Day Trips to Loch Ness and the Highlands from Edinburgh

When travelling to Edinburgh, once you have explored the city, a visit to Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands is practically a must. You will have heard dozens of stories about the famous Loch Ness monster, but they are not enough to give you an idea of the beauty of the Scottish landscapes, where you will find fairytale castles, mountains and huge lakes.

The Highlands region is located about three hours by road from Edinburgh, and the best way to visit it without missing anything is on an organised excursion.

The best option

Loch Ness and The Highlands Day Trip from Edinburgh

Explore the Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness on a day trip

Discover these spectacular landscapes famous throughout the world and learn from a professional guide about the history and all the secrets hidden in the Highlands region.

Duration: 12 hours 30 minutes

From CAD 125 at Hellotickets

If you are travelling to Edinburgh and want to add some magic to your itinerary, I recommend this day trip to Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands. With a local guide, you will have the opportunity to get to know this region, which seems to have come straight out of a fairy tale, in depth. Mountains, castles and lakes frame the spectacular landscapes of the Scottish countryside.

This excursion includes comfortable round-trip transport from Edinburgh and will take about 12 hours, including stops at Loch Ness, Stirling Castle and the Glencoe Nature Reserve. You will also have free time to stroll around at your leisure, try some craft beer in the local pubs or enjoy a delicious lunch.

Recommended if... You have a few days in Edinburgh and want to spend a day marvelling at the rural panoramas of Scotland.

The complete option

Highlands Lochs and Castles Day Trip from Edinburgh

Experience Scottish history first-hand

Travel back in time to Scotland's past and visit the most spectacular castles in the Highlands. Admire the vast meadows and lakes that surround them, one of Europe's most famous tourist attractions.

Duration: 9 hours 45 minutes

From CAD 126 at Hellotickets

If you don't have much time during your visit to Edinburgh and don't want to miss out on the experience of seeing the best Scottish lakes and castles, this excursion is the most convenient option. The price is around £58 and includes transport in a comfortable vehicle and the services of a specialist guide who will show you the different stops on the tour while telling you the stories behind them.

This activity lasts around 10 hours and you should bear in mind that you will need to provide your own food; you can bring a packed lunch, but you will also have free time to eat at one of the restaurants near the points of interest included in the tour.

Some of the places you will visit

Recommended if... You want to see the variety of landscapes and contrasts that this region offers in a single day. The route is extensive and diverse, so you will not only be able to take the best photos, but also get a comprehensive overview of the history and curiosities of the Scottish countryside.

The premium option

Isle of Skye and The Highlands 3-Day Trip from Edinburgh

Visit the Isle of Skye and explore the Scottish Highlands in depth

Explore the entire highlands region, learn about its history and curiosities. Visit dreamlike castles and lakes and immerse yourself in Fairy Island.

Duration: 3 days

From CAD 272 at Hellotickets

If you have enough time during your trip, it is worth spending a night in Inverness, the city where Loch Ness is located, and taking this three-day excursion from Edinburgh through the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye.

The tour costs approximately €200 and includes return transport from Edinburgh and the services of a specialist guide, but does not include accommodation or meals. You have two options: book your own accommodation in Inverness or book it as part of the tour for an additional fee, choosing between a hostel or a B&B.

Some of the places you will visit

Recommended if... The fact that it is a three-day tour allows you to get to know the area much more thoroughly and have more free time to visit the places you liked best and enjoy them at your leisure.

Inverness

It is the capital of the Highlands and the only place you can reach by public transport from Edinburgh. Among its main monuments, the cathedral and the city museum stand out, but what is most worthwhile is walking through its streets. Inverness is like stepping into a fairy tale; the houses with their fairy-tale roofs blend in perfectly with the vegetation, while the mountains form the backdrop to the city.

Loch Ness

It is one of the largest lakes in the world and the best views are from Urquhart Castle. Of course, its main attraction is the legend of Nessie, a mythological monster that is said to have eaten a local man in the 6th century. Since then, and particularly since the 20th century, many people claim to have seen it, but according to science, it remains a legend.

Eilean Donan Castle

You will find many castles in the Scottish Highlands, but this is the most photographed in the country. Of course, it is not immune to legends, as it is said that there is a ghost inside. Its exterior is striking in itself, but you can also visit some areas inside; to do so, you have to go to the vicinity of the Isle of Skye.

Isle of Skye

Dominated by Dunvegan Castle, it is the largest of the Hebrides islands. The colours of the vegetation on this island cannot be found anywhere else and are difficult to describe in words. Castles, stone bridges, cliffs, lakes, gardens... you will find all this and much more on the Isle of Skye.

Glen Coe

A valley with a capricious relief formed by the geology of ancient glaciers. The peace that reigns among its mountains also makes it an essential stop in the Highlands.

Scotland's vegetation is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in Europe; the colours of its forests and plains will leave you speechless, but... nothing would be so green if it weren't for the rain. You've probably heard that in Edinburgh, and in Scotland in general, it rains a lot and constantly, but perhaps you haven't taken into account the fog, which can also be a nuisance when going on this type of excursion.

• In summer, the risk is reduced, but I can tell you in advance that there is no guarantee that you will be able to see this type of landscape with clear skies.
• Don't worry, the beauty is just as fascinating, even if the visit is a little more uncomfortable. What you can do is go prepared with comfortable, waterproof clothing (avoid wearing jeans and opt for a tracksuit) and, of course, an umbrella and raincoat. As for your mobile phone, get a waterproof case for your trip so you can continue taking photos of the landscape despite the rain.
• Finally, many of the routes through the Scottish Highlands will require walking; remember to wear suitable footwear so that you don't get too tired during the walks (trekking shoes are ideal).
• On organised excursions, the routes are usually accessible to all types of travellers, but if you have any doubts or special conditions , consult your guide before starting the excursion.

On the excursion to the Scottish Highlands, you will see many castles, but don't forget to visit the spectacular Edinburgh Castle; you can do so on a guided tour or on your own.

You will find it in the city centre on a huge stone hill. You'll be surprised at how well preserved this 12th-century fortification is, and if you take a guided tour, you'll discover many of the stories that form the foundation of the country's history within its walls. Find out how to organise your visit in my guide on Edinburgh Castle Tickets and Tours.