>>Well maybe you do not need to go all the way to Mallaig but instead on the way back maybe get off the train at the Ranoch Moor or someplace<<

Are you recommending not go to Mallaig (thus missing the main reason for taking this train - the "Road to the Isles" bits) but to get off somewhere else and then catch a different train back to Rannoch Station?

>>not much at Mallaig<<

Enough to fill the 2+ hours one has. . . . http://www.visitscotland.com/en-us/i...allaig-p236601 . . . and there is even less at Rannoch Station.

If one is taking this train as an excursion -- the whole route out and back is really the only one that works . . .

Just trying to cut down what may be a marathon seven hours on a train - I'll defer to your much much vaster knowledge of the area - I am only putting myself in the seat or an average traveler who may not really be keen on several hours on a train - ideally they could find a way to make it a two-day one-night trip and enjoy it much more.

Not sure why you do not like the Moor - to me the most amazing thing on the whole route - if I have planned better I would have gotten off in that stark setting and rambled around for a bit - had a drink at the hotel/pub there and got back on another train. But not practical in one day I guess.

PQ and Janis---Once again thanks for your input.

Need to study more and figure things out and plan a skeleton trip so that if occasion rises I will be ready.

I understand there will be lots of time on the train and very little on land. But I feel if I am in the area and have one and only chance to see some special scenery, so I must do it.

I still also have to look at Rabbies tours site to see if some other short trip can be done.

Lots of great information you two have shared, so I am inspired to try harder to learn more.

You know we travelers are so anxious to see all! I realize leisure time is needed to accomplish our hearts desires, but sometimes we have to make do with what limited time is available.

Your vast knowledge and experience is treasured by me. Thanks again.

Have a beautiful day.

I've stayed several times at the Moor of Rannoch Hotel at Rannoch Station, and there is nothing much there. It's a fantastic place to stay overnight if you plan on doing some walking, but not for a short stop. Mallaig really is a better choice.

Rabbies is very good. They can cover areas that the train cannot. Still, the West Highland route is wonderful.

you're welcome

When I took that train it was dark for most of the return journey (later in the year than you are traveling) so it did drag a bit. But your full journey will be in daylight and if you sit on the same side of the train each way you'll get opposite views/scenery and much of it is spectacular. You can get up and walk around and there is food on the train or you can take a picnic along.

The one thing I got that you won't is the amazing sunset over Morar and the islands in the distance. But I think the trip would be more pleasant over all in daylight.

didn't see historytraveler's post . . . 100% correct re Rannoch Station . . . .

Train to Oban.

there's nothing there is the point but you can ramble on footpaths around a bit - unlike anything most of us, including janis I guess, have done. I spent a few hours in Mallaig and did not see much of real interest - nice old port town but yes a typical Scottish regional center in many ways - see at least one of these towns.

>> . . . - unlike anything most of us, including janis I guess, have done.<<

what on earth are you on about?

I'm on about a ramble thru the Rannoch Moor - I saw scores of backpackers get off the train at the hotel stop and head off - there must be something there - something totally unique - have you ever hiked the Moor or even seen it in the daytime from a train? curious as you always pooh-pooh it when I mention it.

Cheers!

>>have you ever hiked the Moor or even seen it in the daytime from a train? curious as you always pooh-pooh it when I mention it.<<

I don't pooh pooh it. Not only have I walked in the moor, I've driven there, taken the train there, and flown over in a small plane. It just isn't a place that works when wants to see the West Highland line/Jacobite/etc. Just doesn't work. Now if the OP had tons of time and could stay a couple of nights and take long hikes - sure. That isn't their situation so recommending it is sort of counter productive.

janis I am just giving options and not being didactic and prescriptive as so many are - the more options given the better - not the usual this is the way you have to do it! Who knows what strikes others' fancies? Options and let them decide - like the Whisky barrel tour in Edinburgh that you said was a waste of time yet it tickled the OP's fancy after I mentioned it - mention as many things as possible and let the person decide, of course!

Cheers!

I took a Rabbies two day tour which included an overnight on the Isle of Skye. I highly recommend them and that tour.

Once again thanks to everyone for their input. Appreciate everyone's time, experience and advice.

Janis and PQ, you are both such experienced travelers and so very thoughtful to always help so many Fodorites on various trips and crazy questions and ideas.

So we laugh and frown together!!

But we appreciate what each one is doing as we love to travel and share our knowledge.

Still doing research and reading and studying the map. Hopefully in the next couple of days I will have figured out some short day trip.

I really want to do a one-day trip from Glasgow and another 1 day trip from Edinburgh. And I want to use Rabbies for one trip and the other one on a train.

Decisions are hard to make, but hopefully will get serious and finalize everything.

Once again million thanks to each and everyone who has responded. I am looking into all the suggestions.

Have a great evening.

Have you considered St.Andrews? I took a two day train trip there. It is a whole different part of the country than what I saw in Edinburg and the trip with Rabbies.

Susie--thanks for your suggestion about St.Andrews. We are thinking of going to St. Andrews with Rabbies. It has been suggested by others too.

The golf course and university and the scenic sights seem to be attractive. We are not golfers so still thinking.

You took a 2-day trip, although we need a one day round trip. Thus still pondering.

Have a fabulous day.

I really want to do a one-day trip from Glasgow and another 1 day trip from Edinburgh. And I want to use Rabbies for one trip and the other one on a train.>

Two easy ones - Stirling and Stirling Castle - sweet regional town and ultra famous castle - think Brave Heart and imposing monument memory to famous battle outside of town. Frequent cheap trains from either Glasgow or Edinburgh.

St Andrews is also easy by train - take it to Leuchars where buses take you the final few miles from St Andrews - a lovely seaside town regardless of its golfing fame - again easy on your own and you can wonder the old lanes of this university town (Prince William went here I think) and lovely sea front with some kind of ruins on it - better without a tour - have lunch at a local restaurant or pub and mosey thru the shopping area.

And you go over the famous cantilevered train bridge over the Firth of Forth - to me quite a thrill!

Buses also go direct to St Andrews from Edinburgh.

PQ--your reply is like ESP. You seem to be reading my mind right now.

Both the trips you have mentioned are the ones I am thinking of taking seriously.

With one trip I think I can cover the east section and the other the west section. This way hopefully different scenes to enjoy from the windows of the Rabbies van/coach or the train.

Your reply is helping me make decisions.
Thanks again for your insight.
Have a wonderful day as you help others on this site.

Hi ileen,
I second going to St Andrews. I am not a golfer, but enjoyed seeing the venue. They have a little store which is great for souvenirs for any golfers you may have in our life. We loved pottering around the University and the town and enjoyed a pub lunch there. Checkout the cathedral ruins and the interesting cemetery

Jane--thanks for your input. Your reply is so helpful also.
Whether we take the train to St. Andrews, I am just wondering how easy it would be to go from the train station to the sights.

Maybe some sights are in easy walking distance from train station, or maybe we can take a bus.

How did you travel. Can you share more info. as to how you managed to go from place to place in St. Andrews.

I hope my questions are not really stupid!

Appreciate your time and whatever info. you can share.
Have a great day thinking about your trip to Scotland!