As November sets in and the days grow shorter, it’s easy to let the wintery fog pervade you as finals start to loom. So, why not shake off those autumn blues by getting into the great outdoors? A good work-life balance means giving yourself a break- and that’s where we come in.
Railway Society (RailSoc) was formed in 2022 to provide a space for transport enthusiasts, but also to give all students the chance to take a breather from their studies by joining us for a day out (by train!) to see more of Scotland. We endeavour to keep our trips affordable, and, as you’re doubtless starting to feel the pinch of your maintenance loan, here are — from me, our treasurer — some cheap autumn days out that you can do by train!
The pretty coastal town of North Berwick is a perfect place for the bracing sea air, which can work wonders for our mental health. The journey takes just 35 minutes, and with a railcard a return costs £5.85 — less than most Edinburgh pints! Stroll the beaches, hike up North Berwick Law, or simply wander for a while on a lazy Sunday in this East Lothian jewel.
Explore Scotland’s history by taking the train to Linlithgow (just two stops from Waverley) and visiting the Palace, which is the loch-side birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots! Then continue to Stirling: not only is Linlithgow Palace just £1 entry with Young Scot, but so is the stunning Stirling Castle, one of Caledonia’s foremost fortifications. With an off-peak return ticket to Stirling (just £8.05 with a railcard), it is very affordable to visit them both.
You don’t have to travel far from Edinburgh to experience the wonders of Scotland’s scenery. The Borders Railway is beyond beautiful in autumn, weaving through the picturesque Southern Uplands to the town of Tweedbank. From there, you can wander the riverside along to picture-perfect Melrose, then return by bus to the handy interchange at Galashiels. A railcarded return to Tweedbank is just £9.65.
The tiny twin towns of Dunkeld and Birnam traditionally straddle the border between the Lowlands and Highlands. Both of these places are beyond beautiful, and full of romance: a riverside cathedral, a thriving arts centre, and tall trees — including the fearsome Birnam Oak! They can be reached via a simple round trip: outward via Stirling to Perth- where you can see the Stone of Destiny — an emblem of Scottish nationhood — for free in the Perth Museum. Then travel through the rich scenery of Dunkeld, back to Perth, before striking out along the beautiful Fife Coast, watching the sun set over the Forth Islands and traversing the legendary Forth Bridge — a UNESCO World Heritage site. This was my favourite social from my tenure as president last year, and, with a railcard, it costs £14.35 — admittedly pricier, but worth every penny.
You can see more of Scotland by rail: greenly, cheaply, and it does wonders for your sense of accomplishment. Get out there and explore!
Photograph provided by Sam Stevens
