2024 Outlander tour of scotland
Locations marked with * are those where an Explorer Pass is valid.
Days with Outlander-related visits: 1, 3, 8, 9, 17-23
ALPHABETICAL SUMMARY OF OUTLANDER VISITS INCLUDED IN THIS ITINERARY
DAY 1: TUESDAY, EDINBURGH
Arrive Edinburgh Tuesday afternoon.
Afternoon walk to see:
After dinner, if we're not too tired and if the weather is good, walk part of the Waters of Leith Walk from Scottish Gallery of Modern Art to the Botanic Gardens (40 mins; includes historic Dean Village). Or, walk up Arthur's Seat (2 hours) or Calton Hill (20 mins). Both have brilliant views of Edinburgh.
OVERNIGHT IN EDINBURGH
DAY 2: WEDNESDAY, EDINBURGH
DAY 3: THURSDAY, EDINBURGH
DAYS 4-7: FRIDAY - MONDAY, THE WEST HIGHLAND WAY
On these days we are walking part of the West Highland Way which begins in Glasgow. Sam Heughan did this walk and wrote about it in his book Waypoints.
DAY 8: TUESDAY, GLASGOW
DAY 9: WEDNESDAY, GLASGOW > KILMARTIN
Option 1 is my preferred option but is probably too rushed. Option 2 is probably the one we'll do.
OPTION 1:
OPTION 2:
DAY 10: THURSDAY, KILMARTIN > OBAN
DAY 11: FRIDAY, OBAN > MULL
DAY 12: SATURDAY, IONA
DAY 13: SUNDAY, IONA > TOBERMORY
DAY 14: MONDAY, TOBERMORY > FORT WILLIAM
DAY 15: TUESDAY, FORT WILLIAM > INVERNESS
DAY 16: WEDNESDAY, INVERNESS
DAY 17: THURSDAY, INVERNESS
DAY 18: FRIDAY, INVERNESS > ABERLOUR
DAY 19: SATURDAY, ABERLOUR > NEWTONMORE
DAY 20: SUNDAY, NEWTONMORE > FALKLAND
DAY 21: MONDAY, FALKLAND > CULROSS
DAY 22: TUESDAY, CULROSS > FALKIRK
Other Outlander settings near Falkirk we probably won't have time to visit:
DAY 23: WEDNESDAY, FALKIRK
DAY 24, THURSDAY, FALKIRK > GLASGOW
Option 1 is my preferred option but is probably too rushed. Option 2 is probably the one we'll do.
OPTION 1:
OPTION 2:
Days with Outlander-related visits: 1, 3, 8, 9, 17-23
ALPHABETICAL SUMMARY OF OUTLANDER VISITS INCLUDED IN THIS ITINERARY
- Aberdour Castle: where Jamie was nursed back to health after Wentworth (Season 1) - Day 21;
- Bakehouse Close: Carfax Close, Jamie's Edinburgh printshop - Day 1;
- Blackness Castle: Fort William, headquarters of BJR and where Jamie is flogged in the courtyard (Season 1) - Day 23;
- Bo'ness Station: the wartime London railway station where Claire and Frank part (Season 1) - Day 22;
- Callendar House: the kitchen is the kitchen at Bellhurst Manor, home of the Duke of Sandringham (Season 2) - Day 22;
- Clava Cairns: the main inspiration for Craigh na Dun - Day 17;
- Craigmillar Castle: Ardsmuir prison - Day 3;
- Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre: Day 17;
- Culross: Cranesmuir (Season 1). Mercat Cross was the centre of Cranesmuir (site of Geillis Duncan's house, square where Geillis was sentenced and where the young thief was rescued). Near Mercat Cross is Laoghaire’s home, Balriggan Cottage. Culross was also used for the Jacobite encampment and hospital scenes before and after Battle of Prestonpans (Season 2) - Day 21;
- Culross West Kirk: the Black Kirk where Jamie and Claire look for wood garlic - Day 21;
- Dean Castle: Beaufort Castle, where Claire and Jamie go to persuade Jamie’s grandfather to send his men to aid Charles Stuart (Season 2) - Day 9;
- The Devil's Pulpit: The Liar's Spring, where Dougal made Claire drink the truth water (Season 1) - Day 9;
- Doune Castle: Castle Leoch - Day 22;
- Dunmore Park House: ruins where Claire nurses in World War II scenes - Day 22;
- Dunure: harbour where Claire and Jamie leave Scotland in search of Young Ian. Dunure Castle is Silkie Island (Season 3) - Day 9;
- Dysart: Le Havre and the location of St Germain’s Warehouse. This is where Jamie and Claire arrive in France (Season 2) - Day 21;
- Falkland filming locations: the Bruce Fountain (where Jamie's ghost watches Claire); Fayre Earth (Farrell's Furniture Shop); Campbell's Coffee House (1940s greengrocer); Brunton Street, Rotten Row and the mouth of Sharps Close (stood in for Inverness streets in 1746. One of the houses in Brunton Street is recognisable as McGilvrey’s Boarding House, where an ill Alex Randall was staying, being cared for by Mary Hawkins. The three streets will be memorable from the scene where Claire and Murtagh walk away from the boarding house); - Day 21;
- Falkland Palace: one of the cellars is the apothecary shop where Claire finds Mary prior to Culloden - Day 21;
- Glasgow Cathedral: crypt was L'Hopital des Anges in Paris - Day 8;
- Glencorse Old Kirk: church where Jamie and Claire are married (Season 1) - Day 24;
- Gray Buchanan Park: was made into a cemetery where Jamie and Ian buried Hayes - Day 22;
- Highland Folk Museum: the 18th century village that Claire visits with Dougal, Jamie, et al in 'Rent' (Season 1) - Day 19;
- Hopetoun House and grounds: home of the Duke of Sandringham. Rear steps were used for a sword fight. Grounds were the scene of the duel between the Duke and leader of the MacDonalds (Season 1). Courtyard behind tearoom features as a street in Paris (Season 2). Hopetoun is also a location in Seasons 3 and 4 - Day 24;
- Hunterston House: interiors of Reverend Wakefield's House and Mrs Baird's B & B were filmed here - Day 9;
- Kinloch Rannoch: the site of Craigh na Dun where Claire goes through the stones - Day 20;
- Linlithgow Palace: entrance and corridors used for Wentworth Prison, where Jamie is abused by BJR (Season 1) - Day 23;
- Midhope Castle: Broch Tuarach or Lallybroch, home of Jamie Fraser - Day 23;
- Pollok Park: gardens were used as those next to Castle Leoch, where Claire gathers medicinal herbs (Season 1), then as countryside between Le Havre and Paris (Season 2). Faith's grave was near the timber garden seat. The outside scenes of Helwater and the Gathering that Bree and Roger attend were also shot here. Jamie and Fergus ride across the bridge and field (with the stables in the background) on their way to L’Havre to give the Comte St Germain’s men fake smallpox - Day 8;
- Roslin Glen Country Park: where 'The Reckoning' scenes were filmed. Where Jamie argues with Claire after rescuing her from BJR at Fort William ('you're tearing my guts out') - Day 24;
- The Signet Library: LJG's Jamaica mansion - Day 3;
- Tullibardine Chapel: church where Claire, Jamie, Dougal, Fergus and Rupert hid from the Redcoats (Season 2) - Day 20;
- Tweeddale Court: 18th century Edinburgh street - Day 1;
- Wardlaw Mausoleum: mausoleum and museum of the Fraser Clan - Day 18;
- World's End pub: not used in filming but mentioned as the Edinburgh pub where Jamie rescues Mr Willoughby - Day 1;
DAY 1: TUESDAY, EDINBURGH
Arrive Edinburgh Tuesday afternoon.
Afternoon walk to see:
- Tweeddale Court - one of the streets used for 18th century Edinburgh;
- Bakehouse Close - Carfax Close, location of Jamie's print shop;
After dinner, if we're not too tired and if the weather is good, walk part of the Waters of Leith Walk from Scottish Gallery of Modern Art to the Botanic Gardens (40 mins; includes historic Dean Village). Or, walk up Arthur's Seat (2 hours) or Calton Hill (20 mins). Both have brilliant views of Edinburgh.
OVERNIGHT IN EDINBURGH
DAY 2: WEDNESDAY, EDINBURGH
- 10am-12pm: free 2-hour walking (10am, 11am & 1pm). From 154 High Street. Book here.
- 12:30pm: National Museum of Scotland (7-min walk from free walking tour finish). 10am-5pm daily. Free entry. See new Scottish history wing. Free 1-hour tours 11am and 2pm (sign up 1 hour prior to start of tour. Sign up at 12:30pm for 2pm tour).
- 12:30-1:30pm: lunch near National Museum of Scotland.
- 2-3pm: free tour at National Museum of Scotland.
- 3-3:15pm: walk from National Museum of Scotland to Edinburgh Castle.
- 3:30-6pm: visit *Edinburgh Castle. Open 9:30am-6pm daily. Book tickets well in advance.£19.50. Book 3:30pm entry slot..
- Before/after dinner: walk up Arthur's Seat (2 hours) or Calton Hill or do the Waters of Leith Walk (see Tuesday's plan above);
DAY 3: THURSDAY, EDINBURGH
- 9am: board hop-on, hop-off bus at Waterloo Place, just off Princes Street. 24-hour ticket. Buses every 12 mins. £18. Do full loop (1 hour) and then visit locations not covered by walking tour or our visits to other sights. Maybe get off at Palace of Holyrood House.
- 10:30am-12:30pm: visit the Palace of Holyrood House. Open Thurs-Mon 9:30am-6pm (last entry 4:30pm). £20 if pre-booked online. Free multi-media tour (1 hour). Allow 2 hours for a visit.
- 12:30-1:20pm: lunch.
- 1:20pm: tram to Craigmillar Castle (40 mins).
- 2-4pm: visit *Craigmillar Castle. Open daily 9:30am-5.30pm (last entry 4.45pm). Must book entry slot. £7.50 Allow approximately 2 hours for visit. Large ruinous castle. Used as Ardsmuir Prison, where Jamie is imprisoned (Season 3).
- 4pm: tram to Signet Library (30 mins).
- 4:30-5pm: visit Signet Library, the location for LJG's Jamaica mansion (restaurant area and upstairs library used for filming). Open Wed-Sun, 11am-4:30pm. Can book for lunch or afternoon tea (great reviews) but it's expensive.
- 5:30pm: walk up Arthur's Seat or Calton Hill or do the Waters of Leith Walk (see plans for Tuesday and Wednesday above);
- 6pm: train to Glasgow, Queen Street station (1 hour).
DAYS 4-7: FRIDAY - MONDAY, THE WEST HIGHLAND WAY
On these days we are walking part of the West Highland Way which begins in Glasgow. Sam Heughan did this walk and wrote about it in his book Waypoints.
DAY 8: TUESDAY, GLASGOW
- 9:30am-11am: Hop on, Hop off bus tour from 50 George Square. AUD31.00 p/p. Full loop is 80 mins. Buses every 30 mins.
- 11am: visit Glasgow Cathedral. Crypt was L'Hopital des Anges in Paris (Season 2). Open: 9:30am-5pm. £2.00
- 12pm: visit Glasgow City Chambers. Largest marble staircase in Europe.
- 12:30pm: lunch.
- 2-3:30pm: city walking tour (10:30am, 2pm, 5pm). £12 p/p.
- 3:30pm: train to Pollok Park. Glasgow Central station > Pollokshaws West station (10 mins). Turn left when leaving the station and walk a mile to house. There's also a free shuttle every 30 mins.
- 4-5pm: visit Pollok Park (gardens only - house not open). Gardens were used as those next to Castle Leoch, where Claire gathers medicinal herbs (Season 1), then as countryside between Le Havre and Paris (Season 2). Faith's grave was near the timber garden seat. The outside scenes of Helwater and the Gathering that Bree and Roger attend were also shot here. Jamie and Fergus ride across the bridge and field (with the stables in the background) on their way to L’Havre to give the Comte St Germain’s men fake smallpox.
DAY 9: WEDNESDAY, GLASGOW > KILMARTIN
Option 1 is my preferred option but is probably too rushed. Option 2 is probably the one we'll do.
OPTION 1:
- 9am: pick up rental car in Glasgow.
- Drive to Dunure (1 hour). Pretty seaside village on Firth of Clyde.
- 10:30-11am: visit Dunure harbour. The harbour is where Claire and Jamie leave Scotland in search of Young Ian. Dunure Castle (6-min walk from harbour) is Silkie Island. (Season 3). Castle is in ruins but you can see the rooms where Jamie searches for Claire on the island.
- 11-11:40am: drive Dunure to Kilmarnock (35 mins).
- 11:40am-12:30pm: visit Dean Castle. this stood in for Beaufort Castle where Claire and Jamie go to persuade Jamie’s grandfather, Lord Lovat - 'The Old Fox’ - to send his men to aid Charles Stuart (Season 2). Open 11am-3pm. Free entry.
- 12:30-1pm: lunch in Kilmarnock.
- 1-1:30pm: drive Kilmarnock to Hunterston House (30 mins).
- 2-4pm: tour of Hunterston House (1.5 hours). Interiors of Reverend Wakefield's House and Mrs Baird's B & B were filmed here. Tours at 10am-12pm and 2-4. £20.00 to visit. Need to pre-book tours.
- 4pm-5pm: drive to The Devil's Pulpit (1 hour).
- 5-6pm: visit the The Devil's Pulpit, The Liar's Spring, where Dougal made Claire drink the truth water. Only parking available is the small parking area on the A809 next to the footpath just south of where the A809 crosses the glen itself. Can also park at Tidenham Chase Carpark (free) and walk 20 mins to the glen. Slippery and steep but stunning views. Take towel.
- 6pm: drive Finnich Glen to Kilmartin (2 hours).
OPTION 2:
- 9am: pick up rental car in Glasgow.
- Drive to Dunure (1 hour). Pretty seaside village on Firth of Clyde.
- 10:30-11am: visit Dunure harbour. The harbour is where Claire and Jamie leave Scotland in search of Young Ian. Dunure Castle (6-min walk from harbour) is Silkie Island. (Season 3). Castle is in ruins but you can see the rooms where Jamie searches for Claire on the island.
- 11am: drive to Kilmarnock (35 mins). Visit Dean Castle, Beaufort Castle where Claire and Jamie go to persuade Jamie’s grandfather, Lord Lovat - 'The Old Fox’ - to send his men to aid Charles Stuart. Open 11am-3pm. Free entry.
- Lunch: at 12:35pm in Kilmarnock after visiting Dean Castle.
- 1:35pm: drive Kilmarnock to The Devil's Pulpit/Finnich Glen (50 mins).
- 2:30-3:30pm: visit the The Devil's Pulpit, The Liar's Spring, where Dougal made Claire drink the truth water (Season 1). Only parking available is the small parking area on the A809 next to the footpath just south of where the A809 crosses the glen itself. Can also park at Tidenham Chase Carpark (free) and walk 20 mins to the glen. Slippery and steep but stunning views. Take towel.
- 3:30-5:30pm: drive Finnich Glen to Kilmartin (2 hours).
DAY 10: THURSDAY, KILMARTIN > OBAN
- Breakfast and walk around the village.
- 10am-12pm: visit Kilmartin Museum (open 10am-5pm). £7.00. Recommend visiting before seeing the archeological sites. Visit Kilmartin Glen: stone circles, burial cairns, Dunadd Fort (ruins), church, prehistoric rock carvings. Allow 2-3 hours to see everything.
- 12-1pm: drive Kilmartin to Oban (1 hour).
- 1pm: lunch in Oban. The Kettle Garden Cafe at Dunollie Castle. Open 10am-3:45pm Sun-Fri.
- 2pm: free 1-hour guided tour of Dunollie Castle (11:30am, 2pm). Entry is £10.
- 3-5pm: Ganavan Sands and Dunstaffnage Castle walk (2-2.5 hours).
DAY 11: FRIDAY, OBAN > MULL
- 9am: arrive at car ferry terminal for trip to Mull.
- 9:55am: car ferry to Craignure, Mull (arrive at least 30 mins prior to departure).
- 10:45-11:15am: arrive Craignure, Mull and drive to Lochbuie Standing Stones (30 mins).
- 11:15-11:30am: visit standing stones.
- 11:30am-12:40pm: drive Lochbuie Standing Stones to Fionnphort (1 hour, 10 mins).
- 1pm-2pm: lunch at Fionnphort.
- 2pm: ferry to Iona if weather is good.
- 2:30-3pm: walk around village of Iona.
- 3-5pm: do this 2-hour walk around the north of Iona.
- 5:15pm: ferry back to Fionnphort. Last ferries Iona-Fionnphort are 5:15, 6, 6:30pm.
DAY 12: SATURDAY, IONA
- 9am: park at ferry terminal ready for Staffa Tours pick-up at 9:30am.
- 9:45-12:30am: boat tour of Isle of Staffa and Fingal's Cave. Drop off on Iona.
- 12:30-1:30pm: lunch.
- 1:30pm: walk to Abbey and explore island. Do walk to Dun I and the north of Iona if not done the previous day.
DAY 13: SUNDAY, IONA > TOBERMORY
- 8:30am: check in for 8:50am ferry Iona to Fionnphort (10 mins).
- 9am: arrive Fionnphort and drive to Gruline (1 hour 10 mins).
- 10:15-10:30am: visit Lachlan Macquarie's grave (15 mins).
- 11am: drive Gruline to Tobermory (25 mins).
- 11:30am: walk around Tobermory.
- 12pm: walk to the lighthouse at Rubha nan Gall (3-min). Walk to the Standing Stones at Baliscate (5-min up the lane behind the Isle of Mull Pottery).
- 1-1:30pm: lunch in Tobermory.
- 2-3:30pm: 1.5 hour Hebridean Farm Walk with The Fauld Mull.
DAY 14: MONDAY, TOBERMORY > FORT WILLIAM
- 9:30-10:05am: drive Tobermory to Craignure (35 mins).
- 10:05am: arrive Craignure and check in for car ferry to Oban (at least 30 mins prior).
- 11:05-12:15pm: car ferry to Oban. (Also operates 10am and 12:50pm).
- 12:30-1pm: lunch in Oban.
- 1-2pm: drive Oban to Bridge of Orchy (1 hour).
- 2-2:15pm: see bridge, river, etc.
- 2:15pm: drive Bridge of Orchy to Rannoch Moor (15 mins). See views of Glen Coe.
- 2:30pm: drive Rannoch Moor to Glen Etive (5 mins). See views of Glen Coe.
- 2:50-3pm: drive Glen Etive to Glencoe Visitors' Centre (12 mins).
- 3-4pm: Glencoe Visitors Centre. Open 9:30am-5pm. Allow 1 hour to visit.
- 4-4:10pm: drive Glencoe Visitors Centre to Glencoe.
- 4:15-5:15pm: Ballachulish State Quarries & Loch Leven walk (45 mins, 2km, easy).
- 5:15-5:45pm: drive Glencoe to Fort William (30 mins).
DAY 15: TUESDAY, FORT WILLIAM > INVERNESS
- 10-11am: visit West Highland Museum. Free. Open 10am-5pm Mon-Fri.
- 11-11:30am: drive Fort William to Glenfinnan Viaduct (30 mins).
- 11:30am-1pm: walk Glennfinnan Viaduct Trail (1-2 hours).
- 1-1:30pm: see Glenfinnan Monument and Glenfinnan Visitor Centre. Free. Open 9am-5pm daily.
- 1:30-2:30pm: lunch at cafe at Visitor Centre.
- 2:30-4:40pm: drive Glenfinnan Viaduct to Inverness (2 hours, 10 mins) via Fort Augustus.
- 4:40pm: arrive Inverness.
- Evening walk around Inverness.
DAY 16: WEDNESDAY, INVERNESS
- 9:30-10:30am: Inverness Castle and River Circular walk (5.3km, 1 hour).
- 11:30am-1pm: walking tour from Visit Scotland office, 36 High Street (open 9:30am-5pm). £12. Tours at 11:30am, 2pm and 5pm.
- 1-2pm: lunch.
- 2-2:30pm: drive to Loch Ness and Urquart Castle (30 mins).
- 2:30-4:30pm: visit Loch Ness and *Urquart Castle. Allow 1-2 hours. Open 9:30am-6pm (last entry 5pm). £13.00.
- 4:30-4:45pm (or earlier): drive Drumnadrochit (Loch Ness) to Corrimony Chambered Cairn (15 mins).
- 4:45-5:30pm: visit Corrimony Chambered Cairn. Free. Always open.
- 5:30-6pm: drive Corrimony Chambered Cairn to Inverness (25 mins).
DAY 17: THURSDAY, INVERNESS
- 8:30-8:40am: drive Inverness to Culloden (10 mins).
- 9am-12:30pm: visit Culloden Visitor Centre and battlefield. Open 9am-5pm daily. £16.00, tour of battlefield included.
- 12:30-2pm: lunch at Culloden House Hotel. Book at least 24 hours prior. Lunch starts at £24.95 p/p. Ask to visit the walled garden.
- 2-5:30pm: walk the Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns Walk (13.25km, 2.5-3.5 hours). Clava Cairns was the main inspiration for Craigh na Dun.
- 5:30-5:40pm: drive back to Inverness (10 mins).
DAY 18: FRIDAY, INVERNESS > ABERLOUR
- 9-9:20am: drive to Wardlaw Mausoleum (20 mins). Free but need to arrange visit in advance. Good reviews and a nice place. Mausoleum and museum of the Fraser Clan.
- 9:20-10:30am: visit Wardlaw Mausoleum
- 10:30-11:45am: drive Inverness to Aberlour (1 hour, 15 mins).
- 11:45am: arrive Aberlour.
- 12-1pm: Speyside Cooperage tour (1 hour). Tours Mon-Fri 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm). £10 p/p.
- 1:30-2:30pm: lunch in Aberlour or at one of the distilleries.
- 2:30pm: visit one or more distilleries on the Speyside Malt Whisky Trail.
- 7pm: dinner in Aberlour.
DAY 19: SATURDAY, ABERLOUR > NEWTONMORE
- 9:30-10:30am: walk around Aberlour. Visit The Spey Larder (96 High Street, Aberlour) for lunch supplies.
- 10:30-11:30am: drive Aberlour to Aberlour Distillery (2 mins) and do Linn Falls Walk (50 mins). Sign-posted from Aberlour Distillery.
- 11:30am-12pm: picnic lunch at Aberlour.
- 12:15pm-1:30pm: Aberlour Tasting (30 mins). £20 p/p.
- 1:30-2:40pm: drive Aberlour to Newtonmore (1 hour, 10 mins).
- 2:40pm-5pm: visit Highland Folk Museum (10am-5pm daily). Free. This is the 18th century village that Claire visits with Dougal, Jamie, et al in 'Rent' (Season 1).
DAY 20: SUNDAY, NEWTONMORE > FALKLAND
- 8-8:20am: drive Newtonmore to Dun Da Lamh (20 mins).
- 8:30am-11:30pm: walk to Dun da Lamh Fort (3 hours).
- 11:30pm: drive Dun da Lamh to Laggan (10 mins).
- 11:40-12:15pm: early lunch at Laggan Coffee Bothy and Gallery (great reviews).
- 12:15pm: drive from Laggan to Kinloch Rannoch (50 mins). This is the site of Craigh na Dun where Claire goes through the stones.
- 1pm-3pm: visit the site of Craigh na Dun and walk to MacGregor's Cave (5km, 1.5 hours).
- 3pm: drive Kinloch Rannoch to Tullibardine Chapel, Auchterarder (1.5 hours).
- 4:30-5pm: visit Tullibardine Chapel. Free. Open 9:30am-5:30pm. Last entry at 5pm. Chapel where Claire, Jamie, Dougal, Fergus and Rupert hid from the Redcoats.
- 5-5:40pm: drive Auchterarder to Falkland (40 mins).
DAY 21: MONDAY, FALKLAND > CULROSS
- 9am-12pm: walk around Falkland and explore Outlander filming locations: the Bruce Fountain (where Jamie's ghost watches Claire); Fayre Earth (Farrell's Furniture Shop); Campbell's Coffee House (1940s greengrocer); Brunton Street, Rotten Row and the mouth of Sharps Close (stood in for Inverness streets in 1746. One of the houses in Brunton Street is recognisable as McGilvrey’s Boarding House, where an ill Alex Randall was staying, being cared for by Mary Hawkins. The three streets will be memorable from the scene where Claire and Murtagh walk away from the boarding house);
- visit Falkland Palace (one of the cellars is the apothecary shop where Claire finds Mary prior to Culloden). Open 11am-5pm daily. £17.00.
- 12-12:20pm: drive Falkland to Dysart (20 mins).
- 12:20-1pm: lunch in Dysart.
- 1-2pm: have a quick look at the harbour area (Le Havre in Season 2 and the location of St Germain’s Warehouse. This is where Jamie and Claire arrive in France). The harbour is part of a conservation area retaining many original buildings.
- 2pm: drive Dysart to *Aberdour Castle (20 mins).
- 2:30-4:30pm: explore *Aberdour Castle - where Jamie was nursed back to health after Wentworth. Allow about 2 hours to visit. Open 10am-4:30pm daily (last entry 4pm). Park at railway station. £7.50 p/p.
- 4:30-5pm: drive from Aberdour Castle to Culross (25 mins).
- 5pm: arrive Culross.
- 5-7pm: explore Culross. Allow 1-2 hours. Culross is Cranesmuir in Season 1. Mercat Cross was the centre of Cranesmuir (site of Geillis Duncan's house, square where Geillis was sentenced and where the young thief was rescued). Near Mercat Cross is Laoghaire’s home, Balriggan Cottage. Culross West Kirk is the Black Kirk where Jamie and Claire look for wood garlic. Culross was also used for the Jacobite encampment and hospital scenes before and after Battle of Prestonpans (Season 2). This walk takes in many of these sights and might be good to do.
DAY 22: TUESDAY, CULROSS > FALKIRK
- 10am: visit parts of Culross not visited yesterday (see above). Culross Palace is small but worth visiting. Claire's herb garden is at the back. Open 10am-4pm. £13.00.
- 11-11:30am: drive Culross to Dunmore Park House (20 mins). Ruins where Claire nurses in World War II scenes. Always open. Free to visit. Take care when visiting.
- 11:30am-12pm: visit Dunmore Park House.
- 12-12:30pm: drive Dunmore Park House to *Doune Castle (30 mins).
- 12:30-1:30pm: lunch near Doune Castle. Buttercup Cafe and Simply Sarah's, both in Main Street, have very good reviews.
- 1:30-3:30pm: visit Doune Castle. Allow 2 hours. Open daily 10am-4pm (last entry 3:15pm). £10.00. This was Castle Leoch and was also the castle used in Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
- 3:30-4:15pm: drive Doune Castle to Falkirk (40 mins).
- 4:15pm: arrive Falkirk.
- 5-6:30pm: explore Falkirk. Visit the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel (view it from the canal).
- 7pm: dinner. The Dutch Inn is recommended for dinner. Walk from there to see The Kelpies lit up at night.
Other Outlander settings near Falkirk we probably won't have time to visit:
- Callendar House is a 14th century house situated in the midst of Callendar Park. The authentic Georgian working kitchen features in season 2 of Outlander as part of the home of the Duke of Sandringham, Bellhurst Manor: https://www.visitfalkirk.com/things-to-do/family-days-out/callendar-house-and-park/
- Gray Buchanan Park (10 mins from Falkirk) was made into a cemetery where Jamie and Ian buried Hayes: http://www.outlanderlocations.com/locations/gray-buchanan-park-polmont/
- Bo'ness station (20 mins from Falkirk) is the wartime London railway station where Claire and Frank part. (Season 1): https://thirdeyetraveller.com/boness-and-kinneil-railway-outlander/
DAY 23: WEDNESDAY, FALKIRK
- 9-9:20am: drive Falkirk to *Linlithgow Palace (20 mins).
- 9:30-11am: visit Linlithgow Palace. Magnificent ruin of a royal palace. The entrance and corridors were used as Wentworth Prison, where Jamie is abused by Black Jack (Season 1). Birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Open 9:30am-5pm. £8/£6. Allow about 1.5 hours to visit.
- 11-11:15am: drive from Linlithgow Palace to Blackness Castle (15 mins).
- 11:30am-1pm: visit *Blackness Castle which is Fort William, headquarters of Black Jack Randall. Jamie is flogged in the courtyard (Season 1 & 2). Open 9:30am-5pm, £7/£6. Must book slot in advance (parking included). Allow 1.5 hours to visit?
- 1-1:15pm: drive from Blackness Castle to Linlithgow (15 mins).
- 1:15-2:15pm: lunch in Linlithgow. Mannerstons Cafe has great reviews.
- 2:15-2:30pm: drive Linlithgow to Midhope Castle (15 mins).
- 3-5pm: visit Midhope Castle. Atmospheric old tower house on the Hopetoun estate. Broch Tuarach or Lallybroch, home of Jamie Fraser. Can pre-book or buy tickets at the gate.
- 5-5:40pm: drive Midhope Castle back to Falkirk (35 mins).
DAY 24, THURSDAY, FALKIRK > GLASGOW
Option 1 is my preferred option but is probably too rushed. Option 2 is probably the one we'll do.
OPTION 1:
- 10-10:30am: drive to Hopetoun Estate (25 mins).
- 11am-12:30pm: visit Hopetoun House and grounds (Open Thurs-Mon 11am-5pm). Privately owned. £13.50 to visit. Hopetoun House is the home of the Duke of Sandringham and the rear steps were used for a sword fight. Grounds were the scene of the duel between the Duke and leader of the MacDonalds (Season 1). Courtyard behind tearoom features as a street in Paris (Season 2). Hopetoun is also a location in Season 3 and 4.
- 12:30-1:15pm drive Hopetoun House to Penicuik.
- 1:15-2:15pm: lunch in Penicuik. Royal Hotel has good reviews.
- 2:15-2:25pm: drive Penicuik to Glencorse Old Kirk (45 mins).
- 2:30-3:15pm: visit Glencorse Old Kirk (45-min visit). This is the church where Jamie and Claire married. Need to contact owner by email in advance to book visit. Link is here.
- 3:30pm-4:30pm: visit Roslin Glen Country Park where 'The Reckoning' scenes were filmed (Season 1) at the remains of Old Mill Lade/Roslin Gunpowder factory. It's hard to find the exact spot. Directions are here. This is where Jamie argues with Claire after rescuing her from Black Jack Randall at Fort William ('you're tearing my guts out').
- 4:30-5:30pm: drive from Roslin Glen Country Park to Glasgow (1 hour), via the Outlander studios in Cumbernauld for a photo, if time allows. Penicuik-Cumbernauld (50 mins). Cumbernauld-Glasgow (21 mins).
OPTION 2:
- 10-10:40am: drive from Falkirk to Penicuik (40 mins) to visit Roslin Glen Country Park and Glencorse Old Kirk.
- 11am-12pm: visit Glencourse Old Kirk (45-min visit). This is the church where Jamie and Claire married. Need to contact owner by email in advance to book visit. Link is here.
- 12pm-1pm: visit Roslin Glen Country Park where 'The Reckoning' scenes were filmed (Season 1) at the remains of Old Mill Lade/Roslin Gunpowder factory. It's hard to find the exact spot. Directions are here. This is where Jamie argues with Claire after rescuing her from Black Jack Randall at Fort William ('you're tearing my guts out').
- 1-2pm: lunch in Penicuik. Royal Hotel has good reviews.
- 2-3:10pm: drive from Penicuik to Glasgow (55 mins), via the Outlander studios in Cumbernauld, if time allows (can't visit but can stop for photo at the sign). Penicuik-Cumbernauld (50 mins). Cumbernauld-Glasgow (21 mins).
LIST OF HELPFUL WEBSITES ABOUT OUTLANDER FILMING LOCATIONS
https://www.outlandercast.com/2018/08/seeing-outlander-roslin-glen-country-park.html
https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/culross
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/travel-guide/g12224285/where-to-visit-outlander-filming-locations/
https://thirdeyetraveller.com/where-is-outlander-filmed-outlander-film-locations-guide/
https://www.outlandercast.com/?s=location
https://hopetoun.co.uk/house-and-grounds/visit-the-house-and-grounds/outlander-at-hopetoun/
https://www.jacobitetrail.co.uk/outlander-filming-locations
https://www.nts.org.uk/stories/outlander-filming-locations
http://www.outlanderlocations.com/map/outlander-locations-in-scotland/
https://www.thecastlesofscotland.co.uk/the-best-castles/outlander/
https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/falkland-palace/highlights/outlander-at-falkland
https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/culross
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/travel-guide/g12224285/where-to-visit-outlander-filming-locations/
https://thirdeyetraveller.com/where-is-outlander-filmed-outlander-film-locations-guide/
https://www.outlandercast.com/?s=location
https://hopetoun.co.uk/house-and-grounds/visit-the-house-and-grounds/outlander-at-hopetoun/
https://www.jacobitetrail.co.uk/outlander-filming-locations
https://www.nts.org.uk/stories/outlander-filming-locations
http://www.outlanderlocations.com/map/outlander-locations-in-scotland/
https://www.thecastlesofscotland.co.uk/the-best-castles/outlander/
https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/falkland-palace/highlights/outlander-at-falkland