Scottish Roadtrips -- Encountering Porridge with Salt and Other Dangers

Edinburgh and beyond

Roadtrips around Britain

It's hard to overstate the poetry of Edinburgh. Even when crossing the North Bridge in a screaming gale, fearing you lost your nose five streets ago. It's hard to be grumpy with the magnificent Old Town spread out in front of you, and Arthur's seat rearing up to your left.

But if you're in Edinburgh for a while, I highly recommend getting out and driving through some of the countryside. As those who live in Scotland (but not in Edinburgh) like to say occasionally, Edinburgh isn't as Scottish as the rest of the place. So if you really want to get a feel for the soul and history of this porridge-with-salt, haggis-neeps-and-tatties country, you'll need to get out.

Spires, spectres and spirits (of the whiskey kind)

So have a float around Edinburgh, and soak in the ? this might naff, but really the only word to describe it ? soak in the majesty of it all. Really. Go there. You'll see. Pop up the Royal Mile and drop in on the city's number one tourist attraction ? that castle. For a dose of depressing and chilling history I vigorously suggest you take a night tour of Edinburgh's graveyards, which still sometimes have pieces of bone surfacing if it rains too hard. Interesting, and cheaper than a colostomy.

For those who're fond of brisk walks and the best views in town, there's Arthur's Seat ? an extinct volcano sitting plum in the centre of the city. And for those fond of a drink ? welcome to the happiest time in your life. The Grassmarket is a probably the best place to start, with pubs like Biddy Mulligans, and The Last Drop. Whistle Binkies on the South Bridge for live music. And to finish the night? Well, this is a quick plug for the Penny Black. Be warned, it opens around 6am and it's not always pretty. But it's a damn good romp if you're already seeing double.

To get out and about to see the surrounding areas, you've got trains and buses which can take you to most places, but if you want to be able to go where you want, when you want, it's very hard to beat renting out a little car for a few days. If you're booking through the internet to save money, sites like http://www.vroomvroomvroom.co.uk (http://www.vroomvroomvroom.co.uk) are good because they have contracts with all the biggest car rental companies, and you can then directly compare prices and grab a good deal.

Nearby for a quick trip

So, once you're motorised, you should wander through nearby border towns like Peebles. Great for a pint and chat in beautiful surrounds. The Tweed River is great for fishing too, if you feel you're up to facing the weather.

A must-do would be Stirling, visiting its castle, and wandering around the site at Bannockburn where the Scottish won their independence fighting the British hordes in 1314. There's also the National Wallace Monument nearby ? a tribute to the country's most famous freedom-fighter. He was the poor man who was embarrassingly portrayed by Mel Gibson sporting a dodgy mullet in Braveheart. Where's Ewan McGregor when you need him?

Onwards and upwards for monsters, battles and hairy people armed with firewater

Then, keeping onwards, and sort of to the West, you've got Oban and the little ferries which can get you to the Scottish Isles. Because you're in the area, it'd be very silly not to go to Fort William (only a millimetre or two away on the map). From here you can explore Glen Nevis ? the area is the natural wonder version of the man-made beauty to be found in Edinburgh. You'll need a lucky streak, though, if you want a cloudless day when climbing to the peak of the area's most popular mountain, Ben Nevis.

From here you could either start heading back in a roundabout fashion turning east and frolicking through Perth, Dundee and St Andrews, or set your car to speedy and head on up to Inverness to take a trip out monster-hunting on the freaky dark waters of Loch Ness. Another battlefield heavy with history is a small trip away from Inverness ? the moor of Culloden. The last battle to be fought on British soil ? it was bloody and quick, and followed by a very nasty period of brutality and suppression of the Scottish way of life, even though the battle wasn't really Scottish versus English. It was more a spat between rich boys over a crown.

If you haven't turned back by now, it would seem you're in for the long-haul. Further on up would then be your only option ? the beautiful and lonely Highlands await. Go, and drink firewater with the reddest and hairiest Scotsmen of them all.

Alyssa Betts
http://www.vroomvroomvroom.co.uk

Kalamazoo taxi o'hare .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare
In The News:

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
According to the FBI, cybercriminals are sending extortion letters, threatening to release victims' sensitive information unless a ransom is paid.
FireSat is a satellite project designed to detect and track wildfires early, aiming to detect a fire that's the size of a classroom within 20 minutes.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reports that researchers have uncovered a Chrome vulnerability used in a cyber espionage campaign.
Preserving voicemails securely on Android: Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals easy methods to keep memories alive forever.
This phishing kit bypasses 2FA via session hijacking and real-time credential theft. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson offers four ways to stay safe from Astaroth phishing attacks.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses Joby Aviation and Virgin Atlantic planning to launch 200-mph U.K. air taxis linking airports and cities.
Fake Apple virus warnings, security alerts and messages are tactics used to prompt you to call a number or click on a malicious link. The CyberGuy explains how to protect your devices.
The combination of artificial intelligence and neuroscience allows a paralyzed man to manipulate a robotic arm by using his brain to imagine movements.
With the help of artificial intelligence, sophisticated fraud techniques emerging today are virtually undetectable to the untrained eye.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents
If you need to free up space on your Mac, consider deleting duplicate photos in your image library. Apple makes it easy to do, and the CyberGuy explains the process.
Microsoft is discontinuing Skype in May after 22 years of service. Kurt the CyberGuy addresses other options for internet-based phone and video service.
Tron 1, a Chinese company's two-legged robot, is versatile and can walk, roll and pivot, even on rough terrain. Tron 1 stands 33 inches tall and weighs 44 pounds.
Hackers are tricking people into installing password-stealing malware by making them press keyboard shortcuts under the pretense of proving they're not bots.
Saving the voices of loved ones can be a comforting way to keep alive memories. Kurt "the CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how to preserve voicemail messages.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
The FBI warns that some free online document converters load malware onto people's computers, making their private information vulnerable to attack.
Toyota's compact electric FT-Me is designed to tackle challenges of city living while offering an accessible and eco-friendly transportation solution.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says 23andMe's bankruptcy raises data privacy fears: Opt out, download and delete data now.
UBTech and Zeekr unite with AI robot swarms to make car manufacturing faster and smarter. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how the process works.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says Apple's Passwords app had a three-month phishing flaw from iOS 18 to 18.2 patch.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how this super-small electric mini-truck takes a big step toward production.
Artificial intelligence-generated images and videos that use someone’s likeness typically target women without their consent. The CyberGuy unpacks how to protect loved ones.
A humanoid robot developed in China has transformed from a nimble dancer to performing kung fu moves with surprising precision and balance.

A Closer Look at Pigeon Forge Real Estate

Those looking to invest in real estate should not overlook... Read More

A Guide to Cozumel Hotels

Cozumel has something to suit the tastes and budgets of... Read More

An Overview of the Gatlinburg Cabins

Originally founded in the early 1800s as White Oaks, Gatlinburg... Read More

Hampshire - Mild, Convenient, and Full of Variety

The southern English county of Hampshire is only two hours... Read More

Looking for a Vacation in Paradise? Try a Bahamas Vacation

Plan your next vacation where most people call paradise...the Bahamas... Read More

Smokey Mountain Cabins - There Is Only One!

Did you know there are no Smokey Mountain cabins for... Read More

French Property - Looking to take a holiday in France ?

Aquitaine with its 5 departments; Dordogne, Gironde, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, Pyr?n?es-Atlantiques.Weather:... Read More

Luxury Cairns / Port Douglas Hinterland Accommodation Will Take Your Breath Away

Cairns Rainforest Retreat is ideally located for your unique rainforest... Read More

Ormond Beach, FL: A Small Piece of Paradise

Within Volusia County, Florida, the small community of Ormond Beach... Read More

Tips to Visit Valencia, a Lovely City of Spain

Valencia is the third city of Spain, by number of... Read More

Cheap Family Vacations

The real secret to cheap family vacations is to be... Read More

Gatlinburgs Real Estate Market

Real estate in Gatlinburg is thriving. While the 2000 census... Read More

Oceanside Vacations on Hilton Head Island

The largest barrier island on the Atlantic coast between New... Read More

All Inclusive Resorts - Sunscape The Beach Punta Cana

Sunscape The Beach Punta Cana is located on the north... Read More

Villasin Algarve - No1 For Property Investors

The Algarve, and particularly the areas around Carvoeiro, Albufeira, Praia... Read More

A Road Trip in Cyprus -- Blessed by the Gods

Aphrodite's Hot SpotEuropean Road Trip AdventuresCyprus. Yes, it is a... Read More

Welcome to Floridas Emerald Coast!

Stay a week or stay a lifetime, the Emerald Coast... Read More

The Bed and Breakfast Experience

The bed and breakfast experience is unique. You get the... Read More

Choose a Bed and Breakfast Over a Hotel Chain and Enjoy Your Vacation

Traveling for business or vacationing always has one thing in... Read More

Desiya ? Smart Travel Engine Making Indian Sojourn Memorable

India has always been an irresistible tourist destination for people... Read More

Choosing a Maui Condo Rental Agent

Choosing a condo in Maui is definitely a great investment.... Read More

Visit Western Australia and Stay in Fremantle - Holiday & Short Term Accommodation

Enjoy your own luxurious lifestyle in our beautifully furnished, air... Read More

Travel Journals ? Preserve Your Travel Experiences

Traveling is a great way to escape the rat race... Read More

Consider A Private Kauai Vacation Rental For Your Next Getaway

There are many wonderful resorts with tons of activity in... Read More

Vacation / Honeymoons 101 - Planning for Perfect Weather on Your Trip

Did you ever worry when traveling about the weather? Most... Read More

Chicago charter limousine service Hickory Hills ..