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Scottish walking holiday by train
Explore Scotland’s most beautiful walking routes with easy, car‑free journeys.
From Inverness to Aviemore and the Moray Speyside coast, this multi‑day walking holiday takes you through some of Scotland’s most scenic landscapes - all without needing to drive.
With comfortable LNER journeys to the Highlands and simple onward connections, you can step straight off the train and straight into loch‑side trails, forest paths, coastal routes and charming towns. Follow our day‑by‑day itinerary for great walks, great food and a relaxed, car‑free Scottish adventure.
Day 1
Your walking holiday begins with a scenic train journey from Edinburgh to Inverness, bringing you straight into the heart of the Highlands. With a historic hotel just steps from the station and a fun city experience to kick things off, it’s the perfect way to ease into the trip before the walking begins.
Train to Inverness
Check in at the Royal Highland Hotel
Explore the Inverness Castle Experience
Dinner at The Mustard Seed
Morning
Start your adventure with a relaxing train journey from Edinburgh to Inverness, enjoying the changing scenery as you move from city views to rolling Highlands landscapes. Once you arrive, it’s a short walk to the Royal Highland Hotel, a characterful stay right next to the station, ideal for dropping your bags and getting your bearings. Take a moment to settle in, grab a drink or explore the streets around the hotel before heading out.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, walk over to the Inverness Castle Experience, where you can discover the story of the Highlands through interactive exhibits and take in panoramic views across the city from the viewing platform. It’s a great way to get a feel for Inverness before your days of walking ahead.
As evening arrives, head to The Mustard Seed, one of Inverness’s best‑loved restaurants. Set in a former church overlooking the River Ness, it’s known for delicious seasonal dishes, warm hospitality and a relaxed atmosphere, the perfect first‑night dinner to start your holiday on a high note.
Day 2
Your second day takes you deeper into the Cairngorms for a mix of forest paths, riverside walking and spectacular Highland scenery. With peaceful trails, relaxed places to eat and easy journeys between stops, it’s a brilliant day of exploring the outdoors at your own pace.
Train from Inverness to Newtonmore
Wildcat Trail then train to Aviemore
Lunch at The Winking Owl
Craigellachie Nature Trail
Dinner at River House Restaurant
Morning
Begin the day with a short train ride from Inverness to Newtonmore, then make your way to walk the Wildcat Trail - a well‑marked, scenic circular route that winds through woodland, alongside rivers and across open stretches of countryside. The trail is peaceful, varied and ideal for walkers looking for something rewarding without being too challenging.
After your walk, head to Aviemore for a well‑earned lunch at The Winking Owl, a relaxed local favourite serving hearty dishes perfect after a morning outdoors.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, explore the Craigellachie Nature Reserve, known for its quiet forest paths, lochs and soaring crags. The lower circular routes are ideal for a gentle walk, while the viewpoint paths offer great panoramas across Aviemore and the Cairngorms. It’s a lovely place to take things at your own pace and soak up more Highland scenery.
After returning to Inverness, enjoy dinner at the River House Restaurant, a warm and welcoming spot overlooking the water. With fresh, seasonal dishes and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to unwind after a full day of walking.
Day 3
Today takes you to Moray Speyside for a scenic coastal walk before returning to Inverness for a peaceful riverside stroll. It’s a day packed with fresh air, great views and relaxed places to eat - a lovely balance between exploring somewhere new and winding down back in the Highlands.
Train to Forres
Moray Speyside coastal walk
Lunch in Lossiemouth
Return to Inverness
Ness Islands Circular walk
Dinner in Inverness
Morning
Start your day with a short train journey from Inverness to Forres, then continue to the Moray Coast - an area known for beautiful sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and gentle walking routes. The paths around Lossiemouth offer brilliant coastal scenery without being too challenging, making it a refreshing change of pace from the forest and mountain trails earlier in the trip. Expect sea views, lighthouse sightings and wide‑open stretches of coastline ideal for a relaxed morning walk.
For lunch, stop at The Harbour Lights in Lossiemouth, a friendly spot overlooking the water with plenty of light bites, seafood dishes and comforting classics — perfect for refuelling before you head back inland.
Afternoon
Return to Inverness for a gentle afternoon walk along the Ness Islands Circular, a peaceful route that winds between tree‑lined paths, footbridges and calm riverside views. It’s an easy, calming loop that gives your legs a break after the morning’s coastal walking, and it’s a great way to experience one of Inverness’s most loved local spots.
Finish the day with dinner at The Kitchen Brasserie, a popular riverside restaurant with modern Scottish dishes and relaxed interiors. With great views and a warm atmosphere, it’s the ideal place to unwind and enjoy your evening before the final day of your trip.
Day 4
Your final day gives you time to enjoy Inverness at a slower pace before catching your train home. With charming riverside paths, easy walks from the city centre and plenty of cosy places to pause, it’s the perfect way to round off your Highland walking holiday.
Explore Inverness
Optional final walk
Train home
Morning
Spend your last morning seeing more of Inverness, whether that’s browsing the independent shops, enjoying a relaxed coffee near the River Ness or taking in some final views from the bridges and riverside paths. If you’ve still got energy, there are short, gentle walks close to the centre - ideal for stretching your legs without committing to a full trail. It’s a calm, easygoing way to soak up the atmosphere before your journey.
Afternoon
When you’re ready, make your way back to the station for your train home. After several days of scenic trails, great food and Highland air, the journey is the perfect chance to sit back, relax and reflect on your walking holiday - no driving, no airport stress, just smooth travel and the freedom to do what you want all the way.
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