Thank you. 2nd Castle/Stirling? Hike? Distilleries?

2 nights in Edinburgh... given the driving times and sights to see, where would the next 2 nights be best spent? The drive down to Glasgow looks like it curves and twists around the lochs...must be scenic. Is it a difficult drive? Any must see stops?

Near Doune: Scottish Antiques Centre; Argaty Red Kite centre (arrive before 3 2 pm the usual feeding time)

Beyond Callander you head into the hills. Opportunities for hikes along the waterfalls and tumbling river at Braes o' Leny; or anything from a lochside walk at Loch Lubnaig to a half day climb up Ben Ledi, depending on the fitness/willingness of the party ...

Returning Southwards by Inverary and by Loch Lomond. You read it right. Actually it's even better than 'twisty roads' might indicate. Also stop at Kilmartin.

http://www.trossachs.co.uk/deanston.php for distilleries roughly in the Stirling direction

You can tell me all about the easiest way to get signed up for Yosemite ...

4) Stay in Glencoe area for the scenery.

5) Blair Castle & Edradour distillery

Yosemite is on my list too (Derek - sent you a pm)

If you have been pouring over the forums then you are probably already aware of these two websites which are great for walks in any area you visit as well as pointing you in the direction of other things to see and do... and they also have accommodation details too

www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/index.html

http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/

We are obviously getting the message through about "you don't have enough time" - had to laugh at that one - but its true and I'm glad you have realised it.

Scotland = 30,000 square miles

California = 163,000 square miles

(Can that be correct??)

No wonder you guys try and fit it all into one week!!!

Have a great trip

Woody x

Yes... when we see the size of Scotland, it seems totally doable in a week! People in CA drive an hour and a half one way just to get to work! I guess it's as silly as people who want to see all the sights in CA in one trip. Impossible. You would need a month. Thanks for the suggestions and the wisdom :) ...looking so forward to this trip.

As for Yosemite...happy to help. But I'm not sure what you mean by "getting signed up" Do you mean for a camping spot in the Valley? Hotels are easy. I think only camping is tough. You have to get on the phone at 7 AM Pacific Time (and keep dialing until you get through) on the very first day/minute possible.Yosemite camping reservations are released one month at a time, five months in advance, on the 15th of each month. We usually pick one person from our group each year to suffer through the process for the rest of us!

Yup I was think of camping and crag hopping rather than hotels. One of a few places on my mountaineering hit list! I can see why they want to make people phone, but it's a pain when you live abroad!