The Ultimate Outlander Itinerary

Last updated: Wednesday, 19 April 2023

From 25 April 2023, ferry travel is no longer included within the Spirit of Scotland pass. Any ferry travel should be purchased separately and directly from www.calmac.co.uk

From Fife to South Queensferry, Inverness to Glencoe, Outlander has been filmed right across the country, and the Spirit of Scotland travel pass is the only ticket you’ll need to experience the show’s mysterious world.

As season four of Outlander is released on DVD we have loved reliving our favourite moments from the last series. It showcases the dramatic Scottish scenery perfectly. If you’ve always fancied walking in the shoes of your favourite characters, we've crafted a bespoke itinerary for fans of the smash-hit show to experience some of the real-life filming locations, all easily accessible by rail.

Day 1

Start your Outlander adventure in Glasgow, the biggest city in Scotland and home to a number of filming locations throughout the series. The trendy West End is home to Glasgow University and Kelvingrove Park, both of which have been used in season 3. In town you’ll find George Square where Frank proposed to Claire in season 1 and Glasgow Cathedral which doubles as L’Hopital Des Anges in Paris where Claire volunteers to work in season 2. St Andrew’s in the Square, close to Glasgow Green is where Jamie and Claire attended the theatre with Governor Tyrone in season 4.

Day 2 (first day of travel)

Departing from Glasgow Queen Street, you’ll travel by train to Fort William along the West Highland Line, the most scenic railway journey in Scotland. En route, you’ll pass through Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and Rannoch Moor, where Claire and Frank enjoyed their second honeymoon following the end of the war in season 1. Stay overnight in Fort William and enjoy the breath-taking beauty and Jacobite history of the area.

Day 3 (second day of travel)

Take the bus from Fort William to Inverness, included in your Spirit of Scotland travel pass. The two hour journey brings you incredible landscapes and provides the option to hop-off at Urquhart Castle en route. Easily one of the most iconic castles in Scotland, Urquhart Castle sits on the banks of Loch Ness and Government troops blew up the gatehouse in 1692 during the Jacobite risings. Exploring Inverness, where Outlander is primarily based although not predominantly filmed is a must during this tour so allow plenty of time.

Day 4

Culloden battlefield is a short journey from Inverness city centre and is the site of the final Jacobite Rising and was a major filming location for series three. The battle to reclaim the Stuart throne is eerily brought back to life at the award-winning visitor centre where ScotRail passengers can benefit from 2 for 1 admission using ScotRail offers.

Day 5 (third day of travel)

To break up your journey back south from Inverness, stop off at Perth, where you can take a short bus journey to reach Tibbermore Church, used in season 1 for the infamous witch trial. Afterwards, enjoy a wander round the city which lies on the banks of the Tay before travelling on to Stirling where you’ll stay overnight ahead of more Outlander exploring the next day.

Day 6 (fourth day of travel)

The Deanston Distillery which provides the setting for Jamie’s cousin’s wine warehouse on the docks of Le Havre in season 2 is easily accessible from Stirling, as is Doune Castle, which plays a leading role in season 1 as Castle Leoch – home to Colum MacKenzie and his clan. After a day in the central belt, take the short train journey to Linlithgow and stay overnight.

Day 7 (fifth day of travel)

Spend your morning soaking up the beauty of Linlithgow Palace, the setting for Wentworth Prison where Jamie is imprisoned. The palace was once a favoured royal residence of the Stewart Kings and Queens.

Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh is just a short train journey from Linlithgow and can act as your base for the final few days of your Outlander adventure.

Spend your afternoon walking around the Old Town of this historic city – which was used as a filming location for the first time in season 3. Bakehouse Close and Tweeddale Court are some of the best preserved examples of Old Edinburgh.

Day 8 (sixth day of travel)

From Edinburgh, you’ll head over the iconic Forth Rail Bridge and along the east coast of Scotland, up to Fife where much of Outlander is filmed, posing as old Inverness. Disembark at Ladybank station to discover Falkland, which stands in for 1940s Inverness in the show – look out for the Bruce Fountain where the ghost of Jamie looks up at Claire.

Head back down the coast and on to Aberdour, where Aberdour Castle is just a short walk away. The castle doubles as the fictional monastery where Claire and Murtagh bring Jamie to recover after his ordeal at the prison.

Day 9 (seventh day of travel)

The last day of your Outlander film location discovery. You’ll head back over the bridge and on to Dunfermline where you can take a short bus journey to Culross which is home to the fictional village of Cranesmuir.

When you’ve finished exploring Fife, take the train back to Edinburgh and head to Summerhall, just a short walk from the station. Marvel at the surrounds before enjoying a gin from the on-site distillery, and reminiscing about your adventure.

Your ticket to an Outlander adventure

The Spirit of Scotland pass offers four days of travel across eight days for £149, or eight days of travel across fifteen days for £189. With unlimited off-peak travel on trains, buses and coaches around Scotland, the Spirit of Scotland pass is an essential, and affordable purchase for any Heughligans keen to have their own Outlander adventure.

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