Here's my list: Stirling, Linlithgow, St. Andrews, Dunbar. I'll be traveling by train. Are these worthwhile destinations? Stirling and Linlithgow are on the same route, so I could do that in one day. I prefer not to go much further afield than St. Andrews....unless, of course, it's really a good idea. Thoughts everyone? Thank you!
I really enjoy Aviemore. Even as a day trip I think it would be worth it. You could take the funicular up Mt. Caringorm, ride the steam train and have lunch at the Caringorm Hotel's resturant (BEST EVER!!in Scotland). It is only about an hour or a bit more from Edinburgh by train. We love to stay there, but a day trip would work for a taste of it. Oh- there is also a heather center and a reindeer preserve.
I believe you can get a local bus to Rosslyn Chapel. The border abbeys, particularly Dryburgh, are lovely, but I don't know if they are accessible by public transport from Edinburgh.
I have been to Stirling, Linlithgow and St. Andrew and they are all great trips. Stirling might be a full day, so do Linlithgow on the way back, or budget your time. The castle is fantastic and you'll want to explore Argyll's Lodgings as well. I've not been to Dunbar. I have been to to Dumfermline and to Culross on the other side of the Firth of Forth. You can take the train to Dumfermline. The abbey is interesting. But I would recommend catching a bus to Culross which is really fun and has lots of interesting buildings to explore. Have you found Undiscovered Scotland yet? Here's the link for the Dumfermline area. http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/areadunf/index.html You can compare with the link for Dunbar. http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/dunbar/dunbar/index.html Pam