Best Single Day Adventures from Scottish Cities
RabbiePosted on 7 Aug 2024
For a wee country, Scotland is enormous. It’s a world within a world, with its own legends and histories, myths and stories, music and poems. And when you’re a visitor only coming for a few days, it can be overwhelming trying to decide where to go and what to see. Because Scotland is the kind of place where stories are etched into the very walls around. They’re lurking down the cobbled alleyways of a historic city. They’re in every bite of haggis you take or every dram of whisky. Every time you hear bagpipes on the wind or dance a ceilidh, you’re living in Scotland’s history.
When it comes to narrowing down the must-do and must-see, we’ve got it down to an art, and that’s because we’ve spent the last 30 plus years doing the hard work for you. Not that exploring our beautiful land is really considered ‘hard’ work.
Summer in Scotland is a striking time of year to visit. We can’t guarantee it will be that warm or that dry, but we can guarantee a lightness to the air – which we mean quite literally, because the sun doesn’t set until late at night, giving you so much more time and energy to get out there and explore.
So, if you’re coming to Scotland this summer or autumn, what should be at the top of your list? It, of course, depends on where you’ll be across the country – which city you’ll choose as your base. With that in mind, we thought we’d run you through our major cities (which also happen to be where our tours depart from) and list a few must-visit places for each.
Coming up in this blog:
Edinburgh
If there’s one thing most people agree on, it’s that Edinburgh is a magical place. It’s a place where the dark closes of the Royal Mile lure you in with their haunting tales. Where the echo of bagpipes is carried on the wind and cobblestones lead you to idyllic ivy-covered streets. It’s where Harry Potter was brought to life, and where many come to reinvigorate their senses and feel inspired.
But Edinburgh is more than her haunted alleyways and historic buildings, she’s a hub from which you can explore the rest of Scotland. It’s where we run most of our tours from, including several easy day trips to places that will ensure your love of Scotland is solidified.
While we could easily recommend all of them (they exist for a reason), here are our top recommendations for your visit this summer and autumn.
Loch Lomond
“O you take the high road, and I'll take the low road, and I'll be in Scotland afore ye. But me and my true love will never meet again, on the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.”
The Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond is a song that is recognised around the world, sung by thousands in stadiums at sporting events and remembered by those who visit our shores.
Not only is it one of the most striking lochs that you can easily reach from Edinburgh, but this freshwater loch is the largest stretch of water in Great Britain with a surface area of 71 km2. And while the whole of Scotland is a sanctuary for miraculous wildlife, Loch Lomond is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including over 200 species of birds, more than 25% of Britain’s plant species, and cute locals like red deer, otters, and the elusive Scottish wildcat.
The loch can be found within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, which was established back in 2002. Stunning scenery will surround those who come to explore, drive, hike, boat, and fish within this natural playground.
And so much of that fun can be had on the shores and waters of Loch Lomond itself. While you’re there, keep an eye out for Rob Roy’s secret cave. Legend has it that Rob Roy MacGregor, the famous Scottish outlaw and folk hero, used a secret cave somewhere on the loch’s shores as his hideout. Some of the treasure he stole is said to rest within the cave... give us a cut if you find it, yeah?
How to Get to Loch Lomond:
If you have a car, you can drive in and around the national park – including Loch Lomond – quite easily, and it’s just shy of a 2-hour drive from Edinburgh (depending on where you’re aiming for). Alternatively, we run a day tour from Edinburgh that may interest you.
St Andrews
Striking castle ruins with a view of a sparkling expanse of sea. A humble crumbling cathedral looming overhead. Luscious greens to host one of Scotland’s most beloved sports in the ‘home of golf’. Stunning white-sand beaches and cool waters to dip your feet into. A university that looks as magical as Hogwarts. Endless restaurants, cafes and shops to tempt you.
Sounds far too good to be just one little town, doesn’t it? But all of the above can be found in the popular and idyllic town of St Andrews. There are several reasons why St Andrews is famous around the world, from golf to pilgrimages, studying to sunning yourself on the beach, and we love all of them equally.
How to Get to St Andrews
With a car, it’s a beautiful 1.5-hour drive from Edinburgh – but note that parking can be difficult in the busy season. Alternatively, you can go green and catch the X59 bus from Edinburgh, which will take just shy of 2.5 hours. Our day tour to St Andrews continues to be one of our most popular and books up quickly in summer, so make sure you secure your spot, and we can do all the driving for you.
Glasgow
There’s a bit of a famous ‘rivalry’ going between Edinburgh and Glasgow, about which city is ‘better’... but in our opinion, any Scottish city is a great city and Glasgow is just another example of a hub of culture, excitement, and history.
Glasgow has the tagline ‘People Make Glasgow’ - which really hits the mark. Glasgow is about the people. It’s the music capital of Scotland, the place to go for a great meal, a fun night out, and amazing memories with your friends. And while her nightlife is renowned, so are the exciting places that can be reached from her doorstep, a Scottish world of possibilities waiting for you.
Loch Ness
They say Nessie is enormous and many might wonder why, but we think it’s because of her inflated ego. People around the world know of her. The Loch Ness Monster. Nessie. She’s the original Scottish celebrity and we don’t blame you for all being fascinated by the concept of a giant water creature lurking beneath one of the eeriest lochs in Scotland.
Whether you believe in monsters or not, it’s hard to deny the allure of Loch Ness. The mere possibility that she might be real, that she might slither to the surface during your visit, is enough to lure people to the loch’s shores. Because who knows, maybe you’ll be the one to see Nessie after all these years.
And if you don’t, you still have the blackened waters of Loch Ness to explore. To learn about its history and what makes it so unique, aside from Nessie. And while its murky waters can be explained away by science, by the peat content in the surrounding soil, we like to believe there’s something far more sinister going on in Loch Ness. It’s more fun that way, wouldn’t you agree?
How to Get to Loch Ness:
It’s a bit of a trek for a day trip but we’re not alone in our opinion that it’s worth it. To drive from Glasgow takes about 3.5 hours, or you could hop on one of our tours and let us journey you through the striking Scottish landscapes as we band together for our ‘monster hunt’.
Isle of Arran
There’s something about escaping to an island that truly makes you feel like you’re blessed. To be hugged by water on all sides, on a plot of land affectionately known as ‘Scotland in Miniature’... well, that’s not something you can pass up, is it?
Arran has everything we love about Scotland all in one neat package. It has everything the mainland of Scotland has. Lochs. Mountains. Beaches. Forest walks. Moors. All neatly tucked into this tiny paradise. So easy to get to, so tempting to locals and visitors alike, it’s the kind of place that you leave craving a longer visit... but one of the greatest things about Arran is you can do it in a day from Glasgow.
How to Get to Arran:
From Glasgow, it’s going to take you about 2 hours to get to Arran, including a ferry trip. Pre-book your ferry ticket from Adrossan to Brodick as early as you can, as it can fill up fast (especially the car slots) in the warmer months. A car is the easiest way to get around the island, but you can also take the bus to certain locations once you arrive.
Or take the stress out of planning and join us on our day tour to the Isle of Arran from Glasgow.
Inverness
Inverness is a heavyweight of her own, known as the beloved ‘Capital of the Highlands’, an air of mystery lingers around her streets, when you know that the iconic Scottish Highlands are just on your doorstep.
The Highlands are often shrouded in mist and rain, the kind of place where history, fables, stories, and the promise of adventure lure you in. And Inverness is no different. She’s small but vibrant, packing a decent punch with beautiful gardens, a looming castle, and drool-worthy food scene.
But once you’ve satiated your appetite with great food, quirky bookstores, and peaceful walks, it’s time to walk through the gateway into the mystical and alluring Highlands.
Isle of Skye
Over the sea to Skye. It’s a phrase many know. A song many love. And a place that convinces you that magic is real. A place where weather stone rings whisper of ancient rituals. Castles sigh over their own ruinous state, welcoming your admiration over all they’ve endured. Fairies tuck themselves away in moss-covered forests and within the shadow of a munro.
Once you go Skye, it’s hard to go back. It’s impossible to forget. It will influence you the way it has many in history, from the Scots to explorers from far and wide, the unfathomable beauty of this craggy and powerful landscape will steal your heart.
How to Get to Skye:
From Inverness, it’s just shy of three hours to reach the capital of Skye, the colourful seaside town of Portree. You’ll need the better part of a whole day (at least) to explore this island. You can also get the 917 bus from Inverness to Portree, or should you wish – join us on tour and we’ll show you the highlights in a single day.
Glen Affric
Ancient pines loom all around, waiting patiently like a monster waiting for its next feed. But it’s not as horrifying as it sounds. In fact, it’s one world you’re happy to be consumed by. This stunning Scottish valley is sometimes referred to as Scotland’s most beautiful glen. As you journey your way along the rivers and underneath the shadows of mountains, perhaps you’ll find yourself agreeing that there’s something unique about Glen Affric.
Many know of Glen Coe but there’s something memorable about Glen Affric. Something quiet and secret, almost. Like a true Narnia, discovered by accident one afternoon as you were on your way somewhere wonderful... you didn’t expect the journey to be quite this singular.
How to Get to Glen Affric:
You’ll need a car to explore the beauty of Glen Affric, which is about an hour’s drive from Inverness. We love to have our own adventures in this striking Glen, which is why we run a day tour from the Capital of the Highlands, which you are more than welcome to join.
Aberdeen
‘The City of Granite’. ‘The Silver City’. Aberdeen is as striking as they come, almost like a castle – grey and regal, powerful and unforgettable. The stone buildings around you sparkle in the sunlight (occasional as it is), making it a mesmerising and memorable place. Museums wait to inspire you, beautiful gardens spark creativity, and menus wait to fill you with local scran as well as memories.
And her location is something to be admired, too. Some of Scotland’s most fascinating regions lie just on her doorstep, from the Cairgnorms National Park to the world-beloved Speyside region.
Speyside
Whisky. It's as much a part of our history and culture as haggis, kilts, and bagpipes. Our whiskies are world-renowned for their flavour, and Scots take great pride in producing this fine drink. Half the fun of visiting Scotland is deciding which whiskies to try... perhaps them all? But one whisky you should put at the top of your list is Speyside Whisky.
Where a whisky is made plays a significant role in its defining characteristics – what makes it unique to the rest. Where a whisky is made, how long its left to mature, and where the barley used in the whisky came from are all part of what makes each whisky unique.
If, in your travels, you see something is labelled a Speyside Whisky, you know it’s been produced in the region of Scotland known as Speyside. For it to be ‘Speyside’, it must be created near the river Spey, or any spring or stream that offshoots from the river.
Speyside Whisky tends to be gentler and fruitier, making it perfect for those with more sensitive palates.
Visiting the Speyside region of Scotland, you’ll be in for more than hillsides covered in heather and grasslands, green and purple hues as far as the eye can see. You’ll be in one of Scotland’s most popular whisky regions and it is your duty to partake it in. Some distilleries you may want to put at the top of your list include Cardhu Distillery, Lindores Abbey Distillery and Dalwhinnie Distillery. You might even be interested in a visit to Speyside Cooperage, where you’ll discover how casks are made to store our most beloved whisky.
How to Get to Speyside:
With a car, it will take you about 1.5 hours to reach the Speyside region from Aberdeen. Having a car will be the easiest option for you, as public transport (while possible) will take upwards of four hours, depending on where you’re planning to visit.
You could also join us on our 1-day whisky tour from Aberdeen (or our 3-day Speyside tour from Edinburgh).
North-East Coast
It’s as rugged as they come. The north-east coastline of Scotland, north of the city of Aberdeen in a region known as Aberdeenshire, is a landscape so dramatic, with crumbling historical sites and incredibly moving vistas, that it inspired the likes of author Bram Stoker to write Dracula upon seeing Slains Castle. This 16th-century castle was destroyed during a rebellion back in 1594, but the story goes that when Bram Stoker visited Slains Castle in the 1890s, the eerie atmosphere and dramatic setting are said to have influenced his depiction of Dracula’s castle.
There’s just something about this region that gets us every time. Take Bow Fiddle Rock, for instance. Waiting patiently in the wild sea near the quiet village of Portknockie, this natural sea arch could not be more dramatic if it tried. See it on a sea-crashing day and you’ll be certain the end of days are near, but there’s something so wildly beautiful about it that will sweep you away. The arch is made primarily of quartzite, which makes it resilient to erosion, allowing it to maintain its unique shape of the tip of a fiddle bow.
This region is also a bird watcher’s dream, and don’t be surprised if you spot Puffins, Kittiwakes, and all manner of beautiful seabirds.
How to Get to the North-East Coast:
This is another area where a car will be your best bet. Taking public transportation is possible but could take around 3 hours depending on where you’re aiming for, whereas a car will only take about 1.5 hours to somewhere like Bow Fiddle Rock. Or you can join us on our 1-day North-East Coastal tour from Aberdeen and see both Slains Castle and Bow Fiddle Rock.
This is what we love about a place like Scotland, and how – in just one day – you can see things and do things you never imagined. You can go so much further in a day than you realise. And don’t you want to have one of those moments when you’re lying in bed at the end of a great day and think to yourself “How did all of this happen in just one day?”
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