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Glasgow to Ballater to Edinburgh by train?

Hi All --

Enjoying these topics -- can't wait to get to Scotland!

I'll be with family in Glasgow for two days (after three in London) in March 2024. When they head to Dublin on the 10th, I'd like to stay in Scotland to explore on my own for five or six days.

I've got a place I can stay in Ballater (essentially for free) for a few days. I'm a big fan of free so I thought I'd plan around that, maybe head to Edinburgh from there. And then by train back to London to catch my return flight. Unless I can find an affordable way to fly into London and home from Edinburgh. (Roundrip NY-London-nonstop seems to be less than the one-way fare from Edinburgh. Will factor in the cost of the train to London as my itinerary shapes up.)

I have not ruled out driving, but I'm usually perfectly happy on trains and on foot. For me, the best part of travel is the walking.

I'd appreciate whatever suggestions and tips you might have -- mainly about getting around.

Sherry

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283 posts

You cannot get to Ballater direct by train from Glasgow so would need to take the bus from Aberdeen which you can reach by train. If Ballater is to be your base for a few days then you will need a car unless you really don't want to hire one. It is a pretty highland village but public transport there is limited. I'd suggest hiring from Aberdeen and driving out on the A93 to Ballater (a straightforward journey) then returning it to Aberdeen when you travel on.

This website will help with journey planning using public transport

www.travelinescotland.com

A local taxi company in Ballater should you want one is Muir Private Hire 07516 281474

A good website for walks near to Ballater is Walk Highlands specifically this page

https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/cairngorms/ballater.shtml

and for nearby Braemar which is about another thirty minutes drive along the aforementioned A93

https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/cairngorms/braemar.shtml