Unmissable Scottish trips, as picked by locals

Shetland: a journey to Scotland’s far north

“Definitely Shetland – I love the place. The natural scenery is magnificent. There are great museums in Lerwick and Scalloway, lots of lovely places to eat and have a wee drink, and beautiful beaches for swimming – but believe me, the water IS colder there." Alwyn, ScotRail

Shetland feels like a world of its own, where dramatic coastlines, ancient landscapes and island traditions meet. Explore the museums and harbour streets of Lerwick and Scalloway, watch seabirds soar at Sumburgh Head, and spot otters along the shoreline.

Explore Shetland

Aberdeen to Inverness Line: through castle and whisky country

“Aberdeen to Inverness is the most overlooked journey in the country. There is some beautiful scenery away from the main roads, wandering through whisky and castle territory, with lots of towns to explore." Ronnie, ScotRail

The Aberdeen to Inverness Line cuts inland out of Aberdeenshire and into the heart of Moray Speyside. Before boarding, discover the clifftop ruins of Dunnottar Castle near Stonehaven, hop off the train to visit the distilleries of Speyside, including Strathisla and Glen Moray, and visit the coastal towns of Elgin and Nairn.

Journey through Moray Speyside

Inverness: the Highland capital

“I would definitely recommend Inverness. The views around the Moray Firth are stunning. The walks along the canal are just fantastic and the locals are just so lovely.” Brian, LNER

Inverness perfectly blends urban comforts with Highland scenery and traditions. The city’s streets bustle with cafés, galleries, and pubs where live music and local flavour thrive. Explore the historic Victorian Market, visit Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, or the recently re-invented Inverness Castle Experience which offers panoramic views and a chance to dive into Highland heritage through interactive installations.

Visit Inverness

Islay: discover Scotland’s whisky island

"A visit to Islay is a must. It’s only a short hop from the mainland, making it ideal for everyone. The scenery there is stunning and a visit to a distillery coupled with a taste of local whisky is essential." Harvey, CalMac

Islay’s golden beaches, wild coastal walks and dramatic scenery sit alongside world-famous distilleries such as Laphroaig, Ardbeg and Lagavulin. Explore the white sands of Machir Bay, watch wildlife along the coast and visit the historic ruins of Finlaggan.

Take the ferry to Islay

Scotland’s west coast

Mallaig

“Getting off the train in Mallaig after travelling on the West Highland Railway, looking left across the Sound of Sleat and seeing the Isle of Skye and smelling the fresh sea air. I could sit there all day and be quite happy.” Ronnie, ScotRail

Arriving in Mallaig at the end of the West Highland Line does feel like stepping straight into a Highland postcard. Explore Mallaig’s seafood harbour or follow the coastline around Morar to discover white-sand beaches such as Camusdarach.

You can take the ferry across the Sound of Sleat to Skye, with views of the Cuillin mountains, fishing boats and rugged Atlantic coastline along the way.

Lochalsh

Alwyn already shared his number one spot of Shetland: “They are amazing and I could talk about them all day.”

“But on the actual mainland of Scotland, I would probably pick where I live, Scotland’s west coast. I'll quite happily take the train to Achnasheen and cycle down through Kinlochewe and through the Torridon hills to Strathcarron in time to catch the train home to Kyle. Sometimes I cycle all the way to Inverness, get my dinner, before taking the train home.” Alwyn, ScotRail

This area is part of the Wester Ross Biosphere, one of the most beautiful places in the world. But it's more than just spectacular scenery. You’ll find the experience of Wester Ross' communities as captivating as the landscape. Cycling, walking or kayaking are the best ways to really get in touch with this place.

Plockton

“It has to be the most beautiful view out across the loch to the mountains from any hotel or pub garden that I know.” Rich, LNER

Some of Scotland’s most memorable places are found in small coastal communities, and Plockton is a perfect example. From its sheltered harbour, views stretch across Loch Carron towards the rugged peaks of the Applecross mountains, with fishing boats drifting on the water and the quiet beauty of the Highlands all around.

Scotland’s islands

Tiree

“My favourite spot would have to be Balphuil Bay (also known as Travee), on the Isle of Tiree. It's the most beautiful beach set below the cliffs of Kenavara. It is also the hometown of the Isle of Tiree Distillery. On a clear day, you can also see Skerryvore Lighthouse in the distance.” Lindsay, CalMac

Across Tiree you can explore historic landmarks and attractions and try your hand at a range of watersports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, standup paddleboarding and kayaking. It’s great for wildlife too, with basking sharks, grey seals, and a variety of birdlife.

Take the ferry to Tiree

Vatersay

“White sandy beaches, clear blue water, simply sublime. You wouldn't even believe that you're still in Scotland!” Harvey, CalMac

Vatersay is the most southerly inhabited island of the Outer Hebrides, home to windswept sands with rich machair grasses. It’s a great starting point for the Hebridean Way, a 10-island cycling and walking route – if you can tear yourself away!

Learn more about Vatersay

Forth Rail Bridge

“Nothing beats the view over the Firth of Forth when crossing the Forth Rail Bridge. I'm privileged enough to see this at times no one else does. 4am in summer when the sun rises on the east is sublime, as is late evening when setting in the west. What a view!” David, Caledonian Sleeper

The Forth Rail Bridge spans the Firth of Forth and is one of Scotland’s most recognisable landmarks. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers spectacular views across the Firth, while boat tours provide the chance to discover its wildlife-rich islands and spot seals.

Plan a trip to the Forth Rail Bridge

Caithness and Sutherland

“My favourite view out of the window is between Kinbrace and Forsinard Stations. In the spring and autumn mornings you have the sunrise lighting up the hillsides and, if there is little to no wind, providing a mirror image of the hills in the loch.

“In the summer  evenings the sunset silhouettes the hills and the fading light really brings out the colour in the landscape, as well as highlighting the many herds of deer that are to be found in that area.

“In winter the hills are often glistening with snow and whilst the mornings can be very beautiful, nothing compares to the winter nights where the Northern Lights are dancing in the sky.” Chris, ScotRail

The Flow Country achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 2024 for its vast expanse of blanket bog, sheltered straths, moorland and mountain. The Far North Line runs from Inverness to Wick and Thurso, travelling first along the east coast of the north Highlands, before cutting in through this UNESCO site.

Explore the Flow Country

Lochalsh

“I'm a driver between Kyle of Lochalsh and Inverness. I don't really have a favourite view from the window, as the whole line is beautiful and it changes so much throughout the year that there are many moments when you say ‘Wow, look at that!’.

“Driving along on a cold frosty morning with the sun shining can be stunning, particularly around Attadale looking across Loch Carron and towards the hills and beyond.” Alwyn, ScotRail

The Kyle Line takes just over 2 hours and 30 minutes, passing through a number of small Highland villages including Achnasheen and Strathcarron. Offering exquisite panoramas of a sea loch framed by rolling hills, Loch Carron viewpoint is a must, while Attadale Gardens offers 20 acres of tranquil water gardens, a stunning Japanese Garden, and a collection of sculptures.

Ayrshire Coast Line

“The Ayrshire Coast Line has some magnificent views as it skirts the Firth of Clyde. From Ardrossan, the incline allows some superb views across the firth to the Isle of Arran and its highest peak, Goatfell. Picturesque at any time of year or day, whether it’s bathed in bright morning sun, silhouetted by a beautiful sunset with shades of red, yellow and orange, or topped with a snow cap.” Kenny, ScotRail

“My favourite view out the train window is heading to Largs. You are treated to a spectacular view of Arran and further up the Firth of Clyde towards Bute and the Cumbraes.” David, ScotRail

Starting from Glasgow, the train follows the coast to Largs, where Kenny says you can sometimes spot the Waverley, the world’s last sea-going paddle steamer. A 10-minute ferry connects Largs with Cumbrae, a popular destination for watersports, cycling, walking and nature. 

Other shout-outs

Looking down Loch Shiel from Glenfinnan Viaduct; between Glen Douglas and Arrochar and Tarbet looking down Loch Long towards The Cobbler; between Stromeferry and Plockton on the Kyle Line beside Loch Carron (John, Caledonian Sleeper)

The Dundee to Aberdeen train journey, particularly crossing the Forth and Tay bridges (Ronnie, ScotRail) and the coast at Lunan Bay (Heather, ScotRail)

The train’s approach to Stirling with the castle and National Wallace Monument (Craig, ScotRail)

Ayr to Stranraer as most underrated, thanks to its landscape views, the art deco station at Girvan, the quaint station at Barrhill (David, ScotRail)