Itinerary for June 2025 Edinburgh, Glencoe, Isle of Mull, Stirling, Peebles

Hi, Laura, I did a quick search and found a couple of prior threads that address this. I have not driven that route myself.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/scotland/best-leisurely-route-edinburgh-glencoe-mull-and-back
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/scotland/driving-route-recommendations

That said, since you will be visiting Stirling on the way back, it might be better to take the route that goes through Loch Lomond, which is very scenic. It's a bit longer, of course. You could even add an additional detour to visit Inveraray Castle, if you have the time. Although the A84 route through Callender is very scenic, so it still might be worth it to go through there.

I don't know of any pubs on Mull that have folk music, but I think you will enjoy Mull. I loved Tobermorey and visiting Iona and other places.

In Edinburgh, there is Sandy Bell's, where you can find folk music most nights. It's small so get there early if you want a seat. It's very near Greyfriars Kirkyard, which is also worth a visit, especially in the early evening, as it is very atmospheric then. And if you're a Harry Potter fan, you can find the graves that inspired some of JK Rowling's characters, as she spent quite a bit of time writing in that area.

sounds a great trip. It makes a change to see someone stopping in the Scottish Borders too! There's lots you can see and do from Peebles.

As wasleys said, Peebles is a good base for visiting the area and there is plenty to see. During our time there we visited the abbeys (Melrose, Jedburgh, Kelso, Dryburgh), went to Rosslyn chapel, took a woolen mill tour in Selkirk, and visited an old print shop in Innerleithen. You should have a great time.

My goto for music is (it includes Scot trad as well as Irish).
https://thesession.org/sessions

For non-session music, just use Google Maps, search for you destination, then click "nearby/bars&pubs" and click on each bar and find their facebook page.

Also google "Scotland Folk Clubs" and look for your destinations in the lists.

For us, targets need to be in walking distance of our lodging since music and drink mix so well, so I select the bar before selecting the lodging.

I am on Mull now. There is so much more to the island than just a passage to Iona. If you are planning to go to Iona, I would recommend leaving your car at the ferry and catch the bus to Iona as traffic gets very busy and you will want to enjoy the scenery.

Thank you for the advice on Iona. I hadn't thought of that yet, so will certainly consider.

I appreciate all the helpful advice! So looking forward to our trip.