Right DiS, need help.

Planning on going up for a week and a half driving up from London with a stop off en route. Missus is keen to see Glasgow but not Edinburgh.

From then on we're a little unsure. I like the idea of a west coast drive stopping at a few various places along the way but it seems like that'll be very pricey and basing ourselves somewhere permanent may be a better idea.

Things we want to do: drive on some good roads, have good walks (but nothing that involves crampons and ropes), see nature, take photos, maybe pop to a distillery. Otherwise we're easy.

Likely to be over and just beyond the Easter weekend (is that a stupidly cold / expensive time to go?)

All advice welcomed! Thanks