10 day itinerary for Scotland, including St Andrews

Scotland has always had a wild edge. From the snow-capped Highlands to the windswept western isles, it’s blessed with dozens of remote natural beauty spots. It’s also steeped in myth and legend dating back to the Celts, as well as boasting 900-year-old castles and centuries-old golf courses. However, you’ll find plenty of modernity here too, especially amongst the urban buzz of Edinburgh and Glasgow. Here’s our guide to seeing the highlights of Scotland by train in ten days.

Dean Village in Edinburgh, Scotland. Image Credit: Getty Images, Jason Cameron

Day 1 and 2: Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city

Day 1: Edinburgh Old Town and Castle

Start your trip in Edinburgh’s Old Town at the infamous 11th-century Edinburgh Castle. Follow in the footsteps of royalty as you walk through the hallowed Great Hall and crown jewel gallery. Next, wander around Grassmarket, which is lined with quirky boutique shops and cozy cafés. Harry Potter fans should stop at Greyfriars Kirkyard, a graveyard where J.K. Rowling gained inspiration for characters’ names, including Thomas Riddell and William McGonagall.

Day 2: Arthur’s Seat and Scottish National Portrait Gallery

You can’t visit Edinburgh without climbing Arthur’s Seat. This extinct volcano sits at the heart of the city. It’s an easy hike from Holyrood Park to the 251m (823 ft) summit with its 360-degree panoramic view of the city. Afterwards, head to Mary’s Milk Bar for a decadent hot chocolate. If time, wander around the New Town with its elegant Georgian townhouses and posh boutique shops.

Train from Edinburgh to St Andrews

It’s a short, direct journey from Edinburgh Waverley to St Andrews (about 1h 30m). The nearest train station is Leuchars, then it’s about a 15-minute bus ride to the town.

Old Course in St Andrews, Scotland. Image Credit: Getty Images, Chris McLoughlin

Day 3: St Andrews, the home of golf

Golf has been played in St Andrews for over 500 years. Marvel at the Old Course, the world’s oldest golf course. It’s open to the public, but you’ll need a handicap certificate to play. Alternatively, wander along West Sands beach and cobblestone high street, before hunkering down for a pint in the cozy Jigger Inn pub. History fans should not miss the ruins of a 900-year-old cathedral, which overlook the seafront.

Train from St Andrews to Inverness

The journey from Leuchars to Inverness (between 3-4 hours) traces Scotland’s east coast. Change trains in Aberdeen.

Day 4: Inverness, the gateway to the Highlands

Get a real sense of Scotland’s wild north in Inverness. Outlander fans should head to Culloden Battlefield where the infamous 1746 uprising took place, as well as the stone circle at Kinloch Rannoch (though there is no actual stone circle). Or, take the bus 30-minutes south to Loch Ness — a 23-mile-long lake which is said to be inhabited by an elusive monster. Finish with a tour around the Uilebheist Distillery for a proper dram of Scottish whisky.

Bus from Inverness to Fort William

There is a direct bus from King Street, Inverness to Belford Hospital, Fort William (about 2h 2m).

Ben Nevis mountain near Fort William Scotland. Image Credit: Getty Images, john finney photography

Day 5: Fort William, home of outdoor adventures

Hiking up Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK, is a must-do when visiting Fort William. It’s a full-day excursion to the summit and back. Make sure you hire a guide and bring layers; it could be warm in town, but you might find snow at the top. Adrenaline seekers should check out the World Cup-level mountain bike trails here. Rain getting in the way? Duck into the West Highland Museum for an introduction to Scottish Highland history, followed by gourmet pizza at the Highland Cinema.

Train from Fort William to Oban

Journey south from Fort William to Oban (from 3h 49m). There are no direct trains, so change in Crianlarich.

Day 6 and 7: Oban and Mull, Scotland’s seafood capital

Day 6: Oban

Garlic butter lobsters, briny oysters and mussels await in the harbor town of Oban. Tuck into the fresh-off-the-boat delicacies at waterfront restaurant, Ee-Usk. Work up an appetite beforehand with a short walk up to McCaig’s Tower for views across the windswept bay. If the weather is dry, join a Basking Shark Scotland boat trip to spot these incredible 8m-long creatures in the wild.

Day 7: Isle of Mull

The Isle of Mull is less than an hour’s ferry ride from Oban. On arrival in Craignure, catch the bus to the island’s largest town, Tobermory, with its crayola-colored houses and idyllic harbor. Browse the shops (Tobermory Chocolate is a favorite) and walk up to the Rubha Nan Gall Lighthouse. The Galleon Birstro is the place to head for dinner; think angus rib eye steak with thick crispy fries.

Train from Oban to Balloch

Jump on the train at Oban to Balloch (from 3h 20m). There are no direct trains; change at Dumbarton.

Loch Lomond lake in Scotland. Image Credit: Getty Images, Cavan Images

Day 8: Loch Lomond, the largest lake in the UK

Perched at the southerly end of Loch Lomond, the village of Balloch is a great jumping-off point for exploring the famous lake. Admire its beauty from the water on one of Sweeney’s Cruises. Feeling active? Hire a bike and follow the West Loch Lomond cycle path, a mostly flat 17-mile-long route, before returning via the waterbus.

Train from Balloch to Glasgow

It’s a short, easy journey from Balloch to Glasgow Queen Street (from 47m). There are no changes, so just enjoy the view.

Day 9 and 10: Glasgow, the artsy city

Day 9: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Glasgow Mural Trail

If Edinburgh is all about history, Glasgow is the cool, cultural cousin. Spend the morning at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, where masterpieces by Rembrandt and Van Gogh sit alongside Egyptian mummies and a giant Asian elephant. Or, follow the Glasgow Mural Trail — a glimpse into the city’s vibrant street art scene.

Day 10: Finnieston and Òran Mór

Finnieston is arguably Glasgow’s trendiest neighborhood. Head over to The Hidden Lane, a colorful collection of studios, housing over 100 artists, designers and musicians. It’s a great place to pick up a unique souvenir. Stop for lunch at the trendy bistro Ox and Finch (though it is temporarily closed). Finish your trip with a night at Òran Mór, a converted church turned live music venue, which also has a great restaurant and bar on-site.

Glasgow University Cloisters in Scotland. Image Credit: Getty Images, theasis

Departure from Glasgow

Spend your final morning wandering around Glasgow Botanic Gardens, before catching the train back to Edinburgh.

Train from Glasgow to Edinburgh

It takes no time at all to get from Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh Waverley (from 44m). 211 trains run every day.

There you have it — your go-to 10-day itinerary for Scotland, including St Andrews. So, what are you waiting for? Download the Trainline app today and buy your tickets for your Scottish getaway!

House beneath Ben More on Isle of Mull, Scotland. Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Ashley Cooper

Discover Scotland and St Andrews by train on this 10-day itinerary