12-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Scotland

Day 1: Exploring Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Baked Potato Shop

Start your day with a hearty baked potato at this iconic eatery.
Located on Cockburn Street, a short walk from Princes Street.
GBP5, 1 hour

10:30AM

Walk the Royal Mile

Stroll down the historic Royal Mile, exploring its shops and street performers.
The Royal Mile stretches from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Oink

Indulge in a delicious pulled pork sandwich at this local favourite.
Oink is located just off the Royal Mile, perfect for lunch.
GBP6, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Arthur's Seat

Hike up to Arthur's Seat for stunning panoramic views of the city.
Head east from the city centre to Holyrood Park for the hike.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Mosque Kitchen

Enjoy a budget-friendly curry at this popular spot known for its generous portions.
Located a bit further south from the city centre, accessible by foot or bus.
GBP8, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Edinburgh, Scotland

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Edinburgh Larder

Start with a wholesome breakfast using local Scottish ingredients.
Located on Market Street, easy to find near the city centre.
GBP7, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the National Museum of Scotland

Explore the vast collections and exhibitions reflecting Scotland's history.
Located on Chambers Street, a short walk from breakfast.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Herd

Savour a delicious burger or homemade soup at this cosy eatery.
It’s within walking distance from the museum.
GBP8, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the Scottish Parliament

Take a guided tour to learn about Scotland's political history.
Just a short walk from lunch, next to Holyrood Palace.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Beehive Inn

Enjoy traditional pub fare in a friendly atmosphere.
Located on Grassmarket, a vibrant area full of dining options.
GBP10, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: City to City

Glasgow, Scotland

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Owl and The Pussycat

A lovely café known for its breakfasts with a Scottish twist.
Near Edinburgh's Waverley Station for easy transport.
GBP6, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Glasgow

Take a train to Glasgow for a scenic and quick journey.
Trains run frequently from Waverley Station.
GBP10, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Explore this stunning museum famous for its diverse art collections.
A short bus ride or a lovely walk from the train station.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ubiquitous Chip

Taste local dishes made from fresh Scottish produce.
Located in the West End, easily accessible from the museum.
GBP8, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the University of Glasgow

Admire the beautiful architecture and gardens of this historic university.
Just a lovely walk through the West End.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Pot Still

Enjoy a wide selection of whisky and hearty Scottish pub grub.
Head back towards the city centre for this popular pub.
GBP10, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Nature Experience

Loch Lomond, Scotland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Deli Alla Moda

Delight in a fresh pastry and coffee to fuel your journey.
Located near your accommodation in Glasgow.
GBP5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Loch Lomond

Catch a bus from Glasgow to the lovely Loch Lomond area.
Buses depart from Buchanan Bus Station regularly.
GBP6, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Balloch Castle Country Park

Wander through beautiful gardens and enjoy views of the loch.
Located close to Balloch train station, a nice short walk.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Lake House

Enjoy a lakeside lunch with fresh, local ingredients.
Right on the edge of the loch; great scenery!
GBP10, 1 hour

2:30PM

Boat Tour on Loch Lomond

Take a scenic boat trip to appreciate the loch’s beauty.
Boats depart near the park; check the schedule for tours.
GBP12, 1 hour

4:00PM

Dinner at The Anchor Inn

End the day with traditional fish and chips at a quaint inn.
Located also in Balloch, close to the park.
GBP9, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Seaside Adventure

Oban, Scotland

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Olive Garden

Savour a filling breakfast that makes for a great start to the day.
Located near Balloch bus stop.
GBP7, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Oban

Catch a bus heading towards Oban for a seaside adventure.
Buses regularly depart from Balloch bus station.
GBP10, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Oban Distillery

Take a tour to learn about the whisky-making process.
Located near the harbour, easy to navigate.
GBP10, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Oban Fish and Chip Shop

Enjoy freshly caught fish and chips, a local favourite.
A short stroll from the distillery.
GBP9, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Oban Harbour

Wander around the picturesque harbour area and enjoy the sea views.
Right next to the fish shop.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Dinner at The Seafood Bar

Treat yourself to more delicious seafood in a cosy setting.
Located at the heart of Oban, near the market.
GBP12, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Island Exploration

Isle of Mull, Scotland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Bonna

Dig into a fresh scone and coffee before the day’s adventure.
Located within the main street of Oban.
GBP5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Ferry to Isle of Mull

Catch the ferry for a scenic journey across the water to the isle.
Board the ferry near the Oban Harbour.
GBP10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Tobermory

Explore the colourful harbourside village with local shops.
Follow signage once you arrive on Mull.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Mishnish

Grab lunch overlooking the harbour in this welcoming pub.
Conveniently located in Tobermory.
GBP10, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Mull's Beaches

Head to the nearby beaches for some relaxation and nature.
Easily accessible by bus or walking, depending on which beach.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at The Tobermory Hotel

Enjoy a delightful evening meal with a view of the harbour.
Back in Tobermory; a lovely setting to end the day.
GBP12, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Highland Exploration

Fort William, Scotland

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Tea Garden

Relax and enjoy fresh pastries and tea prior to travel.
Café located near the ferry terminal.
GBP6, 1 hour

9:00AM

Ferry back to Oban and Train to Fort William

Return to Oban via ferry and then catch a train to Fort William.
Plan to catch the ferry back to Oban at a designated time.
GBP12 + GBP10, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Arrive in Fort William

Take time to settle into your accommodation or hostel.
Accommodation options are plentiful within Fort William town.
GBP20, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Grog & Gruel

Enjoy hearty dishes and local brews at this popular pub.
Located in the heart of Fort William town.
GBP10, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Hike Ben Nevis (Optional)

For the adventurous, hike up the UK's highest mountain.
Follow the signs from Fort William to the trailhead.
Free, 3-6 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Ben Nevis Inn

Warm up with traditional comfort food after hiking.
Conveniently located near the bottom of Ben Nevis.
GBP11, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Highland Adventure

Inverness, Scotland

8:00AM

Breakfast at The WaterSide Restaurant

Enjoy a tasty breakfast before heading to Inverness.
Located on the shores of Loch Linnhe, near the town centre.
GBP7, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Inverness

Board a train to Inverness for another scenic journey.
Catch the train at Fort William station.
GBP12, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Inverness Castle

Wander around the beautiful grounds and learn about its history.
A short walk from the train station.
GBP5, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Castle Tavern

Enjoy traditional Scottish dishes with a riverside view.
Located a short stroll from the castle.
GBP10, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Walk along the Caledonian Canal

Stroll along the canals and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Start at the castle and walk towards the canal path.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Mustard Seed

A lovely restaurant offering seasonal dishes made with local ingredients.
Conveniently located along the river in Inverness.
GBP12, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Legends and Lakes

Loch Ness, Scotland

8:00AM

Breakfast at the café at Inverness Station

Grab a quick breakfast before heading to Loch Ness.
Conveniently located at the station.
GBP6, 1 hour

9:00AM

Bus to Loch Ness

Take a bus from Inverness to the shores of Loch Ness.
Buses leave regularly from Inverness city centre.
GBP5, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit Urquhart Castle

Explore this iconic castle with breathtaking views of the loch.
Located on the shores of Loch Ness; buses stop nearby.
GBP12, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Clansman Hotel

Dine with stunning views of Loch Ness; very picturesque.
Easily accessible from the castle.
GBP10, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition

Discover the history and folklore of Loch Ness.
Right near the restaurant, a must-visit.
GBP9, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at the Loch Ness Inn

End your day with a nice meal in a traditional setting.
A short walk from the exhibition centre.
GBP10, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Coastal City

Aberdeen, Scotland

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Granary

Fuel up with healthy options to start your day right.
Located conveniently within Inverness.
GBP7, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Aberdeen

Set off to Aberdeen with scenic views along the way.
Trains run from Inverness station to Aberdeen.
GBP12, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Learn about the maritime history of the city.
Located near the city centre.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Cheesecake Cafe

Indulge in a range of fresh meals with amazing cheesecake to follow.
Close to the museum.
GBP10, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Walk through Duthie Park

Stroll through this beautiful park, perfect for some downtime.
A short bus or walk from the cafe.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Silver Darling

Enjoy seaside views while dining on fresh seafood.
Located along the waterfront; a pleasant setting.
GBP15, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Art and Culture

Dundee, Scotland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tonic

Sample a great selection of options in a bustling café.
Right in the Aberdeen city centre, easy to locate.
GBP7, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Dundee

Travel to Dundee with varied landscapes throughout your journey.
Trains depart frequently from Aberdeen.
GBP12, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit V&A Dundee

Explore Scotland's design museum and its unique architecture.
Just a short walk from the train station.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The D'Arcy Thompson

Enjoy a casual lunch in a relaxed atmosphere.
Located close to the V&A museum.
GBP10, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Dundee’s Waterfront

Walk along the beautiful waterfront and enjoy public art pieces.
Easily accessible from lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Balgove Larder

Taste delicious local produce and relaxed dining.
Just outside the city centre, accessible by bus.
GBP12, 1.5 hours
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Day 12: Return to Capital

Edinburgh, Scotland

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Manna House Bakery

Relish fresh pastries and coffee before your journey.
Locate the bakery near the Dundee train station.
GBP5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train back to Edinburgh

Catch a morning train back to the capital city.
Trains frequently depart from Dundee station.
GBP10, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Dean Village

Wander around this picturesque village that feels worlds apart.
Take a bus or walk from the city centre to this tranquil spot.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Scran & Scallie

Indulge in modern Scottish comfort food in a quaint gastropub.
Located in Stockbridge, near Dean Village.
GBP12, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Edinburgh Botanical Gardens

Wander through these beautiful gardens to relax before your trip concludes.
Take a bus from Stockbridge to the gardens.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The Kitchin

Finish your journey with fine dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Located close to the Edinburgh waterfront.
GBP30, 2 hours
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