Alone In Scotland

[shonsta]

Hello;
I'm a first time alone and overseas traveller, I am from alberta canada, and I drove across Canada with a friend last summer, but after we got back I wasn't ready to stop, so before I knew it I had a work visa and was on a plane to the U.K., now I am living in Dumfries Scotland, working as a nanny, it is a pretty sweet job, I work 2 weeks and get 2 weeks to travel. I've been here 3 months and I have a trip booked to Barcelona in June. But my problem is I cannot find anything to do while I am here, so if anyone has any suggestions on what to do in southern Scotland, or how to fight off homesickness, please feel free.

[butterj]

Welcome to the boards,

I love scotland the scenery is great, personaly i read loads of books by scotish authors such as Ian Rankin and Ian Banks. if i was board i would read one of the Rankin books they are about a detective in edinbourough, then go and visit some of the places. plus walking is great up there if you can find some people to go with. you could try looking for some organised walking trips on the net could be great fun.

there really is so much to do here, but you really need to find people to do it with. if your still around in the summer asuming i can find some money i might be up that way.

[butterj]

tell me what you like doing an i will find you loads of things to do

[shonsta]

thank you for the suggestions, I did walk up to the waterloo monument which you can see from the house, and the view from up there was absolutely amazing, and tomorrow I think I am going to walk down to the coast. I love it here too, it is beautiful, and I am getting to see alot of the sights. I am also learning spanish right now. I am loving it here, I think I just miss nights out, and socializing with friends , but I just keep telling myself that is not what I came here for, waisting money on drinking, what I really want to see is the must-see's of Scotland, I've heard about haunted battlefields, and beautiful coasts, so what is there that I cannot miss seeing while I'm here?
Thanks again

[kingcrazylegs]

Hey - Welcome to Tpunk! I have never been to Scotland, but everywhere I go and live I always enjoy most walking and exploring small towns, going hiking and such...thats my cup of tea anyhow

[butterj]

for some really good check out www.visitscotland.com it is the tourist board site, but there is some really good stuff on it. i picked a few out you might like

Caledonian Beer Festival

Highland Festival

T in the park music festival

there is much more on the site. i would highly recommend T in the park, my mates went up last year and said it was great fun. loads of good bands and as with most UK music festivals people are very friendly and there is generally a really good atmosphere

[shonsta]

thanks alot, that is my new favorite site, after this one of course. T in the park looked damn cool, but I'll be in Barcelona during it, kinda shitty it works out like that, I'm also gonna miss Canada Day in London, Oh well, I'll have Canada Day in barcelona. I'm definitely gonna catch the highland games.

[space virgin]

You could try pony trekking! You don't have to have any riding experience, they'll usually give you a lesson for more extensive treks or just put you on a bomb-proof horse. It's a great way to get out and see some of the countryside. Unfortunately I don't have a link, but you can do a search for "pony trekking" or "horse holidays" in Scotland.

ps-- "pony trekking" doesn't necessarily mean you're given a pony, lol. It's just a term.

[simply_angelic]

ps-- "pony trekking" doesn't necessarily mean you're given a pony, lol. It's just a term

lol, ure so funny sv!

[butterj]

true sv hahaha

good suggestion though, also mountain bikeing

[trailer_park_chick]

Hiya!
I've been living in Edinburgh for about 6 months now, and there is just loads to do here! It's festival time now, August, in the city and there is something new every day to see. The Royal Mile has tons of street performers, and there are fringe shows and stuff that are pretty cheap, less than £10. The train'll get you back and forth. Also, there are tons of fun clubs and stuff, you don't have to drink, just go dance, and talk to people. LOTS of backpackers in the city right now! You could go see some historical sites but remember they are kind of pricey! Also, you could do a macbackpackers tour, lots of people from the area go on that and so you could meet other locals. I'm going to do the tour in September when I'm not so skint! I hope thats been helpful!!!