Walks and Trips from Edinburgh around the Scottish countryside.
With Fife, the Lothians and the Scottish borders all only a few miles away, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to great places to visit on a day trip. Enjoy golf by the sea at historic North Berwick or journey by boat up the beautiful Fife coastline to the spectacular Isle of May. Take a quiet walk along the shores of tranquil Loch Katrine or hit the mountain biking trail in Glentress Forest – there’s something for everyone.
North Berwick
Situated just 25 miles to the east of the Capital, North Berwick first came to prominence as a fashionable holiday resort in the nineteenth century but even today, there’s still plenty to attract visitors. Two splendid gold courses flank either end of the town’s twin sandy bays, and visitors are welcome alongside members. Nature lovers will be lured by the wealth of sea birds that inhabit this stretch of coast and may even be lucky enough to spot seals swimming in the bay. North Berwick harbour, meanwhile, is the place to take ship to visit the local islands – Fidra, Craigleith, Lamb Island and the spectacular Bass Rock.
Isle of May
The Isle of May is a stunning island beauty spot guarding the entrance to the Firth of Forth just off the Fife coast. At less than two kilometres long and half a kilometre wide, it’s small enough to easily walk around but its tiny size belies the wealth of natural beauty and sites of historic interest that make the island famous. As well as being home to thousands of seals and seabirds, the Isle of May is also the site of the remains of a twelfth century monastery and of Scotland’s oldest lighthouse, built in 1636. Boats travel to the island daily from North Berwick and Dunbar in East Lothian, and from Ansruther in Fife.
Loch Katrine
Nestled in the Trossachs about 35 miles west of Stirling, Loch Katrine is a slightly longer drive from Edinburgh than most of the other attractions on our list but the extra effort is well worth it. Made famous by Sir Walter Scott’s poem ‘the Lady of the Lake’, Loch Katrine today is one of Scotland’s favourite beauty spots, though it is often unfairly overlooked in favour of neighbouring Loch Lomond. As well as numerous beautiful lakeside walks, the loch can also be enjoyed from the comfort of the steam ship Sir Walter Scott and her sister vessel, The Lady of the Lake.
Melrose
The Roxburgh town of Melrose is best known for the spectacular medieval abbey that bears its name, famously the final resting place of Robert the Bruce’s heart. Today, the ruins of the abbey are one of the leading tourist attractions in the Borders, fusing historic interest with architectural majesty. The area is also home to the ruins of a Roman fort at Newstead , while those more interested in myths and legends than history can trek off in search of the burial site of King Arthur, rumoured to be somewhere in the adjacent Eildon Hills. While in the area, why not stop by the spectacular Roxburghe Country Hotel in nearby Kelso for afternoon tea?
Glentress Forest
For those looking for something a bit more active to fill their day away, a trip to Glentress Forest might be just the ticket. Situated deep in the Tweed Valley in the Scottish Borders, Glentress is home to some of the best mountain biking trails in the country. Trails are graded from green to black, providing scenic routes through the valley for cyclists of all levels, from beginners to experts. For the hardcore bikers, there’s a selection of punishing downhill and cross-country trails to push even the most experienced cyclists to the limit. Bikes and equipment are available for hire on site so those without their own set of wheels won’t be left out.
What’s your favourite day trip from Edinburgh? Let us know in the comments below.
