pretty cool to witness as someone who liked Harry Potter.

Glenfinnan viaduct I think is what it's called

First of all, enjoy! The people are the best - kind, funny, and salt of the earth.

Secondly, if you're going to spend 4-5 weeks in Scotland and Islay scotch is your thing, you have to go to Islay.

The Orkney Islands are worth a visit - lots of beautiful scenery and neolithic sites to visit. Also Highland Park

Second the Orkney Islands where structures predate Stonehenge.
But why stop there, take the ferry to the Shetlands. Isolated great history and accommodation. One can then take the ferry back to Aberdeen.

My mom is from Glasgow so I spent every other summer is Scotland as a kid and we are moving permanently in about 4-5 yrs.

Edinburgh is where I would start for first time visitors. It's what most people think of when they think of Scotland. Castle, monarchs, Old Town, etc. you could spend a week there easily given all the stuff there is to do. From there you could venture up into the Highlands or make your way across the central belt towards Glasgow stopping in Falkirk and sterling along the way.

It's about a 5 hour drive from Glasgow to Skye but the trip will take you through the Trossachs and Glencoe passing a ton of lochs along the way.

I'm on mobile but can give you a better run down on attractions and things when I'm my computer if you like. Just let me know what you are interested in.

The one thing you must try is Irn Bru and there'll be no discussion to the contrary. In every country in the world the best selling soft drink is coke, except for Scotland. In Scotland it's Irn Bru and it's pretty much been that way since 1901. It is beloved by Scots around the world. I grew up on it myself and have a tattoo of it on my arm.

With that much time, I think I'd be inclined to see whatever I wanted to see, and not write it off due to lack of time. If you get a good enough deal on a 2 week rental in Glencoe/Oban, you might consider taking a few days out of the middle of your stay to go to Islay. And even if that is a bit too far, you might consider that strategy elsewhere. Don't think that just because you need to spend a night in a different place, you have to vacate your rental. Sometimes its cheaper to book the 2 week rental, and take a few days out for an excursion, than to completely relocate.

I would love to do the North Coast 500, but that wouldn't really be consistent with you slow travel plan. We spent some time exploring Skye using Plockton as our base, and I wanted to drive to Applecross and the Bealach na Ba, but we didn't have enough time.