Of the half million annual visitors to the Edinburgh International Festival (running from 4-28 August this year), the majority choose not to explore outside of the city. This is understandable considering the plethora of cultural offerings and the city’s undeniable charm. However, it is a missed opportunity to not experience the stunning scenery that Scotland has to offer, especially since Edinburgh is the capital of this beautiful country.
While the truly epic landscapes are found in the Highlands, a few hours away, it is still possible to get a taste of Scotland’s unique beauty on a day trip from Edinburgh. Here are three suggestions that can easily be reached by public transport and include a hill walk, the chance to see amazing wildlife, and a visit to a famous loch.
1. Beaches and birdlife: the North Berwick coast
The fastest train from Edinburgh to North Berwick takes only 24 minutes. North Berwick is a quintessential Scottish seaside town with two vast golden sandy beaches, rock pools to explore, and great seafood and fish and chips. A short boat ride from North Berwick brings you to Bass Rock, home to the world’s largest colony of northern gannets. In the summer, up to 150,000 nesting gannets can be seen here, along with guillemots, razorbills, puffins, and various gulls. The Scottish Seabird Centre offers visitors a closeup view of these birds through zoom-in cameras and telescopes.
2. History and hiking: Stirling and Dumyat hill
The fastest train from Edinburgh takes 40 minutes to reach Stirling. Situated between the Lowlands and the Highlands, Stirling allows visitors to get a taste of Scotland’s mountain-walking country without venturing too far. Dumyat is a handsome hill on the western edge of the Ochil Hills, offering beautiful views without requiring much effort. The route to the summit is beginner-friendly and family-friendly, with sheepfolds along the way. Additionally, Stirling is a charming medieval town with cobbled streets, historic buildings, and a castle that rivals Edinburgh’s in terms of Renaissance architecture. The Battle of Bannockburn Experience is also a popular attraction for kids interested in Scottish history.
3. City and cycling: Glasgow and Loch Lomond
The fastest train from Edinburgh to Glasgow Queen Street takes 44 minutes. Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest lake, is an easy cycling distance from Glasgow, though an ebike may be preferable for this long day out. The cycle trail follows the Clyde and Forth and Clyde Canal, offering scenic views of post-industrial Glasgow before reaching the beautiful Vale of Leven. The small town of Balloch serves as the gateway to Loch Lomond, where boat trips can be taken to islands along the Highland Boundary Fault. Glasgow itself is worth exploring, and visitors in August can enjoy the inaugural UCI Cycling world championships, which will showcase various disciplines in cycling.
By taking advantage of these day trips from Edinburgh, visitors can make the most of their time in Scotland and enjoy the country’s natural beauty beyond the city limits.