Scotland Itinerary Ideas Wanted
Seeking Scotland Itinerary Suggestions
Hello everyone! My husband and I are thrilled to be embarking on our first trip to Scotland this April. Most of our itinerary is in place, but we have 2-3 days that we would love to fill with some exciting ideas. Below is a summary of our plans so far, and I’d appreciate any recommendations for how to make the most of those open days.
We’re particularly interested in visiting Pitlochry, St. Andrews, Oban, the Isle of Mull, and Inverness (mainly to catch a glimpse of the Cairngorms from the train).
A bit about us: we are history enthusiasts who enjoy craft beer and are eager to explore more whisky while soaking in the sights and sounds of new destinations. Although we’re not avid hikers (we plan to tackle a few easier trails on Skye), we do enjoy walking. Our ideal day involves visiting a couple of historical sites and then exploring on foot, stopping for a pint or a snack whenever we need a break or when the rain gets a bit heavy.
One thing to note is that we would prefer not to rent another car after returning ours following our time in Skye. While it’s not entirely off the table, we’d like to travel by train for this segment of the trip if possible.
Our Current Itinerary:
- Sunday: Arrive in Inverness; drive to Portree
- Monday: Explore Uig, Isle of Skye
- Tuesday: More time in Uig, Isle of Skye
- Wednesday: Morning drive to Edinburgh; drop off car and meet family
- Thursday: Spend time in Edinburgh with family
- Friday: Continue exploring Edinburgh with family
- Saturday: Explore Edinburgh (just the two of us)
- Sunday: Another day in Edinburgh (just us)
- Monday: ?
- Tuesday: ?
- Wednesday: Possible trip to Glasgow?
- Thursday: Explore Glasgow
- Friday: Fly out of Glasgow
Thank you for any tips you can share!
Your trip to Scotland sounds fantastic! Given your interests and the constraints of wanting to avoid renting a car, here are a few ideas for your open days:
Option 1: Explore Oban and the Isle of Mull
Monday – Oban
– Take the train from Edinburgh to Oban (around 3.5 hours).
– Once in Oban, explore the town, its picturesque harbor, and the local seafood. Don’t miss trying some fresh fish and chips!
– You could visit the Oban Distillery for a whisky tasting tour and learn about the whisky-making process.
– Spend the afternoon walking along the coast or visiting McCaig’s Tower for stunning views of the bay.
Tuesday – Isle of Mull
– Take a day trip to the Isle of Mull (ferry from Oban). Explore the beautiful scenery, visit the colorful town of Tobermory, and if time permits, a trip to the famous Duart Castle.
– Enjoy a local café for lunch, and be sure to sample some local beers!
– Return to Oban for the night.
Option 2: St. Andrews and Pitlochry
Monday – St. Andrews
– Take a train from Edinburgh to Leuchars. From there, catch a bus or taxi to St. Andrews (approx. 15-20 minutes).
– Explore the historic university town—visit St. Andrews Castle, the ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral, and the beautiful West Sands beach.
– Consider stopping by a local pub for a pint.
Tuesday – Pitlochry
– Catch a train from Leuchars to Pitlochry (about an hour).
– Spend the day wandering this charming town, visiting the Edradour Distillery—one of Scotland’s smallest distilleries—for a whisky tasting.
– Walk the scenic routes around Pitlochry, including the nearby Dam and Fish Ladder, which is an easy and lovely walk.
– Enjoy a meal at one of the town’s local pubs before heading back to Edinburgh for your evening.
Option 3: Inverness and the Cairngorms
Monday – Inverness
– Take the train from Edinburgh to Inverness (around 3.5 hours).
– Wander around the city and visit sites like Inverness Castle and the bustling Victorian Market.
– Stroll along the River Ness and if you wish, walk out to the beautiful Ness Islands.
Tuesday – Cairngorms National Park
– Consider a day trip exploring Cairngorms National Park. Some tour companies offer guided walking tours if you’d like to explore with someone knowledgeable.
– Alternatively, take a bus or tour to Aviemore, where you can enjoy gentle walks in the area and experience the stunning landscapes.
– Wrap up the day with some local craft beer at a pub in Inverness.
General Tips:
Whatever you choose, Scotland is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. Enjoy your trip!