Can you be more specific as to where you're going? But the midge spray is a must.

It depends how far you want to go and what you want to see really. You can get to the very top of Scotland in about 6 hours from Ardgartan so you can cover a lot of ground should you choose to (that's on main roads, obviously it would take a lot longer if you head off the beaten track a bit). You could also take a ferry from the west coast to one of the islands if you wanted to do a couple of days away.

There's good hill walking in the surrounding area, here are a few routes:

http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochlomond/arrochar.shtml

The Cobbler in particular is a popular one, although I haven't done it. Ben More and Ben Vorlich both have good views on a clear day.

A little bit further north you have more good walking. I can particularly recommend Beinn Dorain which has spectacular views and the Bridge of Orchy Hotel is a good place to have lunch or dinner.

http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/tyndrum.shtml

The A82 up over Rannoch Moor (bleak and beautiful) to Glen Coe is well worth a drive in its own right, and you can continue up to Fort William (mountain biking, lots of outdoorsy stuff http://www.outdoorcapital.co.uk, cable cars, Ben Nevis).

From Fort William you could head north-east to Loch Ness or west to Moidart and Ardnamurchan, both pretty spectacular (but largely empty) landscapes. The Glenfinnan monument is pretty impressive and there's a viaduct behind it that apparently was used in Harry Potter if that's your kind of thing.

To the west of you is Inveraray which is a very picturesque town with a pretty impressive castle / country house. Further west still Kilmartin has lots of standing stones and rock art if you're interested in history.

You could take a boat trip on Loch Lomond closer to home, but I'd be inclined to spend my time heading north or west.

If you want any more specific recommendations then let me know what you want to do / see, etc.

I am off to Japan on friday. Will be travelling across the country, flying into Tokyo and immediately on the train to Hiroshima, and from there all the way up back to Tokyo. I'll be stopping in Hiroshima, Miyajima, Naoshima, Okayama, Kyoto\Nara, Tokyo with some day trips from there.

Would be highly appreciated if anyone could share some insights on places where to eat, cool things to do or see, (apart from the usual touristic things i already noted down) and stores in particular in Tokyo and Kyoto.

Thanks in advance!

have to try a ramen shop called Fu unji its so good Tsukemen dipping noodles! won best ramen awards 5 years running. Its in Tokyo

If you find yourself in the Fort William area it might be worth making the short drive to Glenfinnan as the view of the viaduct from there is pretty spectacular and obviously different to what you see while on the train. You can climb up the Glenfinnan monument for an even better view.

I've haven't been to Croatia yet, but plan on going soon and I don't intend on driving, People recommend driving so you can travel round and see the country, but if you just want a relaxing beach holiday I can't see the problem. Maybe someone who's been might see it differently.


I've just booked a family holiday in Portinax, anyone been?

Was in Albufeira in the Algarve last August and it was great for sun, beaches and there was top restaurants. Some of the best food I've ever had and mid-range/cheapish prices. Should still be high numbers in September.

Went a good few year back, it's nice for a quiet break otherwise there's really not much going on at all.

Any ideas for a honeymoon outside Europe? Dont care about flight costs so much, but would like beaches, good weather, good stuff to do and decently priced hotel

Thailand? SE Asia in general