Low key travel in Scotland by train?

[Rickpb2020]

My wife and I are considering on a two week vacation in Scotland (first time). Thinking about end of April and beginning of May. Any thoughts about weather?? Would like to stay a few days in a larger town. Thoughts of Edinburgh vs Glasgow vs Inverness or other city?? Also looking for tips on train travel. We are looking at a Scotrail "Spirit of Scotland Rover" rail pass that is good for 8 days of travel over 15 days for 378 Pounds for two people. Wondering what the details and restrictions are on this? We're looking to do a low key vacation spending a few days here and there; maybe a stop on the Isle of Skye and some e-biking, seeing the culture of both cities and small towns, eating local food and hanging out. Any tips and suggestions would be welcome.

 

[Gillaspiewoods]

Edinburgh is one of the most charming cities i have visited; very Harry Potter. I have a couple restaurant recommendations if you think they’d be helpful. I was less charmed by Glasgow, which we used for a short base for the train/ferry to Arran Island (which we enjoyed). We also (from Edinburgh) did a day trip to St. Andrews, which I would recommend as well, with a stop over in a lovely fishing village. We stayed at a well-located Ibis. See the castle, Dean Village, and Holyrood while in Edinburgh. Sterling is part-way between Edinburgh and Glasgow, and while I’ve not been, i understand is worth a visit; again, i think day trips are available. I’ve not taken the train you reference; but generally train travel is clean, efficient and safe in the UK (and that rate sounds very reasonable); so you’ll be unlikely to have issues on that front. For train travel in Europe generally, i recommend that you spend some time on www.seat61.com; very informative and helpful. Let me know how i can help and have an amazing trip.

 

[Yahonson]

Late April/early May in Scotland means pack layers, weather's unpredictable! Edinburgh or Glasgow are great bases; Inverness is smaller but beautiful. That rail pass, check the small print; 8 days over 15 might be limiting. Driving might be better for Skye.

 

[Eleanor]

Edinburgh and Glasgow are very different and Glasgow is a lot less touristy than Edinburgh. Both have world class attractions and museums - think the Burrell and Kelvingrove in Glasgow. It is worth spending some time in both.

Glasgow is a good base if you are wanting to use the line to Oban and places north, Loch Lomond or down the coast to Ayr (for Culzean Castle) or across to places like Bute, Arran, etc.

Edinburgh is a good base for St Andrews, Dundee, and the north.

Stirling can easily be done from either Glasgow or Edinburgh.

Inverness is a base for the far north line to Wick and Thurso, the Kyle line to Kyle of Lochash, the line to Elgin and Aberdeen, or back down the line to say Aviemore. Places like Culloden and Clava Cairns are easily done by bus from Inverness. You can catch a bus to Fort William (runs along the side of Loch Ness) which gives access to the West Highland Line.

I assume you have found the website for the Spirit of Scotland Pass? If not it is worth spending some time on it. There is a useful map and it also gives suggestions for holidays from either Glasgow or Edinburgh.

Plan out what you are wanting to do as you may find that 8 travel days out of 16 aren't enough!!! You may end up having to pay extra for days not covered, depending on what you have planned.

Work out how you intend to get to Skye - either bus from Kyle of Lochalsh or ferry from Mallaig to Armadale. Portree is the main centre and without a car is possibly your best place to stay. Bus services on Skye aren't brilliant - more designed to get people to and from work or kids to and from school than for tourists. Brae Bikes in Portree does hire e-bikes.

 

[Rickpb2020]

Thanks, great info and advice.