A brilliant Scottish Citylink day out from eclectic Edinburgh to the Highlands and invincible Inverness

Enjoy breakfast at Urban Angel

Urban Angel is in Hanover Street, just minutes from St Andrew Square. Enjoy poached eggs, sourdough, and excellent coffee before a short, relaxed walk to the coach station, perfectly timed for your coach at 09:15.

Board the M91, Scottish Citylink coach at Edinburgh Bus Station

Leaving Edinburgh, the coach sweeps over the Firth of Forth, where the vast red Forth Bridge dominates shimmering waters. Beyond, Fife’s rolling farmland, lochs and wooded hills unfold, softening into Perthshire’s richer, greener landscapes.

Alight the coach at Perth (Leonard Street Bus Station)

Peruse Perth and all its charm...

Start at Perth Museum to see the Stone of Destiny, then walk to St John’s Kirk. Cross Smeaton’s Bridge, follow the Tay path, and explore The North Inch, a large public park beside the River Tay, with great open green space, walking paths, and scenic riverside views.

Back on the bus at Perth Bus Station (Leonard Street Bus Station)

Leaving Perth, the Scottish Citylink coach follows the River Tay north, glinting beside ancient woodland and rolling fields. Hills tighten into Highland glens, forests deepen, and distant peaks begin to rise, signalling the shift into wilder Perthshire approaching Pitlochry.

Disembark the coach at Pitlochry (Aldour Bus Stop)

Enjoy lunch at The Old Mill Inn

For lunch near the Ardour stop in Pitlochry, walk to The Old Mill Inn. Set in a characterful stone building, it serves generous plates like fish and chips or burgers, with a lively atmosphere and central location just minutes away.

Explore Pitlochry

Take a lovely walk to Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder to watch salmon navigate the chambers, then walk to Pitlochry Festival Theatre gardens for river views. Cross to Black Spout Waterfall for a short woodland hike and dramatic cascade.

Back on the bus at Pitlochry (Ardour Stop)

Leaving Pitlochry, the coach climbs into Highland Perthshire, where forests thicken and mountains close in. The road threads past rivers, remote moorland and vast lochs like Loch Ericht, before opening into the Cairngorms’ wild expanse, then softening as you descend towards Inverness.

Arrive at Inverness Bus Station

The Bus Station is right in the heart of the City, with a short 7 minute walk to the River Ness, the epicentre for all the great views and hustle and bustle of Inverness!

Pre-dinner stroll round Inverness

Begin beside the River Ness, crossing to the Ness Islands for peaceful wooded paths. Walk towards Inverness Castle viewpoints, then explore the Victorian Market before following the river as evening light reflects off the water and city skyline.

Pizza for dinner at Black Isle Bar

Eating at Black Isle Bar feels lively and communal, with long shared tables, chatter, and the scent of wood-fired pizza filling the air. Pizzas arrive blistered and fresh, topped with local ingredients, best eaten with craft beer in the buzzing bar or rooftop garden.

A wee dram or pint at Platform 8

At Platform 8, expect a relaxed, slightly retro station-bar feel, with warm lighting, exposed brick and a steady hum of travellers. It’s informal and welcoming, with drinks flowing, soft music playing, and an easy, unpretentious atmosphere before or after journeys.

Savour the great vibe at Hootananny

At Hootananny, expect a lively, packed atmosphere with traditional Scottish music played live every night. Fiddles, drums and singing fill the space, with crowds spilling between floors, creating an energetic, authentic Highland pub experience that feels spontaneous and unforgettable.

Getting towards bedtime!

For an upmarket stay in Inverness, choose Rocpool Reserve, a boutique hotel with stylish rooms, deep-soaking baths and a calm, luxurious feel near the centre. For a budget option, Premier Inn Inverness Centre River Ness offers simple, comfortable rooms in a central, convenient location. Alternatively, Black Isle Bar has some really good and low cost rooms to stay upstairs, right next to the delightful roof top bar!