Day trips from Edinburgh
6 hidden towns and nature spots within 150 km of Edinburgh, picked by Europe Revealed. Sorted from nearest to furthest.
50 km01 · Hidden townSt AndrewsA medieval university town with a ruined cathedral above the sea.
Trains run to Leuchars, then a 10-minute bus.
85 km02 · Nature spotLoch LomondScotland's largest loch, dotted with islands, an hour from Glasgow.
Trains from Glasgow run to Balloch in about 45 minutes.
90 km03 · Hidden townPitlochryA Highland town with whisky distilleries and forest walks.
Trains run from Edinburgh and Perth on the Highland line.
125 km04 · Hidden townDunnottar CastleClifftop castle ruins on a rock almost cut off from the mainland.
Walk the clifftop path from Stonehaven, about 30 to 40 minutes.
145 km05 · Nature spotGlencoeA dramatic glacial valley ringed by steep, brooding mountains.
Drive the A82 road, or take the bus between Glasgow and Fort William.
145 km06 · Nature spotCairngorms (Aviemore)The UK's largest national park, with pine forests, lochs and mountain plateaus.
Trains run to Aviemore from Edinburgh and Inverness.Questions
Day trips from Edinburgh: good to know
What are the best day trips from Edinburgh?
Our favourite hidden places near Edinburgh are St Andrews (50 km), Loch Lomond (85 km), Pitlochry (90 km) and Dunnottar Castle (125 km). All 6 are on this page, sorted by distance.
How far are these places from Edinburgh?
All of them are within about 150 km of Edinburgh in a straight line, close enough for a day trip by car, and many by train or bus too. Check each place for how to get there.