I am planning a trip to Scotland in the fall & I am trying to put together an itinerary. I want to fly into Edinburgh a new from there visit Glascow, Stirling, Inverness, Isle of Skye, Oban. I would like to do it by rail. Is this possible? What is the best route? Should I get a Rail pass?
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
I'm afraid auto-correct has made your post unintelligible. What did you mean instead of "a furious to Scotland"?
How long is your trip? That will determine what is possible.
For more about train travel, you can't beat The Man In Seat 61; here's his UK page (which discusses passes, among many other things): http://www.seat61.com/UK-train-travel.htm#.V2KQ2qInKT8
Posted by
Meridian MS
248 posts
The places you've mentioned are very doable by rail EXCEPT Isle of Skye. Click Isle of Skye for helpful information to consider.
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
This rail planner http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/planjourney/search shows schedules and prices.
Posted by
OP
9 posts
Is it worth it to get a rail pass if I am going to spend 10/14 days in Scotland? Any helpful hints on how to get around alone would be appreciated.
What would be the best route to see all these places in a a timely fashion? How many days in each city. I guess I am asking does anyone have a suggestion on a good itinerary? I would probably start in Gascow or Edinburgh. Thanks for all your help.:)
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area
5697 posts
When I went to England and Scotland a number of years ago, I used the Rick Steves guidebook -- check it out at your local library.
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
You can figure out the best route for yourself, using a map and the train schedules.
This www.scotrail.co.uk/offers/travel-passes/spirit-scotland-travelpass gives you the price of a rail pass. I'd guess that with your route it might come out cheaper than separate tickets.
Posted by
Meridian MS
248 posts
Whenever I plan a trip to Europe, I always glance at the tours Rick Steves, Trafalgar, Tauck, etc. offer. I figure they have a bit more experience than me! It's a starting point that I tweek to my liking (otherwise I'd take the tour, right?) Check this link: Best of Scotland. Google "10 day tour to Scotland" - you'll be amazed.
Perhaps you pick two, maybe 3 hub cities and travel via train from there. Fly into Edinburgh, stay several days, relocate in Inverness (especially if you're interested in the Highlands) and then journey to Glasgow to stay and fly out later back to US (?). And I think Scotrail (and Railpass) should be a good fit. A Pass will allow you to go wherever Scotland leads you! You may have to supplement with a local guide/driver, but that's at your discretion and I think is a positive.
Having said all that, a good guide book (hardcopy, not e-book) and a planning map are essential. Rick Steves has both although he doesn't have much info on the northwest Highlands. When you have a beginning, this forum will provide you invaluable, personalized advice. Have fun planning and dreaming!