Coastal Adventures

This itinerary was created as part of our Take the Slow Road campaign, encouraging longer stays and responsible tourism.  Slower journeys can create a richer, more meaningful experience while supporting local economies and reducing pressure on the historic places that help make Scotland unique. 

Our suggested route uses sustainable transport to link Historic Scotland attractions and other heritage sites.

Plan your journeys using Traveline Scotland

Day 1 | St Andrews 

Visitors arrive in St Andrews via train (to Leuchers) and bus . Start with a wander along South Street, taking in the historic West Port of St Andrews and Blackfriars Chapel  before arriving at St Andrews Cathedral. 

The museum is currently closed, but visitors can explore the grounds of one of Scotland’s largest and most magnificent medieval churches. Explore the cliffside-site of the earliest collegiate church in Scotland, known as "St Mary's on the Rock" before walking along to St Andrews Castle. 

Complete the day by exploring the thriving town centre, the famous Old Course and West Sands beach. Overnight in St Andrews. 

Close frontal view of the West Port, emphasising the two cylindrical corner towers flanking the archway. The stonework shows patched repairs and original medieval blocks. In front of the gate stand traffic signs and planters filled with bright flowers. The sky is clear and blue.” — West Port

Close-up of the vaulted ceiling keystone inside St Andrews Blackfriars Chapel, featuring carved medieval details — The ceiling of Blackfriars Chapel

A series of ornate stone archways frame a view of grassy grounds and distant cathedral ruins. — St Andrews Cathedral

View of St Andrews Castle on a bright, blue sky day with some clouds. — St Andrews Castle

Day 2 | Arbroath and Aberdeen 

A bus to Leuchars station, then a train to Arbroath and a short walk takes visitors to the medieval Arbroath Abbey to learn about the Declaration of Arbroath and see a replica  of the Stone of Destiny.

Walking back to Arbroath station, to take a train to Aberdeen. A short bus journey from the city centre leads to St Machar's Cathedral with it's transepts containing late medieval wall-tombs,

From here, you can explore Aberdeen’s Old Town or head back to the city centre for the Maritime Museum and Art Gallery. Overnight in Aberdeen. 

Single side of an abbey with grass in front and blue sky — Arbroath Abbey

Aerial view of cathedral with twin spires, graveyard and nearby parkland under golden evening light. — St Machar's Cathedral

Day 3 | Fraserburgh and Banff

Travelling further north along the Aberdeenshire coastline, visitors take two buses to reach Fraserburgh and then walk to reach Kinnaird Head Castle Lighthouse and the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses.

Via a short walk and bus, visitors can visit Duff House and take advantage of our Good Journey  discount offer for travelling car-free. At Duff House, unpick the feud of two Williams: William Duff, the owner, and William Adam, the architect.

As an addition, head along to the small coastal town of Macduff, exploring the Marine Aquarium and the Royal Tarlair Golf Club. Overnight in Banff. 

Duff House

landscape shot of Duff House exterior — Duff House

Day 4 | Huntly and Elgin 

For the final day, head inland to rural Aberdeenshire by bus.

Arriving in Huntly, it is a short walk to Huntly Castle, the seat of one of Renaissance Scotland’s most powerful families. Explore the local community including the River Deveron and Nordic and Outdoor Centre.

The route goes further north with a train journey to Elgin. Elgin Cathedral is known as ‘The Lantern of the North’ and is one of Scotland's most impressive religious ruins. A short bus will take visitors out to one of the most mysterious sites in the country, Burghead Well.