Taking the time off as a PGR can be tricky but beneficial and what a better time than during the summer? PGR Intern, Rachel, has pondered some of her favourite trips that are easily done as a single day trip from Glasgow.

1.     Millport

ID: Photo (left) Rachel on a bike with sign ‘Millport’; Photo (right) photo of fish and chips

Millport is a hidden gem on the isle of Cumbrae! It really feels rather magical – you take the train from Glasgow to Largs, a short 5 minute walk to the ferry and hop on! They say you’re never late for the Cumbrae ferry, just early for the next one! It’s around £3 for a return ferry ticket and the crossing takes about 10 minutes.

It feels so magical and adventurous to go on a boat – you forget it’s only a short distance from Glasgow. You take the bus from the ferry to the main town. I’d recommend cycling round the island – it’s so fun, flat and easy. You even get a certificate from the bike hire shop at the end! Halfway round the island, you can stop for a beautiful lunch with a view. If cycling isn’t your cup of tea – there are plenty of shops, cafes and pubs to keep you occupied. Throughout the summer, they even have live music every second Sunday.

I’d recommend cycling round the island and stopping for lunch, visiting crocodile rock, the sweet shop, the church and then stopping in a pub to try the local gin. I’d also recommend cutting your day slightly short and arriving back in Largs for a Nardini’s ice-cream, a play at the amusements (a real seaside town tradition) and a pub dinner or chippy (fish and chips) before jumping on the train back to Glasgow.

This is a fun filled day that’s going to leave you feeling fulfilled, adventurous and full of joy!

2.     Arran

ID: both photos of the sea view from Arran

Arran is simply beautiful – it’s often referred to as ‘Scotland in Miniature’. You can find everything here from red squirrels to deer here, it really is beautiful. A short train journey from Glasgow to Ardrossan Harbour takes you to the ferry terminal. The ferry itself takes around an hour and is totally worth it.

Since you only have the day, I prefer to take my time and stroll around the main town of Brodick: an ice-cream, crazy golf, a walk along the beach, through the forest and to the bottom of Goat Fell (I would spend the night if you want to climb it – it’s quite tight otherwise!), and some brilliant pub lunches. There’s plenty to see and do. For me, the most perfect thing about Arran is simply enjoying the view, you feel like you’re really somewhere far away and exotic when on this beautiful island.

With more time, there’s plenty of exploring around the whole island to be doing.

3.     St. Andrews

ID: Photos of St Andrews streets and castle, taken by Rachel

St Andrews requires taking a bus from Buchanan Bus Station to Dundee and another short bus to St Andrews. You can also take the train to Dundee from Glasgow. It takes a couple of hours but is another seaside gem.

A day easily covers it – a walk around, lounging in coffee shops, a nosy around the shops and admiring the castle are all very good ways to pass the time. I loved standing by the sea and just enjoying the east coast. It’s a fun, vibrant and student-oriented town so the university is well worth a look too.

Taking time for plenty of coffee and cake breaks is a great idea – super delicious and plenty of cafes to choose from. I spent a lot of time meandering through the town and simply absorbing the atmosphere and it felt like the perfect day well spent.

Send A Postcard To UofG PGRs!

Whatever trip you choose, take time away from your screens and emails and simply enjoy the fresh sea air – whichever side of the coast you end up on! Taking time off is important and even if it is only one day – you’ll really feel like you’ve been away and had an adventure.

Have fun and send us a postcard – we’d love to hear where you end up!

Rachel Eager is a second-year PhD Candidate in Comparative Literature and is the Communications Intern 22/23. You can contact her by email: Rachel.Eager@Glasgow.ac.uk or on Twitter @RachelEager2.