Hike to the top of a long-extinct volcano, watch a WWII gun fired atop the brooding castle and gaze at works from Matisse and Picasso at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art – and that’s before you’ve even left Edinburgh. Nicknamed Auld Reekie – it’s nothing to do with smell, but instead refers to smoke from past industrial times – this is a city so beautiful and charismatic that people return time after time.
Castle in the sky
Begin your sojourn at Edinburgh Castle, the impressive stronghold that dominates the city’s skyline. There are unforgettable panoramic views from the top of the ancient complex, and you can get an up-close glimpse of the dazzling Scottish crown jewels and wander the haunting Castle Vaults below the Great Hall. It all sits upon Castle Rock, an extinct volcano that dates back hundreds of millions of years.
Head down the Royal Mile from the castle and dive into the passageways that lead to narrow streets and stairs to get a real feel for the medieval layout of the old town. Follow the cobbled stretch all the way down to Holyrood Palace and Arthur's Seat.
Elemental Edinburgh
The area that that sits between Edinburgh and Glasgow is one of often breath-taking natural beauty. East Lothian, which is closest to Edinburgh, has over 40 miles of coastline and there are numerous beaches to choose from. You might like to visit Yellowcraig, the direct inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. The cove beach affords glorious views of Fidra Island’s 1885 lighthouse, or perhaps head to Gullane Bents, a sandy beach with views of the Firth of Forth.
On to Midlothian, and the rolling Pentland Hills are perfect for trekking, walking and cycling. On the north facing slope of the hills, overlooking Edinburgh, you’ll find the longest artificial slope in Europe - perfect for skiing, snowboarding and tubing. Finally, in West Lothian, you can plunge into a diverse history that dates back thousands of years. Here, Linlithgow Palace was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and Cairnpapple Hill is one of the most popular pre-historic sites in the whole of the country.
Go wild in the country
Pass Glasgow and you’ll find the stunning Trossachs national park, where you can stretch your legs and be rewarded with spectacular views. Inchcailloch, a small island which is part of a National Nature Reserve on Loch Lomond, is accessible by boat from Balmaha.
Here you can happily amble through extensive woodland, spotting wildlife as you go, and gaze over the loch, lost in thought and frozen in time. On the west side of Loch Lomond, from the village of Luss, you;ll find Glenn Striddle hills. At 657m, Beinn Dhub is the highest point. From the town of Callander, you can hike from 60m above sea level to 414m. There are also many heritage walks, such as Killin Heritage Trail and The Hidden Heritage Trail - a circular walk between Arrocher and Tarbet.
Whether you’re staying in Edinburgh itself or exploring the wider Lothians, car hire from Edinburgh Airport will enable you to unearth all that this justly celebrated and naturally handsome part of the UK has to offer.
