Oban in early October

Thank you for this Polarbear2 so pleased it went well, truly an adventure!

Thanks for the update. It sounds lovely and you coped well with being on your own.
We have been talking about holidays within DH’s limitations, and he has given me his blessing to go away on my own, so i am going to plan something similar now.

Sounds fabulous, thanks for the update. Pleased that you went for it, Scotland is beautiful but I don't think that we will be able to go again.

Every hill and bend in the road reveals a new, fantastic view. The road from Glasgow north is just lovely.

I’ve been searching for this post to update you all. Assuming you’re interested that is ? So. I went and I did and it was fab.u.lous ?. I drove up to Lockerbie on the Sunday which was a lovely drive and quite relaxed. Reasonable hotel. Then Monday onwards to Oban. Past Loch Lomond which was so beautiful. Lunch in a garden centre cafe just outside Oban which was really really good. Seafood platter ?. First room they gave me in the hotel was dire. Damp and dark - so I asked for an upgrade. Got a lovely light and bright room so that was a plus. Had all my evening meals in the hotel as I was a bit nervy about wandering about in the dark. Meals were nice and one or two people chatted. Just watched tv after in my room which was ok. Tuesday I headed out up to Glencoe, then on to Fort William and …. Just kept going! I drove for miles. Ended up in Mallaig. Had a gorgeous seafood lunch again (stupidly hadn’t realised this area was good for seafood .. doh).
Day after I stayed out of the car and went on a boat trip. Beautiful and sea was flat calm. Cold tho!!! Two lads I chatted to were in shorts because it was a lovely sunny day. They froze! Another lovely lunch and a nice walk along the front and bit of shop browsing.
Headed home on Thursday but unfortunately the weather was horrible and it was driving rain all the way back. Not quite so relaxing. Was glad to reach my stopover in Cumbria.
So. No drama. Weather was kind. People were lovely. At NO point did I feel lonely - which surprised me. I felt free and liberated and calm and happy. I smiled a lot.
Of course in this long descriptor I’m missing the main bit - the scenery!!!! Oh my days. I was astonished, stunned, blown away. Every corner brought a new vista. I took loads of pictures which I’ll treasure. I stopped when I wanted. Had nobody to answer to. Importantly no man being the aggressive driver! I just tootled along and if someone wanted to pass I pulled in! I admit I was cautious. I didn’t move far from the car and I didn’t stop if a lorry was in the pull-in.
Having done it tho I’d do it again in a heartbeat. And I think I’d be less nervy - more confident - next time. OH wasn’t over pleased of course that I’d enjoyed it so much. Bit jealous I think. Female friends were all super supportive and also a bit envious but in a good way?
So thanks to all who encouraged me. You were great and gave some good advice. Here’s to the next one!!!

DH drives as I get very car sick especially on those twisty roads.

I love the drive alongside Loch Lomond, then across to Lochgilphead before taking the road up to Oban, but not everyone likes that road due to it being very twisty, but it`s a very pretty route.

Ohh. Haven’t thought that far. I’ll get the map out! ?
Thanks re ferry

I actually meant the routes within Scotland. Via Callendar or via Loch Lomond. Or cross country and go via Fort William? Decisions decisions!

Plan ahead for the ferry. Even foot passengers should book in advance.

Thanks all. It’s a lovely idea and I absolutely appreciate the thought. I’ll do something that’s both fun (I hope) and safe. Maybe call it Polar adventures ?
I’m going from S Yorks so over to Manchester way and up the west side of the country. I could go over Skipton way but from experience the traffic can be heavy. We did that route recently tbf on a NYorks trip.
Q re ferry. Do I have to book in advance?
Esspee - that’s actually a positive of going it alone - I can stop and appreciate the scenery rather than just battling on to the destination. OH doesn’t understand ‘stopping’ ?
Ps I’m getting a bit excited now. Think I should calm down. ???

Have a super time

Oh yes. Enjoy the journey. You'll be driving through beautiful countryside almost regardless of the route you take.
Ooh. That's another question. Which route do you plan to drive?

This has been such a beautiful summer in my part of Scotland, the warmest, sunniest, driest summer for years with rivers and lochs very low. Autumn has started early with the rowan and chestnut trees leading the way.
Enjoy your drive, why not stop off on the way so you can appreciate amazing sights such as Glencoe rather than being desperate to get to your destination.
Once in Oban check out the seafood eating places on the harbour, delicious!
Have a wonderful trip.

Or even a rough guide to what you did 'yesterday' without any reference to your actual day, location or plans. Gosh, it was intended as fun and companionship but you're quite right about potential ne'er do wells. Just stay safe and enjoy - whatever you do.

You could keep it general PolarBear2. eg day trip to Mull, lovely smooth sailing or breakfast not up to much today etc. However, I do take your point about online safety. Your plans got me thinking about the area and how much I'd enjoy being back there. Taynuilt is our old family home so we've been going back for years. Most recently last October.
Have a great trip whatever you decide.

Nice idea. I’m just worried I’d somehow be setting myself up for someone not so nice to follow me. Neurotic?? moi?? ? I’d be kind of up for that tho if it’s safe.

Like your mode of thinking, Aveline. I'd be up for that too. P2, how about a couple of travelling companions in spirit or 'virtual' in modern parlance?!

When are you off? Just so we can mentally accompany you? How about posting a day by day journal?

Aw thanks. Hand on heart I wish I had someone to go with but hey, it’ll be an adventure. ?

Sounds like you've made a well thought out and excellent decision. I wish you well (with a bit of envy intermixed) and will be watching the weather with extra interest and fingers crossed for you. ?

Thanks. Done that as I saw in lots of reviews that parking was an issue. Thanks for the heads up though. ?

That's in Oban. I don't know Lockerbie so can't comment.

Quick thought - check with hotel re the parking situation. It can be problematical and/or expensive if the hotel doesn't have its own parking.

Cabbie21

Can I come with you Polarbear2? It sounds lovely, just the sort of break I could do with. I have been to Oban, many years ago now, about 52, I think! Beautiful scenery.
On another note, what is a self drive coach tour? It doesnt sound sense to me.

Nope me neither. It’s a ‘tour’ run by a coach company but you have to get there yourself? ?‍♀️