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West Highlands Way Trail/Edinburgh to Glasgow to Milngavie

Posted by on

So after getting all the great suggestions and advice about Glasgow, it turns out our flight reservations into Glasgow from Tampa Florida were cancelled by someone who shouldn't be working in travel! So my husband spent many hours on the telephone trying to get it straightened out and today just decided that we will fly into Edinburgh; then take a train to Glasgow and take another train to Milngavie to start our trek.

So am looking for hotel and sightseeing suggestions for Edinburgh, as once we are done treking that trail, we'll head back to Edinburgh for a few days before returning to the states.

Also want to know opinions of taking a train from Ft. Williams back to Edinburgh versus taking a bus.

Thanks

Posted by
9507 posts

Who cancelled the flight? What airline? Did you book direct or through a 3rd party?

As far as hotel option:
Premier Inn is a good chain.
There are Hiltons, Marriots.

Check Google Maps type in Edinburgh hotels.

Posted by
9148 posts

On train vs bus- time wise there is nothing in it- train takes 5 hours changing at Glasgow Queen Street- 3 per day. You can also (on Scotrail only) choose to travel in the day coaches of the Caledonian Sleeper, no change needed, arrives at Edinburgh at 0110.
It is an option- probably not desirable, but you have to be presented with all options.
Or there are 7 Scottish Citylink coaches a day- 5 are change at Glasgow (5 1/4 hours overall journey), the first of the day (0910) is change at Tyndrum onto a route which avoids Glasgow (through Perth and Stirling instead- a very scenic route- the connection of 5 minutes looks late but Tyndrum is a tiny place and the coaches will wait for each other). The 1610 is through to Edinburgh, no change, it takes 4 1/2 hours and is also the cheapest bus of the day.
It really is your choice as to whether you prefer coach (bus) or train

You will get hugely conflicting opinions. But It is your choice at the end of the day.

I am not suggesting either in preference to the other. The coaches run through Glencoe, the trains via much more remote moorland scenery.

Posted by
103 posts

So appreciate the responses to my most recent post.

My husband and I went to REI last week and bought day packs with the extra hip support. The young man who assisted us had just recently been to Scotland and spent a few days on the WHW trail, as well as Inverness, and another city that is north of Edinburgh (starts with a S). I am borrowing some trekking poles from a friend to try out as well. We will be in the mountains in North Carolina a few weeks before our Scotland trip so plan to do 3 straight days of hiking with our day packs as a dry run.

Spouse is in excellent physical shape, as he is an ultramarathoner, primarily trails. Sadly, while we were in Czech Republic the end of May I badly twisted an ankle. Ortho doctor is aware of our pending trip and feels I should be able to handle the daily hikes if I'm sensible and don't overdo my training! I sure hope so.

Looking at train schedules and bus schedules, and again, really appreciate all the tips and suggestions!

Posted by
103 posts

Meant to ask. Did those of you who stayed at various inns and such along the WHW trail have to make dinner reservations each evening? If so, did you make them ahead of time, or when you arrived? Same questions for getting a lunch to go.

Thanks

Posted by
1864 posts

We really enjoyed our stay at the IBIS St. Andrews Square in Edinburgh. Excellent location. Friendly and helpful staff. Nice breakfast buffet every morning.

We did a guided tour with Mercat Tours of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. The National Museum of Scotland is fascinating, part world history, nature, and science museum. We also loved the gorgeous Royal Botanic Gardens!

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