Scotland or Cornwall

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 2:28 pm

(Or anywhere else in The UK That compares for that matter).

Looking for tips for the summer for a UK break. Done a lot of Scotland although none of the islands so thinking of going to one of them or Cornwall. Cornwall is the only place I haven't done in England. If you had to pick one over the other which would it be?

In order of importance

Scenery
Beaches
History
Outdoor activities
Accommodation (quality, location, and availaibility)
Peace and quiet (but still plenty to see and do)
Public transport

Thinking Skye and Harris, maybe Lewis.

Guessing food, weather and price will be similar in both.

Bin Ont Turf · Post by **Bin Ont Turf** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 2:30 pm

If you've been to Scotland a lot and never been to Cornwall, Cornwall it is.

ElectroClaret · Post by **ElectroClaret** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 2:32 pm

Cornwall every time.

Never been to Scotland without it p***!ng down all the time.

jdrobbo · Post by **jdrobbo** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 2:33 pm

Would highly recommend Poolewe, if you're prepared to drive for eight hours. Beautiful place

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 2:35 pm

jdrobbo wrote:Would highly recommend Poolewe, if you're prepared to drive for eight hours. Beautiful place

I practically live on the M6 most days so it will be a nice change

Will look it up thanks

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 2:35 pm

ElectroClaret wrote:Cornwall every time.

Never been to Scotland without it p***!ng down all the time.

I must get really lucky as more often than not I have only ever had amazing sunshine or snow. And it looks great in both. I don't mind the rain although prefer it not to in summer. It only ever rains in scotland when I go tp Glasgow

Chobulous · Post by **Chobulous** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 2:37 pm

Word of warning. My brother drove down to Plymouth last weekend and was at a standstill for 3 hours on the M5 due to road works in both directions. If you're going to Cornwall my advice would be to fly down to Newquay and hire a car.

Chobulous · Post by **Chobulous** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 2:38 pm

If you want somewhere else try the Gower peninsular. Tremendous beaches at Rhossilli. Drive down through Wales, avoid the M5

ElectroClaret · Post by **ElectroClaret** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 2:39 pm

It's true it can be a hell of a journey of you're unlucky with roadworks, traffic, etc.

And the A30 desperately needs upgrading/widening.
Flying to Newquay is an excellent suggestion if you can get a cheap enough flight.

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 2:40 pm

Chobulous wrote:Word of warning. My brother drove down to Plymouth last weekend and was at a standstill for 3 hours on the M5 due to road works in both directions. If you're going to Cornwall my advice would be to fly down to Newquay and hire a car.

Another important factor thanks.

claretdom · Post by **claretdom** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 2:41 pm

If you get lucky you can get some low priced flights to Newquay

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 2:41 pm

Chobulous wrote:If you want somewhere else try the Gower peninsular. Tremendous beaches at Rhossilli. Drive down through Wales, avoid the M5

went there last january. very nice!

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 2:42 pm

Whichever we do we will be driving but may use local transport when down there.

Back to work now will read more tonight. Thanks for replies so far.

jdrobbo · Post by **jdrobbo** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 2:43 pm

cricketfieldclarets wrote:I practically live on the M6 most days so it will be a nice change

Will look it up thanks

It's a sea-loch which was used fir submarines during the war. Some lovely beaches, hill walks and wildlife up there. Been twice.

pushpinpussy · Post by **pushpinpussy** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 2:45 pm

Burnley. end of

Burnley loyal · Post by **Burnley loyal** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 3:24 pm

i went to 'black rock sands' beach in wales near portmadog, what a stunning beach i couldnt believe how beautiful it was with the mountains in the background

HatfieldClaret · Post by **HatfieldClaret** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 5:44 pm

Met my wife whilst I was on holiday in Scotland.

I'd go to Cornwall....

Bop · Post by **Bop** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 5:51 pm

Cornwall. Every time.

LoveCurryPies · Post by **LoveCurryPies** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 5:51 pm

Scilly Islands.

Carnsmerry12 · Post by **Carnsmerry12** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 6:09 pm

As I live in Cornwall I am happy to say Cornwall as it is a beautiful county. I also loved the western isles of Scotland and the city of Edinburgh. If you choose Cornwall I can suggest places to visit etc if that would help.

Diesel · Post by **Diesel** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 6:38 pm

Cornish Rattler on draught, Cornwall.

thelaughingclaret · Post by **thelaughingclaret** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 6:43 pm

Fly down to Exeter or Newquay and rent a car. Beats driving down every time.

You can get the train down and rent a car once there as well, takes longer then flying but I'd take anything over driving all the way down there. Can get a good deal if you book in advance on both plane and train fares.

50 shades of Grey · Post by **50 shades of Grey** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 6:45 pm

Whilst Cornwall is indeed a beautiful area, it cannot in my opinion compare to the sheer breath-taking beauty of the Highlands and Western Isles. I worked on the Scottish mainland opposite the Isle of Skye many years ago and used to travel widely in the area as well as taking the ferry across to Skye regularly (in the days before the bridge). Just too many places to recommend. Fell in love the area. In fact, its about time I re-visited.

Only one winner as far as I'm concerned.

Rick_Muller · Post by **Rick_Muller** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 6:58 pm

Chobulous wrote:Word of warning. My brother drove down to Plymouth last weekend and was at a standstill for 3 hours on the M5 due to road works in both directions. If you're going to Cornwall my advice would be to fly down to Newquay and hire a car.

I spend most of my spare time in Cornwall and the drive can be a pain if you travel at the wrong time of day. I usually travel really early (M5 Exeter by 7am) or take my time and go of the motorway and take in stops along the north coast.

I've never really considered flying to Newquay, but then I'd rather drive anyway

iluva64 · Post by **iluva64** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 7:07 pm

Skye :
Old man of Storr - nice hike great views
Kinloch Lodge - bit pricey but one of the best meals I have eaten (you don't have to stay there to book a table)
The Three Chimneys - nice pub and restaurant, you can stay there too now - did great squat lobsters /langoustines

Go Mallaig ferry will save you hours. Air BnB has loads of places up there to stay

mikeS · Post by **mikeS** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 7:12 pm

Cornwall - best ice cream,pasties, clotted cream and strawberries.
Hungry now

PWBFC · Post by **PWBFC** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 7:32 pm

I'd like to put Kylesku forward as an option for Scotland.

Stunning little place and hardly anybody around. Durness worth a visit just down the road and plenty to keep you occupied for a week or so.

ICL · Post by **ICL** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 7:32 pm

Definitely Skye every day, there is so much to see and do. The only thing I’d say is that it is a surprisingly big island, so you may need to consider staying in more than one place if you want to see it all.

bob-the-scutter · Post by **bob-the-scutter** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 7:38 pm

ICL wrote:Definitely Skye every day, there is so much to see and do. The only thing I’d say is that it is a surprisingly big island, so you may need to consider staying in more than one place if you want to see it all.

Fantastic place but if you`ve ever seen American Werewolf in London it can be a tad similar in places.
"Don`t go in the woods!"

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 9:09 pm

Thanks all. Think skye is the favourite at the minute. The scenery looks the best out of the suggestions so far.

Re the driving. I dont mind driving. I enjoy it in fact and if needed could break the journey up half way there and back.

The scottish 'route66' looks great too.

Steve1956 · Post by **Steve1956** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 9:52 pm

My wife is Scottish,Scotland every time...St Andrews is a beautiful place

IanMcL · Post by **IanMcL** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 10:15 pm

Scotland is unbeatable.
Cornwall gets very busy and the roads are crap. Busy and crap is not a good combination.
Off season - Cornwall is excellent.

claretabroad · Post by **claretabroad** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 10:20 pm

Islay and Jura.
Ticks all your boxes and there is some stunning whisky to be tried. I'd highly recommend the self-catering cottage at Ardbeg Distillery.

Rick_Muller · Post by **Rick_Muller** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 10:22 pm

IanMcL wrote:Scotland is unbeatable.
Cornwall gets very busy and the roads are crap. Busy and crap is not a good combination.
Off season - Cornwall is excellent.

Valid points, and I would agree

Colburn_Claret · Post by **Colburn_Claret** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 10:24 pm

Skye for me. The Couliinans. The east coast over looking the sound. The stoors. Eilean donan castle on the mainland.
You'll never regret it.

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 11:11 pm

For those who suggest Scotland, looking at the following.

Friday to a week Sunday.

Friday - Loch Lomond
Saturday Glencoe or Fort William
Sunday - Tuesday Isle of Skye

Then open to suggestions thereafter. Possibly go across to Loch Ness, Aviemore and down the East side?

HollandsPies · Post by **HollandsPies** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 11:19 pm

The only time I go to Scotland is when I absolutely have to.
Last time we went it took the taxi driver 10 minutes before he mentioned 'hating the English'. Anyway, that's racist.

Scotland is absolutely full of midges. You will be eaten alive as dusk falls.
Apart from that - beautiful topography.

ElectroClaret · Post by **ElectroClaret** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 11:21 pm

And extremely wet.

yorkyclaret · Post by **yorkyclaret** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 11:34 pm

No, stick to the West, Harris is fantastic and Jura if you really want peace and quiet.

Damo · Post by **Damo** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 11:35 pm

Scotland, for all of its scenery is full of miserable people.
If you can get away from all the tourists, Cornwall is fantastic

Imploding Turtle · Post by **Imploding Turtle** » Thu Apr 06, 2017 9:01 am

Scotland is a beautiful country if you can catch it on a sunny day. Unfortunately you've missed it this year so go visit Cornwall.

bobinho · Post by **bobinho** » Thu Apr 06, 2017 9:12 am

cricketfieldclarets wrote: Guessing food, weather and price will be similar in both.

Don't mean to be picky, but if you're guessing the weather will be similar, you really haven't been to Cornwall, have you?

Unless you meant between Harris and Lewis???

You know what you you will be getting in Scotland, so do you want familiarity, or will the unknown tempt you south?

If it were me, I'd be southbound.

fatboy47 · Post by **fatboy47** » Thu Apr 06, 2017 9:17 am

Scotland's fine if you enjoy being p*ss wet through, bitten to b*ggery by nasty fat midges, racially abused for talking with an English accent, crap football, embellished fairy stories about nasty English landlords of 300 years ago....and beer that tastes like the old Brew 10 muck that Bass Charrington tried to make us drink back in the day.

On the plus side the scenery in the West Highlands is magnificent on the odd days when you can actually see it.

Imploding Turtle · Post by **Imploding Turtle** » Thu Apr 06, 2017 9:19 am

fatboy47 wrote:Scotland's fine if you enjoy being p*ss wet through, bitten to b*ggery by nasty fat midges, racially abused for talking with an English accent, crap football, embellished fairy stories about nasty English landlords of 300 years ago....and beer that tastes like the old Brew 10 muck that Bass Charrington tried to make us drink back in the day.

On the plus side the scenery in the West Highlands is magnificent on the odd days when you can actually see it.

Right, but i'm sure there are some down sides to visiting Scotland too.

CJW · Post by **CJW** » Thu Apr 06, 2017 9:41 am

Skye and the Outer Hebs.

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Thu Apr 06, 2017 9:47 am

bobinho wrote:Don't mean to be picky, but if you're guessing the weather will be similar, you really haven't been to Cornwall, have you?

Unless you meant between Harris and Lewis???

You know what you you will be getting in Scotland, so do you want familiarity, or will the unknown tempt you south?

If it were me, I'd be southbound.

I know that when its hot cornwall will be fairly substantially warmer. But this is the uk and its as predictable as the lottery.

Went to south wales last january and it was pleasant, blue skies, mild. Went to windermere in june and it ****** it down and was freezing.

Went to Ben Nevis in July and it was the hottest, nicest day ive ever done a mountain in England. Again next day at Sca Fell visibility was less than a metre and throwing it down again. Went to kent later in july and it was under water and about 10 degrees. Every time ive been north wales recently its been red hot. Even at easter.

Theres more chance of cornwall being nice and hot but no guarantee. And by expecting both to be similar I just meant nice, blue skies or rain and grey are probably possible in both. Obviously i know cornwall will likely be warmer.

Top Claret · Post by **Top Claret** » Thu Apr 06, 2017 9:50 am

The cornish weather look similar to ours, just a couple of degs warmer. Wet and windy. It always appears to take a battering from the Atlantic. The drive down is horrendous and when you get their you can't leave your tent due to the roads being rammed

In Scotland you have the mountains that split the weather from east to west like the pennies does here. Has we all know it can be cracking the flags in Leeds and pouring down in Manchester. Scottish roads or far lighter and you don't get the riff, raff who frequent Cornwall.

Scotland for me

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Thu Apr 06, 2017 9:54 am

Top Claret wrote:The cornish weather look similar to ours, just a couple of degs warmer. Wet and windy. It always appears to take a battering from the Atlantic. The drive down is horrendous and when you get their you can't leave your tent due to the roads being rammed

In Scotland you have the mountains that split the weather from east to west like the pennies does here. Has we all know it can be cracking the flags in Leeds and pouring down in Manchester. Scottish roads or far lighter and you don't get the riff, raff who frequent Cornwall.

Scotland for me

Yep. Edinburgh is always more pleasant and drier than glasgow despite similar lattitude.

To be honest i wouldnt go anywhere on holiday in england for weather. I imagine with that being the case Scotland is better than cornwall if it rains

Funkydrummer · Post by **Funkydrummer** » Thu Apr 06, 2017 9:58 am

I have spent a lot of time in and around Port Patrick in the far west. It's on the Gulf stream and
the weather, most of the time, is very favourable. Lot's to do too - nip to Dumfries, ferry from Loch
Ryan over to Belfast for the day, try your hand at curling in Stranraer. Castles/museums aplenty.

Thoroughly recommend it.

Carnsmerry12 · Post by **Carnsmerry12** » Thu Apr 06, 2017 10:46 am

Based on my experience of living in Cornwall since the late 1980s June and September are often the warmest and the least busy. For anyone coming by road in the summer months avoid the weekends if at all possible or set off very late in the evening. For those with families a rainy Cornwall becomes very expensive as wet weather attractions are few and costly. A sunny Cornwall means days on the beaches and ice creams all round. If you are on your own or are a couple and enjoy coastal walks a wet and windy North coast is excellent, the South coast is much more gentle. It is also worth knowing the weather for the north and south coasts can be very different on the same day.
Happy to help with more information etc if anyone wants.