The Perfect 10-Day Scotland Itinerary by Train with Epic Views
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If you’re wondering how to plan a 10-day Scotland itinerary by train, you’re in for a treat. Scotland’s railway journeys are some of the most scenic in the world.
You can sit back and relax as mountains, lochs, and ancient castles slip past your window. It’s my favourite way to explore the country, and you don’t need a car to reach some of the top landmarks.
This 10-day route takes you from Edinburgh into the heart of the Highlands, with stops in Pitlochry, Aviemore and Inverness. From there, you’ll travel west to the Isle of Skye before winding down through the West Highlands to Fort William and Glasgow. It includes two of Scotland’s Great Scenic Railways, so you’re spoiled with epic views.
I’ve broken down everything you need to know about travelling by train in Scotland, including train timetables, costs, when to book and where to stay. I’ve done the route myself as a non-driver, so it’s tried and tested with recommendations based on first-hand experience.
Highlights of This Scotland Itinerary by Train
🚂 After a day in Edinburgh, leave the capital behind and take the train north to the Scottish Highlands. Explore Loch Morlich and Blair Castle, and meet friendly reindeer.
🚂 Take the train to Inverness. See the ancient Clava Cairns, visit the historic Culloden Battlefield, plus tour Loch Ness looking for monsters and the ruined Urquhart Castle.
🚂 Traverse one of Scotland’s Great Scenic Railways, the Kyle Line, and make your way to the Isle of Skye. Enjoy the jaw-dropping beauty of the Storr, Fairy Pools and Quiraing.
🚂 Travel the rest of the journey on the West Highland Line with a stay in Fort William. You’ll see the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, Ben Nevis and the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor.
Scotland by Rail: 10-Day Itinerary Overview & Map
Here’s what your itinerary looks like, featuring some of the most scenic places to visit in Scotland by train:
- Day 1: Edinburgh
- Days 2-3: Pitlochry & Blair Castle
- Day 4: Aviemore
- Days 5-6: Inverness & Loch Ness
- Days 7-8: Isle of Skye
- Day 9: Fort William
- Day 10: Glasgow
Editor’s tip: I’ve included specific train times based on weekdays, but timetables are subject to change. Please use Traveline Scotland to check the most up-to-date public transport times for travelling around Scotland by train and bus.
Day 1: Edinburgh
Welcome to day one of your Scotland by train itinerary! Start by fuelling up with one of the best-rated hot chocolates in the city at Uplands Roast before your day of sightseeing in Edinburgh. Get the one with the toasted marshmallow and thank me later.
Start in Old Town and explore the jumbled alleys and secret squares. Walk the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, stopping at St Giles’ Cathedral and the colourful shops of Victoria Street.
Before you leave Old Town, snap a photo of Edinburgh Castle from the Vennel Steps – my favourite view. As you wander down the Royal Mile, peek at the palace (or go inside for a fee) before heading to Holyrood Park.
Here is where you’ll see the Salisbury Crags and Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano towering over the city. Climb to the summit for the best (albeit windy!) views of Edinburgh.
New Town’s Georgian architecture and wide streets are a striking contrast to Old Town. Swing by Calton Hill for more panoramic views and the famous Dugald Stewart Monument. Have a rest in Princes Street Gardens, taking time to admire the Royal Scots Memorial and Ross Fountain.
These areas are busy, so if you would prefer a more laid-back atmosphere, take a bus or walk down to Dean Village. It’s a scenic spot on the Water of Leith, home to the iconic Well Court. From there, you can follow the river to Stockbridge and visit the cobblestoned Circus Lane.
At lunchtime, I recommend having lunch at Chez Jules (it has a very affordable French set menu). For dinner, Maki & Ramen does the most delicious ramen and katsu curry, or you could go to Pizza Posto for tasty wood-fired pizza.
Where to stay in Edinburgh: Check into CoDE Pod – THE CoURT. This is a trendy hostel with ‘pod’ dorms and private rooms. It’s just off the Royal Mile in Old Town, and has a bar, whisky tastings and a huge kitchen.
Day 2: Edinburgh to Pitlochry
Today, it’s time to start your epic adventure by rail with a train to the Scottish Highlands. Head to Edinburgh Waverley and take the morning train straight up to Pitlochry.
There’s a direct service at 10:27 am. It takes just under two hours, and it’s a scenic journey, passing Stirling, then heading north to Perth and arriving at the pretty Victorian town on the River Tummel.
After dropping your bags off at your hotel, head out and explore Pitlochry. If you’re feeling peckish, grab lunch at Hettie’s Tea Room. It serves sandwiches, paninis, tea, coffee and cakes. I had a slice of Victoria sponge bigger than my head!
Once you’re fed and watered, take a gentle stroll across Pitlochry Dam and see if you can spot salmon swimming up the fish ladder. Swing by Blair Athol Distillery for a wee dram of whisky or do a one-hour walk through Black Spout Wood to find the hidden waterfall.
Queen’s View is one of the most popular viewpoints in Pitlochry. It looks west across Loch Tummel and the foothills of the Schiehallion. Queen Victoria mistakenly thought it was named after her (spoiler alert, it wasn’t!).
The 82 bus departs from the Fishers Hotel to Queen’s View and takes 20 minutes. You could get the 12:50 pm or the 5:30 pm bus, depending on daylight hours. Don’t miss the last bus back at 7:10 pm!
Where to stay in Pitlochry: I stayed at Pitlochry Backpackers, a budget-friendly hostel that has cheerful private rooms with en-suites. Or go more boutique with a stay at The Old Mill Inn. It has 13 sumptuous rooms and a bar and bistro with a fantastic beer garden and wood-fired pizza in summer.
Day 3: Blair Castle or The Hermitage
Today, you’re doing a day trip from Pitlochry, and you can choose where to go. You can either take the train 20 minutes north to Blair Atholl or 25 minutes south to Dunkeld & Birnam. They’re a stop away from Pitlochry on the same line, so you could visit both, but it would be a lot of rushing.
Choose Blair Castle if you’re interested in history, castles and nature, or opt for Dunkeld & Birnam if you’re interested in hikes and fairytale forests.
If you’re not sure yet, decide when you get there. When planning the best Scotland itinerary by train, keeping days flexible leaves room for spontaneity, which is half the fun of travel!
Blair Castle & Gardens
Blair Castle is a grand baronial-style property set within 220 acres near the village of Blair Atholl. It’s been the ancestral home of the Stewarts and Murrays of Atholl for 19 generations.
Open from April to October, the castle’s interiors are lavish, with artefacts from the Battle of Culloden and tapestries once belonging to King Charles I. You can book tickets to explore the rooms and see how the dukes and duchesses lived over the centuries.
The grounds are just as impressive. Wander through the walled Hercules Garden, spot red squirrels in Diana’s Grove and feed resident red deer on the weekends. In summer, a lone bagpiper plays on the hour from 11 am to 3 pm.
At lunchtime, hop on the 87 bus to the House of Bruar. It’s a high-end department store about 12 minutes away. It has a great canteen-style restaurant and a fish and chip shop.
You’ll have time before your 4:16 pm bus back, so head behind the car park to the Falls of Bruar, a series of woodland waterfalls tumbling through a steep gorge. There’s a short 1.5-mile circular trail with stone bridges, picnic benches and rewarding views.
The 87 bus continues to Pitlochry, so there’s no need to return to Blair Atholl for the train.
The Hermitage in Dunkeld & Birnam
Your second day trip option from Pitlochry is The Hermitage, a protected woodland in Perthshire Forest managed by the National Trust for Scotland. Despite its wild appearance, it was designed in the 18th century by the Dukes of Atholl as a pleasure ground. It’s free to visit and open year-round.
You’ll find some intriguing structures here, including Ossian’s Bridge and Ossian’s Hall above the thundering Black Linn Waterfall on the River Braan. It’s particularly beautiful in autumn when the leaves begin to turn. Look out for towering Douglas firs too, some of the tallest trees in Britain!
The Hermitage is located just off the A9, but to get there, take the train to Dunkeld & Birnam and follow the pedestrian path to Inver. From there, a short path runs alongside the A9 and leads you into the forest.
Ignore the directions from Google Maps as it suggests walking the whole way along the A9, which I don’t recommend.
Bring your camera. I saw some red squirrels scampering in the trees at Dunkeld & Birnam station, and for once, I didn’t mind that my train was delayed!
There are walking trails in and around The Hermitage, so you can stay as long as you like, depending on the train timetable. I did the Hermitage and Braan walk, which took two hours to complete.
If you finish early, return to Pitlochry and explore more of the town. I went to Faskally Wood, which is a short walk along the River Tummel. There is an easy circular walk around Loch Dunmore. Look out for the pretty boathouse on the water’s edge.
Day 4: Pitlochry to Aviemore
Continue your railway journey and head north to Aviemore, the gateway to the Cairngorms National Park. It’s just under an hour away from Pitlochry, and you’ll see the landscape turn from forests into rugged mountains as you go deeper into the Scottish Highlands by train.
Since there’s a lot to do in Aviemore, I recommend jumping on a morning train to give you plenty of time. The 10:33 am gets you there by 11:27 am.
Once bags are dropped off, catch the number 30 bus from Aviemore Station to Glenmore Visitor Centre on Loch Morlich. There’s one at 12:22 am, and it takes just under 20 minutes.
Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
Join a hill trip to see Scotland’s only free-roaming reindeer herd. They were introduced in 1952 after a Swedish herder discovered the Cairngorms were the perfect habitat for them. They’ve since flourished.
Although not wild, the 150-strong herd roam freely across the Cairngorm Plateau. In summer, they graze on the lower slopes, so you don’t need a car. They move to higher ground in winter, which you will need a car for. Otherwise, you can see a few in the paddock in Glenmore.
Book your guided hill trip in advance as they sell out quickly. You can get your ticket 30 days in advance. There’s an afternoon trip at 2:30 pm, which fits this itinerary.
Without a car, you’ll need at least 45 minutes to reach the hill trip starting point at Sugarbowl Car Park after checking in at the shop in Glenmore. The map suggests walking along the road, and there’s no pavement, but it isn’t too busy.
On the way back, I found a better option: the Allt Mor Trail. It runs parallel to the road and is mostly flat and well-maintained, aside from one rocky patch. You’ll see a sign saying the path is dangerous beyond Utsi’s Bridge, but don’t worry, you’re not going that far!
Editor’s tip: If you’re skipping the reindeer, stay longer at Loch Morlich or ride the Mountain Railway from Cairn Gorm Visitor Centre for panoramic views.
Loch Morlich
You will spend a couple of hours with the reindeer. Once you’re back in Glenmore, stroll over to Loch Morlich and relax on Scotland’s only freshwater beach. It’s also the highest beach in Britain!
Loch Morlich is a popular summer destination for kayaking and paddleboarding. There’s also a campsite and a myriad of trails. If you’ve still got energy, there is a two-hour loop you can do around the loch, but keep an eye on the time. The last bus back to Aviemore is 6:16 pm.
Where to stay in Aviemore: I stayed at Eriskay B&B and Glamping. It has cosy glamping pods with en-suites, cooking utensils and a shared kitchen, plus B&B guest rooms and fantastic full Scottish breakfasts.
Day 5: Aviemore to Inverness
It’s just a 36-minute train ride from Aviemore to Inverness. If you take the 9:54 am train, you’ll arrive at 10:30 am. That gives you plenty of time to explore the city.
After dropping off your bags, catch the number 27 bus to Culloden Battlefield. It runs hourly and takes around 20 minutes. The 11:15 am departure fits this itinerary.
Culloden Battlefield
Culloden is one of Inverness’ most important landmarks. It’s the site of the last battle fought on British soil, where the Jacobite army led by Charles Stuart was defeated by the English in 1746. Their defeat marked the end of Highland clan culture, and ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ spent the rest of his life in exile.
Today, the battlefield is managed by the National Trust for Scotland. The visitor centre has a museum where you can learn about the Jacobite Rising and how the battle unfolded. Outside, flags mark the positions of each army, and memorial stones honour the clans who lost their lives.
Clava Cairns
A 30-minute walk from Culloden leads to the Clava Cairns, a 4,000-year-old Bronze Age cemetery made up of standing stones and burial cairns. Two have a passage down the centre which aligns with the midwinter sun.
For Outlander fans, they’re said to have inspired the fictional Craigh na Dun, where Claire travels through time to the 1740s. Sadly, no time travellers appeared while I was there!
To get there, follow the National Cycle Route 7 and look for the impressive Culloden Viaduct over the River Nairn. Just be mindful of cars on the road.
If you arrive back in Inverness by late afternoon, why not visit Leakey’s Bookshop, described as ‘the most beautiful bookshop in Scotland ’? Or have a well-earned rest and a bite to eat at The Castle Tavern. The mac and cheese is delicious!
Where to stay in Inverness: The best budget-friendly option is Bazpackers Hostel. It has private rooms and dorm beds with privacy curtains. Fraser House is a cosy B&B on the river with stylish rooms and a fantastic cooked breakfast. Discover more of my favourite places to stay in Inverness, including a hotel with an indoor pool!
Day 6: Loch Ness
No trip to Inverness is complete without visiting Loch Ness. You can’t get there by train, and it’s tricky to do by bus, so I suggest spending today on a small group tour. Let them handle the transport logistics, you’ve earned it!
I did this Rabbie’s tour with a maximum of 16 people. It took me to the top attractions around the loch and included a boat trip to Urquhart Castle at an additional cost.
The tour stops at Dores Beach, where you’ll spy the campervan of the resident Loch Ness Monster Hunter, Steve Feltham. He’s been searching for Nessie full-time since 1991. You’ll then visit the dramatic Falls of Foyers before stopping for lunch in Fort Augustus.
After lunch, hop aboard a catamaran and take in views of the famous ruins of Urquhart Castle from the water. Fun fact: the castle was destroyed by the Jacobites to stop it falling into English hands.
Day 7: Inverness to the Isle of Skye
Today, head west to the Isle of Skye. From Inverness, take the train to Kyle of Lochalsh on the Kyle Line, one of Scotland’s Great Scenic Railway Journeys. The ride takes around two and a half hours.
Look out for the Beauly Firth, the isolated peak of Ben Wyvis and the vast Torridon Peaks. After passing Achnashellach Forest and skimming Loch Carron, you’ll arrive in Kyle of Lochalsh on the west coast of Scotland.
If you catch the 8:55 am train, you’ll arrive at 11:31 am, giving you just over 30 minutes before your bus to Skye.
Kyle of Lochalsh to the Isle of Skye
To reach Skye, get the Citylink 915 bus to Portree Square, which departs Kyle of Lochalsh at 12:02 pm. It’s best to book your ticket in advance to guarantee a seat.
The journey takes just over an hour. Portree is the island’s main town, with a supermarket, restaurants and a wide choice of accommodation. It’s also the best base for public transport connections around the island.
Once you arrive at your hotel, it’s time to relax. It has been a pretty full-on week! Have a nap, eat some lunch, have a drink in the pub or explore the pretty Portree harbourfront.
Where to stay on the Isle of Skye: Check into Viewfield House, a B&B inside a historic country manor, a short walk from the centre of Portree. It has a grand breakfast room, a lounge with a fireplace and luxurious bedrooms with bathtubs in the en-suites.
Day 8: Isle of Skye
Today is all about exploring Skye. You could navigate the buses, but I suggest making it easier for yourself again and letting a small group tour operator do the hard work for you.
This day tour departs from Portree and takes you to the magical Fairy Pools before continuing to Talisker Distillery, surrounded by views of the Cuillin Mountains. You’ll then get to see the dramatic lighthouse on the edge of Neist Point or explore Dunvegan Castle.
The tour takes you to the Trotternish Peninsula, which has some of the most beautiful scenery on Skye. You’ll see the Fairy Glen, Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing and Kilt Rock as well as fossilised dinosaur footprints from millions of years ago.
This tour is such an easy way to see the best of Skye, and you don’t have to navigate traffic, bus timetables or parking fees!
Day 9: Isle of Skye to Fort William
It’s time to leave Skye and travel to Fort William on one of the most scenic railways in Scotland. To do this, take the 52 bus from Portree to Armadale, departing at 9:05 am.
The journey is an hour and 15 minutes to southwest Skye. You’ll then be able to catch a ferry from Armadale to Mallaig. Book your tickets online.
Annoyingly, the bus and ferry don’t line up. You’ll have a few hours to wait at Armadale before the next ferry to Mallaig at noon. I checked out Armadale Castle while I waited. There’s also a small café at the port called The Shed, ideal for a coffee or a late breakfast.
The ferry crossing takes around 45 minutes. I was lucky enough to spot a dolphin following the boat for part of the journey!
Mallaig to Fort William
From Mallaig, there are three ways to reach Fort William, depending on how you’d like to travel and how long you’re willing to wait.
Between April and October, the earliest option is the Jacobite steam train at 2:10 pm. It’s a service by West Coast Railways, and it’s more of a novelty tourist attraction, but I still used it to get from Mallaig to Fort William as it was a bucket list experience of mine.
It’s the most expensive option, and it doesn’t do single tickets. Your ticket is a return trip, even if you ride it one way. It was worth the experience for me as it’s not every day you ride the Hogwarts Express!
Next is the 500 bus, which leaves at 3:48 pm and takes about an hour and 20 minutes. You’ll pass Glenfinnan, but you won’t see the viaduct very well as it’s set back from the road.
The final option is the ScotRail train, which departs from Mallaig at 4:05 pm and arrives at about the same time as the bus. The train follows the same route as the Jacobite, but at a fraction of the price.
Described as one of the best train journeys in Scotland, you’ll pass Loch Morar and Loch Eilt. As you head inland past rugged mountains, you’ll cross Glenfinnan Viaduct with Loch Shiel in the distance before arriving at Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis.
Editor’s tip: If you want to explore Glenfinnan and see the Jacobite train cross the iconic viaduct on your Scotland train itinerary, I recommend doing this on a separate day. I will explain how to get there from Fort William on day 10.
Where to stay in Fort William: I love a private room in a hostel, so I recommend Fort William Backpackers. My favourite feature was the lounge, with squashy armchairs and huge windows. For a more boutique option, I stayed at Tirindish House in Spean Bridge on a separate visit. You will need to arrange transfers from Spean Bridge station.
Day 10: Fort William to Glasgow
Your last full day of this 10-day Scotland itinerary by train is just an easy journey along the West Highland Line to Glasgow. You can take the 11:40 am train and be in Glasgow by 3:38 pm, or spend most of the day sightseeing around Fort William. The next direct train is at 5:37 pm.
Glenfinnan (Optional)
Glenfinnan is one of the best places to visit near Fort William. It’s home to the iconic 21-arch viaduct, which appears in the Harry Potter film franchise. If you take an early train, you’ll get there in time for the Jacobite Steam Train to cross it between April to October.
Don’t miss the Glenfinnan Monument, a tower built to remember those who lost their lives in the Jacobite Rising. The visitor centre is well worth a look as it has a free exhibit about the Jacobites and a cafe for refreshments.
You could squeeze in a trip to Glenfinnan, as there is a train from Fort William at 8:15 am, but you will need to get the number 500 bus back at 12:55 pm, so you can have lunch, pick up your bags and not rush.
For lunch, head to the Wildcat in Fort William. It’s a vegan cafe with a fantastic range of tea and coffee. I also recommend the Black Isle Bar for organic wood-fired pizza and a great selection of beers on tap.
If you’re not going to Glenfinnan, have a look at the West Highland Museum, take a bus to Glen Nevis or enjoy panoramic views from Cow Hill.
You could also visit the famous shipwreck at Corpach or check out Neptune’s Staircase along the Caledonian Canal while waiting for your train.
The West Highland Line
The West Highland Line is one of Scotland’s Great Scenic Railways, and you’ll be riding it from Fort William to Glasgow. It takes about three and a half hours with spectacular views from both sides of the train.
You’ll pass Carrour, the UK’s highest and most remote train station and traverse the vast Rannoch Moor. The route also takes you over the River Fillan at Crianlarich and along the northern edge of Loch Lomond, surrounded by the Arrochar Alps. You won’t get tired of looking out the window!
Glasgow
Arrive in Glasgow and check into your hotel. Depending on whether you’ve arrived in the late afternoon or evening, you may want to stretch your legs and grab a bite or go straight to bed.
If you still have some hours, you could check out Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis. Ashton Lane in the West End is a trendy spot for restaurants, bars and quirky boutiques. I also love Maki & Ramen (again) for food.
Where to stay in Glasgow: Stay at the Social Hub, a stylish, smart hotel with exceptionally comfortable beds. It has a restaurant and lounge, cosy rooms and en-suites with showers. It’s just 13 minutes away from the train station.
How to Travel by Train in Scotland
Scotland’s train travel is relatively affordable (compared to England’s extortionate fares!). It’s still worth booking your tickets in advance to get the cheapest rates.
Book longer journeys ahead of time, like the West Highland Line, the Kyle Line, your journey from Mallaig to Fort William, and the leg from Edinburgh to Pitlochry, as these routes can get very busy. If possible, make seat reservations too.
For shorter trips, like your day return from Pitlochry to Blair Atholl, there’s no need to book in advance. The prices are the same on the day, and I prefer keeping these parts of the trip flexible.
Check the type of ticket before you book, as the cheapest fares usually tie you to a specific train, while others are more flexible. You won’t always be able to reserve a seat with the flexible options, though.
Try not to book connections too close together. Trains can often be delayed, so you don’t want the added stress of missing your next one. Make a note of any delays, as you could be entitled to compensation if you’re held up by 15 minutes or more.
Need more tips about using public transport? Check out my guide to visiting Scotland without a car, featuring trains, buses, tours, ferries and more!
Cost Breakdown
Here’s a rough guide to the cheapest single fares I could find for the main train and bus journeys on this itinerary, based on booking 12 weeks in advance:
- Edinburgh to Pitlochry from £12.10 (usually £30)
- Pitlochry to Aviemore from £10.40 (usually £29.40)
- Aviemore to Inverness from £6.80 (usually £16.90)
- Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh from £18
- Kyle of Lochalsh to Portree Square from £10.20
- Portree to Mallaig from £12.85 (bus + ferry)
- Mallaig to Fort William from £9.20 (Jacobite from £69)
- Fort William to Glasgow from £22
Passes and Railcards
There are a couple of extra ways to save money on train travel in Scotland. The first is to look at railcards. Tourists and residents are eligible to get a third off fares with a Two Together, 26–30, 16–25, Family & Friends, Disabled Persons or Senior Railcard.
The second is to consider one of ScotRail’s travel passes. The Spirit of Scotland Travel Pass includes four days of unlimited travel within eight consecutive days for £155, or eight days of unlimited travel within 15 consecutive days for £196.
How to Book Your Tickets
You can book directly with ScotRail online or via the app. You could also use Trainline, Trainpal, Omio or Rail Europe. I like to compare rates across platforms and find the best deal. In most cases, your booking will have a digital ticket or a code to print off your ticket at the machines in the stations.
For buses, you don’t need to book in advance except for the Citylink to Skye. It’s a busy route, so booking your ticket a few days before will guarantee your spot. Book your tickets on the Citylink website.
By the way, buses take contactless card payments, so you don’t need to have the exact change in cash!
Your 10-Day Scotland Itinerary by Train: Final Thoughts
Scotland’s railways make it easy to explore the country without a car, giving you the chance to slow down and enjoy the journey.
This 10-day Scotland itinerary by train weaves through some of the most scenic landscapes, taking you from Edinburgh to Highland Perthshire, through the Cairngorms to Inverness, across to the Isle of Skye, then down the West Highlands to Fort William and Glasgow.
If you have more time, you could continue north to Orkney from Inverness, explore more of the Cairngorms, head south to Dumfries & Galloway or the Scottish Borders. You could also turn this into a 14-day Scotland itinerary by train with a few extra nights at places along the route.
Looking for a shorter itinerary for seven days? Read my guide to spending one week in Scotland without a car, featuring day trips to the Isle of Skye, Loch Lomond and more!
