Top Edinburgh Outdoor Activities

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlights, without the stress of driving country roads. This small-group tour from Edinburgh takes you to Trossachs National Park, Glencoe, and Loch Ness. Soak up the scenery as you journey through dramatic landscapes, make plenty of photo stops, and enjoy the freedom to explore Fort Augustus, set on the banks of Loch Ness, at your own pace.

See the best of Scotland in one action-packed day on this tour from Edinburgh. Rather than focusing on the road and missing out on the scenery the Highlands' is so famous for, you can admire Stirling Castle, Rannoch Moor, and the soaring peaks of Glen Coe while someone else drives. Head along the banks of Loch Linnhe to Fort William and enjoy free time to explore Loch Ness.

Swap the crowds of the Royal Mile for a more intimate view of Edinburgh. This small-group tour takes you to some of the city's most atmospheric (and less-visited) neighborhoods, including the picturesque Dean Village. You'll discover hidden alleyways, quirky cafes, and historic buildings and take a wander along the city's only river.

Explore the stunning Scottish Highlands on a full-day excursion that includes Glencoe and Loch Ness. Set out from Edinburgh aboard a comfortable coach to experience some of the area's top sights and attractions. Enjoy a chance to escape the bustle of modern life as you learn the fascinating history of Glencoe—a village made famous as a setting for movies in the “James Bond” and “Harry Potter” series—and see the world-renowned Loch Ness too,

Explore the Highlands as you travel from Edinburgh through Glencoe to the Glenfinnan Viaduct. The spectacular scenery features filming locations from Skyfall, Highlander and Harry Potter. Explore Glenfinnan and enjoy the panoramic views. Take your time to capture great photos and even view the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the viaduct (April - October only).

Discover the magic of the Scottish Highlands on an unforgettable journey through stunning landscapes and iconic landmarks, where you’ll be transported to the world of Harry Potter and James Bond. When exploring Scotland on your 1-Day Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Highlands Tour, you will get to savor the dramatic beauty of Glencoe, and marvel at the breathtaking Glenfinnan Viaduct, a must-see for film enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the history of this picturesque area and enjoy the fresh Highland air and scenic vistas. Unwind in the charming village of Pitlochry and experience the rich heritage and natural splendor of Scotland in one remarkable adventure. Every twist and turn of the winding Scottish road has a new photo opportunity, a new story to be told and a new experience to be had. Due to the vast area covered, a large portion of the tour is spent on the bus, taking in the scenery of Scotland. Minimum passenger age is 7.

With a centuries-long history, the Scottish capital of Edinburgh has lots of different historic, cultural, and architectural hotspots for tourists to discover. Meet your guide at a central location near the Royal Mile and set out on a walk of the city’s storied streets on this half-day small-group walking tour. Note that entrance fees to sites are not included.

Get both unrivaled views of Edinburgh and insight into local life on this hiking tour of Arthur’s Seat. A small group ensures you can walk at a relaxed pace, while trekking to the top of the capital’s highest hill with a guide ensures you don’t get lost and go off the path.

Explore Edinburgh by electric bike on a small-group guided tour combining the city's historic centre with its beautiful coastline. Ride through the historic Old Town and Grassmarket, take in Edinburgh's famous landmarks and views, then leave the city centre behind as we head towards Newhaven Harbour and Portobello Beach. Our electric bikes make Edinburgh's hills easier, allowing you to cover much more of the city than you could on foot while still enjoying the fun and freedom of cycling. With a maximum of just 5 customers per guide, our tours are personal, relaxed and friendly, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photographs and hear the stories behind Edinburgh. Whether you're visiting Edinburgh for the first time or want to discover a different side of the city, this is a great way to experience Edinburgh's history, scenery and coastline in one tour.

Explore Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile with a professional historian or other specialist guide, and gain insight into the famous writers and inventors who have called the city home. Hear tales of Scotland's national bard—Robert Burns—and discover top landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, St. Giles’ Cathedral, Grassmarket, and Greyfriars Kirkyard as well as hidden gems. Get the chance to ask questions in a small-group setting and find out what makes this ancient city tick.

See the famous Hairy Cows in their natural environment in Edinburgh. They can be difficult to find on the hill, so choose this guided experience to make this easier. Join an Edinburgh-based Mountain Guide on a hike in the hills on the outskirts of the city Experience the rugged beauty of some of Scotland's mountains as we hike through some of the country's most amazing landscapes. This hike takes us up into the hills, where we often see rare wildlife, spectacular cityscapes, and incredible mountain views. We meet at Hillend, which is about 30 minites from the city centre. Getting up high allows us to find the cows more easily. We descend down the hillside where we can look for the local herd of Highland Cows grazing in their natural mountain environment. The cows live out on the hill 365 days a year and are kept as conservation grazers, helping to restore the natural ecology. We finish at Swanston Farm (lunch can bee booked) where a few more cows can be seen in a field.

Listen to Edinburgh’s grisliest tales on a haunted evening walking tour. Experience the ghastly histories of monsters, madness, and murder that cast a dark shadow on Scotland’s capital. See where witch trials, pagan rituals, and executions took place, then visit the chilling Old Calton Burial Ground and Canongate Kirkyard to learn about body-snatching and some of the infamous individuals interred here.

Hiking up Arthur’s Seat is a must-do adventure in Edinburgh for active travelers, but going alone at sunset—the best time of day—can be nerve-wracking. Join a guide and small group to ensure you don’t get lost on the way up or down in dim light. Admire views across Edinburgh and the Pentland Hills from this high vantage point as the sun sets and the sky turns golden.

Get out of the city and soak up the natural beauty of Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands on this day tour from Edinburgh. See wooded lochs and tucked-away villages as you journey through spectacular scenery en route to Glencoe and Fort Augustus. Enjoy a boat tour in search of the Loch Ness Monster and traverse the picturesque Cairngorms National Park. Travel in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with a small group.

Travel from Edinburgh to St. Andrews and Fife on this day trip from Edinburgh. Cross the Forth Road Bridge into the Kingdom of Fife and pass by the coastal villages of East Neuk. Then pay homage to the town of St. Andrews, home to Scotland's oldest university and the Old Course, where golf is routinely played. Driving in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, see Falkland and the Lomond Hills. Enjoy a small-group tour for a memorable and personalized experience.

Even if you’ve only got limited time in Edinburgh, it's still possible to see the breadth of the city’s natural landscapes. Cover more sights in less time during a bike ride which takes you from Arthur’s Seat to the beaches of Portobello and the Port of Leith. Plus, you’ll be able to choose between an electric or manual bike, depending on your fitness level.

Explore further afield without having to worry about hiring a car or navigating unfamiliar roads on a tour that reveals attractions that lie outside of Edinburgh’s city center. This private tour comes with the flexibility to tweak your route and itinerary to include historic castles and chapel, scenic natural landscapes, or art galleries and antique stores.

Get out of Edinburgh's crowded city center and discover the wonderful nature that surrounds the Scottish capital. This guided tour takes you walking in the Pentland Hills, which are on Edinburgh's doorstop, yet largely overlooked by tourists. As you walk, your guide will fill you in on Edinburgh's natural and cultural heritage, as well as the geology of the hills.

Explore a different side of Edinburgh—and take in panoramic views you’d otherwise miss—on this small-group hiking tour of Arthur's Seat and Calton Hill. Discover historic landmarks, including the Palace of Holyroodhouse, wander through picturesque parkland, and climb to the summit of Arthur's Seat at 823 feet (251 meters). Along the way, learn about the city’s landscape and local wildlife from your guide.

Take in Scotland’s dramatic landscapes in just one day from the comfort of your luxury private minivan. Departing from central Edinburgh, enjoy entry to Doune Castle and views over the Cairngorm National Park, Ben Nevis and Fort William—all while relaxing with complimentary refreshments and an expert guide. The tour also includes stops at Loch Ness and Glencoe to explore some of the Highlands’ most stunning scenery.

"Outlander" fans are sure to want to book this full-day tour that combines the hit TV show's filming locations with Scottish history, without the worry of figuring out logistics. Join this small-group tour from Edinburgh that visits key sites, including Culross, Doune Castle, Blackness Castle, Midhope Castle, and Linlithgow. Travel comfortably in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach while exploring the real settings behind the popular show.

If you only have one day to journey into the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh, don't waste time or effort navigating public transport or renting a car. This guided tour takes you from the capital to the "bonnie banks" of Loch Lomond, the village of Luss and some of the country's finest castles and glens.

While there are lots of historic sights to explore in Edinburgh, there’s so much more to experience outside of the city. On this full-day tour, choose to explore a traditional whisky distillery to learn how one of Scotland’s most popular beverages gets made, or head to Blackness Castle to hear the role the stronghold played in local history.