A Highland Day Trip From Edinburgh
Written by Graeme Johncock
It’s no surprise that most visitors to Scotland want to see at least a little bit of the Highlands. There’s nothing quite like the rugged mountain scenery, with dramatic history bursting from every glen. This daytrip from Edinburgh is the perfect taster that I regularly take guests on when they’re short of time for exploring far!
Stirling Castle
While Stirling Castle isn’t in the Highlands, it’s an idea place to break up the journey, sitting around an hour from Edinburgh. This historic fortress was the key to holding the Highlands and it was said that if you controlled Stirling, you controlled Scotland. No wonder it’s seen so many...
Trossachs Woollen Mill – Kilmahog
Once you’ve passed through the wee town of Callendar, don’t miss the Trossachs Woollen Mill on the right-hand side. It’s one of the most popular spots to see the iconic Highland Cows. Hamish Dubh, Honey and Baxter are always eager to be fed and the shop sell bags of carrots...
Loch Lubnaig
As you carry on heading north, heading through the Pass of Leny, suddenly the Highlands looms in front of you. The steep slopes of mountains rise on all sides and Loch Lubnaig appears on your left. It’s always worth stopping at The Cabin car park to grab a coffee and...
Balquhidder Parish Church
Turning off the main road, a winding single-lane track heads further up a quiet glen. Before long, you’ll arrive at Balquhidder Kirk – the burial spot of Rob Roy Macgregor. Born in the late 1600s, Rob was a drover, Jacobite, outlaw and folk hero. His grave has become a pilgrimage...
Falls of Dochart Inn
Back onto the main road, take the turning towards Loch Tay and the pretty village of Killin. There are usually people clambering over the rocks to get good views of the tumbling Falls of Dochart with Ben Lawers in the background. The Falls of Dochart Inn also make a great...
Finlarig Castle
At the other end of Killin, the ruins of Finlarig Castle are hidden away in the trees. It’s a very short walk from the car park, but the slope is quite steep. Built in the late 1500s by Black Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy, this traditional Scottish towerhouse is being slowly...
Fortingall Yew Tree
Admire the vast expanse of Loch Tay as you drive high above its northern bank as you head towards Fortingall. Tucked away from the main road, this little place is home to the oldest tree in Scotland. Estimated at around 5000 years old, its protected by a wall inside the...
Take a Walk At The Hermitage
There’s no better way to finish a daytrip than a walk at the Hermitage near Dunkeld. This is Big Tree Country and there are some truly enormous pines soaring on either side of the River Braan. No matter the season, it’s a beautiful spot to stretch the legs. Don’t miss...
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