Hi, looking for feedback on my Scotland itinerary for this June. Anything we should prioritize or drop from our to do list? We are a bit limited by money and we will have our 10 month old with us, so we can't go on a highland tour, which I would have done if our girl wasn't so young.

We have about 4 1/2 days to work with and will be going at a slower pay than usual because we will have our baby with us (though she is a great traveler).

June 5th - Arriving in Edinburgh around 9:30 am. Check into hostel, go for lunch and do something low key in the afternoon and evening as we adjust to the time change. Maybe walk around the national gallery or museum, or explore the Royal Mile.

June 6th - Spend the day in Edinburgh, go to Edinburgh Castle, walk Arthur's Seat or go to Portobello Beach if it's nice out. Would consider the Museum of childhood or the Royal Botanical Garden if we have time.

June 7th - hope on the train at 10:48 and head to Mallaig, arriving at 5:43. Will spend the night in Mallaig. Note that we are not taking the steam train, just to keep things simple. This trip is more or less so we can see some great scenery - though I'm wondering if it is too long for the payoff...

June 8th - we can leave Mallaig (on the regular train) at 10:10, though we could take a later train if we wanted. Now here is the big question. We can take the train back to Edinburgh and spend the rest of our time there, or we can stop in Glasgow and spend the night. Either way our plan for the 9th is the same.

June 9th - in the afternoon, take the train to London. The remainder of our trip will be spent in London and Leeds (we have a conference to attend in Leeds).

Any tips or suggestions would be great!

>>June 7th - hope on the train at 10:48 and head to Mallaig, arriving at 5:43. Will spend the night in Mallaig. Note that we are not taking the steam train, just to keep things simple. This trip is more or less so we can see some great scenery - though I'm wondering if it is too long for the payoff...<<

I'm sorry but no, NO, <B>NO</B>!

You wil be riding the trains ALL DAY LONG for two straight days. Total waste of time IMO. There is nothing to do in Mallaig so you would spend all day -- get there when there is still 4.5 hours of daylight to twiddle your fingers, then get on the train again the next morning. Yes, you will see some nice scenery -- but you'll be bored to tears.

Options if you think you want to get out of Edinburgh: That the train to Leuchars, then a local bus to St Andrews. There is a fabulous beach, the Old Course, a castle ruin to explore, etc. and you could be back in Edinburgh by early evening.
https://www.ardgowanhotel.co.uk/wp-c...ands-beach.jpg
http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb...4-FDA5646C.jpg
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7040/6...74d04ec6_b.jpg

Or take the train the short distance to Linlithgow.
http://images.on-this.website/6562_1...a5611afb96.jpg

Or do a day trip to Stirling.
http://www.destination360.com/europe...ing-castle.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/...54_468x286.jpg

Or take the train to North Berwick and walk to Tantallon castle http://johnmuirway.org/sites/files/tantallon.jpg

Thanks, you've confirmed my fear. I'll look into your suggestions.

You do realize that from Edinburgh you'll have to change trains at Glasgow Queen Street? The train for Mallaog departs at 11:25 ( approximately ) and it takes about 55 minutes to get from Waverley Station to Queen Street Station. No way can you depart Edinburgh at 10:48 and make the connection unless they have completely changed the schedules. It's a long train ride for me and can't imagine doing it with a 10 month old. It is a very scenic route, but you would have to break the journey up to really make it manageable with a little one, at least IMO. I disagree somewhat with janisj on Mallaig. There are a few things to do in Mallaig but mostly walks which you really don't have time for. Honestly Edinburgh to Mallaig is too much just to spend a night and, then, return the next morning.

If you're intent on taking the West Highland Railway, one idea would be to go only as far as Bridge of Orchy or Rannoch Station spend the night and return to Glasgow or Edinburgh the next day, or just train to Glasgow spend the day and return to Edinburgh the next morning.

The places janisj mentioned would also make good day trips. I think St. Andrews is lovely. I'm not a golfer but the castle ruins, the cathedral ruins, St. Rule's Tower are all worth visiting. There are also some excellent restaurants, shops and interesting streets. My favorite is Butte Wynd.

>>I disagree somewhat with janisj on Mallaig. There are a few things to do in Mallaig but mostly walks which you really don't have time for. <<

I disagree w/ me too . There is a lots to see and do on the way to Mallaig or taking the ferry to Skye -- but unfortunately NOT for the OP. They would get there, check into a hotel (not B&B since most won't take infants), wander around <i>beautiful downtown Mallaig</i>, then leave early the next morning.

downtown Mallaig!

This will stop you wandering into another two station error as above

http://www.traveline.info/

I live Leeds, any thing you need or is the conference sorting it out for you? Not the Medievel Conference?

Well, my mistake. They have changed schedules. Must be because of the work at Glasgow Queen Street. Other comments remain.

How about instead of Mallaig, taking the train from Edinburgh to Oban (leaving 11:15, arriving 3:38). That way you get a relaxing train ride through the Highlands (which can really feel good at that stage of the trip, with the jet lag and all), and still have time to knock around in a town on the coast with actual pubs and shops and things. Then its 3 hours by train to Glasgow for that last night in Scotland - - Glasgow is GREAT by the way.

>>That way you get a relaxing train ride through the Highlands <<

That route would take one through Glasgow, Helensburgh, Tyndrum, -- some pretty country for sure but still five hours on the train w/ an infant.