Once again, I'm trying to plan a trip around Scotland and northern England for before and after this year's meet. And once again, I have no idea what's worth seeing. Lonely Planet, the LP BlueLists, and the Scotland tourism website are helping, but there's a lot to go through.

Can any local experts recommend good sights in South and West Scotland and the Isles?

My initial plan for week one is:
- arrive in Glasgow
- see the Borders... by train/bus??
- relax in the English Lake District National Park??
- get to Manchester for the meet
- take a Train back to Glasgow

My initial plan for week two is:
- depart Glasgow
- visit the Isle of Arran and Islay (and Colonsay?)
- rent a car and drive from Oban to the Isle of Skye
- visit the Isle of Skye for two days
- drive back to Glasgow to fly home

That's plenty of plane, train, bus, ferry, bike, walk, and car transport right there. Too busy, most likely. I just don't know how to plan a vacation other than to keep moving around. No wonder I avoid vacation, it's so much work.

Thanks for any tips!