Days out
Days out from Edinburgh.
Edinburgh is one of the best places in Scotland to base yourself for days out. The city could fill a week on its own, from the castle and the Old Town to the galleries and the walk up Arthur's Seat, but within an hour in any direction there's a whole other Scotland waiting. Head east and you're on the golden beaches of East Lothian and the clifftop ruin of Tantallon; cross the Forth and the fishing villages of Fife are close at hand; to the south lie the abbeys and rolling hills of the Borders.
Every day here is worked out stop by stop, with the drive or the train between each place, where to stop for lunch, and what to book before you go. Plenty can be done without a car, too, since trains and buses run to many of the best places from the city centre. Choose a day that suits the weather and your mood, and let us handle the rest.
Your best match · In EdinburghThe New Town: the gardens, the galleries and Calton Hill at duskA day on foot, about 3 miles.See the dayIn Edinburgh
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In EdinburghA Perfect Rainy Day in Edinburgh: A Trail of Books, Whisky & WarmthA day on foot, about 3 miles
In EdinburghEdinburgh Gin's distillery tour and lunch at HowiesOn foot, about three hours
In EdinburghA walk up Calton Hill by the Old Calton Burial GroundOn foot, allow an hour
In EdinburghCalton Hill at sunset and supper at Howies WaterlooOn foot, about two and a half hours
In EdinburghFree EdinburghA day on foot, about 2 miles
In EdinburghA walk down the Royal Mile by its closesOn foot, allow an hour and a half
In EdinburghThe Writers' Museum and afternoon tea at the Signet LibraryOn foot, about three and a half hours
In EdinburghEdinburgh's galleries on footA day on foot.jpg)
In EdinburghCoffee, Cakes and Closes – A Walking Tour Ending with Ice Cream and Edinburgh’s Best ViewA day on foot, about 3 milesMembers
In EdinburghThe Grassmarket, Greyfriars and the National MuseumA day on foot
In EdinburghCamera Obscura and lunch at the Scottish CafeOn foot, about three and a half hours
In EdinburghA walk through Princes Street Gardens, east to westOn foot, allow an hour
In EdinburghEdinburgh whisky and ginA day by tram and on foot, about 2 miles
In EdinburghLiterary Edinburgh, the first City of LiteratureA day on foot, about 2 miles.jpg)
In EdinburghOld Town Walking TourA day on foot, about 3 milesMembers
In EdinburghSurgeons' Hall Museums and soup at Union of GeniusOn foot, about three and a half hours
In EdinburghStep-free EdinburghA day by car, about 4 miles
In EdinburghThe Royal Mile: the Castle down to HolyroodhouseA day on foot, about 2 miles.jpg)
In EdinburghA Day Around Edinburgh’s Old TownA day on footMembers.jpg)
In EdinburghThis 6‑Stop Literary Trail Ends with a Drink at Rebus’s Favourite PubA day on foot, about 3 miles
In EdinburghBrunch at the Pantry and Circus LaneOn foot, about two and a half hours
In EdinburghAn evening at the King's TheatreOn foot, about four and a half hours
In EdinburghArthur's Seat and lunch at Clarinda's TearoomOn foot, about three hoursIn EdinburghHolyrood Park: Arthur's Seat, Duddingston and Craigmillar CastleA day on foot, about 3 miles
In EdinburghDean Village, the Water of Leith and lunch at the PantryOn foot, about two and a half hoursIn EdinburghStockbridge, Dean Village and the Botanics, on a SundayA day on foot, about 4 miles
In EdinburghThe Royal Botanic Garden and lunch at the Terrace CaféBy bus and on foot, about four hours
In EdinburghEdinburgh's gardensA day by bus and on foot, about 5 miles
In EdinburghEdinburgh's hills and views in their best lightA day by bus and on foot, about 5 miles
In EdinburghLeith and Newhaven: the Shore, Britannia and the harbourA day on foot, about 2 miles
In EdinburghThe Shore at Leith and a dram at Teuchters LandingBy tram and on foot, about two and a half hours
In EdinburghThe Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill walkBy car, about an hour and a half
About 3 miles awayCraigmillar Castle and lunch at the Sheep HeidBy car, about three and a half hours
About 3 miles awayA walk along Portobello promenade from the bottle kilnsBy bus and on foot, allow an hour and a half
About 3 miles awayPortobello Beach and a hot chocolate at the Beach HouseBy car, about two hours
About 3 miles awayA day at Edinburgh ZooBy car, about five hours
About 4 miles awayA walk on Corstorphine Hill to its towerBy car, about an hour, or half an hour for the tower alone
About 4 miles awayLauriston Castle's gardens above the ForthBy car, about an hour and a half
About 4 miles awayColinton Tunnel and the Dells with the dogBy bus and on foot, about three hours
About 5 miles awayThe Alpine Coaster and tubing at HillendBy car, about three hours
About 5 miles awayCramond shore and River Almond walk to Cramond BrigBy car, about two hoursOut from Edinburgh
About 3 miles awayExploring Edinburgh’s Quieter EdgesA day by car, about 21 milesMembers
About 7 miles awayRosslyn Chapel and Roslin GlenA day by bus and on foot
About 7 miles awayTurnhouse, Carnethy and Scald Law hill walkBy car, about five hours
About 7 miles awayFlotterstone, Glencorse Reservoir and Castlelaw walkBy car, about an hour and a half
About 7 miles awayRound Harlaw Reservoir in the Pentland HillsBy car, about two and a half hours with a drink
About 7 miles awayAn e-foil taster on the Forth at BurntislandOn foot, about three hours
About 7 miles awayThe Burntisland Heritage Trail walkBy car, about an hour and a half
About 8 miles awayThe Maid of the Forth to Inchcolm and lunch at the RailbridgeBy train and boat and on foot, about five and a half hours
About 8 miles awayAberdour Castle and lunch at the Aberdour HotelOn foot, about three hours
About 8 miles awayAberdour to Burntisland coast walk by Silver SandsBy car, about two and a half hours with the bus back
About 8 miles awayThe Spear Sauna at Lost Shore, near EdinburghBy car, about two and a half hours
About 8 miles awayA surf lesson at Lost Shore, RathoBy car, about three hours
About 9 miles awaySouth Queensferry and lunch at the Hawes InnOn foot, about two and a half hours
About 9 miles awayThe Forth shoreA day by car, about 68 miles
About 9 miles awayDeep Sea World at North QueensferryOn foot, about three hours
About 9 miles awayNorth Queensferry to Carlingnose Point and Port Laing walkBy car, an hour or so, or two hours for the longer round
About 11 miles awayAlmondell country park walk along the River AlmondBy car, about two hours.jpg)
About 12 miles awayThe Outlander ItineraryA day by car, about 51 milesMembers
About 12 miles awayExploring Fife’s Hidden CornersA day by car, about 54 miles
About 12 miles awayDysart harbour to Ravenscraig Castle walkBy car, one to three hours
About 12 miles awayGlenkinchie and Johnnie Walker Princes StreetA day by bus and on foot
About 13 miles awayBlackness Castle and lunch at the Lobster PotBy car, about two and a half hours
About 13 miles awayThe Dunfermline Culture and Heritage Trail walkBy car, about two hours
About 13 miles awayA walk round Blackness Castle by the foreshoreBy car, about 45 minutes
About 13 miles awayA walk round Pittencrieff Park and its glen in DunfermlineOn foot, about two hours with coffee
About 14 miles awayThe pink-footed geese at Aberlady BayBy car, about an hour and a half
About 15 miles awayThe animals and play at Almond ValleyBy car, about four hours
About 15 miles awayGullane Bents and Gullane Point walkBy car, about two and a half hours
About 15 miles awayThe Wemyss Coastal Trail walk past the cavesBy car, about two hours one way
About 16 miles awayThe animals at Five Sisters ZooBy car, about four hours
About 16 miles awayHovercrafting at Craigluscar and Dunfermline AbbeyBy car, about three hours
About 16 miles awayRound Linlithgow Loch from the PeelOn foot, about two hours with coffee
About 16 miles awayLinlithgow, the Kelpies and the Falkirk WheelA day by car, about 61 miles
About 17 miles awayThe geese and red squirrels at RSPB Loch LevenBy car, about three hours
About 17 miles awayThe Dirleton and Yellowcraig walkBy car, about two hours
About 17 miles awayYellowcraig's play park and beachBy car, about two hours
About 18 miles awayConcorde at the National Museum of FlightBy car, about four hours
About 18 miles awayA Day Along the South Fife CoastA day by car, about 20 miles
About 18 miles awayLeven to Lower Largo coast walk by Silverburn ParkBy car, about two hours with the bus back
About 19 miles awayA walk up Culross's abbey hill to the West KirkBy car, about an hour and a half, more with lunch
About 19 miles awayCulross, the Forth shore and lunch at the Red LionOn foot, about three hours
About 19 miles awayNorth Berwick and Tantallon by trainA day by train and bus and on foot, about 3 miles
About 19 miles awayKinross to Burleigh Sands walk by Loch LevenBy car, about two and a half hours
About 19 miles awayNorth Berwick Law and lunch at the HerringboneOn foot, about three and a half hours
About 20 miles awayCoffee at Steampunk and the Coastal Communities MuseumBy train and on foot, about two hours
About 20 miles awayHailes Castle and lunch at Bostock in East LintonBy car, about two hours
About 20 miles awayThe Bass Rock by boat and lunch at the RocketeerOn foot, about three and a half hours
About 20 miles awayNorth Berwick harbour at dusk and a pint at the Ship InnOn foot, about two and a half hours
About 20 miles awayThe Scottish Seabird Centre in winterBy car, about two and a half hours
About 20 miles awayA walk up East Lomond above FalklandBy car, about three and a half hours with lunch
About 20 miles awayLower Largo to Elie coast walk by Kincraig PointOn foot, about five hours with lunch and the bus back
About 21 miles awayA Day in the Borders CountrysideA day by car, about 75 miles
About 21 miles awayCademuir Hill and its forts, by PeeblesOn foot, about four hours
About 21 miles awayLargo Law and lunch at the Crusoe in Lower LargoBy car, about three hours
About 21 miles awayThe Ponds and Glen Trail walks in Glentress ForestBy car, about an hour, or an hour and a half for the Glen Trail
About 21 miles awayMaspie Den waterfall and lunch at Pillars of HerculesOn foot, about three hours
About 22 miles awayA seaside sauna on Elie harbour and lunch at the Ship InnOn foot, about three hours
About 22 miles awayA walk to the Bunnet Stane below West LomondBy car, about an hour
About 22 miles awayElie to St Monans coast walkOn foot, about five hours with lunch.jpg)
About 22 miles awayA Day Around the East Neuk of FifeA day by car, about 17 milesMembers
About 22 miles awaySunset at the Lady's Tower and supper at the Ship Inn in ElieOn foot, about two and a half hours
About 22 miles awayRuby Bay rock pools and lunch at the Ship Inn in ElieOn foot, about three hours
About 22 miles awayTantallon Castle and lunch at DriftBy car, about three hours
About 22 miles awayKailzie Gardens near PeeblesBy car, about two and a half hours
About 22 miles awayThe Helix play park, the Kelpies and a hot chocolateOn foot, about three hoursAbout 22 miles awayThe Kelpies at dusk and supper at Indian CottageBy car, about three hours
About 22 miles awayA walk in Pressmennan Wood by the lakeBy car, allow two hours
About 22 miles awayCallendar House on a wet day and lunch in its tearoomOn foot, about two and a half hours
About 22 miles awayCallendar Park and Callendar Wood walk in FalkirkBy car, about an hour and a half
About 23 miles awayTyninghame beach walk to St Baldred's CradleBy car, about an hour
About 23 miles awayFoxFall at Foxlake, a ropes course and zip line over waterBy car, about two hours
About 23 miles awayBowhouse market weekend and lunch in the courtyardOn foot, about two and a half hours
About 23 miles awayThe Japanese Garden at Cowden and lunch in its tearoomBy car, about two and a half hours
About 24 miles awayCoasteering on the Dunbar coastBy car, about four and a half hours
About 24 miles awayAn alpaca trek to the beach at John Muir AlpacasBy car, about two hours
About 24 miles awayExploring the Clackmannan Tower TrailA day by car, about 17 miles
About 24 miles awayTraquair's maze and playground, with the dogBy car, about four hours
About 25 miles awayThe Scottish Deer Centre's animalsBy car, about four hours
About 25 miles awayDawyck Botanic Garden in the Tweed valleyBy car, about three hours
About 25 miles awayA walk up Minch Moor by the Cheese WellBy car, about four hours
About 25 miles awayThe Cocoa Tree and St Fillan's Cave in PittenweemOn foot, about an hour and a half
About 25 miles awayA walk from the Falkirk Wheel to Rough Castle Roman FortBy car, an hour to an hour and a half
About 25 miles awayA boat trip on the Falkirk Wheel and lunch at its caféBy car, about two and a half hours
About 26 miles awayA puppet show at Biggar Puppet TheatreBy car, about two and a half hours
About 26 miles awayAn Eastern Daytrip to DunbarA day on foot, about 2 miles (1).jpg)
About 26 miles awayExploring Historic DunbarA few hours by carMembers
About 26 miles awayDunbar harbour, the Battery and lunch at the CreelOn foot, about three hours
About 26 miles awayThe Anstruther Town Trail walkBy car, at least an hour
About 26 miles awayA boat to the Isle of May and fish and chips in AnstrutherOn foot, about six hours
About 26 miles awayThe Scottish Fisheries Museum with the childrenBy car, about two and a half hours
About 27 miles awayThe Abernethy Village WalkBy car, ten stops round a small village
About 27 miles awayAbernethy's Witches' Path with the dog and lunch at the NookBy car, about three hours
About 27 miles awayCellardyke's tidal pool and fish and chips in AnstrutherOn foot, about three hours
About 28 miles awayA tour at Lindores Abbey Distillery and a sharing platterBy car, about two and a half hours
About 28 miles awayLindores Abbey Distillery and lunch in AbernethyBy car, about four hours
About 29 miles awayDunning and a drink at the Kirkstyle InnBy car, about two and a half hours
About 30 miles awayA Day of History & Nature in LanarkshireA few hours by car, about 12 miles
About 30 miles awayA walk up Moncreiffe Hill near PerthBy car, about three hours
About 30 miles awayThe Chain Bridge at Melrose and a dram at BurtsOn foot, about two hours
About 30 miles awayCrail to Anstruther on the coastal path and fish and chipsBy bus and on foot, about five hours
About 30 miles awayThe Crail Heritage Walk, from the museum to the harbourBy car, one to two hours
About 30 miles awayNew Lanark's mill village with the childrenBy car, about four hours
About 30 miles awayThe Falls of Clyde Wildlife ReserveBy car, about three and a half hours
About 30 miles awayThe Wallace Monument, Cambuskenneth Abbey and Bridge of AllanA day on foot, about 7 miles
About 30 miles awayEildon Hills and lunch at Burts in MelroseOn foot, about three and a half hours
About 30 miles awayMelrose and AbbotsfordA day by car, about 6 miles
About 31 miles awayThe Trimontium Museum in Melrose with the childrenBy car, about an hour and a half
About 31 miles awayBreakfast at Twelve Triangles and Melrose AbbeyOn foot, about two and a half hours
About 31 miles awayPaddleboarding at Willowgate and lunch by the TayBy car, about three hours
About 31 miles awayAn evening along The Scores and a pint at the Jigger InnOn foot, about two and a half hours
About 31 miles awayA Day in St AndrewsA day by car, about 30 milesMembers
About 31 miles awayThe R&A World Golf Museum and lunch at Forgan'sOn foot, about three hours
About 31 miles awayThe West Sands with the dog and a sandwich at DookOn foot, about two hours
About 31 miles awayThe Wardlaw Museum and afternoon tea at the Old Course HotelOn foot, about four hours
About 31 miles awaySt Andrews on footA day on foot, about 2 miles
About 31 miles awaySt Andrews Castle and fish and chips at CromarsOn foot, about two and a half hours
About 31 miles awayA walk up the Abbey Craig by the Wallace WayBy car, about an hour
About 31 miles awayThe West Sands and Craigtoun with the children and the dogBy car, about five and a half hours
About 31 miles awayThe Back Walk and a drink at the PortcullisOn foot, about two and a half hours
About 31 miles awayA walk up Dumyat from the Sheriffmuir roadBy car, about two and a half hours
About 31 miles awayStirling Castle and coffee in the old townOn foot, about four and a half hoursAbout 31 miles awayA day in Stirling: the castle and the old townA day on foot
About 32 miles awayPerth on footA day on foot, about 2 miles
About 32 miles awayThe Tay at sunset and supper at the North PortOn foot, about three hours
About 32 miles awayCairn O'Mohr winery tour and lunch at the Pickled PeacockBy car, about three hoursAbout 32 miles awayPerth Museum and lunch at Café TabouOn foot, about five hours
About 32 miles awayKingsbarns beach and Cambo woods walkBy car, about two hours, or most of a day with Fife Ness
About 32 miles awayA Historic Tour of PerthA few hours by car, about 5 miles
About 32 miles awayScott's View at sunset and supper at the Buccleuch ArmsBy car, about two and a half hours
About 32 miles awayCove Harbour and Pease Dean walkBy car, about two hours
About 32 miles awayMellerstain's gardens and lakeside walksBy car, about two hours
About 32 miles awayA walk round Perth's North Inch and the Tay bridgesBy car, about an hour and a quarter
About 32 miles awayThe Black Watch Museum and afternoon tea at Effie'sOn foot, about four hours
About 33 miles awayThe Loch of the Lowes walk at St Mary's LochBy car, about three hours
About 33 miles awayDryburgh Abbey and lunch at Mainstreet in St BoswellsOn foot, about three hours
About 33 miles awayHuntingtower Castle and lunch at the Pitcairngreen InnBy car, about three hours
About 34 miles awayScone Palace gardens and lunch in the Old Servants' HallBy car, about three hours
About 35 miles awayTentsmuir Forest with the dog and a crêpe at Salt and PineBy car, about three hours
About 35 miles awayThe seals at Tentsmuir PointBy car, about three hours
About 35 miles awayA walk up Duns Law to the Covenanters' StoneBy car, about an hour and a half
About 35 miles awayInnerpeffray Library and lunch at the Coorie InnBy car, about three hours
About 35 miles awaySunset on Magdalen Green and supper at PiccoloOn foot, about three and a half hours
About 36 miles awayDundee Science Centre on a wet dayBy car, about three hours
About 36 miles awayDundee Science Centre and V&A DundeeOn foot, about five and a half hours
About 36 miles awayDundee's West End and the Law: the DCA, the Perth Road, Magdalen Green and the sunset from the topA day on foot, about 4 miles
About 36 miles awayA walk along the Dundee Maritime TrailBy car, about an hour with stops
About 36 miles awayRRS Discovery and lunch at Discovery PointOn foot, about three hours
About 36 miles awayA day in Dundee: the waterfront, the V&A, Discovery and the UnicornA day on foot, about 2 miles
About 36 miles awayV&A Dundee and afternoon tea at TathaOn foot, about three and a half hours
About 36 miles awayThe animals at Blair Drummond Safari ParkBy car, about five hours
About 36 miles awayA fudge doughnut at Fisher & Donaldson and Desperate DanOn foot, about an hour
About 36 miles awayVerdant Works and lunch in the old jute millOn foot, about three and a half hours
About 36 miles awayAn evening at Mills Observatory in Balgay ParkBy car, about two hours
About 36 miles awayJute, jam and journalism in Dundee: Verdant Works, the McManus, the Keiller story, the Beano and Oor WullieA day on foot
About 36 miles awayThe McManus and lunch in DundeeOn foot, about four hours
About 37 miles awayCamperdown, Templeton Woods and Clatto walkBy car, about three and a half hours
About 37 miles awayThe animals at Camperdown Wildlife CentreBy car, about two and a half hours
About 37 miles awayThe playground in Floors Castle's walled gardenBy car, about two hours
About 37 miles awayA walk up the Grey Mare's Tail to Loch SkeenBy car, about two hours
About 37 miles awayFloors Castle and afternoon tea in the Terrace CaféOn foot, about three and a half hours
About 37 miles awayThe red kites at ArgatyBy car, about two hours
The shore walk from John o' Groats to Duncansby Head
Clear across Scotland today, so a day outside. A few hours by car.
One place, and somewhere for lunch.
Not every day out needs to be a big one. A castle and a café, a walk and lunch, a museum when it rains: one place, somewhere good to eat close by, and the time between worked out.
Islay Woollen Mill and lunch at the Bridgend Hotel
By car, about two and a half hours.
Hot chocolate at Cocoa Mountain and Dornoch Cathedral
On foot, about an hour and a half.
Floors Castle and afternoon tea in the Terrace Café
On foot, about three and a half hours.
Coffee at Steampunk and the Coastal Communities Museum
By train and on foot, about two hours.
An evening by the River Thurso and a dram at the Ulbster Arms
By car, about two and a half hours.
An evening round Portpatrick harbour and supper by the sea
On foot, about two hours.
Lunch at the Badachro Inn and Redpoint beach
By car, about three and a half hours.
Sunset on Ayr's Esplanade and supper at the Fox & Willow
By car, about two and a half hours.
A walk to Plodda Falls by Tomich
By car, about three hours.
An evening by Findhorn Bay and a pint at the Kimberley Inn
On foot, about two and a half hours.
The Hebridean Whale Centre in Tobermory
On foot, about two hours.
Kailzie Gardens near Peebles
By car, about two and a half hours.
A kayak taster on Loch Ken and lunch in Castle Douglas
By car, about four and a half hours.
Eas Mòr and lunch at the Forest of the Falls
By car, about two and a half hours.
A walk up the Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail
By car, about five hours.
The Kelvin Walkway and lunch at Inn Deep with the dog
On foot, about two and a half hours.
A seaside sauna on Aberdeen beach at Footdee
On foot, about three hours.
A walk to the Wailing Widow Falls and lunch at Kylesku
By car, about two and a half hours.
A Play, A Pie and A Pint at Òran Mór and the Kibble Palace
By Subway and on foot, about four hours.
A picnic by the Cambus o' May bridge
By car, about two hours.
Coldbackie Beach and lunch at the Brass Tap in Tongue
By car, about two and a half hours.
The Tennent's brewery tour and lunch at Drygate
On foot, about three and a half hours.
The community sauna in Cromarty
On foot, about three hours.
Strathnaver Museum and lunch at the Store in Bettyhill
By car, about two and a half hours.
V&A Dundee and afternoon tea at Tatha
On foot, about three and a half hours.
Ardmair Beach and fish and chips at Deli-Ca-Sea
By car, about two and a half hours.
Broughty Ferry harbour and a pint at the Fisherman's Tavern
By bus and on foot, about three hours.
Breakfast at Figment and Johnston Gardens
On foot, about two hours.
The Calanais Stones at sunset and a pizza from Crust
By car, about an hour and a half.
Kirkwall harbour and a drink at Helgi's
On foot, about an hour and a half.
Clickimin Broch and lunch at Fjarå
On foot, about three hours.
Voltaire & Rousseau bookshop and soup at Naked Soup
By Subway and on foot, about three hours.
A Tay boat trip from Broughty Ferry and lunch at Gracie's
On foot, about three hours.
Aberdeen Art Gallery and afternoon tea at Cup
On foot, about three hours.
Dean Village, the Water of Leith and lunch at the Pantry
On foot, about two and a half hours.
Stenness at sunset and supper at the Standing Stones Hotel
By car, about three hours.
Kelvingrove Park at sunset and supper at Stravaigin
By Subway and on foot, about three hours.
Footdee at the harbour mouth and supper at the Silver Darling
On foot, about three and a half hours.
Lunan Bay and an Arbroath smokie at the Old Brewhouse
By car, about three hours.
St Magnus Cathedral and coffee at the Real Food Café
On foot, about an hour and a half.
Culloden Battlefield and afternoon tea at Culloden House
By car, about three and a half hours.
The Kelpies at dusk and supper at Indian Cottage
By car, about three hours.
The Hidden Gardens and lunch at Ranjit's Kitchen
By train and on foot, about three hours.
Rubha nan Gall lighthouse and a pint at the Mishnish
On foot, about two and a half hours.
The Bass Rock by boat and lunch at the Rocketeer
On foot, about three and a half hours.
Burn of Valayre and fish and chips at Frankie's in Brae
By car, about two hours.
Spey Bank Studio and afternoon tea at the Boat Country Inn
By car, about two and a half hours.
Dunure Castle, the harbour and lunch at the Anchorage
On foot, about two and a half hours.
Clava Cairns at sunset and supper at the Cawdor Tavern
By car, about three hours.
Breakfast at Mhor Bread and a stroll by the Teith in Callander
On foot, about two hours.
A dolphin boat trip from Avoch and lunch at IV10
By car, about three hours.
The Big Burn walk at Golspie
By car, about two hours with lunch.
Eildon Hills and lunch at Burts in Melrose
On foot, about three and a half hours.
The Writers' Museum and afternoon tea at the Signet Library
On foot, about three and a half hours.
Hailes Castle and lunch at Bostock in East Linton
By car, about two hours.
A wood-fired sauna at Castletown Beach, Dunnet Bay
On foot, about three hours.
Supper by the fire at the Old Inn in Gairloch
By car, about two and a half hours.
Rozelle House and afternoon tea at the Fox and Willow
By car, about three hours.
Kelvingrove and afternoon tea at the Hidden Lane Tearoom
By Subway and train and on foot, about five hours.
Sunset on Magdalen Green and supper at Piccolo
On foot, about three and a half hours.
The Black Isle Brewery and lunch at the Black Isle Bar
By car, about three hours.
Calton Hill at sunset and supper at Howies Waterloo
On foot, about two and a half hours.
Tantallon Castle and lunch at Drift
By car, about three hours.
A wildlife cruise from Gairloch harbour
By boat and on foot, about four hours.
Breakfast at Nethy House and the bridge at Nethy Bridge
On foot, about an hour and a half.
Burns Monument Gardens and afternoon tea at the Brig o' Doon
On foot, about two and a half hours.
Nairn beach, the harbour and lunch at Basil Harbour Café
On foot, about two hours.
Scorrybreac at dusk and supper at the Cuillin Hills Hotel
On foot, about three hours.
The Merchant City and a pint at Babbity Bowster
On foot, about two and a half hours.
A fudge doughnut at Fisher & Donaldson and Desperate Dan
On foot, about an hour.
Coffee at Bakhoos and Fortrose Cathedral
On foot, about an hour and a half.
Dunbar harbour, the Battery and lunch at the Creel
On foot, about three hours.
The River Ness and a pint at the Castle Tavern
On foot, about three hours.
Montrose Air Station Museum and lunch at Roo's Leap
By car, about four hours.
Breakfast at Twelve Triangles and Melrose Abbey
On foot, about two and a half hours.
Edinburgh Gin's distillery tour and lunch at Howies
On foot, about three hours.
South Queensferry and lunch at the Hawes Inn
On foot, about two and a half hours.
The Cocoa Tree and St Fillan's Cave in Pittenweem
On foot, about an hour and a half.
Black Rock Gorge and lunch at the Storehouse
By car, about two and a half hours.
An evening at the King's Theatre
On foot, about four and a half hours.
North Berwick harbour at dusk and a pint at the Ship Inn
On foot, about two and a half hours.
Crail to Anstruther on the coastal path and fish and chips
By bus and on foot, about five hours.
Scott's View at sunset and supper at the Buccleuch Arms
By car, about two and a half hours.
North Berwick Law and lunch at the Herringbone
On foot, about three and a half hours.
A seaside sauna on Elie harbour and lunch at the Ship Inn
On foot, about three hours.
A wood-fired sauna at Reef Beach, Uig
By car, about four and a half hours.
The Orkney Brewery tour at Quoyloo
By car, about two hours.
The Borders Distillery and lunch at the Heart of Hawick
On foot, about two and a half hours.
An evening at the Phoenix Cinema in Kirkwall
By car, about four hours.
Coffee and cake at Logie Steading near Forres
On foot, about two hours.
A dolphin boat from Cromarty and lunch at Sutor Creek
On foot, about three and a half hours.
Reiss Sands with the dog and lunch at Puldagon Farm
By car, about two and a half hours.
A wood-fired sauna on Lerwick's waterfront
On foot, about three hours.
A walk up to Moulin and a pint at the Moulin Inn
On foot, about two and a half hours.
Troon's South Beach and fish and chips at the Wee Hurrie
By train and on foot, about three hours.
Hume Castle and afternoon tea at Ednam House
By car, about two and a half hours.
The Shore at Leith and a dram at Teuchters Landing
By tram and on foot, about two and a half hours.
An evening at An Lanntair in Stornoway
On foot, about four hours.
An evening at Mareel in Lerwick
By car, about four hours.
The Falls of Acharn and a floating sauna on Loch Tay
By car, about four and a half hours.
The Cairngorm Brewery and lunch at the Cairngorm Hotel
On foot, about three hours.
Coffee and sourdough at Narture and the Auld Brig in Ayr
On foot, about an hour and a half.
A community sauna on the shore at Applecross
On foot, about three hours.
Brunch at the Pantry and Circus Lane
On foot, about two and a half hours.
Dewar's, the Watermill and the Scottish Crannog Centre
By car, about five and a half hours.
Breakfast at Streetlights and Carlingwark Loch
On foot, about two hours.
A Kylesku boat trip and lunch at the Kylesku Hotel
On foot, about three hours.
Bowhouse market weekend and lunch in the courtyard
On foot, about two and a half hours.
An e-bike ride to Blair Atholl and lunch at the Watermill
By bike, about three and a half hours.
Elgin Cathedral and afternoon tea at Johnstons of Elgin
On foot, about three and a half hours.
A lochside sauna at Forbes of Kingennie
By car, about three hours.
A wood-fired sauna on Ganavan Sands, Oban
By car, about two and a half hours.
Sunset at the Lady's Tower and supper at the Ship Inn in Elie
On foot, about two and a half hours.
Southerness Lighthouse and lunch at the Steamboat Inn
By car, about three hours.
Gogo Glen and the Greeto Falls walk above Largs
By car, about three hours with Nardini's.
A film at the Highland Cinema and a pizza in its restaurant
On foot, about three and a half hours.
Paddleboarding at Willowgate and lunch by the Tay
By car, about three hours.
A spa day and a seaweed bath at Portavadie
By car, about three and a half hours.
An evening at the Ceilidh Place in Ullapool
By car, about three hours.
Maspie Den waterfall and lunch at Pillars of Hercules
On foot, about three hours.
Rob Roy's grave and the riverside sauna at Monachyle Mhor
By car, about three and a half hours.
The Nevis Range gondola and lunch at the Larder Café
By car, about three and a half hours.
The Dee Walk at dusk and supper at the Selkirk Arms
On foot, about two and a half hours.
The Black Watch Museum and afternoon tea at Effie's
On foot, about four hours.
Glencoe Visitor Centre and tea at the Isles of Glencoe
By car, about three hours.
An Aufguss sauna at SWG3, then Kelvingrove
On foot, about four hours.
Cairn Holy and lunch at the Ship Inn
By car, about two and a half hours.
A tour of Lerwick Brewery
By car, about two hours.
The Commando Memorial at sunset and supper at Crannog
By car, about three hours.
The Wardlaw Museum and afternoon tea at the Old Course Hotel
On foot, about four hours.
Carrick shore and a seafood lunch at Swally n' Scran
By car, about two and a half hours.
A tour at Ben Nevis Distillery and lunch at the Larder Café
By car, about three and a half hours.
Paddleboarding at Pinkston and lunch at Ocho on Speirs Wharf
By Subway and on foot, about four hours.
A sauna at dusk at Stravaig, facing Lochnagar
By car, about three and a half hours.
Breakfast at Cult Cafe and the Ceilidh Place bookshop
On foot, about two hours.
An evening along The Scores and a pint at the Jigger Inn
On foot, about two and a half hours.
Robert Burns House and afternoon tea at the Cairndale
On foot, about three hours.
St Mary's Church and hot chocolate in Grandtully
By car, about an hour and a half.
The Nith at dusk and supper at the Cavens Arms
On foot, about two and a half hours.
The Old Fort, the Town Pier and a pint at the Ben Nevis Bar
On foot, about two and a half hours.
The Rha waterfall in Uig and lunch at the Galley
By car, about two hours.
Stac Pollaidh and lunch at the Seaforth in Ullapool
By car, about five hours.
Breakfast at the Wildcat and the end of the West Highland Way
On foot, about an hour and a half.
Breakfast from Deanston Bakery and the view from Queen's Park
By train and on foot, about two and a half hours.
An art tour and afternoon tea at the Fife Arms
On foot, about two and a half hours.
Knockan Crag and lunch at the Elphin Tearooms
By car, about two and a half hours.
A wildlife boat to the Gulf of Corryvreckan
On foot, about three and a half hours.
Gracefield Arts Centre and lunch in its Studio Café
On foot, about two and a half hours.
Busta House garden and supper by Busta Voe
By car, about two hours.
Kenmore beach on Loch Tay and lunch at the Courtyard
On foot, about two and a half hours.
The Big Strand and afternoon tea at the Machrie
On foot, about two and a half hours.
The River Dee path and a pint at the Flying Stag
On foot, about three and a half hours.
Dunning and a drink at the Kirkstyle Inn
By car, about two and a half hours.
Isle of Mull Cheese farm and lunch in the Glass Barn
By car, about three and a half hours.
Cairn O'Mohr winery tour and lunch at the Pickled Peacock
By car, about three hours.
Talisker Distillery and lunch at Carbost
On foot, about four hours.
Tobermory Distillery tour and lunch at MacGochans
On foot, about two and a half hours.
Breakfast at ARAN and the Birnam Oak
On foot, about two hours.
The Old Boat of Caol and lunch at An Cafaidh Mara
By car, about two hours.
St Columba's Isle and afternoon tea at Skeabost House
By car, about two hours.
A wander round Ballater and afternoon tea at Darroch Learg
On foot, about three hours.
A stroll by Loch Harport and a pint at the Old Inn
By car, about two hours.
Loch Kinord and pizza at Kite in Dinnet
By car, about three hours.
Historic Kilbride and lunch at the Barn at Cologin
By car, about two hours.
Cambus o' May bridge and an ice cream at Shorty's
By car, about two and a half hours.
St Conan's Kirk and afternoon tea at the Oban Bay Hotel
By car, about three hours.
Knock Hill and an ice cream in Portsoy
By car, about two and a half hours.
A sea eagle boat trip from Portree and fish and chips
On foot, about three and a half hours.
A boat trip from Stonehaven and lunch at the Tolbooth
By car, about four hours.
Clachan Bridge and a pint at Tigh an Truish
By car, about two hours.
Cellardyke's tidal pool and fish and chips in Anstruther
On foot, about three hours.
The Falls of Lora and lunch at the Oyster Inn
By car, about two hours.
Brunch at Birch and the Donnie Munro mural in Portree
On foot, about an hour and a half.
Pitlochry Dam at dusk and supper at Port-na-Craig
On foot, about three hours.
Port Charlotte's shore and a dram at the Port Charlotte Hotel
On foot, about two and a half hours.
The Tay at sunset and supper at the North Port
On foot, about three hours.
Bowmore Pier at sunset and supper at Peatzeria
On foot, about two and a half hours.
A boat trip from Oban's North Pier and lunch at Ee-Usk
On foot, about four hours.
Sunset at McCaig's Tower and supper at the Waterfront Fishouse
On foot, about three hours.
The Spear Sauna at Lost Shore, near Edinburgh
By car, about two and a half hours.
Oban's Railway Pier and breakfast at Food from Argyll
On foot, about an hour and a half.
A Saturday night at the Chlachain Inn in Mallaig
By car, about four hours.
A Seal Island cruise and lunch at the Highland Cinema
On foot, about three and a half hours.
A walk to the Reekie Linn and lunch at Peel Farm
By car, about two hours.
A picnic in Dunnottar Woods at Stonehaven
By car, about an hour and a half.
A picnic at Haughton Country Park in Alford
By car, about two hours.
A picnic in Scolty Forest at Banchory
By car, about an hour and a half.
Chocolate at the Cocoabean and the Dark Space Planetarium
By car, about six hours.
A picnic at Aden Country Park
By car, about two hours.
A picnic at Balmedie Country Park
By car, about two hours.
A picnic watching the gliders at Aboyne
By car, about an hour and a half.
Stonehaven's open-air pool and fish and chips from The Bay
On foot, about three hours.
The Atholl Palace Museum and afternoon tea
On foot, about three hours.
Round the Appin Rocks to Clach Thoull at Port Appin
On foot, about three hours, with lunch.
The Falls of Feugh and an ice cream in Banchory
By car, about an hour and a half.
Aboyne Green and a pint at the Boat Inn
On foot, about two hours.
The farm walk on Ulva and lunch at the Boathouse
On foot, about three hours.
Little Oaks at Drum Castle and lunch at the Mains of Drum
By car, about three hours.
A hilltop sauna at Woodlands Glencoe and Glencoe Lochan
By car, about four hours.
Where are you starting from?
Days out within an hour of where you are staying, nearest first.
Days by the people who live there.
Our writers’ own days out, from the places they know best.
A day in Fetlar: discover the island’s archaeology and built history
A day by car, about 26 miles.
Exploring Northwestern Corners from Shieldaig to Ullapool
A day by car, about 110 miles.
Exploring Historic Dunbar
A few hours by car.
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The Moray Pictish Trail – 50 Miles of Stones, Forts, and Forgotten Symbols
A day by car, about 58 miles.
Old Town Walking Tour
A day on foot, about 3 miles.
Where the locals go.
The people we have met along the way, the makers, owners and writers, on the places they love most, in their own words.
“…stroll up to The Birks of Aberfeldy from The Memorial Arch, soaking up the woods and waterfalls that once inspired Rabbie Burns.”
Zanna Wilson, artist and gallerist who runs The Watermill Gallery in Aberfeldy, Perthshire
“My absolute favourite café with the best coffee in town.”
Lorna Freytag, artist and illustrator based in Oban, with a studio overlooking Oban Bay
“The best veggie and vegan breakfast around. Epic cakes and great coffee.”
Shelley Richmond, freelance photographer and creative based in Dervaig, Isle of Mull, who publishes The Isle of Mull Journal
“The breakfasts here are incredible.”
Karen Harvey, owner of Hoos and InHoos, two homeware shops on Great Western Road in Glasgow's West End
“We particularly love doing sections of the Fife Coastal Path, especially through the East Neuk villages of Crail, Anstruther, Pittenweem, St Monans and Elie.”
Joy and Nick, own Airdit, a woodland treehouse stay above St Andrews, Fife
“A visit to the Falls of Foyers is a must.”
Anna Low, co-owns and runs Foyers Lodge, a small boutique hotel overlooking Loch Ness
“I’m a big fan of the Isle of Raasay Distillery.”
Katy Fennema, whisky Ambassador at the Fife Arms Hotel in Braemar, and runs Braemar Highland Experience with her husband Julian
“…amazing panoramas all the way up to the Old Man of Storr.”
Calum Gillies and Leonie, artist Calum Gillies and his wife Leonie run The Exchange, a gallery and coffee spot in the old telephone exchange at Clachan, Isle of Raasay
“The Nethy House Café is a regular spot for lunch or coffee.”
Sarah and Phil, run The Lazy Duck, an off-grid eco-holiday site with cabins, a bunkhouse and a campsite in Nethybridge, Cairngorms National Park
“I would definitely recommend Arthur’s seat in Holyrood Park.”
Kirsty Campbell, knitwear designer from Banchory, Deeside, behind RYVOAN, who knits in her Edinburgh studio
“…the Old Man of Storr, Quiraing and Fairy Pools etc are all incredible natural wonders to see.”
Jennifer Pearson, jewellery designer and founder of ÒR, two creative retail stores in Portree, Isle of Skye
“Exploring the incredible beaches of Oldshoremore, Polin, Achmelvich, Sandwood Bay all within 30-40 minutes drive, all with their unique character.”
Catherine Sinclair, textile designer behind Cove*, who also runs Kylesku Lodges on the north-west coast
“Both are incredible ruined castles on the coastal cliffs and have such interesting history alongside spectacular views.”
Laura (Fernweh), designer and maker of waxed-canvas bags and accessories at Fernweh UK, with a studio at Deemouth Artist Studios in Aberdeen
“Leith hall, Drum Castle and Crathes Castle gardens are all personal favourites.”
Hollie Berries, sustainable florist running Hollie Berries Flower Studio and Cutting Garden in Aberdeenshire
“Blackford Hill is my very favourite spot in Edinburgh.”
Emily Hogarth, papercut artist and illustrator who lives in East Lothian and works for Edinburgh clients, including Hidden Scotland's folklore illustrations
“…head down to the Harbour for Lobster & chips at either ‘The Rocketeer’ or ‘The Lobster Shack’.”
Stephanie Lothian, co-owns The Barn at Williamstone Farm Steadings, a holiday cottage in North Berwick
Longer trips.
Two days and more: the days joined up, with somewhere to sleep between.
Whisky up the Highland east coast in three days
The West Highland Way
The Loch Ness 360
Wallace and Bruce: Stirling, Dunfermline and Melrose
A winter weekend in the Cairngorms
Three days in Glasgow and Loch Lomond
Speyside whisky in three days
The Great Glen Way
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A Book Lover’s Guide to Edinburgh
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A Two-Day Festive Itinerary to Edinburgh
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A Week in Edinburgh
Whisky and gin on Skye and Raasay: two days, one driver
Make a day your own.
Every day out has a Customise button: give it your own name and date, say where you are staying, move or drop a stop, and keep it in your account to share with whoever is coming.
