So, me and Mrs Crag have decided that rather than fly off to sunny climes this August, we’d take the kids up north and see what Scotland has to offer.

We’re hoping to stay in Wigwam/Yurt type digs along the way and do all that camping stuff without the hassle of pitching a tent every evening.

Very loose plan at the moment is to start at Loch Tay http://www.lochtay-vacations.co.uk/ and head north from here, taking in Loch Ness, maybe Isle of Skye and back down via the Nevis range.

So, has anyone any experience of doing a similar type thing or recommendations of what route to take, where to stay and must do’s along the way.

I’ll have two young girls in tow (6 & 8 ) so I’ll need to keep it kid friendly as well.

Many thanks in advance.

I’ve heard good things about the Wigwam / Cabins at Loch Tay.

From there. I would go along to Aberfeldy and walk round the Birks (nice walk for the kids) Up the A9 to Aviemore – you could take in the Highland Wildlife park.

Carry on up to Inverness (you could either go to Fort George or on a Dolphin watching trip).

From Inverness head down the A82 to Drumnadrochit and either go to Urquhart Castle or the Nessie museum. If you have time you can go into Glen Affric too for a walk.

From Drumnadrochit take the A86 to Kyle of Lochalsh and over the Bridge to Skye.

Once on Skye you could spend as long as you like. Highlight for me would be a drive around the Trotternish Penninsula form Portree to Uig taking in the sights as you go. From Uig Down to Dunvegan – visit the castle and take the seal tour.

Once you are finished with Skye take the road down to Armadale and the ferry to Mallaig.

Mallaig to Fortwilliam taking in the Nevis range. The down the A82 through Glencoe.

That should take you a few days and covers some of the nicest scenery in the UK

when ur heading up to skye then id recommend adding a few miles on and go to applecross.
camping huts to be had here
http://www.applecross.uk.com/campsite/wigwams.htm
the road up itself is worth the drive

in between there and skye u can visit plockton,i keep missing it but hear it is a must see

when heading back from skye,instead of going back over the bridge try this out if u dont head to mallaig as rich above mentions(u cant go wrong with that option either)
http://www.skyeferry.co.uk/index.html
beautiful views before and after ferry

While I love the highlands you can’t get away from the midges, so make sure you are prepared.

Anywhere up the West Coast is worth a visit, and then come back through the Caingorms.

more digs here for u on way back
http://www.blackwaterhostel.co.uk/microlodges.shtml

Midges midges midges. Don’t underestimate the midges.

Stay places that are high up, not sheltered, and not near water.

East Highlands was okay in September a bit back, I think East is generally better than West, when do the midges end?

West Highlands Way in May was a complete midge fest – absolute pain, particularly camping next to Loch Leven; had hundreds of bites. Skye, looks lovely, but the beaches can be super midgey too.

this place has those little shed things with beds in

Thanks for your input guys. Lots to mull over but all very useful.

My kids have always likes the Landmark Centre at Carrbridge, yours will be a good age for it.

Wigwams all over the place in Scotland:
http://www.wigwamholidays.com/Wigwam_Site_Locations

Been past this place a few times on the way to Glenshee:
http://www.ecocampglenshee.co.uk/
I like the bothy building idea.

And then you’ve got hobbit houses:
http://www.outdoorcapital.co.uk/accommodation/searchresults?sr=1&poly=81&name=Hobbit+

Tourist type things: harry potter – steam train on the West Highland Line, keeping intouch with your bike side – Nevis Range Gondola, nerdy history – the crannog on Loch Tay, big tech – Falkirk Wheel, eco – Oban has quite a lot of wildlife tourism

Started using smidge this year, suprisingly good but still carry a headnet for biking repairs / sitting about.