Loch Ness and other Loch Day Trips from Edinburgh

When you travel to Edinburgh, once you've toured the city, a visit to Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands is a must. You'll have heard dozens of stories about the famous Loch Ness Monster, but they're not enough to give you an idea of the beauty of Scotland's landscapes, where you'll find dream castles, mountains and huge lochs.

The Highlands are a three-hour drive from Edinburgh and the best way to visit without missing out is on an organised tour.

If you're visiting Edinburgh and want to add some magic to your sightseeing itinerary, I recommend this day trip to Loch Ness and the Highlands of Scotland. With an insane guide, you'll get the chance to explore this fairytale region in depth. Mountains, castles and lochs frame the spectacular scenery of the Scottish countryside.

This tour includes comfortable transport to and from Edinburgh and will take around 12 hours, including stops at Loch Ness, Stirling Castle and Glencoe Nature Reserve. You'll also have free time to wander around at your leisure, sample some craft beer in the local pubs or have a tasty lunch.

Why I recommend this tour

This tour is perfect if you have a few days in Edinburgh and want to spend a day marvelling at **Scotland'**s scenic countryside. The tour is designed to be as comprehensive as possible so that you get a good impression of the countryside, even if you only have a day to do the tour.

If you're short on time during your visit to Edinburgh and don't want to miss out on experiencing Scotland's finest lochs and castles, this tour is the most convenient alternative. The price is around €58 and includes transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle and the services of a specialised guide who will show you the different stops along the route while telling you the stories behind them.

This activity lasts around 10 hours and you should consider that lunch is on your own, so you can bring a picnic prepared, but you will also have free time to eat in one of the restaurants near the points of interest included in the tour.

Some of the places you'll visit

Why I recommend this tour

This tour is very interesting because of the variety of landscapes and contrasts you will see in the same day. The tour is wide and diverse so you will not only get the best photos but also a more than complete overview of the history and curiosities of the Scottish countryside.

If you have enough time during your trip, it's worth spending a night in Inverness, the city where Loch Ness is situated, to take this three-day tour of the Scottish Highlands and Skye Island from Edinburgh.

The tour costs around £200 and includes return transfer from Edinburgh and the services of a knowledgeable guide, but does not include accommodation or meals. You can either book your own accommodation in Inverness or book it as part of the tour for a supplement and choose between a hostel or a B&B.

Some of the places you'll visit

Why I recommend this tour

I like this tour because of the historical content of the stops along the way. Also, the fact that it is a three-day tour allows you to get to know the area much more in depth and have more free time to explore the places you liked the most and enjoy them at your leisure.

Inverness

Inverness is the capital of the Highlands and is the only place you can get to by public transport from Edinburgh. Its main sights include the cathedral and the city's museum, but what's most worthwhile is walking the streets. Inverness is like being immersed in a fairy tale; the fairy-tale roofed houses blend with the greenery in perfect harmony while the mountains form the backdrop to the city.

Loch Ness

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

Eilean Donan Castle

You'll find many castles in the Scottish Highlands, but this is the most photographed in the country. Of course, it's not immune to legend, as there's a ghost inside. The exterior is striking in itself, but you can also visit parts of the interior, but to do so you need to get to the outskirts of the Isle of Skye.

Isle of Skye

Presided over by Dunvegan Castle, this is the largest of the Hebrides. The colours of the vegetation on this island are like nowhere else and can hardly be described in words. Castles, stone bridges, cliffs, lochs, gardens... all this and much more is what you'll find on the Isle of Skye.

Glen Coe Valley

A valley with a whimsical relief formed by the geology of ancient glaciers. The peace and tranquillity of the mountains also make it an essential stop in the Highlands.

Scotland's vegetation is undoubtedly some of the most beautiful in Europe; the colours of its forests and plains leave you speechless, but... nothing would be so green if it weren't for the rain. You may have heard that Edinburgh, and Scotland in general, gets a lot of rain all the time, but you may not have taken into account the fog that can also be a nuisance when it comes to these types of excursions.

• In summer the risk is reduced, but there's no guarantee that you'll be able to see this kind of scenery under clear skies.
• Don't worry, the beauty is equally fascinating, even if the visit is a little more uncomfortable. What you can do is be prepared with comfortable, waterproof clothing (avoid wearing jeans and opt for tracksuits) and, of course, an umbrella and a mackintosh. As for your mobile phone, get a waterproof case for the duration of your trip so you can still take pictures of the scenery despite the rain.
• Finally, many of the routes in the Scottish Highlands will require you to walk; remember to wear the right footwear so you don't get too tired on them (hiking shoes are ideal).
• On organised tours, the routes are usually accessible to all types of travellers, but if you have any questions or special conditions , check with your guide before starting the tour.

You'll see a lot of castles on your Scottish Highlands tour, but don't forget to visit the spectacular Edinburgh Castle, either on a guided tour or on your own.

You'll find it in the centre of the city on a huge stone hill. You'll be amazed at how well preserved this 12th century fortification is and, if you have a guide with you during your visit, you'll be able to discover within its walls many of the stories on which the country's history is based. Find out how to organise your visit in my guide on Castle of Edinburgh Tickets.