Day trip / Overnight stop from Glasgow by train - Recommendations?

Posted by mike_maple (Leicestershire, UK) on 05/08/17 06:49 AM

I'm travelling up to Scotland by train mid September for a 5 night stay. Although I live in the UK, this will be my first trip north of the border. I'm planning on staying in Edinburgh for 2 nights, and Glasgow for 2 or 3. I'm planning to spend 1 day to see somewhere scenic - I had thought Loch Lomond as it's a short distance from Glasgow, but there doesn't seem to be much scope for getting around by public transport while you're there. Any recommendations? I'm happy to stay overnight, but there needs to be a hostel as I don't like B&Bs, guesthouses etc and I'd rather not pay for a hotel.

Thanks!

Posted by khbuzzard

Maryland, USA

05/08/17 02:53 PM

533 posts

Loch Lomond is a good option (it has bonny banks, you know). I'm not sure why you'd need that much in terms of public transportation while there. You can take the train to Balloch, where you can walk to just about everywhere that's worth going in the immediate area, including the launching point for a short cruise of the lake (in September, you have the choice of a 1-hour or 2-hour cruise). Depending on how leisurely you want to be about it, you can be done in a half day or draw it out into a full day. No need to stay overnight.

Posted by mike_maple OP

Leicestershire, UK

05/08/17 11:05 PM

95 posts

Thanks khbuzzard, it's good to hear a positive report on visiting Loch Lomond by train. I read so many recommendations to go by car. It's probably the nearest properly scenic/wild place to Glasgow and so wouldn't eat too much into my time. A Lake cruise could be fun, but I'm already doing a couple of lakes and a harbour tour in Germany this summer, so I may have had my fill.

Quite fancy heading up to Fort William, partially to enjoy the scenic train journey, but I should probably save that for another time.

Posted by Pamela

New York City, NY, USA

05/08/17 11:41 PM

5678 posts

You could could go to Perthshire. I would take the train to Dunkeld /Birnam. Dunkeld on the east side of the Tay has some good history. There are lots of walks in the area up into the hills. Or you can walk along the Tay and Birnam wood. :) You can pick up a trail flyer in the TI or check out this website. Also, if you like walking/hiking and haven't found Walkhighlands, you need to book mark it!

Another thought would be to take the train to Ardrossan and catch the ferry to the Isle of Arran. Here are some walks on the island that I understand are reachable from the ferry. But of course you can look on WalkHighlands! I've not been to Arran, but it is supposed to be beautiful--highlands in miniature.

Pam

Posted by mike_maple OP

Leicestershire, UK

05/09/17 07:01 PM

95 posts

Thanks Pamela, some great ideas there! Walkhighlands duly bookmarked! I kind of like hiking, (found out just how much I can take in Switzerland last year, hiking up the Schilthorn - was sore all next day!), but short-ish hikes, say half a day.

Perthshire looks attractive, not to mention historically interesting. Arran could be good too as it's so near. I still feel drawn to the West Highland Line, I do love scenic trains.