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Edinburgh to Inverness Pitstops

Posted by on

Hello all, my husband and I will be traveling by train from Edinburgh to Inverness and will have a couple of nights to pit stop along the way. I’ve read several suggestions of places such as Pitlochry, Stirling, and Aviemore on the web, but was interested in other opinions. We enjoy being outdoors, but would also appreciate access to a few restaurants/pubs as well. Since we are taking the train, we will also be relying on public transport or walking to get around. So my questions:

  1. Do these areas have accessible outdoors activities by foot/public transport?
  2. Which is most recommended?
  3. Would it be recommended to skip all of these in lieu of a different city and/or somewhere closer to Inverness?

Thanks so much in advance!

Posted by
2325 posts

Here are a few places along the train route between Inverness and Edinburgh you might find interesting. Many of the sights are walkable from town or easily reached by short bus or taxi ride.

  • Aviemore - resort town with hiking to nearby Lochs. Highland Wildlife Park, steam train, gateway to Cairngorms & funicular for views
  • Blair Atholl - village on the river with Blair Castle & Gardens, Falls of Bruar
  • Pitlochry - tourist town with access to Linn of Tummel, Falls of Bruar, Blair Castle & Gardens, Salmon Ladder & Dam, Queen's View
  • Dunkeld - town on River Tay with Cathedral, walks, The Hermitage, Loch of the Lowes, Ossian's Cave
  • Stirling - historic city with the Old Town, Stirling Castle, National Wallace Monument
Posted by
116 posts

You'd be hard pressed to get closer to Inverness than Aviemore. Carrbridge station is 6 miles closer, but there isn't much once you get there and not all trains stop there. And Stirling is so close to Edinburgh you'd be wondering why you bothered changing hotels.

Pitlochry is at the half way point and as already said, has enough to do. About 95 minutes from each end.

Posted by
1415 posts

The regular bus service up into glenmore from Aviemore should have.kicked in by now.Its the start of many many trails.Indeed you could ride it up to the Cairngorm base station and have a long walk back to the Pine Martin cafe ,which is exvellent.You could pick up Utzis trail to Utzis bridge and you pass right by the reindeer hill enclosure

Posted by
171 posts

All the stops mentioned offer plenty to keep you interested as well as pubs etc.

Stirling of course offers the castle and adjacent historical buildings.

Dunkeld has a lovely riverside walk and cathedral and has several hotels/restaurants.
Pitlochry is an attractive, very busy town, larger than Dunkeld with some lovely walks on the doorstep.Plenty of choice re eating out etc.The Old Mill Inn is excellent but book.

Aviemore would get my vote for gorgeous walks close by, with the Caledonian Pine forest of Rothiemurchus , Loch Morlich, the Green Lochan walk, the bus going up to the ski centre and Mountain Cafe where more excellent trails await.Cycle hire too if of interest.Plenty options for eating out etc.though the Old Bridge Inn would get my vote.Needs booked in advance as its very popular.Great atmosphere.

Posted by
13 posts

Thanks so much for all of the great feedback and help! I appreciate everyone taking the time to answer!

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