Scotland in August

[HorrorFan81]

So I actually used to live in Scotland and know it fairly well but that was pre kids. Planning a 2 week trip in August. 5 days in Edinburgh to start with, staying with a friend. Then have 12 days. Would ideally like to use train as much as possible as we get discounted tickets and don't want to drive from our home to Scotland (we live in the South of England) but can rent a car for some of the time.

We are keen walkers so would like some munros (Ben Lomond on the list, have done that before). Also my daughter wants a zip line so thinking Go Ape Aberfoyle. We would like to jnclude: Cairngorms, Inverness, Glencoe, Isle of Skye, the Jacobite train over Glenfinnan Viaduct. Not bothered about Glasgow

Anyone want me to help plan a sensible route that makes the use of the train lines? Any good things for the kids we should consider outside of Edinburgh?

PS am well aware of the midges 😀

Can you get one way tickets for the Jacobite train? If so I’d go up the east coast from Edinburgh to Inverness with overnights at Aviemore and Pitlochry maybe. Then across to Skye via Kyle of Lochalsh.

Back to Mallaig and one way Jacobite to Fort William.

Edinburgh-aviemore -Inverness is easy by train, the rest less so! You could bus from Inverness to fort William and then do the normal scotrail train to Mallaig and back and from there return via Glasgow. Skye is literally impossible on public transport. With 12 days I don’t think you’ve got time to do all these places.

There is a Go Ape in Dalkeith country park which is easily accessible by bus from Edinburgh. They also have an amazing adventure playground and lovely cafe.

You know that Edinburgh will be absolutely rammed and very expensive for accommodation in August. The fringe seems to get busier and busier each year. Great fun for visitors but very full on, almost everything will need pre-booked.

For a day trip you could take the train to Falkirk and go to the kelpies and Helix Park, you can then walk or cycle along the canal to the Falkirk wheel. Take towel and change of clothes for DC as both parks have outdoor water play features.

In Stirling there's obviously the castle but also further down the hill there's the town jail which do brilliant interactive tours and have an escape room. We much prefer it to the castle.

I can't really help with the hillwalking. I'd avoid Inverness tbh, the town isn't up to much. Instead I would get the train to Aviemore and do the fenicular railway up the Cairngorms, loch morlich and possibly Landmark depends on your DC age. Or the steam train at Aviemore.

Thanks @Fends - I like that as a starting point

@MiddleAgedDread will look at one way on the Jacobite as that could work well. Happy to rent a car for skye (and more if needed)

@TartanMammy thanks - I've spent alot of time in Edinburgh in August so know what to expect (I love it 😀) and have free accommodation set up there. Never actually went to Falkirk to see the Kelpies so that's a good shout. Fernicular train a great idea too thanks.

If you do one way on the Jacobite how are you going to get back? The only way to do this is with a car and the driver doesn’t do the train. If you go to Skye
vis Mallaig there’s no public transport that joins up with the ferry.

It’s not “literally impossible”. Stagecoach service Skye with a fairly decent bus timetable. You could also pre-book a taxi from Kyle of Lochalsh.

I think you can do it OP if you both travel light!

Scotrail? or the bus? Think it was the 500

My thoughts though were she could Scotrail from Inverness then prebook a taxi to take her onto Skye. Travel round a bit using Stagecoach then ferry back to Mallaig and one way on the Jacobite to Fort William.

Thanks!

If you're rich, will you take the overnight sleeper to Edinburgh? The kids would love it and I've done it to Inverness. Special experience for me, bucket list, NOT cheap.

I also second the suggestions of the Falkirk Wheel and Pitlochry. Plus I've done the train/bus up the East coast from Inverness to Dornoch and Helmsdale. Fab.

Highland Games are also happening in August. Helmsdale's on the 15th August....

No i did the sleeper once and HATED it 🤣 Plus I don't get a discount on that (I do on most other train journeys). Off to look into the Highland Games now that would be immense...

Ooh, do say why you hated it. My trip was a bit shambolic but it had some magic moments.

I just couldn't sleep a wink - the train moving and the noises etc (i had ear plugs in) kept me awake all night and i was just so uncomfortable on the bed. It was a work trip too so i had to immediately get off the train and go to the office and I was exhausted. Was one and done for me 😀 I know lots of people who love it though

Oh well, that's no fun. When I did it last year you got a pack with earplugs and a sleepmask and if you're as good at sleeping in moving metal boxes (boats/trains/etc.) as I am it was fine. And working the next day.... gah!

Unfortunately I am a bit of a fusspot when it comes to sleeping and really struggle if I am in a moving vehicle of any kind. My DH can sleep anywhere and would probably be fine although might be a squeeze- hes 6'4 and I dont remember the beds being particularly long 😅