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5 Best Day Trips from Glasgow
Fancy a brilliant day trip from Glasgow? This dynamic city is centrally located in Scotland, which means there are plenty of historic attractions, castles, lochs, outdoor activities and remarkable landscapes right on Glasgow's doorstep. Here are some ideas and inspiration for great days out from Glasgow, from exploring national parks to an adventure on the coast.
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Stirlingshire
Loch Katrine seen from the summit of Ben A'an in The Trossachs
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Time from Glasgow: 50-minute train, 45-minute drive
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is one of Scotland’s national parks and is the perfect place to unplug from city life and explore some of the country’s most iconic scenery.
Easily accessible by public transport from the centre of Glasgow, it’s amazing how quickly you can find yourself transported to woodland walks, rugged mountains and the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. The park has over 720 square miles to discover, with 21 Munros, 22 larger lochs and one of the UK’s largest National Nature Reserves – The Great Trossachs Forest. Take a cruise on the famous loch, kayak around some of the smaller islands dotted around the park or relax and unwind on the sandy beaches on the shorefront.
Largs Ayrshire
Largs seafront and the Pencil Monument
Time from Glasgow: 1-hour train, 45-minute drive
If you’re looking for an easy day trip from Glasgow to breathe in the fresh sea air, then Largs is for you!
The town is a traditional seaside holiday escape on the west coast of Scotland, situated on the Firth of Clyde. Make sure you soak up all the classic beach holiday activities to enjoy, from strolling along the Victorian promenade to savouring an ice cream from Nardini’s - an iconic 1930s ice cream parlour with panoramic views. The town also has a rich history with strong Viking links, famous for a battle in 1263 when Alexander III defeated a Viking fleet of longboats. The Isle of Cumbrae is also only a short ferry trip from Largs and is well worth a visit.
Isle of Arran Ayrshire and Arran
The pools at Glen Rosa with a view of Goat Fell on the Isle of Arran
Time from Glasgow: 45-minute train to Ardrossan, followed by 55-minute ferry
The Isle of Arran is one of the most accessible islands off the west coast of Scotland. Just a short train or bus journey takes you to Ardrossan station, where you can catch a ferry to the island in under an hour.
Arran is often described as ‘Scotland in miniature’ with beautiful seascapes, lochs, hills, standing stones and castles to discover. For those looking for adventure, its twisting roads and hilly landscapes lend itself to some excellent cycling routes, or you could climb Goatfell – the highest point on the island. There’s even an Arran Snorkel Trail if you’re ready to dive in! If history and heritage is more your thing, make sure you visit Brodick Castle, Gardens and Country Park, which was once the seat of the Dukes of Hamilton and has some lovely walks and trails in the grounds. At the north end of the island you’ll find Lochranza Distillery, where you can take a tour and sample a wee dram before heading back through to Glasgow.
Stirling Central Scotland
Stirling Old Bridge
Time from Glasgow: 30-minute train, 45-minute drive
Stirling is the historic heart of Scotland and an easy 30-minute train journey from Glasgow city centre. It’s the perfect day trip from Glasgow for history lovers and a great access point to explore the rolling hills and abundant fields of the surrounding countryside.
There are so many iconic spots to visit in Stirling, it’s hard to know where to begin! Wander through the atmospheric medieval streets of the city centre and head up to Stirling Castle, which sits perched atop volcanic rocks and overlooks the whole city. It has a rich history and was the royal residence for many of Scotland’s kings and queens, including Mary Queen of Scots. From Stirling you can also take the short bus trip to the Wallace Monument – a stunning tower dedicated to Scotland’s national hero, William Wallace. It offers spectacular views across Stirlingshire as well as over Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce defeated the English in 1314.
New Lanark Lanarkshire
New Lanark Visitor Centre
Lanarkshire spans a wide area around Glasgow and is full of beautiful landscapes to uncover, including the Falls of Clyde and the hills of the Southern Uplands.
Take the train to Lanark, an historic Royal Burgh with characterful streets, independent shops and green spaces to wander. A short drive or 30-minute walk takes you to New Lanark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site based in a former 18th century cotton spinning mill village, once owned by Robert Owen. Learn more about the people who worked here, and the rich textile heritage of the area. You can visit the Mill Cafe for a bite to eat, or the Mill Shop to take home your own unique gift. All of this is set within a National Nature Reserve, so there are also lots of picturesque surroundings to enjoy whilst you’re out of the city.
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15 Best Day Trips from Glasgow You Need to Do
While the list of things to do in Glasgow is extensive, Scotland ’s largest city is also an ideal base for taking some great day trips to explore the breathtaking countryside, bustling towns and peaceful villages of Scotland .
From the serene beauty of Loch Lomond to the crowded streets of Edinburgh – there are plenty of exciting places to visit near Glasgow.
With frequent trains leaving from two main train stations and a well-connected network of buses – planning the day trip couldn’t be any easier.
So, when you get knackered after visiting the fascinating museums , exploring all the colourful street arts on Glasgow Mural Trail and discovering the hidden gems , venture out of the city to see a different side of Scotland.
This article brings together some of the best day trips you can take alongside the information on how to get here. So, add a few of them to your Glasgow itinerary on your next visit.
Day trips less than one hour from Glasgow
1. loch lomond.
You can’t visit Glasgow and not take a day trip to the stunningly gorgeous Loch Lomond . From scenic boat tours to numerous hiking trails – this area is a nature lovers’ paradise. With easy public transport options, you can easily escape the hubbub of Glasgow and spend a day in nature.
One of the must-visit places in Loch Lomond is Luss . Often regarded as one of the prettiest villages in Scotland , Luss is located on the western bank of Loch Lomond.
Meander along the pretty village streets and the pier. The streets are adorned with quaint cottages with small gardens, which look very photogenic. Also, this village is a popular site for water sports and adventure activities.
Next, take a relaxing boat cruise around the lake to appreciate the beauty of Loch Lomond and the surrounding landscapes. Also, peel your eyes for wildlife.
Boat trips pass small islands, castles and villages along the shoreline. Balloch, Balmaha and Luss are popular places to catch a boat tour.
For an awe-inspiring view over Loch Lomond, climb the Conic Hill from Balmaha. Expert hikers might be interested in trekking the mighty Ben Lomond, Scotland’s most southerly Munro.
How to Reach Loch Lomond : Getting here using public transport is super easy and budget-friendly. Hop on ScotRail train service from Glasgow Queen Street to Balloch, which takes around 48 minutes. Otherwise, take a Scottish Citylink bus from Buchanan Bus Station.
2. Edinburgh
No visit to Scotland is complete without seeing its capital city of Edinburgh . The Old and New Town of Edinburgh were added to the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1995. This city is unarguably one of the unmissable day trip choices from Glasgow.
Start your adventure with the iconic Edinburgh Castle . This 900-year-old castle sits atop an extinct volcanic rock and houses the oldest Crown Jewel in Britain.
Next, meander along the cobbled streets of Royal Mile to explore the historic buildings. Marvel at Scott Monument – a memorial dedicated to renowned Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. Climb Arthur’s Seat for the best views of the Edinburgh skyline.
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For all Harry Potter fans, a visit to the colourful Victoria Street and Greyfriars Kirkyard is a must. A slight detour to Dean Village and Stockbridge will show you a unique side of the city. End your day with a beautiful sunset over Edinburgh from Calton Hill , before heading back to Glasgow.
How to Reach Edinburgh : Scottish Citylink and Megabus runs regular bus services from Buchanan Bus Station. At peak hours, the bus leaves every 15 minutes. Also, you can catch trains from Glasgow Queen Street and Central stations, which take around 45 minutes.
3. Stirling
Steeped in centuries of riveting history, this medieval city is an excellent day trip option for all history lovers visiting Glasgow. There are so many amazing things to do in Stirling .
One of the main attractions in Stirling is the mighty Stirling Castle. Perched over a volcanic rocky hill, Stirling Castle is one of the oldest castles in Scotland . It once served as the home for Scottish kings and queens.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Stirling Old Bridge](https://www.chasingthelongroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/day-trips-glasgow-stirling-1024x732.webp)
Today, you can explore the Great Hall, the Royal Chapel and the Royal Palace. Also, you will get an amazing view of the surrounding landscapes from here.
Battle of Stirling Bridge and Battle of Bannockburn – two famous battles of Scottish history were fought near the close vicinity of this castle.
Meander around the Old Town Cemetery and The Church of the Holy Rude adjacent to the castle. Also, you can follow The Back Walk, a dedicated scenic pathway along the old town walls of Stirling.
Another must-see landmark in Stirling is the National Wallace Monument. The 220-foot tall tower is dedicated to William Wallace, a national hero of Scotland.
How to Reach Stirling : Trains from Glasgow Queens Street Station take about 30 minutes to get to Stirling. Alternatively, you can catch a bus from Buchanan Bus Station.
4. Falkirk & Linlithgow
Falkirk makes a great day out from Glasgow by train. The Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies are two main tourist attractions in Falkirk.
The Falkirk Wheel is the world’s only rotating boat lift connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. You can enjoy boat rides and various water-based sports activities. If you want to stretch your legs, walk to the nearby Antonine Wall. Built by the Romans around AD142, the Antonine Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The walk is clearly signposted.
The Kelpies are two gigantic horse-head metal sculptures. Created by reputed Scottish sculptor Andy Scott, this iconic structure is located in Helix Park. It’s a reminder of the horse-driven industrial heritage of this area.
Linlithgow is just a 9-minute train ride from Falkirk. The historic ruins of Linlithgow Palace attract tourists to this pretty town. It is the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, one of the most prominent figures in Scottish history. Also, it served as a royal residence in the 15th and 16th centuries.
How to Reach : Trains run regularly between Glasgow Queens Street and Falkirk High Station. It takes only 20 minutes. There are bus and train connections between Falkirk and Linlithgow.
5. Ayrshire
Ayrshire is a popular destination for day-trippers from Glasgow. It is famous for its stunning coastline, numerous golf courses and its connection with Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland.
You can visit the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in the village of Alloway. Inside the museum, you will find several artefacts, manuscripts and artworks. You can also see the small cottage where he was born and raised. Meander around the Alloway Auld Kirk and Brig O’ Doon, immortalised in the poet’s work.
Ayrshire is also home to the famous Culzean Castle, one of the most picturesque castles in Scotland. Designed by Robert Adam in the late 18th century, this castle sits inside a large country park.
Before heading back to Glasgow, ramble around Ayr town centre. This seaside town has a long sandy beach, which is perfect for sunbathing, swimming and building sandcastles.
How to Reach Ayr : Trains from Glasgow usually take about 50 minutes to get to Ayr. Also, there is a bus service operated by Stagecoach.
6. New Lanark
This day trip from Glasgow is perfect for all history and heritage enthusiasts. In 1786, David Dale built cotton mills and housing in New Lanark by the River Clyde. Later, under the pioneering Robert Owen, the mills flourished. He implemented many revolutionary ideas that were way ahead of his time. The mills operated until 1968.
Visitors can explore and learn about the history of these 200-year-old restored mills and houses. In 2001, UNESCO added this historic place to their list of World Heritage Sites. New Lanark is now one of the six UNESCO sites in Scotland.
While here, take a short woodland walk to see the magical Falls of Clyde, stunning cascading waterfalls. Also, watch out for the wildlife.
If you are a keen walker or mountain biker, follow the Clyde Walkway, which goes through this village.
How to Reach New Lanark : From Glasgow Central Station, catch a train to Lanark, which takes about an hour. Once there, you can hop on a local bus or walk around 1.3 miles to get to the New Lanark Visitor Centre.
Day trips between one to two hours from Glasgow
7. inveraray.
Nestled on the bank of Loch Fyne, Inveraray is one of the most charming small towns in Scotland. Also, it is one of our favourite day trip destinations from Glasgow.
One of the main tourist attractions in Inveraray is the magnificent Inveraray Castle. It is one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland and the ancestral home of the chief of Clan Campbell. The castle is usually open from April to October. Take a tour of this green castle to learn about its colourful past.
After visiting the castle, climb to the nearby Dun Na Cuaiche Viewpoint. This walking circuit is properly waymarked and takes about two hours to complete. From the top, admire the breathtaking panoramic view over Loch Fyne, the surrounding mountains, and the town.
Next, meander along the shore of Loch Fyne, the longest sea loch in Scotland. Look out for the beautiful Inveraray War Memorial. Sit on one of the benches near the loch and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.
Also, pop into the quaint white-washed independent shops, cafes and restaurants in the town centre.
How to Reach Inveraray : Catch CityLink bus service 926 or 976 from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station. It typically takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes to reach Inveraray. By car, it takes about an hour and a half from Glasgow.
With frequent train services from Glasgow Queen Street Station, a day trip to Dundee is super easy. Home to the V&A, Dundee is famous for its ‘jute, jam and journalism’ and industrial past.
Opened in 2018, the visually striking building of V&A Dundee displays art and designs from Scotland. It is also the first V&A museum outside of London and one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Dundee .
Right next to the museum, stands the RSS Discovery – the historical ship that took Captain Scott to Antarctica. Inside, you will find extensive galleries, video and film shows, and artefacts used by the crew in their voyages. Also, take a leisurely stroll along the gorgeous waterfront of Dundee.
Next, walk towards the city centre. Watch out for the Desperate Dan Statue on the High Street. Visit the McManus, Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum to see a superb collection of fine arts. The stunning Gothic-Revival architecture of the exterior is very photogenic as well.
Climb the Dundee Law for a stunning view over the city skyline and the River Tay. If you are not too short on time, we recommend a visit to the nearby Broughty Ferry and Glamis Castle.
How to Reach Dundee : It takes around one and a half hours from Glasgow by train.
9. Isle of Arran
The Isle of Arran is an incredibly beautiful island in the Firth of Clyde. Known as “Scotland in Miniature”, this island is an epic day trip choice from Glasgow. It showcases all the best things of Scotland in a nutshell – dramatic mountain peaks, castles, scenic coastlines, waterfalls, distilleries and quaint little villages.
It might be a small island, but there is so much to keep you busy. Brodick is the main town of Arran. You will find many shops and restaurants there. History lovers will like a tour of Brodick Castle. It was once home to the powerful Dukes of Hamilton.
There are many hiking trails around the island suitable for all levels. Experienced hikers can climb Goat Fell, the highest mountain on the Isle of Arran. For beginners, we recommend a walk to Machrie Moor stone circles, Glen Sannox and King’s Cave circuit.
One of our favourite places on this island is Lochranza. Located in the northern part of Arran, Lochranza has a ruined castle, a distillery, red deer and stunning views over to the Firth of Clyde.
How to Reach Arran : Board a train from Glasgow Central Station to Ardrossan Harbour, which takes about 45 minutes. From Ardrossan, hop on a CalMac ferry to Brodick in Arran. The crossing takes around 25 minutes.
10. St Abbs, Scottish Border
You can add this picturesque fishing village to your road trip itinerary down the North Sea coast of Scotland. While getting to St Abbs using public transport is quite time-consuming, it is a perfect place for a wee day trip from Glasgow by car.
It might be a tiny fishing village on the Berwickshire coast, but there are plenty of amazing things to do in St Abbs . Also, it happens to be one of the prettiest villages in Scotland .
St Abbs was featured in Avengers: Endgame movie and a Harry Styles music video. It is famous for its rugged coastline, abundance of wildlife, eye-catching views and various nature trails.
From the village, follow the waymarked path to see the seabird colony and a scenic lighthouse on St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve. The circular circuit takes around two hours to complete.
You can also take a wildlife boat tour departing from the village harbour.
Before leaving St Abbs, don’t forget to sample some delicious freshly caught seafood at Ebbcarrs Cafe, near the harbour.
How to Reach St Abbs : From Glasgow, it typically takes about an hour and forty minutes to get to St Abbs by car.
11. Isle of Bute
Regarded as one of the most accessible Scottish islands, the Isle of Bute is a great choice for spending a day out from Glasgow.
Rothesay is the largest town on the island and a charming Victorian seaside resort. The main ferry terminal on the island is also located here. Take a ramble around the marina and admire the waterfront.
One of the main tourist attractions of the town is the Rothesay Castle. It dates back to the early 13th century. Built by the influential Stewart family, this ruined castle was once a royal residence.
Next, take a local bus to visit the magnificent Mount Stuart, a neo-gothic mansion. This 19th-century country house was designed by Scottish architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson. Also, it is the ancestral home of the Marquesses of Bute. Take a tour of the house to explore the grand interior of Mount Stuart. Later, take a walk around the extensive gardens.
Before catching a return ferry, climb the Canada Hill viewpoint at Rothesay for a spectacular view of the town and the bay.
How to Reach Bute : From Glasgow, catch a train to Wemyss Bay. Next, hop on a ferry to Rothesay, which takes only 35 minutes.
12. Largs and Great Cumbrae
Leave behind the hustle and bustle of Glasgow to enjoy a relaxing day trip in nature. Largs is a beautiful seaside town on the west coast of Scotland. Start your adventure with a walk along the lovely promenade. Lined with several restaurants, ice-cream shops and amusement centres, it is a vibrant place.
To learn the Viking heritage of Largs, visit Viking!, an interactive experience. Also, you can participate in the Largs Viking Festival held every year in early September.
Located on the outskirts of Largs, Kelburn Castle is one of the most unusual castles in Scotland. The exterior of this 13th-century castle is painted in bright and bold designs by Brazilian graffiti artists.
The Isle of Cumbrae is just a short ferry ride from Largs. Millport is the main town of the island and boasts stunning coastal views. Watch out for the Crocodile Rock, a beloved Cumbrae landmark. This island has a range of walking, cycling and kayaking opportunities.
How to Reach : Trains from Glasgow Central Station take about an hour to reach Largs. From Largs, the ferry crossing to Cumbrae takes only ten minutes.
13. Falkland & Culross
For all Outlander fans visiting Glasgow, this day trip is a must. You will get to explore two famous Outlander filming locations in Scotland.
Culross is one of the prettiest historic villages in Scotland . Take a wander along the winding cobbled streets of this beautifully preserved village. Take a tour of the Culross Palace to learn its fascinating history. You will get a breathtaking view of the village and the Forth of Firth from the top of the Culross Palace garden.
Nestled at the foothill of the Lomond Hills in Fife, the pretty village of Falkland has appeared many times in the Outlander TV series. Falkland was shown as the city of Inverness , where Claire and Frank went for their second honeymoon.
One of the main tourist attractions of this village is the historic Falkland Palace & Garden. It served as the royal residence of several Scottish Kings and queens. Also, this royal dwelling was a firm favourite with the Mary, Queen of Scots. Also, you will find the world’s oldest surviving real tennis court inside the palace.
How to Reach : Although there is public transport available for both places, they are quite time-consuming. So, a car is preferable for this particular day trip. From Glasgow, it takes only an hour to drive to Falkland.
Day trips over Two hours from Glasgow
14. glen coe and fort william.
A road trip to Fort William via Glen Coe takes around two and a half hours from Glasgow. So, it’s a tempting day trip option to explore one of the most beautiful corners of Scotland.
Glen Coe is world-famous for its dramatic scenery, wild and rugged landscape, diverse wildlife and tragic past. There are many hiking trails around. You can stop at various viewpoints to take in the breathtaking vistas. Also, this area appeared in several blockbuster movies, like Harry Potter, Braveheart and Skyfall.
Known as the outdoor capital of Scotland, Fort William is the home of the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis. There are a variety of things to do in Fort William .
Also, Fort William sits on the famous West Highland Line. It is renowned for being one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. The train line starts from Glasgow Queen Street station and continues to Mallaig through the Harry Potter famed Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Instead of a day trip, we recommend spending the night in Fort William and extending your trip to the magical Isle of Skye via a ferry from Mallaig, about 40 miles from Fort William.
15. Loch Ness
Home of the notorious Loch Ness monster, Loch Ness is undoubtedly one of the most famous tourist attractions in Scotland.
If you are short on time, a day trip to Loch Ness from Glasgow may not be the craziest idea. Although, we would recommend using a car instead of public transport to maximise your time here.
Located on the bank of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle is one of the most-visited castles in Scotland . Take a tour of the castle to discover the fascinating past of this historic fortress. Also, admire a stunning view over Loch Ness from here.
Take a boat tour to enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and the surrounding landscapes. Who knows, you might even spot Nessie. That would surely make a very memorable day trip.
Before driving back to Glasgow, stroll around the tiny village of Fort Augustus. If you have more time, spend the night in Inverness , known as the capital of the Highlands.
Map of the Day Trips from Glasgow
Here is a map of all the amazing places mentioned in this article. Click on the link to save the Google Map on your phone, which you can use later. It also works when you are offline.
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This is super helpful, I’m already excited for my trip in a couple months!
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The 8 best day trips from Glasgow for lochs, islands, and highlands
Feb 6, 2022 • 5 min read
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From nearby beauty spots to scenic coastal escapes, here are the best day trips from Glasgow © Digital Vision / Getty Images
With Glasgow’s renowned nightlife and music scene, its ever-growing culinary reputation, expansive parks and revered museums, you can have a ball without ever venturing outside the city limits. But thanks to its geographical position, Glasgow is the perfect base from which to enjoy Scotland’s raw nature and dramatic scenery.
To the north, south, east or west, here are eight of the best day-trip destinations from Glasgow.
See renowned L och Lomond and the charming village of Luss
One of the country’s most treasured spots, Loch Lomond and its surrounds offer beauty by the beach, on the water, and way up high. Whether you choose to go for a stroll on the shore at charming Luss village, paddle a kayak to one of the loch’s many islands from lush Balmaha , or conquer your first Munro in 974m (3195ft) Ben Lomond , this national park offers postcard-perfect sights from almost every angle.
How to get to there from Glasgow
It's best to take the car; it’s a 35-minute drive from Glasgow. Public transport is available, with a train station at Balloch on the loch’s southern edge.
Get a dose of Scottish history at Stirling Castle
Often overlooked for its more widely-known neighbor in Scotland’s capital, Stirling Castle is just as grand, if not more so, than its Edinburgh counterpart. Perched atop a volcanic rock, the castle is as dramatic as it is historic. Overlooking the famous battlegrounds of Bannockburn and Stirling Bridge, Stirling Castle has played vital roles in the stories of William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Robert the Bruce.
Stirling is just a 31-minute train ride from Queen Street station, or a 40-minute drive from Glasgow city center.
Enjoy the best of Scotland's raw nature in the Perthshire Highlands
There are few better places to witness Scotland’s spectacular countryside than in Pitlochry and the surrounding Perthshire Highlands . Queen’s View offers the perfect platform from which to make the most of the area’s raw nature, with the Schiehallion mountain a beautiful backdrop to the awesome sight of Loch Tummel below. The similarly stunning Faskally Wood breeds an atmosphere of adventure, while Blair Athol and Edradour distilleries — the latter of which is the smallest in Scotland — is where visitors warm up with a wee dram of Scotland’s national drink.
Pitlochry and the surrounding countryside is best explored by car, with the town a 1 hour 40 minute drive from Glasgow.
Taste spectacular seafood in Oban
The gateway to the idyllic Hebridean Islands , this quaint harbor town offers picturesque views across the bay to Kerrera and Mull from the excellent vantage point at McCaig’s Tower , the intriguing and unmissable structure modeled on Rome’s Colosseum. For fans of lobster, mussels, and scallops, the call of award-winning seafood would be worth the trip alone. On your drive from Glasgow, consider stops by Castle Stalker (as featured in the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail ) and the similarly impressive Kilchurn Castle on the often unheralded Loch Awe.
While there are trains from Glasgow to Oban, taking a car is quicker (2.5 hours) and allows you to visit many of fantastic sights on the way.
Spend a day on the scenic Isle of Arran
Lovingly described as "Scotland in miniature", for years Arran has proved a west coast sanctuary for Glaswegians keen to escape the city. For the adventurous, a climb up Goat Fell (the origin of the name still remains unclear) is a must, while a more relaxing outing may have you wind down at the excellent whisky distillery . A trip to King’s Cave (of Robert the Bruce fame) and Brodick Castle will give a great insight into the island’s vast history.
Take the train from Glasgow Central station to Ardrossan Harbour (approx 45 minutes), from where ferries to Brodick (55 minutes) run at least five times daily.
Tour the sights of Edinburgh, Glasgow's fierce rival
Although Glaswegians steadfastly refute suggestions Edinburgh is the better city, they won’t begrudge visitors taking a trip to the capital to admire its awe-inspiring sights. The contrasts between these two neighbors are stark in terms of looks, feel and the locals. A day in Edinburgh would be best enjoyed exploring the castle , trekking up to Arthur’s Seat , and ambling down the Royal Mile in the Old Town . You’ll love it: just don’t harp on about it too much when you return to Glasgow.
Trains runs as often as every 15 minutes from Queen Street Station to Edinburgh Waverley and Haymarket, taking between 45 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes.
Learn about Scotland's great poet, Robert Burns, on the Ayrshire coast
The birthplace of Auld Lang Syne, the Scots song sung around the world every New Year’s Eve, Ayrshire is the home of its creator and Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. Immerse yourself in the words and stories of the bard at the Burns Birthplace Museum and Burns Cottage . Drive a little further down the coast and stop by regal Culzean Castle and take in nearby views of iconic island Ailsa Craig.
The Burns Museum can be reached by car in 45 minutes from Glasgow. Public transport options are available, involving taking the train and a local bus.
Cycle around the island of Great Cumbrae
Just a 10-minute ferry ride from Largs, the population of this small west coast island balloons when summer arrives, as families descend upon Great Cumbrae to experience its old-world holiday feel. A leisurely 10-mile trip on two wheels around the "island of 1000 bicycles" is almost mandatory, as is a stroll along the promenade with a classic Scottish fish supper. Great Cumbrae is also the home of Britain’s smallest cathedral .
Largs, where the ferry departs from the mainland, is easily accessible by train (1 hour) from Glasgow Central station. Ferries run approximately every half-hour, more frequently in summertime.
You might also like: The 15 best things to do in Glasgow for fun (no kilt required) 27 things you should know before visiting Edinburgh: Why does it smell? Can I use English money? And more The best things to do in Scotland from festivals to puffins and peaks
This article was first published Nov 8, 2019 and updated Feb 6, 2022.
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Finding the Universe
Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor
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The 10 Best Day Trips from Glasgow, Scotland
Last updated: May 29, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 2 Comments
Glasgow is a wonderful city that is worth visiting, and it also makes for a great base to explore a number of Scottish highlights, from Loch Lomond to whisky distilleries to Burns Country. In today’s post, we’re going to go through our favourite day trips from Glasgow, to give you some ideas of what is possible when you base yourself in Scotland’s largest city.
For each of the day trips we list we’re going to give you all the information you need on how best to do the trip, including transport options, directions, and the amount of time it will require.
We’ll also provide information on visiting Glasgow, including links to a number of other posts we’ve written about visiting this friendly city.
Table of Contents:
The Best Day Trips from Glasgow
Below you’ll find some of our favourite day trips from Glasgow, which are not listed in any particular order – we think these are all excellent day trips.
We’d also highly suggest you spend some time exploring Glasgow itself if you’re staying here, check out our guide to things to do in Glasgow to start with, and see the end of the post for more reading inspiration.
1. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Certainly one of the most popular day trips to take from Glasgow is to visit Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
Loch Lomond is only around a 40 minute drive from Glasgow city center, making it an ideal destination to visit for the day. As well as Loch Lomond itself, which is surrounded by beautiful villages like Luss, there are other lochs like Loch Katrine, where you can take a steam boat across the lake for lovely sightseeing opportunities.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Sir Walter Scott Cruise Loch Katrine](https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Sir-Walter-Scott-Cruise-Loch-Katrine_by_Laurence-Norah.jpg)
There are also myriad other adventures to be add, from water activities to adventure parks to cute towns and villages. There’s even an ancient stone circle you can visit.
As you can see, there a lot to see and do in this area, and you could easily spend a whole day at Loch Lomond. We’ve put a full guide together of things to do in Loch Lomond , which should serve as inspiration. If you have the inclination, we can also recommend a visit to the Devil’s Pulpit , which is just south of the park, and is a wonderful photography location.
How to get to Loch Lomond from Glasgow
Loch Lomond is only 25 miles from Glasgow, so one option is to drive yourself. This will certainly give you the most flexibility, and will be cost effective – especially if you are a group. Check car rental prices on Discover Cars here . They compare all the major providers to help you get the best deal for your trip.
It’s also possible to take public transport to Loch Lomond from Glasgow, although this will be a bit limiting. From Glasgow, you can catch a train to Balloch, from where you can take a cruise on the Loch, as well as to Tarbet and Ardlui, from where you can take waterbus services to Loch Lomond. Check train times and book tickets here .
Within the park, there are a number of bus services, you can check and plan routes on the Traveline website .
An easier option if you don’t want to drive or figure out public transport is to take a tour of Loch Lomond. For tours in Scotland we recommend and have used Rabbie’s Trail Burners for numerous tours. We love their small group nature (their comfortable buses seat no more than 16), and their driver-guides are really excellent.
They offer two tours to Loch Lomond from Glasgow:
- a half-day tour that includes the Loch and a Whisky Distillery Visit
- a full day tour which includes Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Whisky
We think one of those would be a great option for visiting Loch Lomond, plus they both include some extra stops to complete the experience.
2. Burns Country, Ayrshire, and Culzean Castle
One of our favourite places to explore near Glasgow is Burns Country and the Ayrshire coast, which runs to the south west of the city.
This is definitely an undervisited part of Scotland, despite once being the birthplace of Scotland’s most famous poet – Robert Burns.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Burns Cottage](https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Burns-Cottage_by_Laurence-Norah.jpg)
Burns, for those of you not familiar with him, was responsible for penning a wide range of well known poems, most famous of which today is “Auld Lang Syne”, which is traditionally sung at Hogmanay , Scotland’s New Year celebration. Burns even has his own day of celebration in Scotland, Burns Night, which is held annually on the 25th January, the poets birthday.
Burns Night celebrates all things related to the poet (and Scotland), and includes traditional dancing, poetry and song recitals, and traditional foods including, of course, haggis.
Whilst Burns lived in a number of locations around Scotland, the region of Ayrshire is the part of Scotland most associated with him. It was here that he was born, in Alloway, and today you can visit both the cottage of his birth and the Burns Birthplace Museum , which is a fantastic place to learn all about the poet.
Alloway is also home to the “Brig o’ Doon”, an old stone bridge that featured in a poem, and the crumbling Alloway Auld Kirk.
There are a number of other locations in Ayrshire that are also linked to Burns, including the Bachelor’s Club Museum in Tarbolton, Souter Jonnie’s Cottage in Kirkswald, and the Burns House Museum in Mauchline.
True fans will also want to head to Dumfries (home of the annual Burns Big Supper Festival ), where you can visit another Burns House, as well as the Globe Inn and Ellisland Farm .
Of course, Ayrshire is more than just a series of sights relating to Robert Burns. There’s lovely coastline here which is dotted with attractions. One particularly popular one is Culzean Castle .
![day trips scotland from glasgow Culzean Castle Staircase](https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Culzean-Castle-Staircase_by_Laurence-Norah.jpg)
This beautiful castle, designed by Robert Adams, sits perched atop a cliff and has rooms you can tour, gorgeous gardens to wander, an on-site cafe, and even a beach. This is a must-visit location when touring this part of Scotland, and is easily reached from Glasgow as part of a day trip.
Note that many of these attractions, as well as others in this guide, are National Trust for Scotland properties. If you plan to visit a number of them, you will likely benefit from an NTS membership , which will give you free access to these sites. We have a membership and use it regularly across the UK, and it has paid for itself many times over! You can buy yours here .
How to visit the Ayrshire Coast from Glasgow
The two easiest ways to explore the Ayrshire coast are to either drive yourself or to take a tour. For the former, you can pick up a hire car in Glasgow and then plan your route yourself – with a whole day to play with you’ll be able to see most of the Burns sights and Culzean Castle. The total round trip distance will be around 100 miles.
Another option is to take a specific tour. For this day trip, the tour we recommend and have done ourselves is the Culzean Castle, Burns Country & the Ayrshire Coast tour with Rabbie’s. This is a full day tour which includes many of our suggested stops, which starts and finishes in Glasgow.
From Glasgow you can also take public transport to visit some of the sights in this area. For example, you can take the train to Ayr, from where you can pick up a bus that will take you to Alloway and Glenside. From the latter it’s about a 20 minute walk down to Culzean Castle. You can check and plan routes on the Traveline website .
3. Outlander Filming Locations near Glasgow
Fans of the Outlander TV show have flocked to Scotland to visit the filming locations from the series, many of which are found either in Glasgow itself, or within easy driving distance of Glasgow.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Culross Village](https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Culross-Village_by_Laurence-Norah.jpg)
The main Outlander locations in Glasgow itself are as follows:
- Glasgow Cathedral – used in Season 2 of Outlander as the filming location for the Parisian hospital, L’Hôpital des Anges
- University of Glasgow – multiple locations around the Gilmorehill campus of the university were used to depict scenes of Harvard University in Boston
- Kelvingrove Park – this was used for a number of scenes of Bostin in Season 3 of Outlander
- Pollok Country Park – Glasgow’s largest park was used for a number of outdoor scenes in season 2 and season 4 of the show, spanning locations in Scotland, France and North Carolina
The main locations that you’ll want to visit within driving distance of Glasgow are as follows:
- Doune Castle . This beautiful 14th castle stood in for Castle Leoch in the show. It also appeared in Game of Thrones, the Outlander King and Monty Python and the Holy Grail, amongst others.
- Falkland – a town in the Kingdom of Fife region of Scotland, which was the location of the 1940’s Inverness scenes in the show
- Culross – a stunning village also found in the Kingdom of Fife. Much of the village is being preserved by the National Trust for Scotland. The village has played host to multiple Outlander scenes, and is the location of Cranesmuir in the show.
- Hopetoun House – Hopetoun House, around 20 minute from Linlithgow, is a gorgeous home which featured as the stately home of the Duke of Sandringham in Outlander
- Midhope Castle – a pretty but fairly derelict castle which was used as Jamie’s family home. It’s popular to visit, but you can only see the outside, as the inside is unsafe and thus sealed off. It is on private land and is sometimes closed off to visitors. This is found on the Hopetoun House estate, and you can see visiting information here .
- Blackness Castle – A stunning sea-edge fortress that is shaped like a battleship. Stood in for Fort William in the show
- Linlithgow Palace – this was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, and is a stunning ruined castle which is well worth visiting. It featured as Wentworth Prison in Outlander, and has appeared in a number of other shows as well.
There are of course more Outlander filming locations you can visit, but these are the main ones we think fans of the show will enjoy visiting as part of an Outlander day trip.
For more Outlander locations, see our detailed guide to all the Outlander filming locations in Scotland .
How to see the Outlander Filming Locations from Glasgow
For the locations in Glasgow, these are easy to enough to visit, either on foot or by public transport.
The Outlander filming locations outside of Glasgow are a little bit spread out, so our suggestion is to either visit them yourself with a hire car , or to take a tour.
In terms of a tour, we have taken and can recommend the Outlander Filming locations tour with Rabbie’s. This is a full day tour, and despite Jess and I never having seen the show, we really enjoyed this tour, with the village of Culross, Blackness Castle, and Linlithgow Palace being real highlights.
If you do plan on visiting a number of Outlander locations, we can also recommend you look into a Historic Scotland pass . This will get you into over 70 properties in Scotland which are managed by Historic Scotland, which includes Doune Castle, Blackness Castle and Linlithgow Palace, as well as other major attractions like Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle.
4. Take a Tour of Whisky Distilleries near Glasgow
You can’t come to Scotland and not visit a whisky distillery. Even if you’re not a fan of the drink itself, we think this is something that is quintessentially Scottish in nature, and we always enjoy visiting the distilleries as they are usually historically interesting and in pretty buildings and/or locations.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Deanston Distillery](https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Deanston-Distillery_by_.jpg)
Of course, the opportunity to drink whisky is one Laurence would never pass up, even if Jess isn’t convinced yet.
There are a number of Whisky Distilleries near Glasgow that you can visit, including one that opened in 2018 in the city itself. Here’s a quick overview of some recommended options:
- The Clydeside Distillery – Opened in 2018, this distillery is found on the banks of the River Clyde in the former Pumphouse building at Queen’s Dock. You can take a tour of the distillery and learn about the history of whisky in Scotland, plus sample whiskies from different regions of the country
- Auchentoshan Distillery – just outside of Glasgow, this distillery has been making Lowland style single malts since 1800. It is triple distilled, and has a slightly more delicate and sweeter flavour than other whiskies – possibly a good option for those of you who are new to Scotch whisky. It’s open for tours and tastings.
- Glengoyne Distillery – we’ve visited a number of distilleries in Scotland, and Glengoyne is definitely a favourite and the most well-known in this area. They pride themselves on taking their time and using original techniques, honed over 200 years of whisky distilling. You can take a tour of their facility and try their excellent whisky. Plus you can read about our experience doing just that right here .
- Deanston Distillery – this distillery is found in the town of Deanston, less than a mile from Doune Castle, making it a good option for a visit of both. The 18th century building was originally a cotton mill, but it opened as a distillery in 1967. Tours and tastings of their excellent single malts are available.
As you can see, there are a number of whisky distilleries both in and near Glasgow – and this is just the tip of the iceberg. Now, let’s have a look at the best way to visit them.
How to get to the Whisky Distilleries near Glasgow
We would advise against driving to the whisky distilleries unless you have a committed designated driver, as whilst most of the distilleries will let you take your sample “to-go”, it isn’t quite the same experience. It’s also definitely not worth drinking and driving in Scotland as the drink-drive limits are very low, and fines are quite high!
So, if you don’t want to drive, you have a few options – take a tour, or use public transport.
The distilleries closest to Glasgow are easily reachable by public transport, and these are a good option if you also don’t want to spend a full day doing whisky distilleries.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Clyeside distillery](https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Clyeside-distillery_by_Laurence-Norah.jpg)
In this case your best option is likely going to be to visit one of the distilleries which is closer to Glasgow, like the Clydeside. This is near the the SSE Hydro and the Riverside Museum of Transport, and can be easily reached by bus from central Glasgow. You could even walk. Another option is to take Glasgow’s hop on hop off bus , which has a stop just near here.
The next closest distillery we recommend is Auchentoshan Distillery, and the easiest way to get here by public transport is to take the train from central Glasgow out to Dalmuir, from where it’s a 20 minute walk or four minute bus ride across to the distillery.
It’s also possible to visit Glengoyne Distillery by public transport, with the B10 bus taking around an hour to get here. For Deanston, you can take the train out to Stirling, and then take the 59 bus to the distillery, which will also take an hour.
For more information on all these public transport options and for up to date timetables and route information, take a look at the Traveline website .
If you’d prefer to take a tour, which would be our suggested option, you have a few options. First, you can take a tour which includes a number of sights as well as a whisky distillery. We think this is going to be the best option as you’ll get more out of your day. Alternatively, there are a couple of private tours from Glasgow which will just take you to the distilleries.
Here are the options we suggest:
- A half-day tour that includes a Glengoyne Distillery Visit and Loch Lomond
- A full day tour which includes a Glengoyne Distillery, Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle
- A private tour that lasts around 2 hours from Glasgow to Tuillibardine Distillery
- A full day private tour which includes Auchentoshan Distillery, Deanston Distillery and Glengoyne Distillery, as well as other sightseeing opportunities en route including Loch Lomond and Loch Lubnaig
5. Stirling
The city of Stirling, much like Edinburgh, is home to a beautiful medieval castle, a medieval old town, and many attractions that make is worth visiting.
Also like Edinburgh, the history of human habitation in Stirling goes back thousands of years, with structures believed to have been built where Stirling Castle today stands over 2,000 years ago.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Stirling Castle and highland coos](https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Stirling-Castle-and-highland-coos_by_Laurence-Norah.jpg)
Stirling, with it’s easily defensible hill, was a key strategic position for centuries, and was seen as the gateway to the highlands. With clear views across the plains in all directions, any army coming from or going to the Highlands was inevitably going to pass within view of Stirling itself. For a time, Stirling was also the capital of Scotland, although it has only been officially designated as a city since 2002.
Near to Stirling, and also worth a visit, is the National Wallace Monument . Built in 1869, this 220ft monument celebrates the story of Sir William Wallace, a 13th century Scottish freedom fighter who fought the English. The monument overlooks the location of the Battle of Stirling Bridge , where Wallace defeated the English forces under the command of King Edward I.
As you would imagine, there is plenty to do in Stirling to fill a day, from visiting the castle to wandering the medieval streets to visiting the Wallace Monument.
How to Get to Stirling From Glasgow
The easiest way to get to Stirling from Glasgow is to take the train – this is a direct service that takes just under an hour. You can find train times and book tickets online here .
Naturally, it’s also possible to drive from Glasgow to Stirling, which will take around 45 minutes to an hour. This is a good option if you plan on doing additional sightseeing in the area, but if your only goal is to visit Stirling, we don’t suggest hiring a car just for this purpose as you’ll likely have to pay for parking, and the train will be just as easy.
The other option you have is to take a day tour. These will usually include time in Stirling as well as some other attractions, such as this tour by Rabbie’s Tours which includes Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and a whisky distillery .
Falkirk is very close to Stirling, and if you’re visiting from Glasgow with your own transport, we can highly recommend visiting both these locations on the same day.
Falkirk has a number of attractions that make a visit worthwhile. First of these are the Kelpies . These massive statues of two horse heads are the largest equine statues in the world, and at 100ft high, it’s hard to imagine they’ll lose that title for a while!
![day trips scotland from glasgow Kelpies Statues Scotland](https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Kelpies-Statues-Scotland_by_Laurence-Norah.jpg)
A Kelpie is a water spirit of Scottish mythology which shape shifts when it is on land, most commonly into a horse. They tend to be fairly evil in nature, with the stories surrounding them usually involving them enticing people into the water in order to be devoured. A story still told by some parents to keep children from going into water by themselves.
Thankfully, the Kelpie statues are somewhat less terrifying, and are instead just nice to visit and admire. Visiting the Kelpies is free. You can also take a tour and actually go inside the statues too, although there’s a fee for this.
The second thing to do in Falkirk is to visit the Falkirk Wheel . This is a remarkable feat of engineering, which serves as a lift for boats, taking them up an impressive 24 metres in height. It’s the only rotating boat-lift of its kind in the world, and it connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal, meaning you can take a canal boat between Glasgow and Edinburgh.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Falkirk Wheel](https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Falkirk-Wheel_by_Laurence-Norah.jpg)
If you don’t have a boat though, don’t worry. From the Falkirk Wheel you can ride the on the boat lift as part of a boat tour, following which you take a trip on the Union Canal.
Finally, when visiting Falkirk, we can recommend visiting the beautiful Callendar House . This a a beautiful 14th century French style chateau, which is quite the sight. Also on the grounds are remnants the UNESCO world heritage listed Antonine Wall, which was the northern frontier of the Roman Empire for a wall.
The Callendar House grounds are open year round, and admission is free. You can also visit the house, and you can see opening times here .
How to Get to Falkirk From Glasgow
You have lots of options for getting to Falkirk from Glasgow. The easiest will be to drive, which will take you around 30 – 45 minutes. Driving will make your time in Falkirk a bit easier, as the three main attractions are somewhat spread out across the town, plus you’ll be able to add in some other attractions such as nearby Linlithgow palace and Stirling Castle.
The next option is to take public transport. There are two train stations in Falkirk, and the train only takes around 20 minutes. Once in Falkirk, you can use public buses or local taxis to get around. Purchase train tickets here , and check out local public transport options here .
The final option is to take a tour. Rabbie’s have a half day tour from Glasgow to Falkirk , which includes visiting both the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel.
7. Edinburgh
Of course, one awesome day trip to take from Glasgow is to Edinburgh! Whilst there are more than enough things to do in Edinburgh to fill a few days of exploring , a day trip will still let you see a great deal that the city has to offer.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Edinburgh252520International252520Science252520Festival252520skyline_by_Laurence252520Norah25255B425255D](https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Edinburgh252520International252520Science252520Festival252520skyline_by_Laurence252520Norah25255B425255D.jpg)
We’d suggest spending time visiting Edinburgh Castle, wandering the Royal Mile, visiting some of the many museums, perhaps checking out Edinburgh’s Harry Potter locations and taking in some of the many free museums on offer.
You’ll also find plentiful shopping, dining and entertainment options to keep you busy, whatever time of year you visit. And in the busy festival times over August and New Years, many people choose to stay in Glasgow and day trip to Edinburgh for cost saving reasons.
How to Get To Edinburgh from Glasgow
Scotland’s two largest cities are well connected by road and rail, and there are many trains and buses a day running between the two cities. We’d suggest that taking the train would be the fastest and easiest option, depositing you right in the center of Edinburgh, within easy walking distance of the major attractions. Find train times and book tickets online here .
There are also buses between the two all the time, which will take between 60 and 90 minutes depending on traffic. Check bus times and buy tickets here .
You can also drive between the two cities, a trip we have taken many times. Our only advice is not to do this during the busy morning and evening rush hours, as the motorway between the two cities gets very busy!
We’ve not found any tours that run from Glasgow to Edinburgh, so you are going to have to do this under your own steam!
8. Museum of Rural Life & Pollock House
You don’t have to go far from the city centre of Glasgow to find a number of interesting attractions which are worth visiting.
For example, just outside of the city center is the National Museum of Rural Life , a jointly run venture between the National Trust for Scotland and the National Museums of Scotland. Here you can learn all about the history of rural living in Scotland, plus visit a working farm and well-preserved traditional farm house. Definitely a good one if you’re travelling with kids!
![day trips scotland from glasgow National Museum of Rural Life Glasgow](https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/National-Museum-of-Rural-Life-Glasgow_by_Laurence-Norah.jpg)
Another great option in a similar direction, just to the south of the city, is Pollok House , found in Pollok Country Park. This is an 18th century property that was the home of the Stirling Maxwell family, who lived on and owned this land for almost 700 years.
It’s a beautiful property, and lovers of stately homes will definitely want to visit. Whilst you are in the area, we can also recommend exploring Pollok Country Park, which is a lovely green space for walking. It’s also home to The Burrell Collection , which is a unique collection of art pieces that range from 5,000 year old Chinese artifacts to medieval treasures to French paintings.
Note the Burrell Collection is closed for renovations until 2020.
Getting to the Museum of Rural Life from Glasgow
Getting to the National Museum of Rural Life and Pollok Museum is easy if you have a car, as these are both just a short distance from the city center.
There’s also a bus service that runs out to the Museum of Rural Life, which takes around half an hour from the city center.
Getting to Pollock House from Glasgow
To get to Pollock House from Glasgow, you can either drive or take public transport.
If you drive, there’s parking on site, which is free for National Trust members You can also take the train from the city center out to Pollokshaws West, from where it’s a 25 minute walk across Pollok Country Park to Pollok House.
9. Oban and Glen Coe
Looking north from Glasgow now, and a trip to the Scottish Highlands. These are a must-visit for anyone coming to Scotland, with the mountainous terrain and sweeping dramatic landscapes offering a marked contrast from the lowland region.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Rabbies bus two sisters glencoe](https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Rabbies-bus-two-sisters-glencoe_by_-1.jpg)
From Glasgow, you could do a day trip that takes you up through the pretty historical town of Inveraray, past the ruins of stunning Kilchurn Castle, through the town of Oban (also known as the seafood capital of Scotland), and then up to the majestic valley of Glen Coe .
Glen Coe is home to one of Scotland’s ski resorts , as well as being a Harry Potter filming location and is very much worth visiting at any time of year.
On your way back to Glasgow, you could take a different route and head back down through the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, making for a complete and full day out.
How to get to Oban and Glen Coe from Glasgow
The two easiest options for getting to Oban and then on to Glen Coe are going to be either with a car, or to take a tour.
You can get also to Oban by train from Glasgow (a lovely journey that goes through the Trossach National Park), but you’ll be a bit limited in terms of getting to Glen Coe, plus at three hours, it’s a fairly long ride. This would work if you only wanted to visit Oban, but to be honest, we think taking a tour is going to be a better option.
The tour we recommend is the Oban, Glen Coe, Highland Lochs & Castles tour with Rabbie’s, which stops at all the highlights we mention, and will give you a great taste of what Scotland has to offer.
10. Loch Ness
If you’re excited about the idea of the Highlands and want to get even further into this region, then you might want to look into a trip up to beautiful Loch Ness.
Loch Ness is the home of Nessie, the Loch Ness monster, one of the most enduring and well known tales of the 20th century. It’s also famous as being the largest loch by volume in the UK – if you added up all the water of the lakes in England and Wales, it would be less than the volume of water in Loch Ness!
![day trips scotland from glasgow Loch Ness Trip](https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Loch-Ness-Trip_by_Laurence-Norah.jpg)
Of course, there’s lots more to do in Loch Ness than hunt for Nessie. You can take a cruise on the lake, visit the crumbling Urquhart castle , and visit some of the cute villages around the Loch.
If you’re planning on going all the way up to Loch Ness from Glasgow, it makes sense to do this as a loop. The drive is around 3.5 – 4 hours each way, so plan for this to be a long day with an early start and a late finish.
Highlights along the route that we’d suggest stopping at (or at least passing through!) include Loch Lomond, Kilchurn Castle, Glencoe, Fort Augustus, Urquhart Castle, Inverness, and the drive past the Cairngorms National Park .
In our opinion, visiting Loch Ness as a day trip from Glasgow or Edinburgh makes for a long day with a lot of driving, and it might be best split up into two days, with an overnight stop in Inverness.
Alternatively, our preferred option would be to base yourselves in Inverness and explore from here – Inverness is a beautiful city, and we have a guide to the best day trips from Inverness to give you lots of ideas for what to do from here. However, it is possible to do it, so let’s look at the transport options.
How to Get to Loch Ness from Glasgow
The best two options for visiting Loch Ness from Glasgow are to drive yourself or to take a tour.
Public transport is an option, but only if you are ok with only seeing Loch Ness. In this case, you could take the train from Glasgow to Inverness, which will take around 3.5 hours. From Inverness you can then take a local bus to Loch Ness. However, we don’t think this is a very practical option given how much time you will spend on public transport.
A better option would be to take a full day tour from Glasgow up to Loch Ness. The tour we recommend is the full day “ Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands ” with Rabbie’s, which includes a number of highlights and includes time for you to take a cruise on Loch Ness itself.
If you choose to drive yourself, we suggest planning out a route that heads up through Glencoe on the way there, passes along the side of the Loch, and heads back down the A9, and stops at a number of the attractions we mention on the way.
Full List of Suggested Day Trip Tours from Glasgow
To make things easier for you, we’ve put together a list of all the tours we recommend that depart from Glasgow.
- Loch Lomond and Whisky Distillery Visit
- Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Whisky Distillery Visit
- Culzean Castle, Burns Country & the Ayrshire Coast
- Outlander Filming locations tour
- A private tour from Glasgow to Tuillibardine Distillery
- Half day tour from Glasgow to Falkirk
- Oban, Glencoe, Highland Lochs & Castles tour
- Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands
You can also see all the day trips from Rabbie’s Trail Burners which depart from Glasgow here .
![day trips scotland from glasgow Sir Walter Scott Cruise Loch Katrine](https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Sir-Walter-Scott-Cruise-Loch-Katrine_by_Laurence-Norah-2.jpg)
Where to Stay in Glasgow
Glasgow has a wide variety of accommodation options at a good range of prices, and we’ve always enjoyed staying in the city.
We usually recommend for accommodation that you check out Booking.com which lists a large variety of hotels , apartments , guesthouses , and hostels . You can see all their Glasgow accommodation options here .
We’ve personally stayed at the Jury’s Inn which was centrally located and great value for money, as well as Native Glasgow , which offers comfortable serviced apartments right in the centre.
You can also take a look at our list of Airbnb alternatives for more options for your visit!
Further Reading
We’ve lived and travelled in Scotland for a number of years, and have put together a wide range of content to help you plan your trip to this beautiful country. Here are some articles we think you’ll find particularly useful.
- Our guide to things to do in Glasgow , to give you inspiration in the city itself. We also have a guide to the street art of Glasgow .
- Our guide to visiting Loch Lomond from Glasgow
- We also have guides to other cities in Scotland, including Things to do in Edinburgh and Things to do in Aberdeen . Harry Potter fans will also want to read about Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh and Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland !
- If you want to head deeper into the highlands and islands, check out our guide to visiting the Isle of Skye , our Glen Coe photo essay , our comprehensive North Coast 500 Road trip planning guide , and our 5 Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands Itinerary
- We have a detailed guide to visiting Glen Coe which has everything you need to plan your trip
- We also have guide to day trips from other Scottish cities, including the best day trips from Inverness , the best day trips from Edinburgh , and the best day trips from Aberdeen
And that sums up our guide to the best day trips from Glasgow! As always, do let us know your feedback and questions in the comments section below.
![day trips scotland from glasgow A detailed guide to the best day trips from Glasgow, including Loch Lomond, Outlander filming locations, the Scottish highlands, Loch Ness and more!](https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Day-trips-from-Glasgow.jpg)
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Sandra says
29th March 2021 at 8:11 pm
Thank you so much. Planning a trip to Scotland in the future and your site was most helpful x
Laurence Norah says
30th March 2021 at 11:09 am
My pleasure Sandra – have a wonderful trip and do let us know if you have any questions!
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1 Day Tours from Glasgow
Day tours from glasgow.
Glasgow is perfectly situated if you’re looking to explore Scotland. Just 40 minutes from central Glasgow and you are in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. A little over an hour and you’ll be deeper in the Highlands.
When you book a Discover Scotland tour from Glasgow, you’re guaranteed to go and by travelling in a small group tour we can get off the beaten track and go where larger coaches can’t.
From haunting glens and rugged mountain ranges, to sparkling lochs and wide, sandy beaches, our friendly knowledgeable driver-guides will keep you entertained with stories and tales of Scotland’s heroes and villains.
Day Trips from Glasgow
![day trips scotland from glasgow Glenfinnan Viaduct](https://www.discoverscotlandtours.com/wp-content/uploads/Jacobite-Steam-Train-1.jpg)
Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Loch Shiel
A stunning day tour from Glasgow taking you to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Loch Shiel. We’ll travel to Glencoe, Scotland’s most famous glen. Here you’ll gain an insight into how people lived here around the time of the Glencoe massacre.
At Glenfinnan you can climb up to the viewpoint where you’ll capture the Jacobite Steam train (Hogwarts Express) crossing over the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct as seen in Harry Potter. *
![day trips scotland from glasgow Loch Lomond National Park](https://www.discoverscotlandtours.com/wp-content/uploads/Loch-Lomond-National-Park-2.jpg)
Loch Lomond National Park & Stirling Castle
Enjoy the outstanding natural beauty of the Loch Lomond National Park. Explore the picturesque Highland village of Luss and learn about the area’s lawless Vikings and feuding clans on a cruise of Loch Lomond. Visit the imposing Stirling Castle and hear about the key moments of Scotland’s long violent and bloody history.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Loch Ness, Haunting Glencoe & the Highlands Tour from Glasgow](https://www.discoverscotlandtours.com/wp-content/uploads/Buachaille-Etive-Mor.jpg)
Loch Ness, Haunting Glencoe & The Highlands
Our Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands tour is one of our most popular day tours. The journey covers a lot of the Scottish Highlands in a single day. Spectacular Glencoe will take your breath away and you’ll have the chance to spot the mythical Loch Ness Monster with a cruise on Loch Ness.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Kilchurn Castle at Loch Awe](https://www.discoverscotlandtours.com/wp-content/uploads/Kichurn-Castle.jpg)
Oban, Western Highlands, Lochs, Castles & Glencoe
Shimmering lochs and breathtaking mountain scenery to historic castles and secret glens. Enjoy the incredible views and settings of the rugged Western Highlands. From quaint Inveraray and Oban to moody Glencoe and Rannoch Moor, ending with warm hospitality at a traditional Highland pub that’s said to be haunted.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Temple Wood](https://www.discoverscotlandtours.com/wp-content/uploads/Temple-Wood-Kilmartin-Glen.jpg)
Standing Stones and Stone Circles of Kilmartin Glen
Let us take you on a journey through the history of Scotland. Explore one of Scotland’s richest prehistoric landscapes. Kilmartin Glen spans 5000 years with standing stones and stone circles. The 13 standing stones at Temple Wood is the picturesque setting for the best-preserved stone circle in Kilmartin Glen.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Julie F Avatar](https://www.discoverscotlandtours.com/wp-content/uploads/wprevslider/cache/1723852800_julief_243_60.jpg)
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Roaming Required
21 memorable locations for fantastic day trips from glasgow – by car.
Last updated: 29 July 2023
The gritty industrial powerhouse of Glasgow has a lively cultural scene and is well and truly worth some of your time. However, the true beauty of Scotland, like the bare hills, moors, woods, and the craggy coastline of southwest Scotland is just an hour or two away which makes the idea of day trips from Glasgow a fun one!
The best day trips from Glasgow will involve a car, which allows for more freedom and spontaneity, the ability to change course and head off in almost any direction that takes your fancy.
Discover one, or all, of these incredible locations, less than 2 ½ hours from Glasgow. Take scenic routes and splendid drives, awe at Loch’s of Lomond and Fyne, visit pristine coastline of Ayrshire along coastal roads to the home of Rabbie Burns – Scotland’s National Bard, discover seaside towns, such as Troon, or head to the historic centre of Stirling for iconic attractions and spectacular views over the rolling countryside.
We just wanted to let you know that some of the links in this post are affiliate links which means that we receive a small commission for any bookings or purchases you make, at absolutely no extra cost to you. This helps us keeps the lights on and posts flowing at Roaming Required HQ. We sincerely thank you for your support.
Here’s 21 ideas for day trips from Glasgow, from country towns, cities and some fabulous scenic drives; all accessible by car.
Map – Day Trips from Glasgow
![day trips scotland from glasgow](https://www.roamingrequired.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/maplegend.jpg)
- Day Trips from Glasgow – Red pins
- UNESCO Sites Near Glasgow – Green pins
How To Use This Guide
Driving in Scotland isn’t the same as driving in built up areas. Some ‘main’ roads can be single lane rock-walled country roads, while others are multi-lane motorways. Distance alone cannot indicate how long a journey will take so we’ve also included a conservative estimate of duration (each way) from Glasgow.
Day Trips from Glasgow
1. stirling.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Robert the Bruce Statue in Stirling, Scotland. Just one of many great places to add to your list of day trips from Glasgow](https://www.roamingrequired.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ROAMING-REQUIRED-Glasgow-Daytrip-Robert-The-Bruce-1200-960x720-1-800x600.webp)
This little university town is a surprisingly big player in the history stakes. Stirling has numerous historic attractions and spectacular scenery, and makes it a fantastic choice from the list of great day trips from Glasgow.
No trip to Stirling is complete without a visit to the Stirling Castle and its hill-top esplanade, the leisure hike to the soaring tower that is the National Wallace Monument on the shoulder of the Abbey Craig, with views of the rolling Ochil Hills.
![day trips scotland from glasgow View over Stirling, Scotland](https://www.roamingrequired.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ROAMING-REQUIRED-Glasgow-Daytrip-Stirling-view_1200-960x638-1-800x532.webp)
Don’t Miss:
- Stirling Castle – commanding spectacular views over the surrounding plains with its walls steeped in plotting and intrigue. The Chapel Royal and it’s handsome frieze dating back to 1628 is worth some of your time.
- Stirling Jail – tales about the history of crime and punishment at the Old Town Jail.
- The Stirling Arcade – The imposing facade of this Victorian shopping with beautifully restored period features, and a stunning glass roof which allows light to flood into the Arcade’s central walkway.
- Stirling Bridge – The location of the victory over the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge (1297).
- Relive the Battle of Bannockburn at the experience centre. 3D technology helps relive the momentous day when king fought king and Robert the Bruce changed the course of Scottish history.
- The Church of the Holy Rude , the second oldest building in Stirling, and the site of the coronation of James VI in 1567, in a ceremony performed by revolutionary theologian John Knox.
- If you happen to be there on the second Saturday of the month you will find Stirling’s Farmers’ Market . Up to 27 stalls offering an outstanding range of superb local produce as well as beautiful, hand-crafted, Scottish gifts.
- Distance from Glasgow: 26mi (41km)
- Drive time from Glasgow: 30-40 minutes
Where to Park?
- Park and Ride: Two bus services run to the City Centre every 12 minutes.
- Forthside Car Park near the River Forth has affordable all day rates.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Boat floating in the harbour in Oban, Scotland. Just one of many great places to add to your list of day trips from Glasgow](https://www.roamingrequired.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ROAMING-REQUIRED-Glasgow-Daytrip-Oban-1200-960x635-1-800x529.webp)
As the seafood capital of Scotland, it is definitely worth trying some locally-caught delicacies from the sea. Take a guided highlights tour of Oban, or simply stroll around the Esplanade to find somewhere for a good meal that suits your budget. Most restaurants have lunch menus available which are often great value.
- McCaig’s Tower – It’s free to enter the most prominent landmark. You’ll be rewarded with spectacular views around the town.
- Dunollie Castle – A lovely one mile walk along the seafront from Oban to the woodlands and castle ruins, to discover what was once a vantage point for the Kings of Dalriada, the Lords of Lorn & of the Clan MacDougall. For insight on the castle & area, take a tour with a local.
- Oban Distillery – one of Scotland’s oldest sources of single malt scotch whisky.
- Bonawe iron furnace – The most complete charcoal-fuelled ironworks in Britain located near Taynuilt.
- Not a natural beauty, but still unique to the area is Cruachan , a power station buried one kilometre below the ground. There’s a new visitor centre covering the history and function of the power station including interactive touch screens.
- Distance from Glasgow: 93mi (150km)
- Drive time from Glasgow: 2 ½ hours
3. Ayrshire Coast
Why not spend a day discovering Scotland’s wind-swept Ayrshire Coast.
Fans of Scotland’s Bard, Robert (‘Rabbie’) Burns, can revel in a scenic tour through his homeland, soaking up images of the Scottish castles like Culzean Castle, quaint fishing villages, and enchanting wooded areas that inspired the artist’s work.
- Alloway , Burns’ hometown
- Dunure Castle – with its precarious promontory position
- Distance from Glasgow: 48mi (77km)
- Drive time from Glasgow: 1 hour
4. St Andrews
![day trips scotland from glasgow The view over in St Andrews, Scotland. Just one of many great places to add to your list of day trips from Glasgow](https://www.roamingrequired.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ROAMING-REQUIRED-Glasgow-Daytrip-StAndrews_1200-960x720-1-800x600.webp)
The name St Andrews is synonymous around the world as the Home of Golf. As well as golf, St Andrews is a thriving university city, with classic medieval streets and gorgeous traditional architecture which is well and truly enough to keep you occupied for a day.
- Take this walking tour and discover the hidden gems of St Andrews.
- St Andrews Cathedral – once the largest church in Scotland which was turned to rubble in 1559 following the Reformation. For fabulous views over the city, be sure to climb the 100ft (33m) high 12th century St Rule’s Tower, which predates the start of the building of the cathedral itself by about 40 years.
- St Andrews Castle – ruins of the Archbishops of St Andrews, dating in part from the 13th century.
- Scotland’s Secret Bunker – A 24,000sq feet Cold War command centre disguised as a farmhouse!
- The Fife Pilgrim Way – one of the main pilgrimages in Medieval Europe, which winds through the ancient Kingdom of Fife. – The final leg departs the pretty village of Ceres and arrives into the centre of St Andrews via a relatively easy woodland walk (allow 5-6 hrs)
- Distance from Glasgow: 73mi (117km)
- Drive time from Glasgow: 1 ¾ hours
5. Rest and Be Thankful – Scenic Drive
If you’re seeking one of those jaw-dropping scenic routes, then this is what you’re looking for.
At the highest point on the A83, this rest stop provides the perfect place on your day trips from Glasgow to pull over and take in the view, the divide of Glen Kinglas and Glen Croe.
- The stone marker at the entrance to the rest area that was erected to commemorate the completion of this old military road in 1750.
- Distance from Glasgow: 44mi (70km)
6. Inveraray
Considered a gateway to the Highlands & Islands, a trip through the historic town of Inveraray should be on your list for its remarkable Scottish Georgian architecture. Inveraray’s name means mouth of the Aray, the river of the same name which feeds into Loch Fyne, which the town sits on the western shore of.
- The neoclassical church in the town centre, it was built in two parts!
- Inveraray jail and Georgian courthouse which ceased operation in the 1930’s, is now an award-winning museum.
- Climb the bell tower of All Saints Church for panoramic views over the town and loch. It’s also home to the second-heaviest set of ten bells in the world.
- Inveraray Castle – standing on the shores of Loch Fyne this 18th-century Gothic-style home was inspired by sketches from English architect Vanbrugh, of Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard fame. Inside expect dramatic armoury hall, lavish interiors and a tapestry collection. Outside, explore the extensive grounds which contain a number of marked walks, the most strenuous of which rises to the tower atop Dun Na Cuaiche from where there are spectacular views over the castle, town and loch.
- Distance from Glasgow: 59mi (94km)
- Drive time from Glasgow: 1 ½ hour
7. Doune Castle
![day trips scotland from glasgow Doune Castle, Scotland - A set for Outlander](https://www.roamingrequired.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ROAMING-REQUIRED-Glasgow-Daytrip-Doune-Castle-1200-960x724-1-796x600.webp)
Explore this 14th century courtyard castle in Doune, home to one of the best preserved great halls in Scotland.
What remains to this day was acquired by ‘Scotland’s uncrowned king’, Robert Stewart, the 1st Duke of Albany and Governor of Scotland in 1361.
It might look familiar, as it’s been used as a filming location for many productions. The BBC production of Ivanhoe, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Doune was used as Winterfell in the pilot of Game of Thrones, and more recently it takes a leading role as fictional Castle Leoch in the hit TV series Outlander .
If you’re a fan of Outlander then this option is one that your need to have on your day trips from Glasgow itinerary because there’s nothing better than going to explore the filming locations! This one-day tour is a good choice. And if you’re visiting from Edinburgh this popular full-day Outlander explorer tour will be a good choice.
Only eight miles from Stirling you could easily combine Doune Castle with some of Stirling’s spectacular attractions.
- The striking 100ft high gatehouse.
- The Castle’s audio guide is narrated by Monty Python’s Terry Jones.
- Head to the battlements for stunning views of the River Teith and Ben Lomond.
- Distance from Glasgow: 34mi (55km)
- Drive time from Glasgow: 40 minutes
8. Edinburgh
![day trips scotland from glasgow Victorian buildings in Edinburgh, Scotland. Just one of many great places to add to your list of day trips from Glasgow](https://www.roamingrequired.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ROAMING-REQUIRED-Glasgow-Daytrip-Edinburgh_1200-960x640-1-800x533.webp)
I’ll be honest with you, the Scottish capital deserves more than a day, however if you can’t give it more than that here are a few must-do things to fill your day.
Start by exploring the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh on foot. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, also includes the historic Castle dates from the 12th century.
- Palace of Holyrood House – The Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh and the home of Scottish royal history. Filled with elaborate tapestries and intricate rooms, as a working royal palace, it’s closed to the public throughout the year when the Queen is in residence.
- Arthur’s Seat – A relatively gentle hike to the top of the extinct volcano that dominates over Edinburgh.
- Edinburgh Castle – This mighty fortress is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe. It’s home to the Crown jewels and a must for any visitor to Edinburgh. Skip the queue tickets will save you time.
- The Royal Mile – Take a stroll along this arterial route of Edinburgh’s Old Town, connecting the magnificent Castle, to the Palace of Holyroodhouse with an interlocking series of cobblestone closes with narrow stairways and towering tenements.
- Discover Scottish food in the capital with a 3-hour secret food tour run by a local guide.
- Distance from Glasgow: 46mi (74km)
- Park and Ride : Seven bus services run to the City Centre, some are as frequent as every 5 minutes in peak hour. Five Park and Ride routes offer free parking.
- Pay & Display/Street parking can cost you as much as £4.60 per hour, consider parking further outside the city and walking in for better rates during the week. Parking at St Margaret’s Loch is free on weekends and on many streets in the city centre.
Bustling, compact, and beautifully situated on the banks of the River Tay in the east of Scotland, this former Scottish capital is a cosmopolitan gem.
From lively weekend markets, to Georgian townhouses, cobbled streets, and medieval spires sit alongside recreation activities such as golf, watersports , and horse riding, all possible within the city’s boundaries.
- Scone Palace – Lovers of history will spend an entire day at Scone. Here on the stone of Scone, known as the Stone of Destiny, was the ancient crowning place of Scottish kings, Robert the Bruce, Charles II, and even Macbeth. Historically significant household names like King Charles II, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Mary Queen of Scots, France’s tragic young Queen, Marie Antionette, Queen Victoria all walked these halls at one point or another.
- River Tay Public Art Trail – Grab a local map and stroll along the walking trail beside the longest river in Scotland which connects a number of outstanding thought-provoking sculptures which draw their inspiration from the river and its wildlife, the city, and its history. (Allow 1 hr)
- Hike Kinnoull Hill – the highest of the five hills and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Routes to the top vary from a gentle to a rigorous ramble and reward with sensational views across the River Tay.
- Meikleour Beech Hedge the longest hedge in Britain!
- Drive time from Glasgow: 1 ¼ hours
10. Glencoe
![day trips scotland from glasgow The valley of Glencoe, Scotland. Just one of many great places to add to your list of day trips from Glasgow](https://www.roamingrequired.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ROAMING-REQUIRED-Glasgow-Daytrip-Glencoe-1200-960x640-1-800x533.webp)
Otherworldly easily describes Glencoe. Located on the banks of Loch Leven and the mouth of the famous scenic glen, this picturesque locale has featured in films such as Braveheart, Rob Roy, Skyfall, and several of the Harry Potter movies.
If you’re seeking day trips from Glasgow ideas then this all-day tour is a good option where you can not only visit Glencoe but many other places in the surrounding area.
Marketing itself as an outdoor adventure playground, like New Zealand for the northern hemisphere, Glencoe’s proximity to Lochaber means it’s the perfect base for exploring the area known as the Outdoor Capital of the UK.
- Walkers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts should pack gear for a day in the wilderness. From the Ballachulish Slate Quarries and Loch Leven stroll, to the famous pyramid of Buachaille Etive Mor – the guardian at the entrance to the glen, to the turreted and notorious crests and ridges of the Aonach Eagach. There’s a track for all levels.
- Take to the water on a SUP, in a sea kayak and open canoe on one of the huge number of rivers, lochs, sea trips on the Great Glen Canoe Trail.
- Distance from Glasgow: 88mi (142km)
- Drive time from Glasgow: 2 ¼ hours
11. Loch Lomond
World famous, the mesmerising loch is the largest expanse of water in the UK.
Situated in the heart of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, surrounded by charming villages, rolling hills, and evergreen countryside provide the perfect backdrop to Loch-side activities along the 153km shoreline.
- Take in the scenery with a jaunt around the loch and admire the mighty bulk of Ben Lomond as well as the Arrochar Alps.
- Take to the water in a watercraft of your choice. 2 hour cruise tour , stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayak , canoe, jetski, even wind surfing is possible on the loch.
- Distance from Glasgow: 29mi (46km)
- Drive time from Glasgow: 50 minutes
12. Falkirk
![day trips scotland from glasgow The Kelpies, Falkirk, Scotland. Just one of many great places to add to your list of day trips from Glasgow](https://www.roamingrequired.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ROAMING-REQUIRED-Glasgow-Daytrip-The-Kelpies-Falkirk-1200-960x540-1-800x450.webp)
Falkirk is a town in Scotland’s central belt, located between Edinburgh and Glasgow in the Forth Valley. Be it the heritage trail, family fun days out, or hiring a pedalo on the lagoon, exploring Falkirk has a lot more going for it than you probably realise. We don’t think any list containing day trips from Glasgow ideas is complete without a visit to The Kelpies!
- The Helix – reclaimed parkland providing activities such as walking, water sports and 500km of connected cycle paths. Home to the Kelpies.
- The Kelpies – the world’s largest equine sculptures, standing at 100ft (30m) tall and weighing more than 300 tonnes each
- The Falkirk Wheel – the world’s first and only rotating boat lift. Lifting boats through the air and transferring them between the two canals on the power equivalent to 8 domestic kettles. Visitors can ride on the wheel, and learn more at the free visitor centre.
- The Pineapple – a bizarre fruit-inspired folly built in 1761 by the Earl of Dunmore as a summer house.
- Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway – heritage railway with vintage steam or diesel-hauled trains and also home to Scotland’s largest railway museum
- The UNESCO listed Antonine Wall is also nearby.
- Distance from Glasgow: 24mi (38km)
- Drive time from Glasgow: 30 minutes
13. Troon Beach
Wanting a day at the beach? If so, then this bustling seaside town in Ayrshire might be just what you’re looking for! Offering long sweeping stretches of sand around the curved bay with a popular esplanade, easy beach access, and spectacular views across to the Isle of Arran.
- Grabbing an ice cream and watching the waves crash onto the shore.
- Distance from Glasgow: 35mi (56km)
14. Arria Statue
![day trips scotland from glasgow Arria sculpture with man standing at the base of the statue](https://www.roamingrequired.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Andy_Scott_Arria_Cumbernauld.webp)
Not exactly a ‘day out’ but certainly worth a stop as you drive by is Arria, another piece by Andy Scott, the same artist behind The Kelpies. Arria is a 33ft galvanized steel work of art of the female form situated along the A80 at Cumbernauld.
Named after Arria Fadilla, her placement on the main motorway makes Arria an extremely visible landmark designed to help raise the profile of Cumbernauld.
- Stopping in to get a closer look. Skip Google Maps, you’ll get lost. Follow our post about Arria to ensure you make it to where you need to be. She’s illuminated at night and makes a stunning image.
- Distance from Glasgow: 14mi (22km)
- Drive time from Glasgow: 20 minutes
15. Kilchurn Castle
![day trips scotland from glasgow Kilchurn Castle on the loch, with reflections](https://www.roamingrequired.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ROAMING-REQUIRED-Glasgow-Daytrip-Kilchurn-Castle-1200-960x640-1-800x533.webp)
There are few more scenic castles in Scotland than Kilchurn, built on a small isthmus joined to the shore at the tip of Loch Awe in Argyll, making it one of the most photographed castles in Scotland.
The Campbell clan, who dominated much of western Scotland in the late medieval period, erected a series of castles, Kilchurn being their power base for 150 years. It was abandoned in the 1700s.
If you’re looking to include Kilchurn Castle on day trips from Glasgow list then perhaps this guided tour might be of interest.
- Grab your camera and capture Kilchurn at the head of Loch Awe, with the peak of Ben Cruachan visible.
- The view from the top – climb the tower house’s battlements and gaze out over Loch Awe.
- Distance from Glasgow: 71mi (114km)
16. Rosslyn Chapel
![day trips scotland from glasgow Rosslyn Chapel, Scotland](https://www.roamingrequired.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ROAMING-REQUIRED-Glasgow-Daytrip-Rosslyn-Chapel-1200-960x638-1-800x532.webp)
Believe it or not, Rosslyn Chapel was initially made famous by Walter Scott’s ballad, The Lay of the Last Minstrel, published in 1805.
Some two centuries later, Rosslyn Chapel would be again the subject of public discussion, this time as a prominent location mentioned in Dan Brown’s bestselling novel, The Da Vinci Code.
Prior to The Da Vinci Code, annual visitors to Rosslyn numbered some 40,000, made up of curious roadtrippers, fans of Scott, or perhaps admirers of Turner – who painted the nearby Roslin Castle in 1818 which can be seen at The Tate .
However it was Brown’s book and blockbuster movie that saved the chapel from ruin. By 2006, the same year the film was released, visitor numbers skyrocketed by 450% to over 175,000.
Founded in 1446, as the Collegiate Church of St Matthew, Rosslyn Chapel today attracts visitors from far and wide, drawn by the many myths and legends surrounding it and what does and doesn’t lie beneath it. Questions such as is the Rose Line real? Does the Chapel have ties to Freemasonry and the Knights Templar? Have all been asked before, and the answers aren’t necessarily a straight yes, or no.
A common feature among medieval churches and Rosslyn is no different are carvings of the Green Man ; a carved face with foliage sprouting from his mouth, representing nature’s growth and fertility.
You can combine a visit to Rosslyn Chapel with Stirling Castle and Dunfermline Abbey on this 9 hour day-trip tour
- The Apprentice Pillar – Along with the tale of jealousy surrounding its maker’s fate, look at the vine twirling around the pillar, does it not bear an uncanny resemblance to the double helix, the structure of a DNA molecule?
- Curious carvings of corn
- Count the carvings of the Green Man – there’s over a hundred!
- Distance from Glasgow: 50mi (80km)
5 UNESCO Sites Near Glasgow
- The Antonine Wall
- The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh
- The Forth Bridge
- Kinneil Estate
17. The Antonine Wall
Awe inspiring. A symbol of strength and authority. The Antonine Wall was constructed around 142 AD by the Romans to mark the north-west frontier of their empire.
The Antonine Wall stretched across central Scotland from Clyde to Forth but wasn’t a stone wall but rather a turf rampart fronted by a deep wide ditch, with forts and fortlets along the wall where troops were stationed.
See the best surviving stretch of ditch at Watling Lodge in Falkirk, rampart and ditch in Seabegs Wood Bonnybridge and earthworks of the fort at Rough Castle , Bonnybridge.
18. New Lanark
New Lanark is a restored 18th-century cotton mill village situated in the narrow gorge of the River Clyde. Founded in 1785 by social pioneer Robert Owen who was renowned for his enlightened management of the mill, through the education and welfare of his workers, it became the biggest cotton mill in Scotland and one of the largest factory sites in the world.
- Distance from Glasgow: 30mi (48km)
19. The Forth Bridge
![day trips scotland from glasgow Forth Bridge, Scotland](https://www.roamingrequired.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ROAMING-REQUIRED-Glasgow-Daytrip-The-Forth-Bridge-1200-960x540-1-800x450.webp)
It is considered as a symbol of Scotland, the engineering feat to overcome a natural barrier of a scale and depth of the Forth, the iconic bridge is treasured by the Scots.
It was voted Scotland’s greatest man-made wonder in 2016, beating Edinburgh Castle, the Glenfinnan viaduct and sculptures such as Arria and the Kelpies to mark mark Scotland’s year of innovation, architecture and design in 2016.
One of the best ways to see the bridge is from the water so a sightseeing cruise is great option and a welcome addition to your growing list of day trips from Glasgow.
- Distance from Glasgow: 47mi (75km)
20. The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh
As discussed above, Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, is UNESCO listed for its Old and New Towns which form one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the world.
The city’s Old Town has distinctive medieval narrow passageways as a complimenting contrast to the New Town, the best-preserved example of 18th-century Georgian town planning in the UK.
21. Kinneil House
Kinneil House dates back to the 15th century and was once home to the the powerful and wealthy Dukes of Hamilton. Extensive renovations saw it transform into a stately home in the 1660s.
Said to be the best in Scotland, look out for the rare renaissance wall paintings during one of their free tours of the house.
Keep an eye out for the resident ghost, said to be Lady Alice Lilbourne, who fell to her death from one of the building’s top-floor windows.
- Distance from Glasgow: 33mi (53km)
- Drive time from Glasgow: 40 minutes
Final Thoughts
It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting Scotland for the first time or if you’re a regular visitor because there’s just so much to experience that a repeat visit is definitely required. We hope that you have enjoyed this list of 21 places to visit for days trips from Glasgow and we’d LOVE to hear your thoughts if there’s anywhere else that should be included! And when you do visit any of the places on this list then let us know because we want to know all about your trip!
Looking for things to do in Glasgow? These might be of interest
Roma was raised on the white sandy beaches of Australia's East Coast, and she has called London home since 2012. With an adventurous spirit, a love of regional travel and anything food related, Roma looks to encourage working professionals to follow their dreams to travel the world one adventure and short break at a time. Don't let a full-time career stop you from seeing the world. Come roam with us!
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Comments (2)
Nice post and beautiful pictures. but I’m biased, it’s on my doorstep 😆
Thanks Katy, I agree with you, Scotland is a stunning beauty
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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » Scotland » 15 Best Day Trips from Glasgow
15 Best Day Trips from Glasgow
Glasgow, Scotland’s second largest city after Edinburgh, long had a reputation as just an industrial sprawl, but recent years have seen it open up to tourism and reinvent itself completely.
Nowadays, the city has a lot to offer visitors, but there’s plenty to see outside of Glasgow too, making it the perfect base to explore the surrounding areas as you head out on day trips.
The nearby highlands are just begging to be discovered, with beautiful, wild scenery that can only be found in Scotland.
There are lochs, glens and high mountain landscapes just a short drive away.
Off the coast lie the Scottish Isles, many just a short boat ride away, while further afield it’s still easy to visit the historic cities of Edinburgh, Stirling and even Dundee to learn more about Scottish history and traditions.
Glasgow is the perfect base to stay for incredible day trips exploring the rest of Scotland and to have some unforgettable adventures in the highlands.
1 . Loch Lomond
![day trips scotland from glasgow Loch Lomond, Scotland](https://cdn.thecrazytourist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/ccimage-shutterstock_635098406.jpg)
Loch Lomond is a long, freshwater lake stretching for over 30 kilometers, but only ever spanning a few kilometers in width.
Loch is the local word for lake, and Loch Lomond is not just one of the most spectacular lakes in Scotland, but in the whole of the UK.
It’s not the lake itself that makes this loch so spectacular, it’s the islands, with around thirty or dotted along its length, a rarity in the British Isles.
Loch Lomond is a center for watersports in the region, offering kayaking, motor boating, and more along its waterways and channels.
Loch Lomond is a Scottish phenomenon and is a mere day trip away from Glasgow.
2. Loch Ness
![day trips scotland from glasgow Loch Ness](https://cdn.thecrazytourist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ccimage-shutterstock_405276580.jpg)
Loch Ness is probably one of the most infamous places in Scotland.
It’s a good three hours north of Glasgow, high up near Inverness, but an early start and long travel time is worth it to see this legendary place.
There are plenty of companies offering day trips if you don’t fancy making the drive yourself.
It’s the second largest loch in the UK after Loch Lomond, and just as beautiful, but the real reason to visit is the legend of the Loch Ness Monster.
Unconfirmed sightings of this mystical beast have abounded for years, but the only way to find out if it’s real or not is to see Loch Ness for yourself, and muse upon the possibility of this giant beast lurking below the murky waters of Loch Ness.
3. Pitlochry
![day trips scotland from glasgow Pitlochry, Scotland](https://cdn.thecrazytourist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/ccimage-shutterstock_1021126261.jpg)
The Scottish Burgh of Pitlochry is one of the most scenic parts of the country.
Just one and a half hours drive northeast of Glasgow, it is the beginning of the Highlands and the real outdoors of Scotland.
Pitlochry has been a tourist attraction ever since Queen Victoria visited in the mid 19th Century.
She fell in love with it, and since then the village has grown to be a sought after destination, right on the doorstep of Scotland’s wilderness but with all the comforts of home.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Glencoe, Scotland](https://cdn.thecrazytourist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/ccimage-shutterstock_178891499.jpg)
Glencoe is a national nature reserve two hours north of Glasgow; this is real Highland Country where clans once ruled and kilts were worn.
A mountainous area popular with hikers and climbers, it is also a marvelously scenic space that can be viewed from afar; in particular, from the main highway which stretches alongside it, making access to this wilderness relatively easy.
Suggested tour : Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Tour
![day trips scotland from glasgow Oban, Scotland](https://cdn.thecrazytourist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/ccimage-shutterstock_641192494.jpg)
The small town of Oban is situated directly on the Scottish coast, looking out over the isles far out to sea.
It is a holiday resort first and foremost for good reason: because it is has such incredible surroundings.
The bay that Oban is built on is one of the most spectacular in Scotland and the coastal scenery is unlike anywhere else in the world.
Nearby there are old castles, glens and highland scenery to explore too.
Recommended tour : Oban, Glencoe & West Highland Castles Day Tour
6. Inveraray
![day trips scotland from glasgow Inveraray Castle, Scotland](https://cdn.thecrazytourist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/ccimage-shutterstock_154419695.jpg)
Inveraray is famous for its castle; built by the Duke of Argyll in the mid 18th century.
It’s not really a castle as such, but more a huge, landed estate.
For tourists, this is one of the best places to experience Scottish nobility and get a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle they once lived.
Inveraray Castle is more of a large house with a few turrets; a style fashionable at the time of its construction, but hardly a castle in the medieval sense.
It’s in a gorgeous setting and still used by the current Duke of Argyle, who can trace his lineage back to the founders.
7. Kilmarnock
![day trips scotland from glasgow Kilmarnock, Scotland](https://cdn.thecrazytourist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/ccimage-shutterstock_747716905.jpg)
Kilmarnock has two claims to fame: this Scottish town is where Robert Burns, the famous poet, first published his work, and it’s the hometown of Jonnie Walker, the founder of the world famous Jonnie Walker Whiskey line, which was been bottled in Kilmarnock for almost three hundred years.
On top of that, it’s the town where Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin, was educated, and where the British rock band Biffy Clyro formed.
If that’s not reason enough to visit, then the fact that it’s a quintessential Scottish town with a unique history and heritage should have you on the first train out of Glasgow.
8. Ayrshire Coast
![day trips scotland from glasgow Ayrshire Coast, Scotland](https://cdn.thecrazytourist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/ccimage-shutterstock_686070391.jpg)
The Ayrshire Coast encompasses Kilmarnock and much more.
This is the countryside where Robert Burns gained the inspiration for his poetry, amongst the rugged cliffs and wild landscape of the southwest Scottish coastline.
There are islands here to explore, villages to meander around, and mile upon mile of coastal hiking paths to walk.
Easy to reach from Glasgow, this is the Scottish coast at its best and most accessible.
Available tour : Culzean Castle, Robert Burns Country & the Ayrshire Coast
9. Culzean Castle
![day trips scotland from glasgow Culzean Castle, Scotland](https://cdn.thecrazytourist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/ccimage-shutterstock_1088967722.jpg)
One of the most significant landmarks found on the Ayrshire Coast, and within easy striking distance of Glasgow, is Culzean Castle.
Built over the Firth of Clyde, this castle is perched precariously on a high cliff top.
It is open to the public and offers an insight into Scottish history dating back to the early days of its construction in the late 18th century.
It’s such an iconic castle that it appeared on the reverse of the Scottish five pound note, and is an essential point of interest to visit when coming to Glasgow.
10. Trossachs
![day trips scotland from glasgow Trossachs, Scotland](https://cdn.thecrazytourist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/ccimage-shutterstock_121234648.jpg)
The Trossachs are a wild area of forested glens north of Glasgow, where the scenery is rugged and the atmosphere is as Scottish as it gets.
The area is full of lochs and woodland.
It is great for hiking, experiencing the outdoors, and seeing Scottish nature at its gloomiest and most spectacular.
The Trossachs were made famous by the poet Walter Scott when he wrote ‘The Lady on the Lake,’ a haunting piece describing the lochs and scenery that make this place so surreal.
Nothing has changed in the hundred years or so since the poem was first published; the area is still as raw and wild as it ever was.
11. St Andrews
![day trips scotland from glasgow St Andrews Cathedral Ruins, Scotland](https://cdn.thecrazytourist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/ccimage-shutterstock_752890750.jpg)
St Andrews is home to the oldest University in Scotland, and is reportedly the city where the game of golf was invented.
Located northeast of Glasgow on the coast above Edinburgh, this is one of the most important places in Scottish history, and a location that plays an integral role in contemporary Scotland too, with its huge and popular University still in action to this day.
In St Andrews there are museums, universities and Scottish history to explore and discover.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Dundee, Scotland](https://cdn.thecrazytourist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/ccimage-shutterstock_162196697.jpg)
Dundee is two hours northeast of Glasgow, and it’s worth the ride just to see the strange statue of Desperate Dan from the British comic books, which takes center stage in the city.
Desperate Dan is Dundee’s hero and the city prides itself on being the home of this comic book character.
More than this though, Dundee has an intriguing nautical history within the British Isles.
There is a museum dedicated to Captain Scott’s Antarctic expedition; just one of many thousands of ships built here during the heyday of boat construction on this Scottish coast.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Perth, Scotland](https://cdn.thecrazytourist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/ccimage-shutterstock_137126180.jpg)
Located on the River Tay in central Scotland, Perth has been around since ancient times.
It’s known for being the capital of many a Scottish Kingdom; a place where the Scottish Scone granted leadership to kings, and where royalty held court at many points in history.
Today, its importance has lessened in comparison to Edinburgh and Glasgow, but Perth still has a huge amount of history to tempt tourists, as well as a modern cultural scene that’s a bit off the beaten track in comparison to its rival cities.
14. Stirling
![day trips scotland from glasgow Stirling, Schotland](https://cdn.thecrazytourist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ccimage-shutterstock_313218011.jpg)
Stirling, like Perth, is centrally located in the middle of Scotland, and is where the highlands meet the lowlands.
Just as historically important, Stirling is the birthplace of many Scottish Kings throughout the ages, including King David I.
This is Braveheart territory too.
The Battle of Stirling Bridge took place nearby, and fierce battles were fought in the area during the wars of Scottish Independence led by Robert the Bruce and William Wallace.
If there’s anywhere to visit to gain an understanding of Scottish history, it’s Stirling.
Recommended tour : Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and Whisky Tour
15. Edinburgh
![day trips scotland from glasgow Edinburgh, Scotland](https://cdn.thecrazytourist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/ccimage-shutterstock_598314359.jpg)
No trip to Scotland can be complete without a visit to Edinburgh, the nation’s capital and seat of government.
Just an hour away by bus, train or car, Edinburgh is a beautiful, historic city with a huge amount of local culture that is ever growing.
Edinburgh Castle is perched high above the city on volcanic rock, and the market streets below are full of pubs, great food and Scottish daily life.
It’s a great city to visit from Glasgow.
15 Best Day Trips from Glasgow:
- Loch Lomond
- Ayrshire Coast
- Culzean Castle
![day trips scotland from glasgow Tour Scotland with Scottish Tours](https://www.scottishtours.co.uk/wwwroot/images/Scottish-Tours-logo.jpg)
Scotland Tours From Glasgow
Outstanding scotland tours from glasgow.
As Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow is bursting with exciting activities and interesting historical visits. One of Scotland’s top destinations, the city can also be a convenient base to explore more of Scotland.
Head out of the city, and there is so much of Scotland to see. The picturesque Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is just a short drive away. It’s easy to reach Loch Ness, Glen Coe and the scenic Western Highlands too - all these destinations are covered in our tours from Glasgow.
Book Tour Now
![day trips scotland from glasgow undefined](https://www.scottishtours.co.uk/wwwroot/images/tours/thumbnails/1-Urquhart-Castle.jpg)
Loch Ness and the Highlands
![day trips scotland from glasgow undefined](https://www.scottishtours.co.uk/wwwroot/images/tours/thumbnails/647-Stirling-Castle.jpg)
Loch Lomond, The Trossachs and Stirling Castle
![day trips scotland from glasgow undefined](https://www.scottishtours.co.uk/wwwroot/images/tours/thumbnails/1200-Castle-Stalker.jpg)
Oban, Glen Coe, West Highland Lochs and Castles
![day trips scotland from glasgow undefined](https://www.scottishtours.co.uk/wwwroot/images/tours/thumbnails/172-Culloden Moor.jpg)
Glimpse of Scotland
![day trips scotland from glasgow undefined](https://www.scottishtours.co.uk/wwwroot/images/tours/thumbnails/1420-Portree.jpg)
Isle of Skye Explorer
![day trips scotland from glasgow undefined](https://www.scottishtours.co.uk/wwwroot/images/tours/thumbnails/217-Jacobite-Steam-Train.jpg)
Road to the Isles
![day trips scotland from glasgow undefined](https://www.scottishtours.co.uk/wwwroot/images/tours/thumbnails/1228-Glamis-Castle.jpg)
Scottish Dream
![day trips scotland from glasgow undefined](https://www.scottishtours.co.uk/wwwroot/images/tours/thumbnails/2963-Tobermory.jpg)
Grand Tour of the Inner Hebrides
![day trips scotland from glasgow undefined](https://www.scottishtours.co.uk/wwwroot/images/tours/thumbnails/2962-Luskentyre-Beach.jpg)
Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides
Day tours from glasgow.
Glasgow is surprisingly close to some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery. This makes the city the perfect hub to discover this beautiful region’s historic attractions, breathtaking landscapes and mesmerising folklore.
Loch Ness Tour
![day trips scotland from glasgow Glen Coe](https://www.scottishtours.co.uk/wwwroot/images/blog/TfGLA-Glen-Coe.jpg)
Experience dramatic scenery on the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands day tour from Glasgow. There’s even the chance to go in search of “Nessie”, the elusive Loch Ness Monster !
Explore all things Outlander on a day tour to see the filming locations used in the hit TV series, including the real Castle Leoch, Cranesmuir village and Black Jack Randall’s Headquarters.
Scenic Glasgow Day Tours
![day trips scotland from glasgow Panoramic view of Loch Lomond](https://www.scottishtours.co.uk/wwwroot/images/blog/TfGLA-Loch-Lomond.jpg)
Take a full-day tour to Oban to experience picture-perfect west coast seascapes combined with fairy-tale castles and picturesque towns.
Close to Glasgow lies the glorious Trossachs region, often described as the “Highlands in Miniature.” Visit this picturesque area on the Loch Lomond tour from Glasgow .
Also included is the chance for a gentle cruise to see the “Bonnie, Bonnie Banks” and a visit ancient Stirling Castle .
Our day trips from Glasgow are the ideal complement to your city break.
Scottish Highland Tours from Glasgow
Experience epic and unspoilt landscapes as you discover the great outdoors, then enjoy cultural pit stops at prehistoric sites and ancient castles. Take a walk on iconic battlefields to learn how Scotland’s history was shaped by bloody conflict.
Whether you choose one of our short breaks in the Highlands or an extended island adventure, we’ve got you covered.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Urquhart Castle overlooking Loch Ness](https://www.scottishtours.co.uk/wwwroot/images/blog/TfEDI-Urquhart-Castle.jpg)
Short Breaks from Glasgow
For a real taste of Scotland, take the relaxing Glimpse of Scotland tour. This two-day showcase package includes the bleak wilderness of Rannoch Moor and the striking mountains of Glen Coe.
Enjoy a night by the banks of Loch Ness, then search for the elusive Nessie before visiting evocative Culloden Moor.
Scottish Island Vacations
![day trips scotland from glasgow Tobermory Bay, Isle of Mull](https://www.scottishtours.co.uk/wwwroot/images/blog/TfGLA-Tobermory-Bay-Mull.jpg)
If you fancy escaping the hustle and bustle of city life, a bit of island-hopping comes highly recommended. Our Scottish island holidays can take you to the stunning Inner Hebridean islands of Islay, Mull and Iona.
Enjoy a tour to the beautiful Isle of Arran , known as "Scotland in Miniature". Famous for it's mountain peaks and gentle island scenery, it makes the perfect short break.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, Isle of Lewis](https://www.scottishtours.co.uk/wwwroot/images/blog/TfGLA-Gearrannan-Blackhouse.jpg)
Explore the northerly Orkney islands, where the rich prehistoric history has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.
Outer Hebrides tours from Glasgow will let you explore this chain of magical islands that sit 30 miles from Scotland’s northwest coast. Inhabited by Neolithic settlers and, later, Viking invaders these islands have a unique history and culture just waiting to be discovered.
Highland Tours from Glasgow
![day trips scotland from glasgow Trotternish Peninsula, Isle of Skye](https://www.scottishtours.co.uk/wwwroot/images/blog/TfGLA-Trotternish-Peninsula.jpg)
Skye tour from Glasgow
Saddle up for an incredible 3 days to explore the enchanting Isle of Skye .
Tour through the breathtaking Scottish Highlands and discover island highlights like the Cuillin Mountains, Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Blair Castle in the heart of Highland Perthshire](https://www.scottishtours.co.uk/wwwroot/images/blog/TfGLA-Blair-Castle.jpg)
Best Scottish Vacations
Explore Scotland’s famous lochs, mountains and castles on a luxury escorted tour from Glasgow.
With luxury hotel accommodation, many meals and all admission fees included, the 8-day Scottish Dream tour offers the ultimate Scottish adventure.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Caledonian MacBrayne Ferry](https://www.scottishtours.co.uk/wwwroot/images/blog/TfGLA-Caledonian-MacBrayne-.jpg)
Highlands and Islands Coach Tours
Scotland’s islands are waiting to be experienced. Why not include one or more in your Scotland Tour to discover their unique character and culture.
Explore the stunning Inner Hebridean islands of Mull and Iona or head to Islay, famed for its distinctive whisky.
Venture further afield to discover the stunning Outer Hebrides or the beautiful Orkney Islands
![day trips scotland from glasgow OneDayItinerary Top Logo](https://onedayitinerary.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/odi-logo-1.png)
Day trips from Glasgow
Scotland offers plenty of destinations intrepid tourists can visit, and Glasgow is an excellent base from which you can plan your travels. Nature, history and fascinating culture, it’s all there. In addition, a bigger part of the country is within your grasp. But choosing the place you want to see may not be the easiest choice in the world precisely because there are so many spectacular places. To help you decide, here are some of the most popular ideas for day trips from Glasgow. Take a look, you won’t be sorry.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Day trips from Glasgow, Scotland](https://i0.wp.com/onedayitinerary.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Day-trips-from-Glasgow-Scotland.jpg?resize=723%2C542)
About three and a half hours BOOK A TOUR HERE
GETTING THERE
You will want to get an early start for this one because while it is a pretty straightforward trip via the A9, it will take you more than three hours to get there by car. A more scenic route is via the A82, but that will add about half an hour to your journey. To avoid driving fatigued, take a train to Inverness, a city just north of the Loch from which you can then catch a bus or even rent a car. You can get return tickets for about 70 pounds, and the ride lasts between three and three and a half hours.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Loch Ness, Scotland](https://i0.wp.com/onedayitinerary.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Loch-Ness-Scotland-1024x683.jpg?resize=723%2C482)
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT
If you’re visiting this part of the world, you simply have to visit the famous Loch Ness. Not only is this place the focal point of numerous tales and myths, including the one about the mysterious monster that lives in the lake, but it also provides an incredible scenery you can enjoy. Drumnadrochit is an absolutely beautiful village on the Loch’s shore, but the Victorian town of Pitlochry is also more than worthy of a visit. Relaxation and fascinating sights await you here, that’s for sure.
ACCOMMODATION OPTION
Culliss House B&B
Cairngorms National Park
![day trips scotland from glasgow Cairngorms National Park, Scotland](https://i0.wp.com/onedayitinerary.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Cairngorms-National-Park-Scotland-1024x683.jpg?resize=723%2C482)
About 1 hour and 45 minutes BOOK A TOUR HERE
Catching a train seems like a very convenient way of reaching Cairngorms National Park as you can approach it from the east side if you head to Aberdeen or from the west via several stations (Kingussie, Aviemore, Blair Atholl). You can reach Blair Atholl in about two hours, for example, so just sit back and enjoy the ride. The car is a good choice too because once again you follow the A9 to reach Blair Atholl directly in an hour and 45 minutes.
Although it too is close to Inverness, Cairngorms National Park really should be a separate day trip from Glasgow. It is absolutely massive, the largest national park in the British Isles , so you will need at least one whole day to explore it. And there is quite a lot to discover because the area encompasses museums, gardens, castles and various other attractions which blend serenely into their surrounding. A combination of history and culture, it will provide you with an unforgettable experience and quite a bit of fresh air.
OPENING HOURS/TICKET PRICES
As mentioned, there are a lot of places you can visit here, so here are just a few examples to show you what you can expect.
Grantown Museum – open from April to October, Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Tickets: 4 GBP.
The Speyside Centre – open every day from 9 AM to 5.30 PM except on Sundays, when it’s closed.
Highland Wildlife Park – 17 pounds a ticket for adults. Open year round: from 10 AM to 5 PM from April to October; from 10 AM to 6 PM in July and August; from 10 AM to 4 PM from November to March.
Braemar Castle – 8 pounds per ticket. Open from 10 AM to 5 PM every day in July and August. During other months they do not work on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Macdonald Highlands Hotel
Oban and the West Highlands
![day trips scotland from glasgow Oban port, Scotland](https://i0.wp.com/onedayitinerary.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Oban-port-Scotland-1024x683.jpg?resize=723%2C482)
Two and a half hours BOOK A TOUR HERE
This is a very scenic drive along the A82, so if you have a car with you you’re in for a treat since you will be driving through a beautiful part of the Highlands. However, if you don’t have a car, don’t sweat it – trains and buses are also available. It’s just over three hours by train, and the same goes for the bus which is also about five pounds cheaper (26 to 21 GBP approximately).
Oban is a beautiful little town located north-west from Glasgow and it offers plenty of things to do during your day here. The seafood over there is absolutely phenomenal, and you can try a variety of dishes. You will also be able to learn a lot about Gaelic culture, since many people in the town speak Gaelic . Then there’s the option of climbing the McCaig’s Tower for a spectacular view of Oban Bay. But to thoroughly explore Scotland and see what this beautiful country is all about, head deeper into West Highlands. This is where Scotland’s biggest ( Loch Lomond ) and longest ( Lochawe ) lakes are located. Apart from that, though, there are plenty of beautiful castles to see and picturesque towns like Argyll to visit. It truly is a fairy-tale experience. Don’t forget to bring your camera/phone with you – not taking any pictures here would be a real shame.
McCaig’s Tower – open round the clock, no admission fees
Dunstaffnage Castle – from October 1 to March 31 open from 10 AM to 4 PM; from April 1 to September 30 open from 9.30 AM to 5.30 PM. Last entry is 30 minute before closing time. Tickets are 6 pounds.
Carnasserie Castle – free to visit. Open year round, every day non-stop.
Failte Bed & Breakfast
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Ayrshire Coast
![day trips scotland from glasgow Ayrshire Coast, Scotland](https://i0.wp.com/onedayitinerary.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Ayrshire-Coast-Scotland-1024x683.jpg?resize=723%2C482)
Less than an hour BOOK A TOUR HERE
The town of Ayr is just over 45 minutes away from Glasgow and you need to take first the M77 and then the A77 to get to it. From there on, you are free to explore the beautiful coast however you want. Train takes considerably longer (about two hours), but you can get a ticket for just 9 pounds. A bus can get you there in an hour, though, plus you can get a return ticket for like 10 pounds.
This country is so much more than just lakes and emerald forests. You only need to visit the Ayrshire Coast to see that. Culzean Country Park is the place to visit here, and you can have a great lunch there while exploring everything it has to offer. The Culzean Castle is an option too, while the small town of Alloway is an excellent way to spend your afternoon. It is also the birthplace of the famous poet Robert Burns , so you will be able to explore the most famous locations from his works and visit the house where he was born which is now a museum.
Culzean Castle is closed from the end of October to the end of March. Otherwise, open from 10 Am to 5 PM. Culzean Park is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10.30 AM to 4 PM in the winter period, from 10 AM to 5 PM (or 6.30 PM, depending on the part you want to visit) in summer. Tickets are 11.50 pounds just for the park, 16 pounds if you want to add the castle to your visit.
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum – open every day from 10 AM to 5 PM. The birthplace cottage is open from 11 AM to 5 PM. Tickets cost 10.50 GBP.
ACOMMODATION OPTION
ByTheSea Ayr
![day trips scotland from glasgow Glencoe Mountains, Scotland](https://i0.wp.com/onedayitinerary.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Glencoe-Mountains-Scotland-1024x683.jpg?resize=723%2C482)
Just over two hours BOOK A TOUR HERE
This destination is slightly north of Oban, but no worries – the A82 will lead you right to it. It’s another of Scotland’s scenic drives across the highlands, so you are bound to enjoy every minute of your two-hour trip. The bus takes only a little more to get there, and this will set you back around 25 pounds. Trains are also an option, with Fort William or Bridge of Orchy being the nearest station, but this takes about three and a half hours and costs a bit more than the bus (30 pounds). The route is exceptionally beautiful, though.
Glencoe is a village in Glen Coe , so don’t get those two things mixed up. The village is surrounded by spectacular mountains, and the biggest fans of the Harry Potter movies will recognize them as Hagrid’s home . Apart from that, there are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from, so you will definitely not be bored. The place also holds a dark secret – in 1692, this is where Clan Macdonald was massacred, so there is quite a bit of history to be learned, too. Fortunately, those times are well behind us, so you can rest, relax and just soak in the view and the nature that stretches all around you for miles.
Loch Leven Hotel and Distillery
Stirling Castle and whisky tour
![day trips scotland from glasgow Stirling Castle, Scotland](https://i0.wp.com/onedayitinerary.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Stirling-Castle-Scotland-1024x683.jpg?resize=723%2C482)
Between half an hour and 45 minutes BOOK A TOUR HERE
Stirling is reasonably close to Glasgow and you can reach it with your car in less than 45 minutes with your car by taking the M80. Bus is also an option as it takes approximately the same amount of time and a one-way ticket can be bought for about 5 pounds or less. Trains are even faster and some of them cover the distance in about half an hour, although it will cost you more than the bus (10 pounds). To get to Trossachs from Stirling, you need to take the A84 and the A821, which will also take you about 45 minutes, plus there’s the option of taking a bus.
Stirling Castle is one of the most important castles in Scottish history because numerous kings and queens of this nation were crowned here and the castle itself was under siege several times in its lifetime. It was built somewhere in the early 12 th century, although most of the buildings there were added later on, around 16 th century. Still, it is a fascinating sight to behold.
Glengoyne Distillery is very close by, so you can taste premium Scotch and enjoy yourself even further. It should be noted that you are also near Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park when visiting this place, so a small detour on this day trip from Glasgow will be well worth it.
OPENING HOURS/TICKET PRICES:
Stirling Castle – open every day from 9.30 AM to 5 PM. Price for a ticket is 15 pounds if you book ahead, but may go up to 16 if you buy it on-site in the summer time.
Glengoyne Distillery – open every day from 10 to 5. The price of tours here starts from 11 and a half pounds.
Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park – no tickets needed.
Friars Wynd
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12 Day Trips from Glasgow in Scotland.
![day trips scotland from glasgow day trips from glasgow pin](https://i0.wp.com/ontheroadagaintravels.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/the-best-day-trips-from-glasgow-in-scotland.png?fit=1000%2C1500&ssl=1)
Here are our recommendations for the best day trips from Glasgow. From the seaside town of Largs to the bonny banks of Loch Lomond, there is a day trip from Glasgow to suit everyone!
1. The Kelpies
The majestic Kelpies stand proud in Falkirk at 30 metres tall. In Scottish folklore a kelpie is the name given to a shape-changing aquatic creature found in Scottish waters, usually in the form of a horse. Most lochs in Scotland have an associated kelpie story, the most famous of course being the tale of the Loch Ness Monster. These 2 horse heads were created by sculptor Andy Scott and look even more magnificent at night when they light up all different colours.
![day trips scotland from glasgow couple at the kelpies scotland during sunrise with trespass jackets - scotland bucket list ideas](https://i0.wp.com/ontheroadagaintravels.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/couple-at-the-kelpies-scotland-during-sunrise-with-trespass-jackets.jpg?fit=1150%2C1438&ssl=1)
Distance from Glasgow: 40 mins drive
Tip: You can visit the Kelpies free of charge or opt for a tour inside the horse heads which costs £7.50, more info here .
2. Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital city is just under an hours drive from Glasgow. Head to the Old Town for history, eerie closes and the charming Victoria Street. Here you can visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle at the end of the Royal Mile or enjoy a pub crawl at the Grass Market. Or why not visit the city’s New Town where you can shop on Princes Street and then splurge on some fancy cocktails on George Street. During the festive season head to the Christmas Markets and The Dome for drinks.
![day trips scotland from glasgow edinburgh writers museum scotland](https://i0.wp.com/ontheroadagaintravels.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/edinburgh-writers-museum-scotland.jpg?fit=1150%2C1438&ssl=1)
Distance from Glasgow: 55 mins drive or 1 hour 10 mins train journey
Tip: If you’d rather stay the night check out our review of the Radisson Collection Hotel .
Largs is a charming seaside town in North Ayrshire that gives off summer holidays vibes and is famous for its authentic Italian ice cream parlours. We highly recommend Nardini’s for Scottish tablet ice-cream. The town is also known for its viking heritage.
![day trips scotland from glasgow](https://i0.wp.com/ontheroadagaintravels.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/largs-from-the-water-scotland.jpg?fit=1150%2C764&ssl=1)
Distance from Glasgow: 40 mins drive or 1 hour train journey
4. Glen Etive and Glen Coe
Visit these scenic Glens to discover the best of Scotland’s natural beauty. At Glen Etive admire the incredible Buachaille Etive Mòr munro and watch majestic deer in their natural habitat. Then head to Glen Coe for the most surreal and other-worldly views.
![day trips scotland from glasgow glen drive with ford truck](https://i0.wp.com/ontheroadagaintravels.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ford-truck-couple-glencoe-scotland.jpg?fit=1150%2C1438&ssl=1)
Distance from Glasgow: 2 hours drive
Tip: Don’t worry about having “good weather” to visit here. The views are spectacular in sunshine, rain or snow.
5. Inveraray
Inveraray is a charming town in Argyll and Bute on the west of Scotland. Here you can visit the romantic Inveraray Castle, which was built in the 1700s and is home to the Clan Campbell. Also check out the Inveraray Jail and views across Loch Fyne.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Inveraray castle in scotland](https://i0.wp.com/ontheroadagaintravels.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/inverary-castle.jpg?fit=1150%2C765&ssl=1)
Distance from Glasgow: 1 hour 20 mins drive
Tip: Stop at the Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint on route to Inveraray.
6. loch lomond & The Trossachs National Park
If you are from Glasgow it’s likely Loch Lomond is a family favourite day trip as it is so close to home. Head to Luss for an ice-cream or Balmaha for a hill walk. Also check out the hidden gem, the Falls of Falloch and stop by the haunted Drovers Inn.
![day trips scotland from glasgow](https://i0.wp.com/ontheroadagaintravels.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/the-drovers-inn-loch-lomond-scotland.jpg?fit=1150%2C765&ssl=1)
Distance from Glasgow: 30 mins drive
7. St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve
St Abb’s is the perfect coastal haven for nature lovers and bird watchers! Head here to listen to the waves crashing off the rocks from the cliff-top and to watch the thousands of seabirds that inhabit here.
![day trips scotland from glasgow st abbs head lighthouse east coast scotland](https://i0.wp.com/ontheroadagaintravels.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/st-abbs-head-lighthouse-east-coast-scotland.jpg?fit=1150%2C765&ssl=1)
Distance from Glasgow: 1 hour 45 mins drive
Tip: Visit early as the single track road can get busy and there aren’t many parking spots.
8. Perthshire
Perthshire is a great day trip from Glasgow, especially in Spring or Autumn due to the beautiful greenery. Head to Drummond Castle to see their magnificent gardens and mile long drive way lined with beech trees. In the spring time head to Kinclaven Bluebell Woods to see a carpet of dazzling bluebells.
![day trips scotland from glasgow drummond castle gardens outlander filming spot](https://i0.wp.com/ontheroadagaintravels.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/drummond-castle-gardens.jpg?fit=1150%2C765&ssl=1)
Distance from Glasgow: 1 hour 10 mins drive
9. Stirling
Visit the city of Stirling which is full of history. Climb the striking Wallace Monument and check out the view from Stirling castle.
![day trips scotland from glasgow](https://i0.wp.com/ontheroadagaintravels.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/stirling-castle-scotland.jpg?fit=1150%2C767&ssl=1)
Distance from Glasgow: 35 mins drive
10. Millport
Hop on a ferry from Largs to visit the Isle of Cumbrae for the day. Bring your bike to cycle around the island or hire one from the island’s only town, Millport.
![day trips scotland from glasgow](https://i0.wp.com/ontheroadagaintravels.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/millport.jpg?fit=1150%2C764&ssl=1)
Distance from Glasgow: 1 hour 30 mins drive (including ferry)
11. kilchurn castle
Kilchurn castle is a ruin from the mid-1400s located at Loch Awe. It’s a very scenic area and you may get lucky like us and spot a Highland Cow or two.
![day trips scotland from glasgow highland cow with kilchurn castle in background](https://i0.wp.com/ontheroadagaintravels.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/highland-cow-at-kilchurn-castle-in-scotland.jpg?fit=1150%2C1438&ssl=1)
Distance from Glasgow: 1 hour 40 mins drive
12. The Devil's pulpit
Finnich Glen (also known as The Devil’s Pulpit) is a 100 ft deep, moss-covered gorge, where a river runs over red sandstone making the water appear red like blood (hence it’s nickname).
![day trips scotland from glasgow](https://i0.wp.com/ontheroadagaintravels.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/the-devils-pulpit-finnich-glen.jpg?fit=1150%2C1438&ssl=1)
Tip: This is also not the easiest spot to get to, the stairs feel pretty dangerous so please visit with caution and wear appropriate footwear.
BONUS: THREE LOCHS FOREST DRIVE AND GO APE
The Three Lochs Forest drive is a 7 mile scenic route which passes 3 beautiful lochs – Lochan Reòidhte, Loch Drunkie and Loch Achray. The drive is open from 9am until 4pm each day but we would advise you to check here for updates . For adventurous souls, there is also the Go Ape treetop adventure course nearby in Aberfoyle.
![day trips scotland from glasgow three lochs forest drive loch lomond scotland](https://i0.wp.com/ontheroadagaintravels.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/three-lochs-forest-drive-loch-lomond-scotland-.jpg?fit=1150%2C766&ssl=1)
Distance from Glasgow: 1 hour drive
We hope you enjoyed our recommendations for the best day trips from Glasgow. For more inspiration for visiting Scotland click here.
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Scotland Bucket List Ideas 2020.
May 20, 2020, the ultimate guide to visiting scotland., june 6, 2020.
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The Wee Wanderer
Aww guys I loved this one!! Was just talking about the devils pulpit after seeing it on The Nest! Great tips well done 😊💖
ontheroadagaintravels
Thanks so much! Such an amazing place 🙂
Andrew Millar Foulds
I wish you both every success and hope one day to book a holiday with your company xxx
Thank you papa <3 and hopefully one day we will have our own holiday company xxxxxx
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Day Trips , Glasgow
20 day trips from glasgow [by car & public transport].
Glasgow is not only a fun city to visit. It is also a great location to use as a home base and explore Scotland on day trips. Mountains in the Scottish Highlands, pristine west coast beaches, bustling small towns and numerous fairytale castles are all just a short drive away. Discover the best of Scotland with these fun day trips from Glasgow.
This post contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission. Find out more here . All opinions are my own.
Glasgow is often overlooked on people’s itineraries – and that even though it is located so conveniently to some of Scotland’s most beautiful places to visit ! Whether you are into big cities or not, Glasgow is a great place to base yourself and explore the country on day trips, especially if you have limited time.
From Glasgow, you can reach many beautiful places within a few hours by car or on public transport. From the dazzling peaks of the Southern Highlands near Loch Lomond to nearby beauty spots, heritage sites, castles and bustling towns. Even some islands are within easy reach for day trips from Glasgow!
This post contains 20 ideas for day trips from Glasgow, including:
- Self-drive day trips from Glasgow,
- Day trips on public transport ,
- Days out on nearby Scottish islands ,
- And even an easy west coast trip by plane !
The day trips on this itinerary are:
- Easy to reach: Most are within one hour by car from Glasgow (apart from the islands) and many are entirely accessible by public transport allowing you to leave the car at home if you wish.
- Family-friendly: The vast majority of the day trips suggested below are family-friendly and activities can be adjusted depending on the age of your kids.
- Budget-friendly: While some of the activities and attractions on the list incur a fee, the majority can be done on a shoestring budget.
If you are looking for organised bus trips, check out this post about guided day tours from Glasgow .
![day trips scotland from glasgow View of the Erskine Bridge near Glasgow from the Slacks viewpoint in the Kilpatrick Hills, Scotland.](https://watchmesee.com/wp-content/uploads/Kilpatrick-Hills-August-2017_Kathi-Kamleitner-2-840x560.jpg)
Are these also doable from Edinburgh?
Since Glasgow and Edinburgh are so close, most of the day trips on this list are just as easy to do from Edinburgh – just consider added travel times, especially on public transport.
In this post, I’m suggesting mostly trips in the west, while the Edinburgh day trip post focuses on places to visit in the east.
Download my free Scotland Trip Planning Checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything important !
Should I drive by car or take public transport?
The majority of these suggestions are doable day trips by public transport, however, keep in mind that you have to carefully plan according to bus and train schedules. On rural bus lines, I recommend not relying on the last bus of the day to return to Glasgow, but am for 1 or 2 prior. That way, if you miss those, you can wait at the stop for the final bus. Also bear in mind that while buses attempt to be on time, they might sometimes be late (or early) depending on traffic. Aim to be at the stop well in time before!
Some suggested places on this list are not accessible by public transport, so it’s necessary to drive by car.
You might also like: My Top 20 Driving Tips for Scotland
Day Trips from Glasgow
Helensburgh.
Helensburgh is a beautiful town on the coast where the River Clyde flows into the sea. Founded in the late 18th century, Helensburgh is boasts impressive architecture, generous tree-lined streets and stunning sea views.
The town is probably best known for the Hill House , which was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It is an incredible example of domestic architecture in the Glasgow Style. In recent years, the house has been surrounded by a protective metal mesh box which keeps the weather out and allows visitors to engage with the building in a new and unique way.
Other highlights in Helensburgh include the bustling waterfront with lots of shops, restaurants and bars, and easy access to cycling paths and hiking trails including the John Muir Way, the Three Lochs Way and the Glen Fruin loop.
One of my favourite things to do in Helensburgh on a day trip from Glasgow is to jump on a boat trip along the coast with You & Sea from Rhu Marina.
Plan your day trip to Helensburgh with my Helensburgh & Lomond travel guide .
![day trips scotland from glasgow Helensburgh boat trip with You and Sea](https://watchmesee.com/wp-content/uploads/Helensburgh-boat-trip-with-You-and-Sea-1024x683.jpg)
How to get to Helensburgh
Of course you can drive – which does allow you to pack a lot in your day trip – but it’s also easy to get to Helensburgh by train. The journey from Glasgow Queen Street to Helensburgh Central or Helensburgh Upper takes approximately 30 minutes.
The station Helensburgh Central is near the waterfront. Trains depart from Glasgow every half hour or so. The station Helensburgh Upper is further up the hill and closer to Hill House, but trains on this like (the West Highland Line) only depart a handful of times throughout the day.
Loch Lomond: Balloch + Luss
Located just 20 miles northwest of Glasgow, Loch Lomond is a popular day-trip destination year-round and there is a lot to do! Two villages on the banks of bonnie Loch Lomond are particularly great to visit for a day trip: Balloch and Luss . Both offer plenty to do, outdoor activities to try and some hidden gems.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Boats in the harbour of Balloch, Loch Lomond, Scotland](https://watchmesee.com/wp-content/uploads/Balloch-Loch-Lomond-Scotland-photo-by-Kathi-Kamleitner-Watch-Me-See-4-840x560.jpg)
Things to do in Balloch
Join a cruise on Loch Lomond, visit one of its beautiful islands or hire paddleboards/canoes to explore the loch on the water. TreeZone Loch Lomond offers family-friendly fun up in the treetops and while I don’t advocate to visit zoos of any kind, the cafe at the top floor of Sea Life Aquarium offers fantastic views of the loch (you don’t have to visit the aquarium, just ask for access to the cafe). There is even a castle in Balloch, and while the inside is not accessible to the public, Balloch Castle Country Park makes for a lovely green space to explore. You can even take a seaplane tour over Loch Lomond!
Things to do in Luss
Luss is a much smaller village about 9 miles up the loch shore. It is one of the most picturesque places to visit on Loch Lomond and popular stopover for road trippers and tour coaches on the way to the Highlands. It’s worth spending a full day here though. Like in Balloch, you can join a cruise on Loch Lomond, rent canoes for a paddle and join all sorts of water activities . One of my favourite things to do in Luss, is to sit down for lunch at the Lodge on Loch Lomond , a hotel/restaurant with fantastic views of the city. There is a beach , perfect for a picnic or even swimming and many shops and cafes to explore in the village.
How to get to Balloch and Luss
You could drive (40 minutes to Balloch, 50 minutes to Luss), but both towns are also accessible by public transport.
Catch the train from Glasgow Queen Street to Balloch or the Citylink bus from Buchanan Bus Station to Luss (no. 915).
![day trips scotland from glasgow The scenic village Luss on Loch Lomond](https://watchmesee.com/wp-content/uploads/3-Luss-36-1024x683.jpg)
Hiking in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park stretches from the Cowal Peninsula in the west to the Trossachs in the east and includes popular day trips areas like Loch Lomond, Loch Katrine and the Arrochar Alps.
There are many great hikes in the park from challenging mountain days to family-friendly loch circuits and woodland walks. Their website is a great resource for trail descriptions, but here are some of my favourites.
Easy hill walks:
- Conic Hill: a small hill near Balmaha on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. The trail is part of the West Highland Way and takes 2-3 hours in total.
- Ben A’an: a short, but steep ascent leads up this “mountain in miniature”. What it doesn’t have in elevation, it makes up in sweeping views over Loch Katrine from the top. Plan 3-4 hours.
Like the sound of a hike? Read my full report from the hike up Ben A’an .
Intermediate challenges:
- Ben Ledi: a rewarding Corbett (mountain over 2,000 ft) near Callander with breathtaking views of the Trossachs and Stirlingshire. Plan 3-5 hours.
- Beinn Dubh + Glen Striddle horseshoe: a short hill walk from Luss climbing a grassy ridge with beautiful views of Loch Lomond. Plan 3-5 hours.
Munro bagging:
- Arrochar Alps from Arrochar: a mountain range north of Arrochar. Prominent peaks include The Cobbler (Ben Arthur – not a Munro), Beinn Ime, Beinn Narnain and Ben Vorlich, but there are also many easier walks in the area.
- Arrochar Alps from Inveruglas: A few peaks in the Arrochar Alps are accessible from Inveruglas on Loch Lomond, including Ben Vane and Ben Vorlich.
- Ben Lomond: the southernmost Munro in Scotland and also one of the most popular ones (that’s any mountain over 3,000 ft). It’s a challenging day out – expect to spend 5-6 hours on the mountain.
- An Caisteal and Beinn a’Chroin: two Munros easily bagged in one day – a challenging day out for more experienced hikers. Plan 6-8 hours. Read my hiking guide here .
You might also like: 13 great Munros for Beginners
![day trips scotland from glasgow](https://watchmesee.com/wp-content/uploads/Ben-Vane-Photo-by-Kathi-Kamleitner-Watch-Me-See-7-1024x683.jpg)
How to get to the Loch Lomond & Trossachs hikes
Many trails, especially on the Trossachs side of the National Park, can only be reached by car.
Trails on the west shore of Loch Lomond though, are fairly easy to reach by public transort. You can take the bus (Citylink no 915) to Luss or Inveruglas, or the train from Glasgow Queen Street to Arrochar & Tarbet for access the western leaks in the Arrochar Alps. But consider that it’s a 40-minute walk from the station to Succoth car park, where most of the mountain routes start.
Go Ape Aberfoyle
Ever wanted to swing from tree to tree or dangle several meters above the forest floor? I’ve got something for you!
Go Ape Aberfoyle is a fun tree-top course in the Trossachs that really makes the most of the woodland glens in the area. There are many Go Ape locations all over the UK (others in Scotland can be found in Glentress Forest near Peebles and at Crathes Castle near Aberdeen), but the one in Aberfoyle is arguably one of the best.
The course begins with a 323-metre zip line across a glen and with dramatic views of a stunning waterfall. Your small group will then climb high up to the tree-tops and tackle a couple of obstacle challenges, including a Tarzan swing. Before you know it, you’ll zip back across the glen.
Make a day of it and combine your tree-top adventure with a hike up Ben Aan, a cruise on Loch Katrine or a leisurely stroll through Aberfoyle.
Enticed? Read my full report from a day at Go Ape Aberfoyle .
![day trips scotland from glasgow Need an excuse to channel your inner child - or your inner gorilla? I check out Go Ape Aberfoyle, a tree top adventure with ziplines in Scotland!](https://watchmesee.com/wp-content/uploads/Go-Ape_Kathi-Kamleitner-20-840x560.jpg)
How to get to Go Ape Aberfoyle
It is possible to reach Go Ape Aberfoyle and the nearby village of Aberfoyle by public transport (train from Glasgow to Stirling and on by bus no. X10A), but it takes twice as long as driving by car.
A Bushcraft Skills Day at Carron Valley
Learning how to survive and thrive in nature, without harming the environment, is a fun activity – you don’t only spend time outdoors, you also get to learn new skills that will be useful for the rest of your life.
I joined a bushcraft skills course with Primal Bushcraft & Survival at Duncarron Medieval Village and learnt everything from making fire with a bow drill, building an emergency shelter and safely using a knife like an axe. So much fun!
Read all about my experience on is bushcraft course in Scotland here.
![day trips scotland from glasgow](https://watchmesee.com/wp-content/uploads/Bushcraft-Course-in-Scotland-with-Primal-Bushcraft-photo-by-Kathi-Kamleitner-Watch-Me-See-26-840x560.jpg)
How to get to Carron Valley
Carron Valley lies about an hour’s drive from Glasgow. There is no public transport to the area.
Loch Lomond: Inveruglas + Inversnaid
Inveruglas on Loch Lomond is a very special place and one of my favourite stopovers on the way to Glencoe . At first glance, there is just a car park with a cafe and facilities – but there is more than meets the eye.
At the very least, take a walk down the woodland trails to Inveruglas Pyramid (An Ceann Mòr) which offers stunning views of Loch Lomond. My friend Ksenia from For All Things Creative (watch my interview with Ksenia here ) however, recommends spending a full day here for the following activities:
- Walk up to Loch Sloy to see the impressive dam which is part of the hydro-electric power station. The hike is very easy – you just have to follow a small tarmac road up from the A82. Read Ksenia’s blog post describing this hike here .
- Take the waterbus from Inveruglas across to Inversnaid on the other side of Loch Lomond. From there, the short but steep Arklet Trail climbs up through the woodlands and offers spectacular views of the Arrochar Alps across the water.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Loch Sloy Dam near Inveruglas on Loch Lomond, Scotland](https://watchmesee.com/wp-content/uploads/fat_creative_travel_blog_loch_sloy_easy_hike_scotland-23-840x560.jpg)
How to get to Inveruglas
There is a generous car park at Inveruglas Visitor Centre and there is ample parking.
The Citylink bus from Glasgow (no 915) also stops at Inveruglas and Sloy Power Station.
Road trip down the Cowal Peninsula
The Cowal peninsula is one of Scotland’s remotest-feeling areas and yet only 1.5 hours from Glasgow (by car). Highlights in the area include the sprawling Benmore Botanic Garden and the busy seaside town of Dunoon.
For an easy walk, explore the trails at Puck’s Glen, Glenbranter or near Home Farm Cottages in Glendaruel – expect to see endless waterfalls!
Make sure to also discover the ruins of Old Castle Lachlan on Argyll’s Secret Coast.
![day trips scotland from glasgow](https://watchmesee.com/wp-content/uploads/Benmore-Botanic-Gardens-Cowal-Peninsula-Scotland-photo-by-Kathi-Kamleitner-Watch-Me-See-5-840x560.jpg)
How to get to the Cowal Peninsula
The easiest way to explore the Cowal peninsula is by car – it gives your the greatest flexibility in this remote part of Scotland.
However, there are also public transport connections, such as taking the bus from Glasgow to Cairndow and from there on to Dunoon (goes past Glenbranter and Benmore Gardens). There is also a ferry connection from Gourock to Dunoon from where you can continue on local buses.
Glengoyne Distillery and Dumgoyne
Dumgoyne is a small but steep hill behind the famous Glengoyne Distillery . The ascent across moorland and sheep tracks is challenging, but hikers can reward themselves with a dram or a distillery tour upon their return. I highly recommend doing the hike before the whisky tour, rather than the other way around.
Want to find out more? Read my details blog post about his day trip from Glasgow here .
![day trips scotland from glasgow No trip to Scotland is complete without visiting a whisky distillery. If you're pressed for time, Glengoyne Distillery makes a great day trip from Glasgow!](https://watchmesee.com/wp-content/uploads/Glengoyne-Distillery_Dumgoyne_Kathi-Kamleitner-22-840x560.jpg)
How to get to Glengoyne Distillery
There is a direct bus from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station to Glengoyne Distillery (no. X10, X10A), so it is not only possible but also advisable to plan your distillery visit by public transport.
If you have a designated driver or plan only to hike to Dumgoyne without a whisky tour, there is some parking in lay bys near the distillery – the distillery car park is for visitors only.
Kilpatrick Hills
One of my favourite hiking experiences near Glasgow is the area around Kilpatrick Hills . The trail first climbs up to Loch Humphreys , on to the dome-shaped summits of Duncolm and finally with an option to descend via the Slacks viewpoint.
As soon as the trail starts climbing up from the village, you can enjoy stunning views of the River Clyde and Dumbarton Rock, a dome-shaped volcanic hill by the river which marks the location of Dumbarton Castle.
Within a short amount of time, you will be immersed in vast moorlands and reach the shore of Loch Humphreys. Once you reach the summits of Duncolm which offer views towards Loch Lomond. And from the Slacks the hills give way to views of Glasgow and the Erskine Bridge.
Read my full report from my day trip to the Kilpatrick Hills .
![day trips scotland from glasgow A couple hiking in the Kilpatrick Hills near Glasgow](https://watchmesee.com/wp-content/uploads/Kilpatrick-Hills-August-2017_Kathi-Kamleitner-7-1-840x560.jpg)
How to get to the Kilpatrick Hills
You can drive, but I recommend taking the direct train from Glasgow Queen Street to Old Kilpatrick, the trail starts just behind the train station.
Bothwell Castle
Glasgow might not have castles within its city limits, but you don’t have to go far to find one after all. Located just a few miles east in the small town to Uddingston , the ruins of Bothwell Castle overlook the banks of the River Clyde (FREE for Historic Environment Scotland members & Explorer Pass holders).
The castle was built in the 1200s and fought over fiercely by the English and Scottish during the Wars of Independence The circular keep tower (also called donjon) is one of the most impressive of its kind all over Scotland.
On the meadows surrounding the castle, there is plenty of space for a picnic. Make a day out of the castle visit and explore the woodland trails along the River Clyde.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Woodland trail with bluebells in Scotland](https://watchmesee.com/wp-content/uploads/Bothwell-Castle_Bluebells_Kathi-Kamleitner-3-1-683x1024.jpg)
How to get to Bothwell Castle
You could drive and park near the ruins, but Bothwell Castle is also very easy to reach on public transport. Take the train from Glasgow Central Station to Uddingston. From there it takes around 30 minutes to walk to the castle.
You can also cycle from Glasgow to Uddingston along the National Cycle Route 75.
City Trip to Stirling
The historic town of Stirling is just a hop, skip and a jump away from the bustling centre of Glasgow and there is plenty to do to fill a day.
Explore the historic heart of Stirling, tour the castle , visit the famous Wallace Monument or learn everything about the Battle of Bannockburn (FREE for National Trust for Scotland members. Join here! ).
If you are looking for more budget-friendly things to do, visit the Church of the Holy Rude , wander along the riverside to Cambuskenneth Abbey or the Old Stirling Bridge and learn about the conservation of historic sites at The Engine Shed (all free).
Find more tips for a day trip to Stirling .
![day trips scotland from glasgow Stirling in winter](https://watchmesee.com/wp-content/uploads/Stirling-Day-Trip_Nov-2017_Kathi-Kamleitner-28-840x560.jpg)
How to get to Stirling
Leave your car at home and get the train from Glasgow Queen Street Station to Stirling. Most sites in Stirling are within walking distance, but places like the Wallace Monument or the Battle of Bannockburn visitor centre are serviced by local buses (no. 52 for the monument, no. 51, X36 to Bannockburn).
Wonders of engineering in Falkirk
Falkirk is a town located about halfway between Glasgow and Edinburgh which makes it a very popular place to live and it’s pretty densely populated. It is famous for two sites that showcase the finesse of Scottish engineering and art: the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel.
The Kelpies at the Helix
The Kelpies are 30-metre-high sculptures of horse heads at the Helix Park. They represent the mythological creatures called Kelpies – shapeshifting water spirits that would take on the shape of beautiful horses to lure humans into dangerous waters. However, they are also a nod to the powerful Clydesdale horses which were used as tow horses along Scotland’s canals.
Falkirk Wheel
The Falkirk Wheel is a rotating boat lift that connects two canals that were significant in the industrial development of Scotland: the Forth and Clyde Canal (coming from Glasgow) and the Union Canal (coming from Edinburgh). The wheel raises boats up 24 metres into the air – a spectacular experience whether you board one of the tour boats or just watch it from the sideline.
Of course there is a lot more to discover in Falkirk and beyond. Use my Falkirk travel guide to plan a day trip or weekend getaway!
![day trips scotland from glasgow The Kelpies sculpture in Falkirk in Scotland.](https://watchmesee.com/wp-content/uploads/The-majestic-Kelpies-two-30m-tall-horse-head-statues-in-Falkirk-by-Kathi-Kamleitner-1-840x560.jpg)
How to get to Falkirk
There is a direct train from Glasgow Queen Street Station to Falkirk, but the main attractions of Falkirk (incl. The Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel) are slightly out of town and you’d have to continue your journey by bus.
A great way to get around Falkirk is to hire an e-bike from Forth Bike !
Cultural heritage at New Lanark
New Lanark is a former cotton spinning mill surrounded by a purpose-built village and a lush national nature reserve. The mill was founded in 1786 by David Dale, a merchant and industrialist who – like practically anyone who made their money in the cotton industry – benefitted from the slave trade and used cotton from plantations built by slave labour. In 1791, Dale became the chair of The Glasgow Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade and took a public stand against slavery.
Once the epi-centre of cotton spinning in Scotland, today, it offers an interesting visitor experience, guided tours and interactive ways of engaging with the fascinating history of Scotland’s industrial heritage. It is also one of six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Scotland.
The site of New Lanark is also a great starting point for a family-friendly walk to the Falls of Clyde or a longer circular walk .
How to get to New Lanark
There is a train from Glasgow Central Station to Lanark (approx. 1 hour) and from there it is a short bus ride (no. 135) or a half-hour walk to the New Lanark mill.
That means you can easily leave your car at home and visit New Lanark by public transport.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Falls of Clyde, New Lanark](https://watchmesee.com/wp-content/uploads/Falls-of-Clyde-New-Lanark-Photo-by-Watch-Me-See-Kathi-Kamleitner-683x1024.jpg)
Grey Mare’s Tail National Nature Reserve
If you want to find one of Scotland’s spectacular and tallest waterfalls, you just have to drive south into the Southern Upland Hills and make your way to Grey Mare’s Tail National Nature Reserve .
The waterfall is tucked away in a magical glen surrounded by sheep farms and rolling hills. The waterfall can be seen from two different viewpoints near the car park, but the best views require a little more effort. Hike up the trail beside the waterfall (to the right) and continue your walk all the way to Loch Skeen , the mountain loch that feeds the cascading waterfall. The trail is steep and narrow, to begin with, but flattens out once you reach the top of the waterfall.
If this sounds too challenging for your kids, there are lovely woodland trails nearby, for example at Carrifran Wildwood or Craigieburn Forest (both near Moffat).
Read my full report from the hike at Grey Mare’s Tail !
![day trips scotland from glasgow Grey Mare's Tail waterfall in Dumfries & Galloway.](https://watchmesee.com/wp-content/uploads/Grey-Mares-Tail-August-2017_Kathi-Kamleitner-24-840x560.jpg)
How to get to Grey Mare’s Tail
It is not possible to reach the Grey Mare’s Tail National Nature Reserve in the Scottish Borders by public transport. The drive from Glasgow takes around 1.5 hours.
Explore the Ayrshire Coast
Dotted with beautiful beaches and lively seaside towns, the Ayrshire coast has been a popular getaway for people from Glasgow for many centuries.
Pick and choose from the following locations for a fun day trip to the Ayrshire coast:
- Get a cone of iconic ice cream at Nardini’s and walk along the waterfront in Largs .
- Visit the Vikingar! Leisure Centre in largs to learn about the Viking history of the area.
- Take the train to Fairlie and walk to the hidden waterfalls in the Fairlie Glens .
- Go for a walk at the colourfully painted Kelburn Castle & Estate near Largs.
- Visit the ruins of Ardrossan Castle and sunbathe at Ardrossan South Beach .
- Go for a wander along Stevenston Beach in Saltcoats and out to Stevenston Point.
- Learn about Ayrshire’s maritime history at the Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine.
- Spend a day on the beaches of Irvine (Irvine Beach, South Beach).
- Explore the small town of Troon , play at its famous golf course and indulge in local seafood.
- Try windsurfing or kitesurfing at the beaches of Troon.
![day trips scotland from glasgow A tiny figure against the deep blue backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean by the Isle of Arran](https://watchmesee.com/wp-content/uploads/Goatfell-Arran-Hike_Kathi-Kamleitner-21-840x560.jpg)
How to get to towns on the Ayrshire Coast
Largs, Ardrossan, Irvine and Troon are all accessible from Glasgow via train, but if you want to visit several of them in one day, you have more flexibility if you drive by car.
Visit Alloway and Culzean Castle
The area around Alloway and Ayr is also known as Burns Country , where Scottish national poet Robert Burns was born and spent the early years of his life.
Visit the Cottage where Robert Burns was born in 1759 and learn more about his life, literature and legacy at the nearby Robert Burns Birthplace Museum (FREE for National Trust for Scotland members). Don’t miss a walk around the Burns Memorial Garden behind the museum to visit the Burns Monument and Brig o’ Doon.
You might also like: How to celebrate Burns Night
Did you know that Robert Burns once accepted a job to help manage a slave plantation in the West Indies? Read more about Burns’ relationship with slavery and abolition here .
While you are in the area, I highly recommend visiting Culzean Castle & Country Park (FREE for National Trust for Scotland members). The glorious palace sits on a cliff top with views of the sea and the Isle of Arran. The enormous country park and beautiful flower garden make for a fun day out.
![day trips scotland from glasgow The romantic Culzean Castle by the coast of Ayrshire in Scotland.](https://watchmesee.com/wp-content/uploads/Arran-Rabbies-Tour_Kathi-Kamleitner-12-840x560.jpg)
How to get to Alloway and Culzean Castle
The nearest train station to Alloway and Culzean Castle is Ayr. Glasgow and Ayr are connected by train (1 hour) and there is a bus from Ayr to Alloway (no. 358 and 360, 10 minutes) and to Culzean Castle (no. 360, 1 hour).
However, I recommend visiting the castle by car in order to take in other nearby sites like Dunure Castle or Greenan Castle.
Isle of Bute
I bet you didn’t expect to see an island on this list, but there are actually several islands within easy reach from Glasgow. The Isle of Bute is one of them.
The island is most famous for the majestic Mount Stuart House , but there is a lot more to see. Start your day on Bute in Rothesay with a visit to the ruins of Rothesay Castle , Bute Museum and a walk along the seaside gardens.
Bute’s west coast is dotted with beautiful beaches that are worth a visit. Ettrick Bay is connected by bus, but if you have a car, I recommend stopping by Scalpsie Bay to see the local seals sunbathing at low tide.
There are several historic sites near Garrochty (St Blane’s Church, Dunagoil Fort, Blackpark Stone Circle) as well as a WWII bunker with stunning views at the northern end of the island.
My favourite hike on Bute is the loop trail from Kilchattan Bay to Glencallum Bay , which is also part of the West Island Way .
![day trips scotland from glasgow The lighthouse at Glencallum Bay is en route of the Kilchattan Bay loop trail.](https://watchmesee.com/wp-content/uploads/West-Island-Way-Isle-of-Bute-photo-by-Kathi-Kamleitner-39-840x560.jpg)
How to get to the Isle of Bute
Bring your car or get a Rail & Sail ticket at Glasgow Central Station. It is a one-hour train ride to Wemyss Bay where you can catch the ferry across to Rothesay on Bute.
On Bute, either use local buses or follow the West Island Way for a scenic hike around the island. I recommend the southern loop to Kilchattan Bay for a day trip.
Great Cumbrae
Great Cumbrae is another one of the Firth of Clyde islands near Glasgow. Since it’s largely flat, it is particularly popular for cycling trips. The road around the island is only 10.5 miles long and so, extremely family- and beginner-friendly.
Millport is the main village on the island. It is home to the smallest cathedral in Britain and a colourful row of houses along the waterfront, which has become synonymous for Scottish seaside villages.
The circular cycle loop follows the stunning coastline of the island, offers views of Bute, Arran and the Ayrshire coast, and even Ailsa Craig in the distance. There are also an activity centre on Great Cumbrae that arranges a wide range of water activities from yachting to stand-up paddleboarding.
![day trips scotland from glasgow The harbour of Millport on the Isle of Great Cumbrae which makes for a perfect day trip from Glasgow](https://watchmesee.com/wp-content/uploads/Cycling-on-Great-Cumbrae-Millport-Scotland-Photo-by-Kathi-Kamleitner-Watch-Me-See-14-840x560.jpg)
How to get to Great Cumbrae
You could bring your car, but there is really no reason for that. Take the train from Glasgow to Largs, set over to Great Cumbrae on a short ferry ride and continue to Millport by bus. There, pick up your rental bikes and explore the island by bike!
Of course, you can also bring your own bicycles across and start cycling from the ferry pier.
Isle of Arran
The Isle of Arran is the largest island in the Firth of Clyde. A day trip really doesn’t do it justice (it’s best to stay at least 2-3 nights), but it is so easy to get to from Glasgow, it would be a shame not to mention it here.
My favourite way to spend a day on Arran is to hike Goatfell , the tallest mountain on the island which offers magnificent views of the Ayrshire coast, the Kintyre peninsula and even the Paps of Jura in the distance. Even though Goatfell is only 874m in elevation, the rough terrain of the range gives the illusion of ore Alpine mountaineering. Top tip for families: Goatfell is generally family-friendly, but it is pretty steep and exposed towards the top. With young kids, you could also choose an easier hike down Glen Rosa at the foot of Goatfell.
Back in Brodick, enjoy a local ale from Isle of Arran Brewery , shop for locally made cheese , ice cream or soaps and stop for a bite to eat at Little Rock Cafe before returning to the mainland on the last ferry.
Read my full report of a day trip to Arran to hike Goatfell .
![day trips scotland from glasgow The Goatfell mountain range on the Isle of Arran, Scotland.](https://watchmesee.com/wp-content/uploads/Goatfell-Arran-Hike_Kathi-Kamleitner-40-840x560.jpg)
How to get to the Isle of Arran
You could drive by car which would make it easier to whisk around the sites of Arran in a day, but Arran can also be reached by public transport. With a Rail & Sail ticket, take the train to Ardrossan and the Calmac ferry over to Brodick.
From the pier, it is easy to get to the trailhead for Goatfell and sites around Brodick. There are also local buses to reach other locations around Arran.
Isle of Tiree
This final idea for day trips from Glasgow is a bit of a wild card. One look at a map will show that the Isle of Tiree is nowhere near Glasgow. In fact, it takes almost four hours by boat to reach Tiree from Oban on the west coast. How are you supposed to get there and back in a day? The answer awaits at Glasgow airport.
Loganair offers 2 daily flights from Glasgow to Tiree (approx. one hour) so that you can conveniently fly to Tiree in the morning and return in the evening, after a day on the island.
Like Great Cumbrae, Tiree is extremely flat and thus a prime location for cycle trips . However it is also known as one of the sunniest places in Scotland, its coast is dotted with paradise beaches and the consistent wind makes it a perfect destination to try ( wind-)surfing .
Local tour operators can meet you at the airport to take you for a surf lesson or equip you with bikes to explore the island independently.
Find out more about exploring Tiree by bike in this post .
![day trips scotland from glasgow Cow on a beach at the Isle of Tiree, Scotland](https://watchmesee.com/wp-content/uploads/Cow-on-a-beach-at-the-Isle-of-Tiree-Scotland-photo-by-Kathi-Kamleitner-Watch-Me-See-3-840x560.jpg)
How to get to the Isle of Tiree
Book a return flight for the same day with Loganair.
PS: Flying is obviously not the most environmentally friendly mode of transport (quite the opposite), but these small planes are a lifeline for remote islands like Tiree. They enable islanders to access essential services (like hospitals) much quicker than by ferry and bring a significant boost to the local tourism economy.
Where to Stay in Glasgow
There is no shortage of accommodation options in Glasgow and there is something for every type of traveller and any budget.
Check out my favourite places to stay in Glasgow .
![day trips scotland from glasgow A big double bed in a one-bedroom apartment at Fraser Suites Glasgow.](https://watchmesee.com/wp-content/uploads/Fraser-Suites-in-Glasgow-photo-by-Kathi-Kamleitner-1-840x560.jpg)
I hope by now you are convinced that Glasgow is more than just a bustling destination for a city trip – it opens up a whole range of experiences and places to visit in Scotland.
Take this list of suggested day trips from Glasgow and start exploring!
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2 thoughts on “ 20 Day Trips from Glasgow [By Car & Public Transport] ”
This is amazing! Can’t belive I found this blog, Thank you very much for all these informations! I was looking for places for short vacation and waw! ❤️❤️ ?
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The 10 Best Day Trips From Glasgow
CloudVisual / Getty Images
Many visitors to Scotland opt to make Glasgow their home base, and while the vibrant Scottish city has a lot to see and do, there are also numerous day trips you can take, both to other urban centers or to nature-filled areas like the Trossachs. Glasgow has solid public transportation, with several train and bus stations in the city, so it's possible to explore the surrounding areas without a car (although a rental car can make things easier). Whether you want to head to the shores of Loch Lomond or to the mountains of Glencoe, there's a day trip for every type of traveler.
Loch Lomond: Hikes, Boating, and More
Eve Livesey / Getty Images
Cruise the scenic waters of Loch Lomond as part of a great day trip from Glasgow. The massive loch, located north of Glasgow, offers opportunities for boat cruises, fishing, walking, and cycling while the town of Balloch has Loch Lomond Shores: a center filled with restaurants, activities, and an aquarium. There's a lot to see and do, but you can squeeze a lot into a day, especially if you have a rental car. It's also very family-friendly, with nearby walks and hikes for travelers of all abilities and ages.
Getting There: Visitors can opt to drive (it takes about 25 minutes from Glasgow to the southern edge of Loch Lomond) or take a train from Glasgow Queen Street to Balloch, which is walking distance from the loch's shore. Trains run every 30 minutes.
Travel Tip: Don't miss a loch cruise, which departs from Balloch via Sweeney's Cruise Co . The cruises sail year-round, but times can vary, so consider booking tickets online in advance.
Stirling Castle: A Glimpse Into the Past
TripSavvy / Jess Macdonald
Located in Stirling, Stirling Castle is one of the most important castles in Scotland as it was the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots. Today visitors can tour the castle rooms, which feature exhibitions on Scotland’s Renaissance kings and queens, and enjoy guided tours of the indoor and outdoor areas. There's also a cafe, gift shops, and a selection of special events. Make a day of your visit by also exploring Stirling's Old Town and other popular attractions like Doune Castle and the Old Bridge, as well as nearby towns like Bridge of Allan and Dunblane.
Getting There: Take a train from Glasgow to Stirling Station, and then arrive at the castle by taxi or bus. Parking can be tricky at the castle as it gets full during busy periods, so consider opting for public transportation instead. Look for the Stirling Land Train at the train station to access the castle in historic style.
Travel Tip: The castle is open throughout the year, but the opening hours change based on the season. Check online when planning your visit as the last entry time can be relatively early during the winter.
Inveraray: A Classic Scottish Town
John Lawson, Belhaven / Getty Images
Located on the edge of Loch Fyne, Inveraray is a traditional Scottish town with a castle and a nice town center. Inveraray Castle , the current home of the Dukes of Argyll, welcomes visitors to its rooms and expansive grounds and is open between April and October. Other attractions include Inveraray Jail, Inveraray Bell Tower, and Crarae Garden Argyll. There are also several nice local walks, including Dun Na Cuaiche Woodland Walk, which offers great views of the loch.
Getting There: Take a bus from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Stop via Luss Village to Inveraray (which takes about two hours) or elect to drive yourself. The drive can be very scenic as it passes by Loch Lomond, so give yourself enough time to make stops and see everything along the route.
Travel Tip: Those with extra time should include a visit to the nearby Auchindrain Township Open Air Museum on their itinerary. The museum features a preserved Scottish Highland farm township and is about a 10-minute drive from Inveraray.
Isle of Arran: Hiking, Golfing, and Whisky
Sam Spicer / Getty Images
Take a journey west to the Isle of Arran, the largest island in the Firth of Clyde. It's a beautiful destination, with rural trails and towns, as well as the Isle of Arran Distillery, where Scotch whisky is made. Many visitors come for outdoor activities like hiking, boating, and mountain biking, but it's also a great spot for food lovers. Don't miss Brodick Castle and Country Gardens , the Machrie Moor Stone Circles, and Arran Cheese Shop .
Getting There: Your best option is to drive to the Isle of Arran, but intrepid travelers can also take a train from Glasgow to Ardrossan Harbour, which connects with a ferry that reaches Brodick Isle of Arran Ferry Terminal (cars also travel over on the ferry). From there, travelers can either trek into town on foot or hail a taxi.
Travel Tip: Golfers will find a lot of options on the Isle of Arran, from the Brodick Golf Club to Shiskine Golf & Tennis Club, which overlooks the Mull of Kintyre.
Largs: A Resort Town
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Head an hour west from Glasgow to discover Largs, a seaside resort town on the Firth of Clyde. The town boasts a pier, a Victorian promenade, and a rocky beach, making it especially popular during the summer. It's also home to the annual Largs Viking Festival. Don't miss the Kelburn Castle & Estate , the Largs Museum, and, of course, all the ice cream shops along the promenade. Look for the walking trails and picnic area near Greeto Falls when visiting during nice weather.
Getting There: Trains are available hourly via ScotRail from Glasgow Central, or you can drive. The drive is about 32 miles and will take up to an hour depending on traffic.
Travel Tip: From Largs, take a ferry to the island of Cumbrae. Bikes are available for rent in Millport, just off the ferry, and it's fun to explore the scenic island before heading back to Glasgow.
Loch Ness: Home of the Mysterious Monster
Most travelers put Loch Ness high on their Scotland bucket list and for good reason. The northern loch is incredibly beautiful, with historic sites and picturesque walks along the shore, as well as the possibility of spotting Nessie herself. While Loch Ness isn't close to Glasgow, savvy visitors can make a day trip of the loch by leaving early and staying late. Don't miss the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition , the ruins of Urquhart Castle , and the Clansman Centre, which showcases traditional Scottish culture.
Getting There: Hop a train from Glasgow Queen Street to Inverness, and then take a bus to Bunloit, located on Loch Ness. Alternatively, visitors can drive from Glasgow to Loch Ness, which takes between 3.5 and 4 hours. Some local travel companies also offer day tours from Glasgow with stops in the Highlands and Loch Ness.
Travel Tip: Loch Ness is quite vast, with lots of towns and sites along its shores. If you have limited time, pick one area to explore, focusing either on the western shore where you can find Urquhart Castle or the southern town of Fort Augustus.
Glencoe: Gateway to the Highlands
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Glencoe , part of the Scottish Highlands , is a highlight of many visitors' trips to Scotland. It's often treated as its own destination, but it's a doable day trip from Glasgow, especially if you just want a taste of the picturesque scenery and the nearby town of Fort William. It's best for those who want to explore the outdoors by hiking or biking, or even kayaking on Loch Leven. In the winter, skiing and snowboarding is available at Glencoe Mountain resort.
Getting There: Glencoe is easily accessible from Glasgow by car (about two hours) or bus from Buchanan Bus Station. You can also take a train from Glasgow to Ardlui and then transfer to a bus to Glencoe, although that can take longer. Traveling by car is a good way to make stops to see the Trossachs and Loch Lomond along the way.
Travel Tip: There are numerous hikes in the area, but the walks around Glen Etive are especially nice. Bonus: the area was used in the James Bond film "Skyfall."
Kilmarnock: Experience Scottish City Life
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Kilmarnock is a sprawling city located on the River Irvine and it can be found a short drive south of Glasgow. Immerse yourself in 400-year-old history at Dean Castle Country Park or explore the exhibitions at The Dick Institute , the largest museum in Ayrshire. The vibrant city also has great restaurants and pubs, extensive shopping, and an infectious soccer culture (fans can take in a game at Rugby Park). Look for Bank Street, a cobbled road in the town center, and don't skip the Burns Monument Centre.
Getting There: Drive 40 minutes from Glasgow, or avoid traffic and parking by taking a direct train from Glasgow Central. Buses are also available from Buchanan Bus Station with Stagecoach West Scotland. The city itself is walkable, but there are also local buses and taxis to get around.
Travel Tip: For a wild time, plan your visit to Kilmarnock on the day of a Kilmarnock Football Club home match. Even if you can't get tickets to the game, the town's pubs will be packed and lively.
The Trossachs: A Respite For Nature Lovers
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Head north from Loch Lomond to experience the Trossachs, a forested area perfect for adventurous travelers who love the great outdoors. While Loch Lomond is often lumped together with the Trossachs, it's worth making a special day trip just for Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and the Great Trossachs Forest, where you'll find walks, longer hikes, and lots of wildlife viewing opportunities. There are also several scenic villages around the Trossachs, including Balquhidder and Aberfoyle.
Getting There: While visitors can take a series of trains to the Trossachs, it's best to have a car when exploring the area as many places can't be easily reached by public transportation. Be sure to bring a map or GPS as cell phone service can be spotty when driving through the more remote spots.
Travel Tip: "Outlander" fans should make a stop at Finnich Glen, a gorge with a memorable waterfall that stood in for the Liar's Spring on the TV series. The small parking lot can be found at the junction of A809 and B834 and then it's a short walk into the gorge.
Edinburgh: Castles, Museums, and More
It may seem obvious, but Edinburgh is a memorable day trip from Glasgow. The city is the center of Scotland's culture with sites like Edinburgh Castle , the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland . And, of course, no visit is complete without an ascent to Arthur's Seat, located in Holyrood Park. The city also has tons of restaurants, pubs, cocktail bars, and theaters, so try to extend your day trip into the evening if possible.
Getting There: Trains between the two cities are relatively inexpensive and quick, departing either from Glasgow Central or Glasgow Queen Street. Travelers on a tight budget can also opt to take a bus with one of several companies, including Scottish Citylink and National Express.
Travel Tip: Plan a visit around Edinburgh Festival Fringe , a three-week arts festival that takes place every summer. Travelers can score tickets to plays, comedy shows, and live music, or look for some of the free outdoor performances.
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The Best Time to Visit Scotland
Weather in Scotland: Climate, Seasons and Average Monthly Temperature
The Top 15 Places to Visit in Scotland
15 Most Amazing Scottish Islands to Visit
Nightlife in Edinburgh: Best Bars, Clubs, & More
Getting Around Edinburgh: Guide To Public Transportation
Melrose Abbey: The Complete Guide
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Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park: The Complete Guide
Tours from Glasgow
Tours from glasgow, scotland’s pioneering city.
Glasgow is Edinburgh's loud, colourful, tattoo-covered, music-loving, party-goer sibling. So who wouldn’t want to take a tour from Glasgow ? It's hard to believe these two are related, but it's the vitality of this city we love most. This is Scotland's cultural capital, a mad hub of trendy bars, inspiring art installations, moreish forward-thinking cuisine, and pulsating music venues. A city you’ll find difficult to get away from. But remember, if you’re taking a trip in Scotland, you just have to tour outside of Glasgow’s limits to experience the rest of our country where coos roam the Highlands , men in kilts play bagpipes, and history both fascinating and tragic seep into every nook and cranny.
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Planning Your Tour from Glasgow
You might be surprised by how much you can do on a Rabbie's tour from Glasgow. Reach Tour the iconic Loch Ness by passing through mesmerising Glencoe. Explore castles with both royal connections and pop-culture significance. Hop on a ferry and explore some of Scotland's best islands . Our Glasgow small-group tours range from 1-3 days , giving you plenty to choose from.
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Travel Responsibly from Glasgow
Scotland's culture and breathtaking locations areis something we're determined to help preserve. Protecting the places we love is one of our main missions at Rabbie’s through our responsible travel initiative . We donate, volunteer, travel by small mini-coach and do as much as we can to preserve trip locations for future generations to explore.
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Did You Know?
- The Glasgow City Chambers are made up of more marble than the Vatican. - Part of Saint Valentine's skeleton is buried in a church in Glasgow. Forget Paris, this is the real City of Love. - Head to Victoria Park to see fossilised trees that date back 330 million years, twice as old as dinosaurs.
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Don't Miss Out
- We know recommending a cemetery might seem bleak, but The Necropolis' 50,000 monuments are a surprisingly beautiful destination. - For the perfect combination of history and nature, take a wander around the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens. - Reminisce on your time in Glasgow over a whisky or pint in one of Glasgow's many distilleries and breweries.
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![day trips scotland from glasgow Oban, Glencoe, Highland Lochs & Castles - 1 day tour](https://www.rabbies.com/application/themes/rabbies/tour_img/SCO-GLBS-WHLC-1S.jpg)
Oban, Glencoe, Highland Lochs & Castles - 1 day tour
Iconic castles. Tales of old clan rivalries. Brilliant mountain scenery. This is the Scottish Highlands.
Prices from £56.00
DEPARTING FROM: Glasgow
![day trips scotland from glasgow Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands - 1 day tour](https://www.rabbies.com/application/themes/rabbies/tour_img/SCO-GLBS-LNES-1S.jpg)
Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands - 1 day tour
Monsters and mountains: this is the best way to see the best of Scotland, from Glencoe to Loch Ness.
Prices from £67.00
![day trips scotland from glasgow Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Cruise - 1 day tour](https://www.rabbies.com/application/themes/rabbies/tour_img/SCO-GLBS-SCLL-1S.jpg)
Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Cruise - 1 day tour
What do you love more? The grandeur of Stirling Castle or the beauty of Loch Lomond? We can't decide.
Prices from £49.00
![day trips scotland from glasgow Outlander Adventure - 1 day tour](https://www.rabbies.com/application/themes/rabbies/tour_img/SCO-GLBS-OUTL-1S.jpg)
Outlander Adventure - 1 day tour
From iconic castles to picturesque villages, explores the sights and stories of Outlander.
Prices from £54.00
![day trips scotland from glasgow St Andrews & the Kingdom of Fife - 1 day tour](https://www.rabbies.com/application/themes/rabbies/tour_img/SCO-GLBS-STAF-1S.jpg)
St Andrews & the Kingdom of Fife - 1 day tour
Welcome to the ancient Kingdom of Fife, where the stunning coastline is humbled by medieval ruins.
![day trips scotland from glasgow The Isle of Skye - 3 day tour](https://www.rabbies.com/application/themes/rabbies/tour_img/SCO-GLBS-SKYE-3S.jpg)
The Isle of Skye - 3 day tour
Discover breath-taking landscapes, quaint villages and epic castles on this journey to the 'Misty Isle'.
Prices from £235.00
![day trips scotland from glasgow Culzean Castle, Burns Country & the Ayrshire Coast - 1 day tour](https://www.rabbies.com/application/themes/rabbies/tour_img/SCO-GLBS-BRNS-1S.jpg)
Culzean Castle, Burns Country & the Ayrshire Coast - 1 day tour
Discover the landscapes and myths that inspired Scotland's most famous poet, Robert Burns.
Prices from £50.00
![day trips scotland from glasgow A Day on the Island: Bute - 1 day tour](https://www.rabbies.com/application/themes/rabbies/tour_img/SCO-GLBS-BUTE-1S.jpg)
A Day on the Island: Bute - 1 day tour
The Isle of Bute: an island filled with savage history, wild landscapes, and fascinating folklore.
Prices from £80.00
![day trips scotland from glasgow Mull & Iona - 3 day tour](https://www.rabbies.com/application/themes/rabbies/tour_img/SCO-GLBS-MULL-3S.jpg)
Mull & Iona - 3 day tour
Journey to Mull, a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, history addicts, and seafood connoisseurs.
Prices from £249.00
![day trips scotland from glasgow A Day on the Island: Arran - 1 day tour](https://www.rabbies.com/application/themes/rabbies/tour_img/SCO-GLBS-ARAN-1S.jpg)
A Day on the Island: Arran - 1 day tour
Escape the mainland to see the beauty of the Isle of Arran, 'Scotland in Miniature'.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Whisky & Loch Lomond - 1 day tour](https://www.rabbies.com/application/themes/rabbies/tour_img/SCO-GLBS-WHIS-1S.jpg)
Whisky & Loch Lomond - 1 day tour
Two unique whisky distilleries and the beauty of Loch Lomond? What more could you want.
Prices from £45.00
![day trips scotland from glasgow The Scenic South West of Scotland - 2 day tour](https://www.rabbies.com/application/themes/rabbies/tour_img/SCO-GLBS-SSWS-2S.jpg)
The Scenic South West of Scotland - 2 day tour
Escape to Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland's best kept secret, exploring rugged cliffs and epic castles.
Prices from £129.00
13 Brilliant Day Trips From Glasgow For A Dreamy Escape
Walk the fells, chase waterfalls and learn about the history of Scotland — all on a day trip from Glasgow!
Glasgow is a beautiful city but sometimes it’s nice to escape the crowds of people and see the beautiful spots on Glasgow’s doorstep. You don’t have to drive for long to have a nice day out near the city and these day trips prove it.
1. Campsie Fells
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Less than a 40 minutes drive from central Glasgow, you can escape to the beautiful hills of Campsie Fells . Walk for miles amidst this picturesque landscape and see something different at every turn, including the spooky Lennox Castle Hospital , an abandoned mental hospital. Many visitors also choose to stop in at the Glengoyne Distillery and sample some delicious whisky on one of their distillery tours.
The village of Campsie Glen sits nestled between the fells and there you can visit the Shrine of Schoenstatt , which is fabled to be “a connecting point between Heaven and earth” . The village is full of old buildings and there are woodlands surrounding it that are perfect for a peaceful walk.
2. Finnech Glen
You should definitely visit Finnech Glen , also known as Devil’s Pulpit , but exercise caution when descending the slippery stairs, named Jacob’s Ladder or the Devil’s Steps . Once you reach the bottom, you can walk through a stream with an amazing ruby red base. Its colour comes from the red sandstone that has been worn away by the water to form the glen. You’ll find this breathtaking spot just 30 minutes north of Glasgow by car.
3. Isle of Arran
The Isle of Arran is an absolute gem . People go on their holidays here so, if you’re going for the day, there are loads of options for things to do. First things first — there’s a whisky distillery and a cheese producer here, both of which you can visit. Then you can relax on the beautiful Brodick Bay , visit the Isle of Arran Heritage Museum , or spend some time exploring Brodick Castle .
4. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
The impressive Loch Lomond runs through the beautiful Trossochs National Park , which is speckled with beautiful hills and waterfalls to explore. It would be near impossible to explore the whole area in a day but you can take a cruise boat along the loch to get a sense of the place.
There are loads of tiny islands on the loch. Visit Inchcailloch where you can sit in seclusion with the wildlife and the loch surrounding you. Inchacailloch means ‘island of the old or cowled woman’ and it’s supposedly where St. Kentigerna , an Irish missionary, lived and died.
If you’re after more of a walk , you can venture out around Loch Lomond’s shores to find Rob Roy’s Cave , and if you’re in for a bit more of a challenge, you can climb Ben Lomond and back. Ben Lomond takes between four and five hours depending on your fitness level, so it’s the perfect day trip.
5. Loup of Fintry
Loup of Fintry is a stunning waterfall , only a 45 minute drive from Glasgow. You can bring a picnic and sit on the grass, whilst listening to the roar of the water rushing over the rocks. It’s the ideal serene mini getaway we’ve all ben hoping for.
6. Stirling
Stirling Castle might just be one of the most beautiful day trips in Scotland. Perched atop a volcanic hill, just 40 minutes outside of Glasgow, there are plenty of things to see and do within the castle walls. The castle offers an opportunity to learn about the history of Scottish royalty and the military history of Scotland. The onsite Unicorn Cafe also serves refreshments. You don’t have to book in advance but if you’ve travelled from Glasgow then it’s advisable to do so. You can buy tickets in advance online and adult tickets are £16.50 .
If you’re in Falkirk then you simply have to see The Kelpies . These huge steel sculptures of two horse’s heads tower 30 metres above the ground, and they represent the murderous shape-shifting mythical creatures that would appear to humans in the shape of a horse. Once the human rode it, the victims would be then drowned by these beings. As you’re exploring this iconic monument, there’s also a gift shop and some cafes, so you can sit and relax on your day out.
What is more, make your wee day out into a fun cycling adventure to the Falkirk Wheel, which is simply fascinating. It lifts boats that sit on tons of water into the air and transports them, providing a terrific transport route to Glasgow. You can also find our guide to local cycling routes for day trips here .
8. Arrochar, Argyll and Bute
On top of making the UK’s Best Hidden Gems list last year, the quaint village of Arrochar is a place for stunning vistas, challenging walks and memorable day trips. With Ben Lomond gracing the village on the one side, and the rocky summit of The Cobbler within the Arrochar Alps on the other, Arrochar sits at the banks of the lakes making it the perfect place to relax after a long day of adventuring.
If you want to actually brave The Cobbler , the path is around 11km and should take four to six hours . Make a start on the opposite side of the road of the Succoth car park and follow the (barely marked) red way markers. The path could prove more difficult at times to less experienced hikers, and once you reached the summit (unless you’re a rock climber), come back down the same way you came up.
9. The Secret Scottish Pyramid
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That’s right, Scotland has a pyramid, and it has nothing to do with Ancient Egypt. Instead, it has a regal history that dates back to Queen Victoria. The Secret Scottish Pyramid , also known as Prince Albert’s Cairn, sits in the cosy woodland of Cairngorms National Park in the North East of Scotland, not too far from the Royal Balmoral Estate . Located around a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Glasgow, the woodland walk on the Balmoral Estate offers one of the more unique day trips , with views of the Balmoral Castle and a stunning view over the national park once you reach Prince Albert’s Cairn. As usual for Scottish terrain, bring your hiking boots as there might be muddy patches along the way.
10. Dunkeld
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Located around an hour and 15 minutes from Glasgow, Dunkeld was also named the best place to live in Scotland by The Sunday Times in 2023, so it’s not just one of the best day trips . Dunkeld is located in Perthshire , around one hour and 15 minutes drive from Glasgow. The village is a favourite for pretty village enthusiasts and boasts refreshing nature walks , calming scenery and a charismatic, friendly aura within the village. There are plenty of local businesses to check out, such as The Great British Bake-Off star Flora Shedden’s Aran Bakery , The Taybank and The Birnam Arts Institute .
11. The Japanese Garden at Cowden
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What if we told you you could travel to the Far East by just driving an hour from the city? Well, when it comes to day trips near Glasgow , feeling like you left the country without going far offers a special allure. The Japanese Garden at Cowden is also named “Sha Raku En”, meaning “a place of pleasure and delight”, and is located just 50 minutes from Glasgow. Founded by Ella Christie , the spot aims to merge the two cultures, bringing a welcome union of Japanese and Scottish flairs. While guests have to pay £8.50 to get into the garden, there is also a tearoom to unwind and enjoy the day.
12. North Berwick
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North Berwick is a quaint little seaside town on the East Coast two hours from Glasgow, centring around two beaches . Its picturesque location offers plenty of walking opportunities, as well as independent businesses and cute wee pubs worthy of checking out. What is more, North Berwick was named the best place to live in the UK by The Sunday Times in 2024, recognising its appeal and quality of life.
13. Dollar Glen
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Dollar Glen is an idyllic place for an impressive escape, with deep gorges, calming burns and castle ruins. A day out into woodland is located east of Stirling, below the Ochil Hills . Uncover Castle Campbell, as well as the Burns of Care and Sorrow with tumbling waterfalls and an array of wildlife . On one of the more unique day trips 55 minutes from Glasgow, visitors can also spot long-eared bats and spotted woodpeckers, with the area also known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest .
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16 Top-Rated Day Trips from Glasgow
Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Nov 26, 2021 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )
The city of Glasgow sits in an enviable position. Not only is it within easy reach of many of Scotland's most popular tourist attractions , there are also no end of fun things to do within an easy day trip of the city. And best of all, many of them are easily accessible via public transport, as Glasgow and its surrounds boasts a superb transportation network.
From here, great places to visit include the Scottish Highlands, Robbie Burns country along the Ayrshire coast, Aran Island, as well as Oban. And, of course, famous Loch Ness is within reach, although you may want to make an overnight stay of it (it's doable, but is a three-hour drive away).
Beautiful Loch Lomond is even closer and is popular for outdoor enthusiasts for its hiking and biking adventures. Stirling Castle, along with a number of equally attractive castles and manor houses, is also within easy reach of Glasgow.
Whatever season you visit, if you do ever tire of Glasgow's lively cultural and music scene - or simply want to experience a different side of Scotland - there are plenty of options for spending time outside the city.
Plan your adventures with this list of the best day trips from Glasgow, Scotland.
1. Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands
2. loch lomond and the west highlands, 3. stirling and stirling castle, 4. isle of arran: scotland in miniature, 5. outlander day tour from glasgow, 6. benmore botanic garden, 7. newark castle, 8. the ayrshire coast: robbie burns country, 9. dumbarton castle, 10. oban and the west highlands, 11. the hill house, helensburgh, 12. the forth and clyde canal and the falkirk wheel, 13. summerlee museum of scottish industrial life, 14. paisley abbey and the thomas coats memorial church, 15. gourock: granny kempock's stone, 16. greenock, map of day trips from glasgow.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands](https://www.planetware.com/photos-large/SCO/scotland-loch-ness-and-scottish-highlands.jpg)
What trip to Scotland would be complete without visiting Loch Ness , home of the fabled sea serpent, Nessie? While it's a lengthy three-hour drive from Glasgow , it should certainly rank near the top of your Glasgow day trips list.
This spectacularly beautiful 23-mile-long and extremely deep body of water fills the geological fissure known as the Great Glen , whose steep green walls make it one of Scotland's loveliest sights. Hour-long boat trips from Fort Augustus or Inverness , or scenic drives along the loch's shore reveal stunning vistas of the rocky peaks of the Scottish Highlands.
Tours to Great Glen, such as the 12-hour Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands Small Group Day Trip from Glasgow , stop in the remote and atmospheric Glencoe , scene of the historic massacre of the MacDonald clan in 1692. The entire region is filled with breathtaking scenery of high mountains, rocky ridges, fast-running rivers, and tumbling waterfalls.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Loch Lomond and the West Highlands](https://www.planetware.com/photos-large/SCO/scotland-glasgow-day-trips-loch-lomond.jpg)
"Yon bonnie banks and yon bonnie braes" of Scotland's largest freshwater loch are only half an hour from Glasgow, at the southern end of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park . In fact, so pretty are the lochs and mountains here that they've earned the park the nickname "The Highlands in Miniature."
In addition to the haunting beauty and romantic vistas that this traditional Scottish song speaks of, Loch Lomond is a center for outdoor adventures. Boaters and other water sports enthusiasts are drawn here, as are golfers, who head for the Carrick Golf Course at Cameron House . Here, you'll find one of Scotland's finest championship-standard golf courses, boasting incredible views of Ben Lomond across the waters of the loch.
Hiking and bicycle trails abound throughout the park, and Loch Lomond cruises depart from Balloch at the southern end of the lake. Balloch is also where you'll find the Loch Lomond Shores shopping area, as well as the SEA LIFE Aquarium, one of the region's top family attractions.
Although you can easily reach the loch by train, Loch Lomond is often part of tours of the West Highlands from Glasgow. The full-day guided West Highland Lochs, Glencoe and Castles Small Group Day Trip from Glasgow includes attractions such as Kilchurn Castle, the town of Inveraray, and Castle Stalker on Loch Laich.
Official site: www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/
- Read More: Top Attractions & Things to Do around Loch Lomond
![day trips scotland from glasgow Stirling and Stirling Castle](https://www.planetware.com/photos-large/SCO/scotland-glasgow-daytrips-stirling.jpg)
Just 30 minutes from Glasgow by car or direct train, the town of Stirling is famous as the location of the Battle of Bannockburn . It was here in 1314 that Robert the Bruce defeated the English invaders. It was also where legendary William Wallace beat the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, a victory for Scottish independence. Both these important battles are commemorated at the excellent Bannockburn Heritage Centre .
Between Stirling and the quaint village of Bridge of Allan stands the majestic Wallace Monument, a spectacular 246-step tower with sweeping views of the area, as well as artifacts that belonged to Wallace.
The spectacular 12th-century Stirling Castle, built atop a 76-meter-high volcanic crag, has played an important role throughout Scotland's rich history and is open to visitors. You can visit Stirling and the castle and also enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Trossachs on the Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle Tour from Glasgow .
Address: Castle Wynd, Stirling, Scotland
Official site: www.stirlingcastle.scot
![day trips scotland from glasgow Isle of Arran: Scotland in Miniature](https://www.planetware.com/photos-large/SCO/isle-of-arran.jpg)
The lovely Isle of Arran is only 267 square kilometers in size but contains examples of just about everything that makes Scotland one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. It's for this reason that the island has earned the nickname, "Scotland in Miniature."
Just a one-hour ferry ride from Ardrossan, which itself is an easy train trip from Glasgow, Arran is marked by magnificent mountains, moorland, sandy beaches, an abundance of wildlife, castles, and fishing harbors. It's also a popular golf destination, and offers three great courses.
Arran is also a walker's paradise, and buses run regularly around the island from the ferry terminal at Brodick to its various tourist attractions. Although the best places to visit on Arran – including Brodick Castle and Goat Fell mountain (873 meters) – can be seen in a day (including the ferry ride), you'll want to spend at least a few days exploring this wonderful part of Scotland.
![day trips scotland from glasgow The village of Culross](https://www.planetware.com/wpimages/2020/02/scotland-glasgow-top-day-trips-outlander-day-tour-from-glasgow.jpg)
Fans of the hit TV series, Outlander , will definitely be interested in adding a great tour of the series' film locations to their Glasgow travel itinerary. The popular Outlander day tour from Glasgow is an immersive eight-hour adventure departing from central Glasgow that features stops in a number of spots fans will instantly recognize.
For many, a highlight of the tour is the chance to visit the picturesque village of Culross, which stood in for the fictional Crainesmuir. It's the last stop of the tour, and you'll have plenty of time to explore the old village square, which dates from the 1600s, as well as a historic home dating from the same period.
The attractive Doune Castle is another notable location you'll visit. This remarkably well-preserved medieval fortress starred as Castle Leoch in Outlander, and you'll have plenty of time to explore it armed with a great audio-guide (provided).
The village of Falkland is also on the itinerary, where you'll have a chance to grab a bite of lunch and explore at your leisure. Also included are stops at Blackness Castle and Midhope Castle. Inclusions with this tour are transportation and the services of a professional guide.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Benmore Botanic Garden](https://www.planetware.com/wpimages/2021/10/scotland-glasgow-top-rated-day-trips-benmore-botanic-garden.jpg)
Benmore Botanic Garden, set amidst spectacularly rugged mountain scenery north of Glasgow at the southern end of Loch Eck, is part of Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden . The avenue of giant Californian redwoods planted in 1863 line the long driveway to the property, where you'll be rewarded with a chance to wander around more than 300 different species of rhododendron and azaleas.
Other highlights include Puck's Hut, a wooden memorial to Isaac Bayley Balfour who had the idea to create the gardens, and a bronze statue dating from 1875, A Boy with Two Dolphins , donated by the owner of adjacent Benmore House, now an outdoor learning center.
Nearby Argyll Forest Park is also well worth checking out. Established in 1935, it was the first of its kind in Britain and boasts an impressive 186 mile network of footpaths.
Location: 4 Uig, Benmore, Dunoon, Scotland
Official site: www.rbge.org.uk/visit/benmore-botanic-garden/
![day trips scotland from glasgow Newark Castle](https://www.planetware.com/photos-large/SCO/scotland-glasgow-daytrips-newark-castle-greenock.jpg)
In the industrial town of Port Glasgow, just 25 miles west of Glasgow's city center, stands the 15th-century Newark Castle. This attractive mansion, with its gatehouse and tower, was once the seat of the (sometimes murderous) Maxwell family.
Although the Tower House rooms are not open to visitors, you can see the building's lovely Jacobean exterior and the fascinating "below stairs" rooms. Here, interesting exhibits relate to the working conditions and lives of the family's staff.
Address: Castle Rd, Port Glasgow, Scotland
Official site: www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/newark-castle/
![day trips scotland from glasgow The Ayrshire Coast: Robbie Burns Country](https://www.planetware.com/photos-large/SCO/scotland-ayrshire-culzean-castle.jpg)
Fans of the poetry and songs of Robbie Burns, Scotland's beloved national poet, will want to explore the places he lived and the countryside he immortalized. At the same time, you'll see one of the most beautiful coastal regions of Scotland.
Follow the Burns Heritage Trail from the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway, on the outskirts of Ayr, where you'll see the beautifully preserved thatched house where the poet was born and lived as a child.
After visiting the 16th-century Auld Kirk where his father is buried, this circular tour heads south to Dumfries and the Robert Burns House, where the poet lived for the four years before he died here in 1796, at age 36. The house is now a museum and gives a good portrait of his life. His grave is in the nearby St. Michael's Churchyard.
Another highlight of the Ayrshire coast is Culzean Castle and Country Park , with woodland trails and landscaped gardens that include a Victorian Walled Garden. You can visit the Burns sites and Culzean Castle on the Ayrshire Coast Day Trip from Glasgow: Robert Burns Country and Culzean Country Park tour, with a guide who will tell more about Burns and Culzean castle, including its connections with President Eisenhower at the end of World War II.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Dumbarton Castle](https://www.planetware.com/wpimages/2020/02/scotland-glasgow-top-day-trips-dumbarton-castle.jpg)
Dumbarton Castle perches dramatically on a basalt rock on the north bank of the Clyde facing Port Glasgow. This strategically important stronghold was started in the 6th century and was central to the ancient kingdom of Strathclyde's rule over the surrounding area until 1018. Only the dungeon and 12th-century gateway remain of this medieval edifice where Mary Stuart embarked for France at age five.
Other highlights of this star of the Game of Thrones series include the wonderful views, the Georgian artillery fortifications, and the Governor's House with its interesting artifacts from the castle.
Address: Castle Road, Dumbarton, Dunbartonshire, Scotland
Official site: www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/dumbarton-castle/
![day trips scotland from glasgow Oban and the West Highlands](https://www.planetware.com/photos-large/SCO/scotland-oban-bay.jpg)
The pretty Victorian town of Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland , sits on the coast and is the main port for the ferries that connect southern Scotland to Mull, Skye, and the Hebrides islands.
For a view that encompasses the town and harbor and reaches all the way to the Isle of Mull on clear days, climb to the top of McCaig's Tower . This impressive Victorian monument was built to resemble the Colosseum in Rome .
The route to Oban from Glasgow passes through some of Scotland's most scenic countryside, a land of mountains, moors, lochs, and castles. On the Oban and the West Highlands Day Trip from Glasgow , you'll ride through this scenic land, along the shores of Loch Fyne, Loch Awe, and Loch Lomond , where you'll stop in the village of Luss.
- Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Oban
![day trips scotland from glasgow The Hill House, Helensburgh](https://www.planetware.com/wpimages/2021/10/scotland-glasgow-top-rated-day-trips-hill-house-helensburgh.jpg)
Lovers of Art Nouveau styling won't be disappointed by a visit to Hill House in Helensburgh. Designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh after plans were drawn up for his Art Lover's House , Hill House was built in 1904 overlooking the Firth of Clyde.
Surrounded by a delightful garden, the house is somewhat reminiscent of Scottish fortified manor houses, while the figural elements, rounded edges, oriel windows, and small chimney stacks bear all the hallmarks of the gifted designer.
The home is currently the subject of an ambitious renovation project that has resulted in it being encased in a large steel frame. Called the " Hill House Box ," this impressive structure - anticipated to be in place for up to 15 years - is something of an architectural wonder in itself. Built to keep the weather out and allowing the house's exterior walls to dry, guests can actually climb the frame to enjoy never before seen views of the structure.
Meanwhile, the interior remains open to visitors. In the wide hall, the dark wooden panels contrast with the light wallpaper, supplemented with abstract patterns and delicate pastel shades. Art Nouveau patterns in pink and light green soften the effect of the walls, windows, and lamps.
The bedroom on the first floor above the lounge is regarded as the most successful of Mackintosh's "White Rooms." Mackintosh also designed the furniture, and his wife, Margaret Macdonald, designed and made many of the textiles and a stunning fireplace panel.
Address: Upper Colquhoun Street, Helensburgh, Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley, Scotland
Official site: www.nts.org.uk/property/the-hill-house/
![day trips scotland from glasgow Hill House in Helensburgh - Floor plan map](https://www.planetware.com/i/map/SCO/hill-house-in-helensburgh-map.jpg)
The Forth and Clyde Canal, built in 1790, winds its way through the Strathkelvin District to the north of Glasgow. The fully restored 35-mile waterway was an important link for seagoing vessels between the Firths of Clyde and Forth, joining the River Clyde at Bowling and the River Forth at Grangemouth. Today, you can take a very pleasant outing from Kirkintilloch aboard one of the vessels operated by the Forth and Clyde Canal Society.
Be sure to allow time to explore the spectacular Falkirk Wheel at the eastern end of the canal. Capable of carrying up to eight boats, this unique piece of modern engineering – part sculpture, part boatlift – connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal near the important industrial town of Falkirk.
Visitors can experience the hour-long journey aboard special boats and learn more about its operation at the visitor center. Behind-the-scenes tours of this engineering marvel are also available.
Address: Lime Road, Falkirk, Scotland
Official site: www.scottishcanals.co.uk/falkirk-wheel/
![day trips scotland from glasgow The Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life](https://www.planetware.com/wpimages/2021/10/scotland-glasgow-top-rated-day-trips-summerlee-museum-scottish-industrial-life.jpg)
The Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life is based around the 20-acre site of 19th-century Summerlee Iron Works. Opened in 1836 and once one of the region's biggest employers, today this sightseeing trip is fun for kids as well as adults. Highlights include Scotland's only still-operating vintage tramway, a recreated mine, workers' cottages, and various Victorian steam engines. Guided tours of the abandoned mines are also available, and admission is free.
Address: Heritage Way, Coatbridge, Scotland
![day trips scotland from glasgow Thomas Coats Memorial Church](https://www.planetware.com/photos-large/SCO/scotland-glasgow-daytrips-Thomas-Coats-Memorial-Church.jpg)
Some surviving parts of Paisley Abbey date from its original construction in 1163. Highlights of a visit include the choir stalls and a walk up 197 steps to the Tower.
Another Paisley landmark is the ornate Thomas Coats Memorial Church. Funded by one of Scotland's leading textile manufacturers and completed in 1894, its intricate stonework was the product of numerous apprentice stonemasons.
While in the area, pay a visit to Paisley Museum and Art Gallery , with its interesting displays relating to the development of the textile industry and the story of the distinctive "drop motif" on the world-famous Paisley pattern. Exhibits include the old looms on which the best-selling designs were produced, as well as original woven and embroidered shawls from Kashmir, the inspiration for the Scottish production.
Address: Abbey Close, Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland
Official site: www.paisleyabbey.org.uk
![day trips scotland from glasgow Gourock: Granny Kempock's Stone](https://www.planetware.com/photos-large/SCO/scotland-glasgow-daytrips-gourock.jpg)
By the coast at Gourock, some 28 miles west of Glasgow, stands an interesting six-foot-tall slate monolith reputed to have been a meeting place for Druids. It's known as Granny Kempock's Stone. Fishermen would make small offerings in return for fine weather and good catches, and it's still customary for local newlyweds to circle the stone to bring good luck to their marriage.
The views across the Clyde Estuary toward the southwest Highlands make the journey to this seaside town worth the effort. The Gourock Highland Games are held here in May.
![day trips scotland from glasgow View of Greenock from Lyle Hill](https://www.planetware.com/wpimages/2021/10/scotland-glasgow-top-rated-day-trips-greenock-lyle-hill-view.jpg)
Greenock is another former industrial center near Glasgow that's worth a visit (in fact, you'll pass through it on your way to Gouruck, above). It's an easy hour-long train ride from Glasgow Central Station.
Greenock is famous as the birthplace of engineer James Watt, who made the Clyde navigable. the great engineer's life is celebrated here in the Watt Institution, a former library and now official archives dedicated to his life and work. Greenock is also famous for being the final resting place of "Highland Mary," immortalized by Robbie Burns.
Other highlights of a visit include McLean Museum & Art Gallery, and the interesting Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Museum and Heritage Centre with its collection of rare vehicles. If you've time and energy, make the 20-minute climb up Lyle Hill for its spectacular views over the Clyde and Greenock's wonderful skyline.
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Scotland Vacation Ideas : Home to Edinburgh Castle , Scotland's most visited tourist attraction, the romantic city of Edinburgh is a must-visit for any traveler to this beautiful country. The Highland city of Inverness is also worth including on your Scotland travel itinerary for its attractive riverside setting, and also serves as a great jumping-off point for another top Scottish destination: Loch Ness .
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Home » Europe » United Kingdom » Scotland » The 15 Perfect Day Trips from Glasgow [2024 Edition]
The 15 Perfect Day Trips from Glasgow [2024 Edition]
Glasgow is the cultural hub of Scotland and is all about great music, vibrant street art and lively local humour. It is well known for its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture. People visit Glasgow not only for history and culture but the infamous nightlife of the city as well. Many others also come here to enjoy the great outdoors as it’s the perfect gateway to Scotland’s countryside.
The best thing about Glasgow is that it’s well connected to Scotland’s most popular attractions. If you’re in the city and craving some adventure, why not hop on a train or bus and go to some of the great places nearby? There’s so many fun things to do and see that are just a day trip away from Glasgow.
Explore the other side of Scotland beyond the city– the beautifulglens, charming villages, stunning lakes, and magnificent ancient castles of the Scottish Highlands. Where ever you choose to go, you’ll be thrilled at the captivating scenery Scotland has to offer. Let’s see what the perfect day trips from Glasgow have to offer.
![day trips scotland from glasgow day trips scotland from glasgow](https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/fly-images/620575/newsletter-form-space-mountain-adventure-534x145.jpeg)
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Getting Around Glasgow and Beyond
Half-day trips from glasgow, full-day trips from glasgow, final thoughts.
Before starting out any of the day trips, let’s see how we can get out and about around Glasgow in itself. While Glasgow is fairly walkable, it’s still a good idea to know about the public transport options of the city.
Public transport in and around Glasgow is convenient and affordable.
- Bus: Download the First Glasgow bus app and buy day or week bus cards online. Day pass costs 4.60 GBP. Week pass costs 17 GBP.
- Subway: Glasgow is the only city in Scotland with a metro system. Day tickets cost 3 GBP. Week pass costs 14 GBP.
- Taxi: Taxis are not cheap, so we’d advise sticking to public transport which is reliable and safe.
- Bike rental: Use Nextbike Glasgow app to rent a bike. Rentals start from 1 GBP for 30 min.
- Ridesharing: Use the BlaBlaCar app to travel between cities. It’s faster than buses.
Most of the Glasgow day trips involve using the local and intercity trains or buses. The main stations are Glasgow Queen Street and Glasgow Central, from where you’ll find a train or bus to your destination. Make sure your accommodation in Glasgow is near to the bus or train stations.
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Short on time, only have a weekend in Glasgow ? No problem! Choose from one of these quick half-day trips to make the most of your short stay in Glasgow.
Campsie Fells
![day trips scotland from glasgow Campsie Fells Scotland](https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Campsie-Fells-Scotland.jpg)
For a quick escape from the city, head out to one of the most picturesque spots in Scotland and visit the beautiful rolling hills of the Campsie Fells. The scenic landscape, serene pastures and stunning views are the perfect settings for a day out of Glasgow.
Campsie Fells were formed by volcanic intrusion hundreds of millions of years ago. The area is popular among tourists and locals alike with many opportunities for hiking and walking, with its highest point being the “Earl’s Seat” at 578m. The village of Campsie Glen sits between the hills, surrounded by woodlands and valleys, and is a good starting point for some short and scenic walks.
Interesting places to visit here are the Shrine of Schoenstatt and the curious Lennox Castle Hospital, an eerie abandoned mental hospital. You can also visit the Glengoyne Distillery and sample some delicious whisky, just make sure to get a designated driver back to Glasgow!!
How to get there: 40 min ride by car or taxi.
Loup of Fintry
![day trips scotland from glasgow Loup of Fintry Glasgow](https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Loup-of-Fintry-Glasgow.jpg)
Get ready to be thrilled as you make this short and sweet half-day trip from Glasgow to this stunning waterfall. The Loup of Fintry lies on the River Endrick, between the Campsie Fells and Fintry Hills.
The water from the 94-feet Loup of Fintry cascades down several levels of rocks and into the valley below. The sight and the sounds are a treat for the senses. It is an ideal place for a picnic – sit on the grass and have lunch with the sound of rushing water in the background. It’s an ideal way to experience some of the landscape Scotland is famous for even if you only have a very limited time here.
“Loup” means “leap” in Scottish. If you visit after a period of snow or heavy rain, you can see the full power of water leaping over the rock’s ledge, which is where the name comes from. The route to the falls is a muddy footpath, so make sure to wear sturdy boots on your adventure.
How to get there: 45 min ride by car or taxi.
The Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel
![day trips scotland from glasgow The Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel Glasgow](https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/The-Kelpies-and-Falkirk-Wheel-Glasgow.jpg)
On this unique half-day trip from Glasgow, you have the opportunity to behold an incredible wonder of art, engineering and design. You’ll be left awestruck by The Kelpies , the largest horse sculptures in the world. Kelpies are mythical horse-like creatures said to inhabit the Scottish lochs. Standing 30m tall and weighing over 300 tonnes, the steel sculptures of the Kelpies are an imposing sight. You can join a tour and even go inside these sculptures.
If that wasn’t enough, another wonder of engineering in the Falkirk Wheel is close by too. The has a one-of-a-kind rotating boatlift that connects two canals on different levels. Both are marvels of the modern world and something a little different for your trip. The Falkirk Wheel is a modern engineering masterpiece and the only one of its kind in the world. You can book a boat tour here and experience the boatlift first hand.
How to get there: 20 min ride. From Glasgow, take a train to Falkirk High.
Suggested Trip: Falkirk Wheel and Kelpies Half-Day Tour
Scotland is a treasure trove of beautiful natural scenery to explore and Glasgow provides the ideal base to plan your excursions from. Just check the weather and gear up with the essentials and off you go on your Scottish adventure. Once you’ve seen all there is to do in Glasgow , spread your wings further and explore the rest of bonnie Scotland!
Loch Lomond and the Highlands
![day trips scotland from glasgow Loch Lomond and the Highlands Glasgow](https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Loch-Lomond-and-the-Highlands-Glasgow.jpg)
With lush green countryside and the famous Loch Lomond, the largest freshwater lake in Scotland, this is an unforgettable day trip from Glasgow. The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is the ideal setting for adventure and nature lovers alike. The scenery here is so beautiful that the park is often called “The Highlands in Miniature.”
There are a host of activities and things to do at Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The park has a seemingly endless amount of walking, hiking and biking trails around the lake and through the forests. Hike up Ben Lomond for some breathtaking views of the glens and lochs below, it’s one of the most accessible ‘munros’ (mountain in Scottish) in the country.
Loch Lomond is at the heart of the park. Have a picnic by the lake’s edge or try out some water sports. There are opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, water-skiing, boating and fishing. As we said, ideal for all you outdoorsy types! Doing a day trip here is a great way to see the highlands on a budget as accommodation can be more expensive out here compared to Glasgow.
How to get there: 50 min ride. From Glasgow Queen Street, take a train to Balloch.
Suggested Day Trips: Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park
Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands
![day trips scotland from glasgow Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands Glasgow](https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Loch-Ness-and-the-Scottish-Highlands-Glasgow.jpg)
No trip to Scotland is complete without a visit to Loch Ness. This large and deep freshwater lake in the Scottish Highlands contains more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined. It is also home to the elusive Loch Ness Monster nicknamed “Nessie”.
Legend has it that Loch Ness has a prehistoric sea serpent lurking beneath its waters. This mythical creature has been reportedly sighted many times since the last century… though some are more dubious than others! Spend the day hunting for Nessie and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the lake. Visit the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre if you want to learn more about the mysterious Loch Ness Monster .
Wander around the Highlands to see other attractions in the area such as the Urquhart Castle and Fort Augustus.
Stay overnight in Inverness and extend your trip beyond a day to explore more of the area. This perfect Airbnb is close to the river and has cosy pubs and cafes nearby, so you’ll not miss anything!
How to get there: 3 ½ hrs ride. Take a train or bus to Inverness , then a local bus to Loch Ness.
Suggested Trip: Loch Ness Glencoe and Highlands Tour
Stirling and Stirling Castle
![day trips scotland from glasgow Stirling and Stirling Castle Glasgow](https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Stirling-and-Stirling-Castle-Glasgow.jpg)
For nature, culture and history, take a day trip from Glasgow to Stirling. Located right in the middle of Scotland, where the highlands meet the lowlands, Stirling is a small town with a rich history being the birthplace of several Scottish Kings and the site of many battles.
Visit the National Wallace Monument – a tower honouring the legendary freedom fighter Sir William Wallace. The movie Braveheart depicted his life. So be sure to shout ‘freeeeedom’ to get the full experience!
Next, visit Stirling Castle, the magnificent medieval castle that had a significant role throughout Scotland’s history. Follow the winding roads up to Stirling Castle’s ramparts, where you’ll have beautiful views of the area. Finish the day with stroll along the cobbled streets of the Old Town below.
How to get there: 30 min. From Glasgow Queen Street, take a train to Stirling.
Suggested Trip : Stirling Castle Tour
Oban and the West Highlands
![day trips scotland from glasgow Oban and the West Highlands Glasgow](https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Oban-and-the-West-Highlands-Glasgow.jpg)
The colourful town of Oban on the Scottish coast has been a popular holiday resort since Victorian times, and rightly so. The incredible scenery here is unique and completely breathtaking, it’s totally worth taking the time to viist. Oban is the main port that connects Scotland’s West Highlands and Hebrides regions, it’s a gateway to the incredible islands of the country.
Take a boat excursion from Oban to the islands of Staffa and Iona. The views of the beautiful coast of Mull along the way are superb! Oban is the seafood capital of Scotland. Try fresh oysters, prawns or crab for lunch. Explore the Victorian town and its sights. The McCraig’s Tower (oddly looking like the Colosseum of Rome) is a good vantage point for spectacular views of Oban. It’s a climb of 144 steps, but worth it. Remember to hit the beach too, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re in the caribean with the white sand beaches… well, apart from the temperature!
How to get there: 3-hour ride. From Glasgow Queen Street, take a train to Oban.
Suggested Trip: Oban and West Highlands Day Trip or Full Day Oban and Glencoe
![day trips scotland from glasgow Edinburgh Castle](https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Edinburgh-Castle-1024x574.jpg)
Edinburgh is just an hour away by train, bus or car and is easily one of our favourite day trips from Glasgow. Scotland’s capital is a beautiful hilly city, with gorgeous landscapes and historic architecture.
Edinburgh Castle dominates the city’s skyline. The New Town below is a neat grid of streets and terraces, while the Old Town has a line of fascinating medieval buildings. Walk on the cobblestone streets as the sound of bagpipes fill the air. After a day exploring, grab a few pints down at the local pubs and rub shoulders with the locals.
Visit the National Galleries of Scotland, home to famous art that includes the works of Da Vinci and Raphael. For those who love Harry Potter, you’ll be delighted exploring every corner of this incredibly city.
There’s so much to do in Edinburgh that we suggest staying back for a day to enjoy the city. This unique hotel in Old Town is perfect for its location and facilities, or try this place , which has an award-winning restaurant and classic dining.
How to get there: 1-hour ride. From Glasgow Queen Street, take a train or bus to Edinburgh.
Outlander Day Tour
![day trips scotland from glasgow Outlander Day Tour Glasgow](https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Outlander-Day-Tour-Glasgow.jpg)
Outlander fans gather around! Here is one day trip from Glasgow that will have you visit the famous sites and castles from your favourite TV show.
Visit the 14 th century Doune Castle, the setting for Castle Leoch. It was also used for Winterfell in Game of Thrones and as a filming location in Month Python. Explore this well-preserved fortress for an insight into how Scottish royalty lived in the times gone by.
The picturesque village of Culross starred as Crainesmuir and you’ll love exploring the quaint village and the lovely town square. Next up you’ve got to make a stop at both Blackness Castle and Midhope Castle to marvel at their incredible architecture and history.
Grab a quick lunch at the picturesque village of Falkland. Lastly, visit Linlithgow Palace and take a stroll along the loch, and don’t forget to check out the ruins of Mary Queen of Scots’ birthplace.
How to go there: 40 min ride.
Suggested Trip: Outlander Day tour
Culzean Castle and Country Park
![day trips scotland from glasgow Culzean Castle and Country Park Glasgow](https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Culzean-Castle-and-Country-Park-Glasgow.jpg)
Ayrshire on the west coast of Scotland is a region that offers incredible countryside, outdoor activities, beautiful views of the shores and a taste of island life. Here Scotland’s celebrated poet Robert Burns lived and got the inspiration for his works from these wonderful surroundings.
The Culzean Castle and Country Park are the top highlights of the Ayrshire coast. The park has woodland trails and a lush forest around the sandy coastline. An unbeatable combination for sure! Culzean Castle is perched atop a high cliff and is so iconic it even features on the Scottish five-pound note.
If you venture inside the castle itself you can admire many fine paintings and priceless furniture. Visit the Eisenhower Apartment within the castle – an apartment dedicated to the former US president for his role during WW2. Stop at the castle tea room and indulge in tea and delicious cakes – a classic British pastime!
How to get there: 1-hour ride.
Suggested Trip: Culzean Castle and Ayrshire Coast
Glenfinnan, Mallaig and Glencoe
![day trips scotland from glasgow Glenfinnan Mallaig and Glencoe Glasgow](https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Glenfinnan-Mallaig-and-Glencoe-Glasgow.jpg)
For a truly relaxing and visually pleasing getaway from the city, take a tour of Glenfinnan, Mallaig and Glencoe. Add in the sights and sounds of the Jacobite steam train (Hogwarts Express, anyone?) making its way through the scenery, and your day is complete. If you’re a photographer then this is definitely the place for you.
Start at Glencoe, a nature reserve with stunning scenery – a good opportunity for some nature photography – keep en eye out for the deer! Particularly popular with hikers, the mountainous area of Glencoe is a visual treat. From here, go further north to Fort William, the home of Scotlands highest mountain. You can also catch the Jacobite steam train operates from here to Mallaig if you want to ride the train itself.
Mallaig is a beautiful little town by the sea with great views over the harbour. Take in the Scottish charm of this port and grab lunch at one of its cosy restaurants. Carry on towards Glenfinnan, where you can catch the Hogwarts Express making its way through the stunning surrounding scenery.
How to get there: 2-hour ride.
Suggested Trip: Glenfinnan, Mallaig and Glencoe Tour
![day trips scotland from glasgow Pitlochry Scotland](https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Pitlochry-Scotland.jpg)
Pitlochry is one of Scotland’s most beautiful and scenic places to visit. It is the ideal escape for a trip in its own right, but it can also be done as a day trip from Glasgow. Pitlochry is one of those places that has something fun happening all year round and is well worth the trip to experience it.
The Victorian town has been popular among tourists ever since Queen Victoria visited and fell in love with it in the 19th century. If it’s good enough for a queen then it’s good enough for us!
There are a lot of things to do and see in Pitlochry to keep you busy. Visit and explore the Blair Athol Distillery, one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland. Sample their delicious single malt whisky. Walk (or stumble if you’ve had a few too many whiskies) around Queen’s View which overlooks the tranquil Loch Tommel below or go fishing at Loch Tommel itself.
If you’re visiting in Autumn, enjoy the Enchanted Forest, a sound and light show, or check out the Pitlochry Highland Games. The town will keep you entertained for hours, with its good pubs and restaurants, a great shopping scene and outdoor activities.
How to get there: 1 ½ hour ride. From Glasgow, take a train to Pitlochry.
Isle of Arran
![day trips scotland from glasgow Isle of Arran Glasgow](https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Isle-of-Arran-Glasgow.jpg)
The Isle of Arran is nicknamed “Scotland in Miniature”, and rightly so. It has all the bits and pieces of what makes Scotland so amazing but in one neat package! There are impressive mountain peaks, sandy beaches, lush green forests, castles, a scenic coastline and tasty local food and drinks…Whisky of course!
Visit the Arran Distillery and have a taste of their world famous malt whisky. Check out the restaurants and try their cheeses, traditional oatcakes and delicious desserts… or maybe do this before you hit the drink!
Arran also has a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy as well. Grab your binoculars and spot the unique wildlife around the island’s coast. You’ll see eagles, otters, seals and even sharks. Arran is great for hiking and mountain biking, the best places to visit are Brodick Castle and Goat Fell Mountain if that’s your jam.
There’s a dose of history too, it is Scotland after all! On the west side of Arran are the Machrie Moor Stone Circles. Giving off Stonehenge vibes, it is an archaeological site with six huge stones dating to 3500 BC and it’s actually much more enjoyable and less crowded to visit.
How to get there: 2 ½ hour ride. From Glasgow, take a train to Ardrossan Harbor. Then take the ferry to Brodick Isle of Arran Ferry Terminal.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Dundee Scotland](https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Dundee-Scotland.jpg)
Dundee is a perfect getaway from Glasgow. The city offers many attractions and activities such as good food, shopping and a number of interesting art galleries and design galleries. In fact, it has been named the first UNESCO City of Design of the UK.
Visit V&A Dundee, Scotland’s first design museum that showcases its design heritage along with exhibitions and galleries. Head on to the McManus next, which is Dundee’s main Art Gallery and Museum. This magnificent Victorian building is the heart of Dundee’s art and culture scene and where everything eminates from.
Pop into some of the many quirky cafes, bakeries and restaurants and try their delicious food. The Dundee Cake is a local favourite Scottish fruit cake that you should try whilst you’re in the city. Explore the bars and pubs for a drink or two (or three or four!)
If you’re planning to stay, check out this cosy backpackers hotel . All the major attractions are within walking distance.
How to get there: 1 ½ hour ride. From Glasgow Queen Street, take a train or bus to Dundee.
![day trips scotland from glasgow Kilmarnock Scotland](https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Kilmarnock-Scotland.jpg)
Kilmarnock is a town with rich cultural history. It is the hometown of Jonnie Walker, the founder of that famous whisky brand known the world over. It’s been bottled in Kilmarnock for hundreds of years and continues to do so to this day. Historically signifcant people and events don’t end there. The famed poet Robert Burns first published his works here and Kilmarnock is also the town where Alexander Flemming, who discovered penicillin, was educated.
Kilmarnock is a classic Scottish town with a fascinating heritage and thankfully makes an easy and fun day trip from Glasgow. It is an eclectic mix of the old and the new. Walk along the cobbled Bank Street, or the John Finnie Street, which has incredible Victorian architecture. Stop by the Dick Institute (stop it you filthy lot!) which features the largest museum and art gallery space in Ayrshire.
The Burns Monument Centre is dedicated to the poet and is an interesting place to visit, especially if you have an interest in literature. Another places not ot miss is the New Laigh Kirk church with its vibrant and colourful stained glass windows.
How to get there: 1-hour min ride. From Glasgow, take a train to Kilmarnock.
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Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….
These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.
Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…
Don’t Forget your Glasgow Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
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SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
There’s a lot to do in Glasgow , but there’s a lot more to see and experience out of the city too. It is the perfect base to plan fun excursions to almost every place to visit in Scotland . Whether you choose to see ancient castles or want to relax in a port city, it is just a train or bus ride away from Glasgow.
Our favourite places to visit are Loch Lomond and Loch Ness. There’s something just so breathtaking about the natural wonders of Scotland. As hikers and climbers, the Highlands are our weak spot, with their beautiful and wild scenery. If you’re in Glasgow for a week or more, make a couple of these half-day or full-day trips for the full Scottish experience.
Here are some travel tips for Glasgow:
- The best time to visit is spring (April-May) when there is minimal rain, and October when there’s beautiful autumn foliage. Summer is most popular and gets too crowded. Winters are cold and dark.
- Pack some rain gear , warm layers , walking shoes and hiking equipment, and don’t forget your first aid kit .
- Book your accommodation for Glasgow within walking distance of the train or bus station.
- Guided tours are convenient for far-off places if you don’t have your own transport, but it’s more fun to plan the trips yourself if you can.
- If you’re lost, just ask locals for advice or directions, Glaswegians are the friendliest people ever! You just might need to listen closely to decipher that they’re saying!
- Check out the Scottish Heritage Pass and the Historic Scotland Explorer Pass. These passes include entry to many historical sites and are handy if you plan to visit many of them.
Do let us know which day trips you would like to go on. Bon Voyage!
Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉
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Sophie Steinebach
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Stirling Old Bridge. Time from Glasgow: 30-minute train, 45-minute drive. Stirling is the historic heart of Scotland and an easy 30-minute train journey from Glasgow city centre. It's the perfect day trip from Glasgow for history lovers and a great access point to explore the rolling hills and abundant fields of the surrounding countryside.
8. Dundee. With frequent train services from Glasgow Queen Street Station, a day trip to Dundee is super easy. Home to the V&A, Dundee is famous for its 'jute, jam and journalism' and industrial past. Opened in 2018, the visually striking building of V&A Dundee displays art and designs from Scotland.
Glasgow is a great travel destination with a lot to do and see, but sometimes you need to get away and explore the surrounding areas. Book the best day trips from Glasgow, Scotland directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. Read 738,376 traveler reviews and view photos of different trips from Glasgow to various destinations. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend ...
A trip to King's Cave (of Robert the Bruce fame) and Brodick Castle will give a great insight into the island's vast history. How to get to there from Glasgow. Take the train from Glasgow Central station to Ardrossan Harbour (approx 45 minutes), from where ferries to Brodick (55 minutes) run at least five times daily.
Day Trips from Glasgow. Exploring Glasgow is just the beginning. The city is the perfect starting point for a day trip to some of Scotland's other spectacular locations. So, after you've finished seeing the sights of the city, you should escape and explore the best distilleries, mountains, and castles the country has to offer. Our expertly-guided day-trips from central Glasgow take you on ...
[email protected]. +44 1389 513467. Live Chat. Scotland Tours from the city of Glasgow. You'll explore the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, Glencoe, Loch Lomond, Historic Castles, Outlander sites, stone circles, whisky distilleries, Highland Mountains & much more as we get you out on one of the BEST tours of Scotland around.
1. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Certainly one of the most popular day trips to take from Glasgow is to visit Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Loch Lomond is only around a 40 minute drive from Glasgow city center, making it an ideal destination to visit for the day.
1 Day Tour from Glasgow. Our Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands tour is one of our most popular day tours. The journey covers a lot of the Scottish Highlands in a single day. Spectacular Glencoe will take your breath away and you'll have the chance to spot the mythical Loch Ness Monster with a cruise on Loch Ness. Information & Booking.
Prices from £129.00. View Tour. Discover Scotland on a 2 day tour from Glasgow with Rabbie's. Travel in a small group by mini-coach & hear stories from a friendly guide. Book online now.
Experience rugged and mythical Scotland on this full-day trip from Glasgow. In a small group, explore the Scottish Highlands, Cairngorms National Park, and the famous Loch Ness with ease, as round-trip mini-coach transport is included. At Loch Ness—the fabled home of the elusive water monster, Nessie—you can benefit from the perk of having ...
Drive time from Glasgow: 1 hour. 4. St Andrews. The name St Andrews is synonymous around the world as the Home of Golf. As well as golf, St Andrews is a thriving university city, with classic medieval streets and gorgeous traditional architecture which is well and truly enough to keep you occupied for a day.
Loch Lomond is a center for watersports in the region, offering kayaking, motor boating, and more along its waterways and channels. Loch Lomond is a Scottish phenomenon and is a mere day trip away from Glasgow. 2. Loch Ness. Source: Botond Horvath / shutterstock. Loch Ness. Loch Ness is probably one of the most infamous places in Scotland.
Outstanding Scotland Tours from Glasgow. As Scotland's largest city, Glasgow is bursting with exciting activities and interesting historical visits. One of Scotland's top destinations, the city can also be a convenient base to explore more of Scotland. ... Our day trips from Glasgow are the ideal complement to your city break. Scottish ...
Tickets: 4 GBP. The Speyside Centre - open every day from 9 AM to 5.30 PM except on Sundays, when it's closed. Highland Wildlife Park - 17 pounds a ticket for adults. Open year round: from 10 AM to 5 PM from April to October; from 10 AM to 6 PM in July and August; from 10 AM to 4 PM from November to March.
12 Day Trips from Glasgow in Scotland. Here are our recommendations for the best day trips from Glasgow. From the seaside town of Largs to the bonny banks of Loch Lomond, there is a day trip from Glasgow to suit everyone! 1. The Kelpies. The majestic Kelpies stand proud in Falkirk at 30 metres tall.
This post contains 20 ideas for day trips from Glasgow, including: Self-drive day trips from Glasgow, Day trips on public transport , Days out on nearby Scottish islands , And even an easy west coast trip by plane! The day trips on this itinerary are: Easy to reach: Most are within one hour by car from Glasgow (apart from the islands) and many ...
St Andrews Cathedral This ruined cathedral was once one of Scotland's most magnificent buildings. St Andrews Old Town Immerse yourself in 1,000 years of history as you explore the winding streets and ancient castle. The Old Course Golf was so popular in Scotland, it was banned in the 15th century. And nowhere was it more popular than in St ...
The 10 Best Day Trips From Glasgow. Loch Ness in Scotland. Many visitors to Scotland opt to make Glasgow their home base, and while the vibrant Scottish city has a lot to see and do, there are also numerous day trips you can take, both to other urban centers or to nature-filled areas like the Trossachs. Glasgow has solid public transportation ...
The Scenic South West of Scotland - 2 day tour. Escape to Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland's best kept secret, exploring rugged cliffs and epic castles. 2 DAY TOUR. Prices from £129.00. DEPARTING FROM: Glasgow.
A Glasgow local's 27 best day trips from the city (in 2024). ... Louise Wylie is a freelance writer from Glasgow, Scotland. Her love of travel led her to live in Cartagena, Spain, and enjoy the Mediterranean way of life. When not ticking off bucket items around continental Europe, Louise is attempting to explore all the highlights of Scotland ...
Located around an hour and 15 minutes from Glasgow, Dunkeld was also named the best place to live in Scotland by The Sunday Times in 2023, so it's not just one of the best day trips. Dunkeld is located in Perthshire, around one hour and 15 minutes drive from Glasgow.
Plan your adventures with this list of the best day trips from Glasgow, Scotland. On This Page: 1. Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands. 2. Loch Lomond and the West Highlands. 3. Stirling and Stirling Castle. 4.
Public transport in and around Glasgow is convenient and affordable. Bus: Download the First Glasgow bus app and buy day or week bus cards online. Day pass costs 4.60 GBP. Week pass costs 17 GBP. Subway: Glasgow is the only city in Scotland with a metro system. Day tickets cost 3 GBP. Week pass costs 14 GBP.