Scotland trip advice

[hugh_woatmeigh]

Non-rugby post but this seems as good a place as any to post my queries as we've a great knowledgeable Scottish contingent on here

I'm heading up North with a few friends & partners for a couple of weeks on the road and have managed to satisfy all but a couple of their tourist demands for the trip ahead. I was hoping the board may be able to help on these :

1) Glenfinnan Viaduct. Apparently taking it in on the way to Mull is insufficient. Would anyone know how best to figure out when the steam train passes over it? The photographer in the group is quite adamant...

2) We have tickets to one of the big comedy shows at the fringe but been to take in a couple of others. How do the free/non ticketed events work? Is it a case of queue up near the start time & hope for the best?

3) For the walkers... What is the closest/easiest munro in relation to Inverness airport? I assume Ben Wyvis as the crow flies but not sure how easy the walk is or how accessible it is by car. Looking to make the most of a day before a friend flies out in the PM via Inverness. We may just go to the beaches/castles if not practical.

4) Are there any fecking pre-season games on in the first half of August? The calendar looks scarce.

Cheers in advance. At least you'll be rid of my Greg smash antics for a wee while...

[Adder]

1) steam train is the jacobite steamtrain, you can find the timetables here: http://www.westcoastrailways.co.uk/jaco ... etails.cfm .They are very friendly, I'm sure you can call them to ask them around what time the train passes on the viaduc. I think it takes 3 hours do to Fort William Mallaig with it.

2) usually some queue system during the day. https://www.edfringe.com/

3) Plenty to do up there if not, but Ben Wyvis is the closest to Inverness I think

4) Not that I can see
Glasgow Warriors will play Northampton Saints in a pre-season fixture on Saturday 19 August, kick-off 2pm at Stirling County Rugby Club, Bridgehaugh, Stirling.

Friday 18 August
Edinburgh Rugby v Sale Sharks
Kick-off 7.35pm
Meggetland

Friday 25 August
Edinburgh Rugby v Newcastle Falcons
Kick-off 6pm
The Greenyards

[Mikey Brown]

I just want to know how many partners you have?

[General Zod]

I am on the smash in Pitlochry on Saturday.

Avoid!

[hugh_woatmeigh]

Cheers fellas. Had a great time and managed to get 7 munros in. Legs still sore...

[bruce]

Got a trip coming up to Skye, any must do things you lot can recommend?

[hugh_woatmeigh]

Got a trip coming up to Skye, any must do things you lot can recommend?

You've just missed the highland games which is a brilliant day out but still lots to do. Most head to Skye for the outdoors so my take...

You could do some of the cuillin munros but I would suggest getting a climbing guide if you've not got experience as some of the true summits require rock climbing. You can still get some spectacular hikes & views without going all the way to the top though.

Faerie Glen at sunset.

Lots of great beaches - Claigan and Talisker bay come to mind.

Depending on the direction you come from it's pretty likely you'll pass Eilean Donan castle on the way over.

1 well kept castle - Dunvegan and a couple of totally ruined ones - Dunscaith & Hughs Castle.

For food - Skye Pie Cafe (good value eats) and the loch bay (more upmarket but great food).

If you're self catering you'll find plenty of local fresh produce all over the island and much of what you need in Portree.