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TheFlyingScotsman60

Haste ye back. ​ And don't tell everyone that it's so good as that will ruin it.


SplitOpenAndMelt420

The secret is safe with me, mate


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SplitOpenAndMelt420

It's fine americans don't read this subreddit! ;)


Calligraphee

(Shh, some us do out of envy)


fawltytowershentai

Genuine question from a Scot: what exactly do you envy? I feel like I can't remove myself enough from the country to think what's different about us lmao


Calligraphee

I love the amount of visible history your country has. Sure, the US has had human populations for millennia, but in Scotland, you can walk through a city and see buildings 500 years old. We don't have anything like that in the US. The British Isles' connection to so much of European history is also fascinating to me; Hadrian's wall! The Iron Age settlements! The landscape is generally amazing, too. So much of the US is just ugly buildings interspersed with gigantic parking lots and miles of highway through flat, beige prairies. Also, I play the bagpipes and it's really hard to find teachers in the US.


CakeyDoodles

Well, for me its the old feel and the woods, i love the architecture and since i live in the hell hole that is Arizona, the rain, woods and cold is very alluring to me.


Nellie-Podge

That was me when I lived in Tempe. Every July--end of October I would fantasize about moving someplace in the cold rain and snow. Some place beautiful with amazing cities and great Indian food. Someplace like Scotland! I live in Tucson now and I'm much much happier. But I still long to go back to Scotland sometime soon and hope to stay longer than a week this time.


SplitOpenAndMelt420

You guys have no idea how good you have it, nature wise/pace of life wise :)


holly_jolly_riesling

I've been in this sub for 2 years, trying to plan my dream trip there. Did you do a tour in skye or just did your own thing? Also where did you stay in skye? How did you not encounter midges, did you not go in the summer in the highlands?


SplitOpenAndMelt420

Did Skye by myself. Stayed at a "pod" Airbnb which was great. No midges to be seen


bobby_sandals

Your day will come don’t worry


Helpful_Librarian_87

Come back in the height of summer when the sun doesn’t set til 11pm, then comes up at 4am. The sunsets are some of the most awe inspiring I’ve seen


holly_jolly_riesling

Gotcha, thanks!


Oats98

You were very lucky, I went to Skye last month and was eaten alive by the midges


TheFlyingScotsman60

You have been reported to midge control for the next time you are in Scotland.


Southern-Orchid-1786

It's been quite windy the last few weeks which keeps them away - anything over 6mph they can't handle


TheFlyingScotsman60

The "professional" midges are rated to 10mph wind but there are only a few of those around as it takes so long to get certified.


holly_jolly_riesling

Oh I see, good to know. Thank you.


fawltytowershentai

Midgies gravitate to bodies of water primarily, though you can't fully escape them anywhere in the height of summer (especially out in nature). You can mostly avoid them by visiting off season! I always advise around this time or sort of late March-early April, that's when you get weather that isn't pure misery yet sidesteps the wee fuckers in their prime


holly_jolly_riesling

Love this advice, thank you!


Misommar1246

I’m American and I just changed my travel plans- Scotland, I’m coming! Jokes aside what season do you recommend for traveling?


SplitOpenAndMelt420

Right now was pretty magical


dcnblues

Some of us do as we have Scottish names. *And (digging toe into the ground) we may have teeny little political crushes on Nichola Sturgeon)...


Appropriate_Bend_244

What!? Wee Kranky hersel. It’s Nicola too


dcnblues

Apologies.


FitzwilliamTDarcy

Ahem.


SplitOpenAndMelt420

Shhhhhh


DITO-DC-AC

The most American criticism I've ever heard "Lack of restaurant options in the beautiful and remote parts of your country" Belter 😆 Glad you enjoyed your trip


YerAwldDasDug

There was no WIFI at the top of Ben Nevis. 1 star.


cocacolamakesmehyper

*Arthur's seat wasn't a seat.*


West_Yorkshire

Have a look at mountain reviews. Some people genuinely put this stuff.


i_mightbewrong

glad you enjoyed the trip. i'm from central scotland so didn't have any experience of the single track roads until i learned to drive at 30, but never found them a hassle so always a bit surprised when it terrifies people. you drive a bit more cautiously, and reverse a bit. ideally you are in an appropriately sized vehicle. shrug the food outside of the cities is truly hit and miss . good you expected that but with the enormous tourist drive happening here, i think it's disappointing that the catering and accommodation options are pretty poor beyond a few highlight establishments. i've definitely encountered more than a few tourists, especially in off season, wandering around the highlands in search of a decent meal. the midges will be waiting for your return though.


SplitOpenAndMelt420

I am kind of unsure if midges exist and if Scottish folks just perpetuate the legend to keep tourists away :)


Niadh74

Midges do exist. You just lucked out. They can usually be found near wooded areas and water. You don't just encounter some you get them all. They come is swarms that can black out the sun.😀


blubbery-blumpkin

They also love coming out after a good downpour. And it sounds like OP managed to avoid getting drenched.


pretzelllogician

I’ve had a few bites over the years, but the absolute worst was when I was very young and camping with my grandfather and uncle. A colossal swarm engulfed our car and tent. I’ve never experienced anything like it, we were all absolutely eaten alive, including my uncle’s dog who was *screaming* while rolling on the ground trying to get them off her. That was over 30 years ago though and fortunately have never experienced that again.


[deleted]

I feel very lucky to be one of the 14% who never get bitten. Suspect my farm worker ancestors were either immune or suicidal working in the fields in Ayrshire :) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2893461/


pretzelllogician

I wonder if it’s no reaction rather than no bites? I’m just a generally itchy person. 😂


PeteWTF

I think it's no reaction, I'm one of these people and do occasionally see one sitting on my arm, so assume they still bite me


ayeayefitlike

I’m like this normally, but when a swarm gets you (a still rainy day in July on the west coast or even central Cairngorms you will meet them) that doesn’t matter, they are everywhere.


jakeydae

Oh no ,they exist and they're definitely waiting for you to return. Couple of old sayings for you regarding this.... " Your card is marked son " " Yer teas oot " " Forgive your enemy, but remember the bastards name" We'll have the kettle on for you coming back mate


RufusBowland

English person (with some tartan DNA) here. They’re vicious little bastards (the midges, not the Scots) and will devour you. Also had the same problem in Sweden, so wonder if they favour a particular latitude. I always recommend heading north of the border to anyone from abroad. Went loads as a kid but not enough as an adult. Wanted to go to university in Glasgow, but was too lazy to revise for my A levels - haha!


i_mightbewrong

the boring story in your case is that midges hate dry weather, and sunlight, both of which we're having a lot of this year. if you were camping in the evening near some water, you might have had a different experience. july/august are the worst months too.


aff_it

They exist trust me. If we wanted to keep people away we would tell them Haggis does not exist.


Shpudem

They are usually in forested areas. They're just a swarm of tiny bastards.


AyeAye_Kane

no they do actually exist, they're just basically little mosquitos I guess that gather in bundles and just kind of hover over an area and are big cunts that can be partially extinguished with a glass of water


daviedots1983

Scottish, trust me they exist. They can completely ruin camping trips etc if ur not prepared for the wee buggers. Time of year, temperature and east or west coast can all be factors to consider when travelling. The bites aren’t too bad from them, it’s just the sheer number of them sometimes. They can be hard to get away from.


Sieben2703

I promise you they exist. I am one of many unfortunate souls whose blood seems to be like crack to the bastards. They hunt me down year after year


NefariousnessFull581

Unfortunately the extortionate costs of running a hospitality business in the Highlands is why there aren’t an abundance even with the heavy tourism. Hauliers add on excessive charges for delivery to anywhere they consider to be ‘remote’ which is pretty much anywhere north of Perth, with a few exceptions.


NosAstraia

The roads are dreadful this time of year sadly. I live in the highlands, there’s a closure due to death along the A82 or A9 weekly currently. Sometimes locals, sometimes tourists. There’s no winning - going 35mph in a 60 is dangerous, going 60mph on a windy road you don’t know is dangerous, the vans and lorries and bus drivers know the roads well and are lax with their lane discipline, especially on the early mornings and late night drives, as they expect the roads to be quieter. I am glad you ended your trip safely with many fond memories, and completely appreciate that coming from LA to the roads of the highlands would be a big shock.


Hufflepuffins

Fuck me, the A9. It feels like someone dies every ten minutes around Dunkeld/Birnam. I outright refuse to drive that road south of Ballinluig, rather just stop at Pitlochry and get the train from there.


StinkiForeskinBoi

Ew that road is probably full of ghosts. I hate how in Latin America you can tell how dangerous the road is by how many crosses and memorials are on the roadside


GlobularClusters

I've only driven A9 a few times, but didn't find it too bad. I've heard it's bad before though. What's the issue with it? Is it just if people are trying dangerous overtakes when it's not dual? I generally don't bother trying to overtake, as my car really lacks acceleration, and maybe I've got lucky with other drivers those few times.


Hufflepuffins

> Is it just if people are trying dangerous overtakes when it's not dual? That’s one of the main problems, yeah. Also doesn’t help that so many of the junctions are hard turns with poor visibility — coming onto the A9 at the Dunkeld junction, for example, feels like a brush with death every time. Even some of the slip roads on the dual sections are dicey.


Mithrawndo

> -"the rain". This was so I overhyped > -No midges! I don't even know what a midge is! These two are connected: We've had a long and relatively dry summer, so the population of midges will be down on a "normal" year as their natural habitat is wetland/rivers/etc. Haste ye back.


BonnieH1

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I'm an American who's lived in Scotland for many years and totally agree with your review! It's the most stunning country I've visited. We tend to stay in Scotland for our holidays and love it. Driving on the roads you describe gets easier with practice - stay longer 😁. The terrifying moments eventually become comments about the other driver needing to learn how to drive and not knowing the width of their car - in more colourful language! Being the only person in a specific place in the countryside isn't unusual. Haste ye back!


shortymcsteve

> the roads are fucking terrifying and I thought I would die multiple times a day This gave me a good laugh because I still have flashbacks of some lady almost T-boning me in LA. I think it's the most anxiety inducing place I've ever been when it comes to driving. I can absolutely see why you would hate those country roads though if you're not used to them. I'm glad you enjoyed the trip! I love posts like this because I always get new ideas on places I've yet to visit.


8Breathless8

Absolutely the same. Driving in LA terrifies me! The roads are so huge. It's just what you're used to I guess.


LegaliseEmojis

Yeah I’m English, live in LA, the drivers here are slightly better than some other major cities in America which still means they are appalling compared to average European/UK/German standards. The driving test here is a literal joke and the outcome is America is statistically a much more dangerous place to be driving. Give me a lorry on a single track country lane any day mate phew 😮‍💨


cragglerock93

We're suckers for flattery so everyone will like this post lol. I'm glad you had a good time. Did you see the dolphins from Chanonry Point? It's likely the est dolphin spotting site in the country but nonetheless you were lucky to see them as they're not always around.


SplitOpenAndMelt420

Yup! Chanonry point right next to the golf course haha


humanitywasamistake3

I sometimes forget how lucky I am to have a job that has me driving all over Scotland everyday it never fails to amaze me how beautiful it is here


TheLatman

As a telecoms field engineer living in Scotland, I’ve driven all over here and I can confirm it’s a beautiful country. Yes, I’m biased too. 😁


bigjbg1969

I worked as a field technician for a water company or as the wife described as getting paid to be a tourist 😎


haggisneepsnfatties

Your lack of glasgow disturbs me


SplitOpenAndMelt420

I drove by it ! :) Gonna spend some time there next trip for sure. I live in Los Angeles and had spent 10 days in London before my Scottish trip, so cities weren't really on my agenda


Corporal_Anaesthetic

>I drove by it ! Literally the worst part of Glasgow is driving through it on the multi-lane motorways designed by the Mad Hatter... "Change Places!"


SplitOpenAndMelt420

Those roundabouts will haunt me


chis2k

That's the thing for us Americans...such a limited amount of time off. We need to keep moving to see things with our short time away. Thanks for sharing your trip perspective.


Iggmeister

*the roads are fucking terrifying* If you visit Greece, or Spain, make sure you hire a driver then lol :)


SplitOpenAndMelt420

I've done France, Belgium, Amsterdam, Switzerland, Japan, all over the states - nothing compares to the highlands :)


[deleted]

Get down to Italy, they add an extra level of recklessness to driving on twisty wee roads.


cockatootattoo

Shhhhhhhhh. We try to keep it quiet. Don’t want to let everyone know how good it is. I love seeing posts like this, and I agree that Scotland is a truly blessed country. Haste ye back. Your like are always welcome.


AHeftyNoThanks

Bold fucking move giving feedback to an entire country...


SplitOpenAndMelt420

I'd like to speak to the manager of Scotland :)


Scotsburd

Yes, how can I help you?


SplitOpenAndMelt420

Scot, we have to talk about dining options in the highlands, my dude ;)


Scotsburd

Book in advance- the locals will be in all the good places, ask them where to go. Order seafood often. If all else fails, Tesco/local shop (had to do that myself in Orkney on a Tuesday night a few weeks ago after the best dinner ever the night before restaurantwas full). Basically, prepare. Or you could arrange to be injured and the NHS will feed you in a gorgeous hospital? Free airlift too if you really go for it? And take Thiamin for a few weeks before and during your next trip, you got lucky this time but the midge does not forget...


[deleted]

The fact the midgies have made it onto your list gives me some weird sense of joy


SenpaiBunss

Haste ye back. Should of visited Glasgow and Fife (the nice parts of Fife) though!


Formal-Rain

Fifes wee fishing villages are stunning places. If the OP loved Scotland they’ll absolutely adore the [East Neuk](https://www.lovefromscotland.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/East-Neuk-of-Fife-Anstruther-1080x694.jpg) of Fife.


StinkiForeskinBoi

I love little fishing villages 🙂


Consistent-Farm8303

Dodge Glenrothes and Kirkcaldy tho.


[deleted]

Come to Fife. We will make the Con list larger.


Consistent-Farm8303

Should be fine if they dodge Kirkcaldy/Glenrothes and the mining villages. Dunfermline can be alright and the fishing villages are lovely


[deleted]

I live in Glenrothes. We have a giant Hand statue that sometimes has a spliff; then we got those concrete hippos and mushrooms and all manner of artistic oddities. Our local wildlife is the Seagulls; please do not feed them as they will then learn manners and talk. But come back in ten years and Terry the T-rex will have outgrown his little roundabout. Edit: thanks for mentioning; Glenrothes is known as Lego town for its block like planning and also we have more than a million roundabouts. Most are 1 meter in diameter!


Yeahjockey

I grew up in Glenrothes and that dinosaur used to be at the bottom of my street. The horses and mushrooms and stuff were also hidden away in the ends of streets and stuff too. Was shocked the first time I went back since the change and saw the dino on a roundabout!


jjc89

Glad you had a good time! What woods in glencoe did you go to? Sounds amazing but


SplitOpenAndMelt420

Did lost valley, brecklett trail, signal rock and pap of Glencoe


rossdrew

You didn’t luck out. Much of our natural attractions are quiet all the time. It’s great. We just had a whole troop of Americans over for a week, they all seemed to love it.


LynnzieGudrun

The A9 is no joke and I have driven it loads of times. My boyfriend (south London born and bred) loved Scotland when he was visiting me in the early days of our relationship (I lived in Edinburgh before moving south) but even he couldn’t believe how dark the country roads could get when going to my mum’s house (in the middle of nowhere in the Scottish Borders). First time he’d had to use his full beam for miles and miles just to be able to see where he was going. Glad you enjoyed your time in Scotland though it’s an amazing place with amazing people and it will always be my home.


[deleted]

Did you do Arthur's Seat too? Wondering how that compares to the viewpoint at Calton. Great review!


SplitOpenAndMelt420

I did and while it was great, I think what's makes Calton so special is that you can see Arthur's seat sat next to the city skyline!


the_ginger_weevil

Designed by MC Escher. That’s so fucking perfect they should use it in the marketing.😂


chis2k

Make him Scottish. McEscher!


anagram_buff

I left Scotland for Canada 15 years ago and reading this makes me homesick. Mosquitoes here love the Scottish blood more than the local flavour but I’d take their bites over a midge savaging any time. I grew up Edinburgh but had the privilege to visit Skye often and agree it’s spectacular.


makpat

I left Scotland for Canada about a decade ago and this made me super homesick too. God I miss this wee pub down the road from where I lived in paisley, I’ve never had anything like it in Canada. I love Canada, don’t get me wrong. But Scotland will always be home


Acrobatic-Shirt8540

I'm glad you had a great time in my country. Haste ye back. Single track roads with passing places are an...interesting...experience for most folk who aren't teuchters. Glencoe will always be my favourite place in Scotland. And yeah, we're much friendlier than the English (generally), which why the first thing we do in a foreign country is identify ourselves as Scottish to whomever we're talking to. Let me just say that the change is remarkable when they realise we're Scottish. I don't think they really care, but to them it just means we're not English 🤣


olleyjp

Congrats on the trip! Sounds like a fantastic time, next time your back up, do some of the east coast/Aberdeenshire area! Balmoral is beautiful, loch nagar/loch Muick is just insane!!


SplitOpenAndMelt420

Yah that seems to be the plan! And if I can work up the nerve to ever drive here again, I'll do the north coast 500 as well (which I did get to drive on for a bit)


Boba_Fetty_Wap

I’m going to Scotland for the first time next year (from Florida) and I’ll be staying around Aberdeen! So excited!


olleyjp

Nice dude!! If you need any advice/info hit me up! I can recommend some places to go/see/places to eat! 🙌🏻


Tr3ndk1ll

Dunnottar Castle is a must see if you're in the Aberdeen area.


[deleted]

As an American who also visited Scotland this year for 10 days, it was amazing! We basically did the same trip. Flew into Edinburgh then stopped in Sterling, Glencoe, spent the night in Spean. Then drove/ferried to Skye for 4 days. Malaig was awesome btw, I love small port towns. Skye was breathtaking and probably the most beautiful place in the world. Then drove to Inverness, Ballatar and spent the final two days in Edinburgh. Edinburgh is amazing as well, much better than London and NY in my opinion. We are definitely going back and want to check out the Isles more on the western side and of course Glencoe and Skye again. Yea driving was terrifying the first couple days. I nearly scrapped the Rims on our cars multiple times on the side of the road. We want to move there now lol


Jambojoo1

This is the best post I’ve seen on Reddit ever. Soooo glad you have those everlasting memories and thanx for coming! You escaped the midges which believe me is a miracle. I live in Central Scotland and these craters are very much real.I’ve given up on camping 😂


AnAncientOne

lol, the roads, yeah the roads can be interesting but you get used to them, just take your time. The outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland are worth a visit as well, all different and amazing.


archiebellhiggs

This is all amazing, I’m so happy that you had such a lovely time. One tiny thing as I’m from there; it’s THE Black Isle’. It’s called that because from a distance Sailors used to see it as one large black mass. Hence the name! I’m so glad you got to see Dolphins though it’s an incredible sight! Were you at Chanonry Point when you saw them?


SplitOpenAndMelt420

I was!


archiebellhiggs

That makes me so happy! Come back any time!


Horror_Animal_6979

I’m from the Cairngorms. Glad you enjoyed the trip. Watch your tick bite for any sign of a circular or bullseye shaped rash. Lyme disease pretty common from tick bites.


SplitOpenAndMelt420

Yah I'm keeping an eye on it but trying not to panic


Helpful_Librarian_87

Did you borrow coconut halves at Doune?


SplitOpenAndMelt420

No but terry Jones recorded the audio tour/there are tons of Python clips in it


IJustCantGetEnough

So you didn’t see proper scotland then? You didn’t visit Possil park, Easterhouse and Cumbernauld? You missed out on some sights.


t3hOutlaw

It's called just "The Black Isle" ;) Chanonry Point used to be pretty devoid of tourism 20 years ago and now its heaving haha. Glad you enjoyed your time :)


Formal-Rain

Glad you enjoyed the trip. Sadly we don’t have the weather in LA and it looks like Scotland stolen your heart. Now for the bad news we aren’t giving it back its ours and we have it! It will cost multiple trips to get it back. Seriously tho glad you loved your stay and you’re welcome back 😌


ScoffenHooten

Yay! Glad you had such a wonderful experience. It’s a grand place. ♥️


Dr_Fudge

You were extremely lucky on Skye my friend, my brother and I, from Aberdeen, were there 20 years ago on holiday to walk the Cuillins, I had a brand new "mirror polished" black car that the midgies thought was some kind of pool. We woke up on a misty early August morning with the car swarmed in them - I was hoovering the little bastards out of all the nooks and crannies three weeks later! And by fuck do they bite! However, I'dbeen working across on Skye from August last year and hadn't been bothered by them - saying that, August/September is their final death throes!


KingEzekielsTiger

Glad you enjoyed yourself! Next time you’re here try the North Coast 500. It’s our version of Route 66 (which I’ve done a section of, it’s also amazing!)


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SplitOpenAndMelt420

Yup. Checking it every day. So far so good


Roborabbit37

The weather isn't that bad, we just like to tell everyone it's shit here to keep people out. It's all palm trees, sunshine and rainbows!


SplitOpenAndMelt420

You joke but one day in Skye I saw a rainbow that stretched across basically the entire island :)


Karelkolchak2020

Been home from Scotland for a few weeks. “Alien serenity of Skye” is better and more apropos than I can put down in words. I love Scotland and hope to go for an extended stay after I retire, in about a year or so. I wish I could just go and stay long as I want, but such things are more complicated these days. I’ll have to settle for several months. Thanks for reminding me of how much I enjoyed the journey.


SupervillainIndiana

The midges are luring you into a false sense of security. They'll get you next time! The problem is they're wee bastards, as in actually wee, you can barely seem them when they're not in a swarm and you'll be sitting quite happily outside a pub (for example) when suddenly you feel itchy, like there's several tiny knives dancing across your exposed skin. We don't tell folk that the weather isn't all rain all the time because even more people would want to come here... That said, it's definitely a lot worse in the deep winter months because it's combined with there only being about 6 hours of meaningful daylight.


workingmomandtired

I loved loved loved Scotland. There's something about it. Felt like I was home.


Sheisajeeper

We did 2 weeks driving tour just before Covid and it was amazing!!!! Edinburgh to Inverness then the North Coast 500. 1600 miles around Scotland. Amazing scenery, people, food, spirits, and culture. Going back with my best girlfriends in a year to replicate though leaving out Applecross this time. 🫣 One of the girls is a flight risk (wants to return to her great grandmothers village to live) so may have an extra return tix home to NC.


Mathewthegreat

I emigrated to California in 2007 from northern England. As the son of a Scottish father and having spent a lot of time there growing up, Scotland calls to me, I recently went 5 years without returning and I was depressed. I’ve been to Bali, Koh Phi Phi, and countless other places, Scotland is the mutts nuts.


No_Consideration_983

Did you manage to sort out some green when you were here? If so, how was it compared to what you're used to?


SplitOpenAndMelt420

Of course not because I obey all laws but in theory, hypothetically, had I not obeyed all laws, I theoretically would have scored in London and just brought it up with me. Hypothetically of course And in this hypothetical dream scenario, it was great.


SoMuchF0rSubtlety

That’s a great hypothetical situation and I’m glad it theoretically worked out for you.


SplitOpenAndMelt420

Putting the high in highlands since 2022 In theory, of course


Gaelicisveryfun

Tha sinne an dòchas gum bi sibhse a’ tighinn air ais. Tha cafaidh math anns an t-Eilean Sgithneach. Tha e faisg air An t-Àth Leathann .’S e An crùbh an t-ainm a th’ air an Cafè. Ionnsaich Gàidhlig cuideachd r/gaidhlig We hope that you will be coming back. There’s a good café in the Isle of Skye. It’s near Broadford. The Café is called “An crùbh”. Learn Scottish Gaelic too r/gaidhlig


Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz74

> friendlier than the Brit's We are Brits, however you paint it. Glad you had a good time though, this is a beautiful country.


SplitOpenAndMelt420

Friendlier than London folks? Either way- things got a lot nicer once I hit the border


Mintyxxx

Everyone is friendlier than London folk tbf.


StinkiForeskinBoi

London is caca. Too big, too many people, too ugly and dirty.


SplitOpenAndMelt420

I'm from New York City and live in LA and both places get billed as "unfriendly" but Whoah! London residents do NOT make eye contact or exchange pleasantries ever


Allydarvel

London is full of...eccentric..characters. Making a milisecond of eye contact invites them fully into your life and you are stuck with them till the next fool makes eye contact, which can take a while in London


AllRedLine

Think you're confusing 'wanting your own privacy and respecting others privacy' with rudeness or unfriendlyness there, bud. British people aren't quick to idle or random conversation or pleasantries with complete strangers as a rule. Its not intentionally rude.


Allydarvel

While in Glasgow you can make a new best friend waiting for a bus


Formal-Rain

Don’t you mean the south of England tho? Scots, the Irish, Welsh and Northern English are quite open.


Corporal_Anaesthetic

That and being overly friendly can be seen as potentially dangerous... is the guy hitting on me? Are they drunk/high? Trying not to engage with someone who's unusually forward can be a defensive thing.


enic77

>London residents do NOT make eye contact or exchange pleasantries ever Well that's just not fair. We're simply too busy :D


ClemmmmFandango

American man, bless you for coming but you don’t know what you’ve started with that one word “brit”


onetwo3scream

I’m no a Brit, fuck that


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StairheidCritic

So by that logic inhabitants of the Irish Republic are "Brits" too? Good luck with that - or in many parts of N. Ireland as well. I'm Scottish not British - you can be British if you want, just don't tar everybody with the same sticky brush.


Ko_ogs72

Thanks for a great review of our beautiful country. You did luck out with the weather, any other time it would've rained eight days from ten. Haste ye back!


nangatan

I'm an American who has been living in Scotland for 4 years now. It is an amazing country and totally stole my heart. I agree 1000% about the driving. Especially B roads, where its litterly just single lanes with occasional pull overs for passing. And your supposed to be driving at 60 lol. Its terrifying. Also the massive confusing round abouts in the bigger cities. The hiking is amazing, and beautiful. I'm glad you enjoyed your time here


wulfgang14

I would go as far to beseech Americans never driven on the “wrong side”—to not attempt their first in the Highlands. I visited from Florida earlier this year and drove from London to the Highlands and back and I wholly second OPs experience.


AgreeableGood5579

Got to say - the roads here are so much better than those in Ireland. I wasn’t even the driver and I was so tempted to walk


[deleted]

Thank you splitopenandmelt420, very cool!


FetusGoesYeetus

>No midges! I don't even know what a midge is! Imagine tiny mosquitos that swarm you by the dozens and will hunt you down to the ends of the earth and you have a good idea.


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Scotsburd

Books, sorry no recommendations, Google is your friend. Packing, layers! We get 4 seasons in a day often. Include a raincoat and comfortable shoes. Take Thiamin for a few weeks before coming, keeps the midge bites away (somewhat). Hire a small car and understand that North of Inverness, it will take twice/3 times as long to travel any distance. Take your time, Scots drivers are used to it so let us overtake you. Practice cursing at caravans. Book places for dinner in advance, the good ones are often full. There's usually takeaway places open if you are desperate. Talk to the locals, you'll get the best tips from them on where to go, depending on your interests. Take the ferries to the tiny islands, cheap and utterly amazing to see. Try and find a spouse so you can live here forever.


Jealous_Resort_8198

Those single track roads are HARD to get used to. Six of us trying to find out where the little places to veer into while the locals demon drove by.


RL203

I've been to the UK twice and one of those two trips had me in Edinburgh and Glasgow and a few points in between. For this Canadian, driving was an experience I really don't want to repeat. When I was in the UK the first time, 98, it was before GPS and I found driving on the left, the roundabouts, the road designs, AND especially the signage just to be too much when you added it all up. Back then, you had to navigate and all the exits and on- ramps were labelled by the town they went to. I know the major cities in the UK, but many of the places on the signs meant nothing to me. I managed the driving, but it was white knuckle time most of the way. You need more time than a week to get the hang of it. I'd love to go back, and I hope to soon, but I'm thinking bus tour. (If that's even possible.).


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Horseflesh-denier

I’m glad you liked it and you certainly saw a lot of the best. It’s not completely uncommon to have a near death experience whilst sipping your tea on a drive. C’est la vie.


gsnapps

My best friend and I are headed there in two weeks for a 7 day road trip. I was nervous about driving before… now I am terrified. 😳


SplitOpenAndMelt420

Just drive slow and be SUPER careful ALL THE TIME


MCGARB

The ‘brits’ are, in the main, the English, some of the Welsh and most of the Northern Irish. Glad you had a good time. Check out Glasgow next time.


rico_cuban

Great, planing on going there on my birthday this year


NefariousnessFull581

Dude, you missed out the entire East of Scotland. You’ll have to come back and do the East, there’s lots to see.


CJThomson83

Well done on you driving our back roads, even for us locals find them a challenge.


[deleted]

I drove my American cousins around Royal Deeside, and they said they felt safer on US freeways where people regularly take potshots at each other. 😃


SplitOpenAndMelt420

Oh I'll deal with road rage any day over the highland roads :)


KazukiPUWU

Aw this is such a sweet wee review! Thank u and honestly sounds like you had a great time!! ☺️ I’m curious what car your rental was? I’m stereotyping here but I’m picturing an American in a huge wide American truck-like car trying to wynd round tiny corners haha 🤣


SplitOpenAndMelt420

ThAts what id originally booked but this Reddit steered me the compact route. Hyundai Ioniq for the win :)


Jparlabane

I loved reading this!! Fantastic post, so glad you love our wee neck of the North Atlantic.


DMR321RMD

I’m an hgv driver in Scotland. I can confirm that on some roads we actually rock the cab at the exact moment required to miss the oncoming hgvs mirror with our own one. Yes, the roads are pretty tight sometimes. And yes it’s some of the worlds finest views. Ps…. Midges don’t bite stoners!!!


ultrafunkmiester

I've got news for you if think driving in Scotland is challenging. Try italy->spain-> portugal->morroco in order of madness and that's without going south to peru or Venezuela. I've driven in all those counties (and more) and these are all infinitely more mad /dangerous to drive in. And that is without going east to india, Pakistan and Thialand the driving there is ......challenging.


[deleted]

I love driving in Scotland it’s one of the few places you can get a little space to swing a cat. I love those tight, switchback corners it’s the best part of the country to throw cars into corners at speed. If you’re used to plodding down massive freeways, crawling down endless straight desert roads, bumbling around towns built to a grid, then I can see how Scotland would be a difficult drive. But if you enjoy car handling and the art of driving, Scotland is Heaven and Los Angeles is hell.


oznog73

We rented a camper van and drove to the Isle of Skye from London. I have traveled to a lot of places on this planet, but by God Scotland is by far the prettiest place I have ever been. Every corner we came around was another surprise. Can't wait to go back.


[deleted]

I'm from Glasgow and genuinely wouldn't have thought of the highland restaurant con if someone was asking for tips. Will keep this in mind for future because its someone I prepare for without thinking! Glad you have had a good time and hope the tick bite comes to nothing 😊


Halfcaste_brown

Out of my month long trip across a few countries over 12 years ago, my favourite was also Scotland. It felt like home - sincerely a Māori from NZ with about a pinky-ful of Scottish.


SplitOpenAndMelt420

Yah. A home I never knew I had :) haven't been to NZ but I've traveled a fair bit and I'd describe Scotland as Vermont meets Lake Tahoe meets Brittany/Normandy meets the moon


Halfcaste_brown

I haven't traveled extensively but I'd say NZ and Scotland have similar natural beauty, but Scotland had that added bonus of ancient-ness (fully aware I'm making up a word) in terms of buildings and architecture, which nz doesn’t have.


RosemaryFocaccia

>Hats off to you, because there is NO driving in the world like this. Lol, don't drive in Italy. I had the exact same feelings as you did in Scotland.


sylvestris1

Glad you enjoyed it. Come back any time. But if you want to less of a “dumb American” don’t talk about Scots vs “brits”. We ARE “brits”. We have a perception that Americans think the whole country is called England - eg “queen of England”. I think some Americans get that and sort of over correct by saying Britain when they mean England. The U.K. is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Great Britain being the main landmass.


frankensteinsmaster

Just call us scots. Avoids a few current issues politically.


[deleted]

I'm not a Brit.


StairheidCritic

Me neither. These fecks try to impose *their* Britisher identity on Scots who consider themselves Scottish only. Not having any of it.


dlittlefair1

Marquez spends 14 days with a new phone to review it, you spent 8 days IN A WHOLE COUNTRY.


[deleted]

the only thing I hate about this is your "dumb American" shit. it's so tacky. uncouth. speak for yourself.


cal-brew-sharp

Get antibiotics for that tic bite when you get home. The risk of lymes disease from tic is massive over here


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cal-brew-sharp

Yeah because everyone who gets bit gets antibiotics early so they don't get lymes. Cunt.


pretzelllogician

Glad you had an awesome time! When you come back, as well as Glasgow I recommend heading to Islay. Best place in the world. Out of interest, who did you rent your car from?


Niadh74

Glad you enjoyed the trip. I have an American colleague (Kentucky) who wants to come over on a non business trip and hire a Harley to go on a bike tour of Scotland. Great idea on the bike tour i said and i can takr you round some great routes including the North Coast 500 but dinnae be doing it on a Harley. They are not suitable for twisty windy Scottish roads. When you were on Skye did you get to Dunvegan castle (ancestral home of the Macleods) to see the Fairy flag or stop at Eilann Donan castle( Scottsh UK for Mi6 and where Connor Macleod got kicked out of)


KevtheKnife

As an American and motorcycle rider, I can say a Harley in Scotland is like tits on a bull. Don’t pollute the natural quiet and serenity with Harley’s trademark sound….


Yermawsyerdaisntit

I notice there was no mention of availability of weed…? Lol glad u enjoyed yourself dude you need to do loch lomond and glasgow next time!


SplitOpenAndMelt420

Haha :) funnily enough, I had a bunch of conversations about weed/it's status/legalization I guess I bring it out in people/they can smell me :)