To visit the Highlands or not… (Edinburgh Itinerary)
To Visit the Highlands or Not… (Edinburgh Itinerary)
Hey everyone! 🙂
I’m a 24-year-old female planning a spontaneous trip to Scotland at the end of April, and I could use some advice on how to structure my time. I’ll be in Edinburgh for 9 days, with 7 full days to explore, but I’m traveling solo and would prefer not to drive.
So far, my plan is to spend the arrival day plus 3 full days in Edinburgh. After that, I’m considering two options:
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Take day trips to places like Roslin, Stirling, North Berwick, and Linlithgow, along with a guided one-day tour to the West Highlands with Rabbies.
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Focus on just one of those towns, skip the others, and take a train via Glasgow to Fort William. From there, I could use buses/trains to visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct, explore Glencoe, and enjoy the scenic train ride to Mallaig to experience more of the Highlands.
While Option 1 seems easier, I’d miss out on a genuine Highlands experience. Conversely, how much of the Highlands can I realistically see in 3-4 days relying on public transport?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this! Should I stick to a one-day guided tour of the Highlands for now and plan a proper car trip with a friend or partner later? Any other suggestions are welcome!
Hi there! Your trip sounds exciting, and I can totally understand the dilemma you’re facing about exploring the Highlands versus spending more time in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas.
Given that you’re traveling solo and without a car, I think both options have their merits, but here are a few thoughts to help you decide:
Option 1: If you choose to stick with Edinburgh and do day trips, you’ll get a good mix of historical and scenic spots without the stress of navigating public transport in more remote areas. Towns like Roslin, North Berwick, and Linlithgow are all charming and offer unique attractions, plus they’re relatively easy to access by train or bus. The guided tour to the West Highlands with Rabbies would allow you to see some stunning landscapes without the hassle of arranging transportation yourself.
Option 2: If you decide to head to Fort William, you’ll definitely get a taste of the Highlands’ breathtaking scenery. The train trip to Mallaig is a definite highlight, and seeing the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Glencoe is a fantastic way to soak in the beauty of the area. However, keep in mind that public transport can be less frequent in more remote areas, so it may take some extra planning to maximize your time.
Ultimately, it might come down to how important seeing the Highlands is to you right now versus having a relaxed trip in Edinburgh. If you feel that you might want to explore the Highlands more in-depth in the future, it could be worth saving that experience for when you can do it with a car or a friend. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, the train journey and guided tours can still provide a memorable experience in the Highlands.
Whatever you choose, I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time in Scotland! Enjoy your trip!