TRAIN travel has seen a surge in popularity with the growing emphasis on slow travel and making a holiday more sustainable, as latest government data shows a 155 per cent increase in passenger rail journeys last year.
VisitScotland’s has a campaign to encourage people to enjoy train travel by promoting a route that connects all of Scotland’s historic cities by train, through some of the country’s most breath-taking landscapes – rolling green hills, gorgeous lochs and majestic mountains.
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The City Hoppers Route showcases how easy it is to connect and explore the country by train – whether you have a long weekend or are after an extended stay.
Depart from Glasgow, after exploring the city’s museums, galleries and parks and enjoying its many restaurants and bars and head to Edinburgh passing iconic landmarks like Linlithgow Palace, used for many film and TV productions, including Outlander.
In Scotland’s capital admire the architecture and the multiple attractions it has, including the new Port of Leith Distillery for the ultimate experience of Scotland’s national spirit or visit the National Galleries of Scotland with its newly refurbished Scottish gallery if you’re an art lover.
Once you finish exploring the magical streets of Edinburgh it’s time to head to Dunfermline.
Combining urban charm with rural tranquility, the journey offers an opportunity to sit back and relax as it edges Dalmeny Estate and a quick stop at Dalmeny station, for views of the iconic Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In Dunfermline, Scotland’s newest city, head to Dunfermline Abbey and Palace, the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum, and enjoy outdoor spaces like Pittencrieff Park and the Fife Pilgrim Way
Back on board head to Perth with a stop in Markinch, a charming town with a rich history. Don’t miss St Drostan’s Church and its 12th century tower.
Perth offers a lot of adventures – kayaking on the Tay, beaver-watching and exploring Scone Palace. and this year the Perth Museum will open its doors after a £26.5 million redevelopment and will welcome the Stone of Destiny, on its return back to the region for the first time in over 700 years.
Next is a short ride to Dundee against a backdrop of rolling hills and lush landscapes, with the silhouettes of the Tay Rail Bridge and the Tay Road Bridge welcoming you.
Home to the V&A Dundee, Dundee is a city beaming with artistic vibrancy. Check out the historic RRS Discovery to step into the captivating world of Antarctic exploration and immerse yourself in the extraordinary journey of Captain Scott and his crew.
Then sit back and relax and take in the views of the River Tay as continue on the route to Aberdeen, explore Scotland’s vibrant history with a stop at Stonehaven and visit Dunnottar Castle, perched on a 160-foot rock and surrounded by the North Sea.
Aberdeen is best explored by foot, take in the sparkling granite buildings, and enjoy the city’s mix of attractions, shops and eateries. Visit the award-winning Aberdeen Art Gallery for a chance to see one of the finest art collections in the UK.
The journey through to Inverness passes through a number of quaint little towns, each equally worthy of a visit, such as Elgin, known for its historic cathedral, and Nairn, famous for its beautiful beaches and championship golf courses
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Scotland’s most northerly city and the Highland’s capital, Inverness is a perfect blend of city culture and nature.
With Loch Ness within easy reach, you can embark on a quest for Nessie and find the real story behind the legend in the newly opened Loch Ness Centre, or witness dolphins gracefully emerging from the waters of the Moray Firth.
Now it’s time to head back down, this time towards Stirling as you take in the views of the Scottish Highlands and lochs as the route passes through the Cairngorms National Park. Stop at Aviemore for easy access to gentle walks, forest trails, electric bike hire and many more outdoor activities.
Approaching Stirling, you’ll be enchanted by the majestic sight of the Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most historically important sites. Stirling is also an excellent starting point for venturing into the stunning landscapes of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
As you reach the final route of the journey back to Glasgow, it transforms into a true urban experience.
Stop off at Croy and take a short walk to Croy Hill, one of many remaining sites of the UNESCO Antonine Wall. See Silvanus, a towering Roman head sculpture which marks the site. Continuing onto Glasgow, you will be greeted by the city’s vibrant atmosphere and liveliness.
It’s not by chance that Glasgow has the title UNESCO ‘City of Music’: there are about 130 events taking place every week in Glasgow’s theatres, bespoke concert venues, bars, boutiques and more. There’s also plenty of museums, galleries and parks waiting to be explored.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Vicki Miller from VisitScotland, said: “We know that many visitors are becoming more conscious of their impact on the world around. Our hope through this campaign is to demonstrate how easy it is to explore Scotland’s historic cities in a sustainable way. “
See visitscotland.com/inspiration/city-breaks/scottish-city-hopping
