Top Edinburgh Outdoor Activities - page 4

Escape the bustle of Edinburgh and discover the dramatic landscapes of northwest Scotland on a small-group, full-day trip through the West Highlands and Oban. Travel west with a local guide and enjoy stress-free sightseeing as you pass lochs, mountains, moorlands, and rugged coastline—without the pressure of self-driving on unfamiliar roads. Stop to explore charming villages such as Luss and Inveraray, and along the way, admire landmarks such as Kilchurn Castle. As you travel, hear captivating stories from Scottish history and gain local insight.

Discover the beauty of the Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye all year round over five days with this tour from Edinburgh. Immerse yourself in the region's natural beauty, and all the history and legends that have been passed down through the centuries. Venture through mighty Glen Coe, explore ancient, castles, and discover the Isle of Skye at its most peaceful and enchanting time of year. The departure for this tour is on Monday and Thursday.

This hike takes you out and immerses you in nature but still within close distance of the city. You get a taste of what it's like to hike in the Highlands without having to travel so far. You'll learn a bit about plants, animals, and geology, as well as some history and culture of the area. We might even see the local Highland cows! As well as learning new things, you'll get a great workout, some fresh air, and a break from the crowds in the city. I'm a fully qualified professional hiking guide and a landscape photographer leading tours and outings across Scotland. I'm outdoor first aid certified and ensure that everyone is able to do the hike safely and comfortably. I have a background in environment and sustainability, so I can also tell you about conservation and wildlife initiatives in Scotland as well as biodiversity and land management issues. I always try to reduce our impact and we follow Leave No Trace principles.

Lace up your running shoes and explore Edinburgh on foot. This private running tour takes you are the Scottish capital at your own pace and ensures that you see all of the most important city landmarks before tackling the challenging climb up Arthur's Seat for a panoramic view of the city skyline.

Swap the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh's busy streets for the fresh air and sights of the Scottish countryside. This canyoning adventure will have you jumping off cliffs, zooming down natural waterslides, and abseiling down waterfalls. An adrenaline fueled outdoor experience, ideal for thrill-seekers and groups celebrating special occasions, such as bachelor or bachelorette parties.

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.

Swap the tour bus for two wheels and get a closer look at Edinburgh. This small-group cycling tour takes you around the Scottish capital to places most tourists miss. Pedal your way from Craigmillar Castle to the charming Dean Village, the cosmopolitan Leith district, and seaside Portobello to experience Edinburgh off the tourist trail. E-bike rental is available for £25.

Explore the highlands in style and comfort on this private day tour. See important landmarks that range from the UNESCO-listed Forth Bridge, Loch Tulla, Glencoe Valley, and the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, as seen in the Harry Potter films. Your tour also makes a stop at a whisky distillery to gain insight into this important part of Scottish culture. This is a private tour with flexible stops and timings, ideal if you would like to experience the wilderness of Scotland but have time constraints.

If you can't leave Scotland without playing a round of golf, allow this private tour to take care of all the logistics. From Edinburgh, your personal driver takes you to Stirling Golf Club, one of Scotland's oldest and most picturesque clubs, where you can play 18 holes with a stunning backdrop of the hills of the Highlands and Stirling Castle.

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.

Embark on an outdoor adventure without venturing far from Edinburgh. This day tour from the capital takes you into the Ochil Hills and to Dollar Canyon for a vertical adventure that includes jumps, waterslides, and abseils. One of Scotland's best canyons, Dollar is perfect for first-timers and experienced canyoners alike.

Escape the bustle of Edinburgh for a full-day private tour of the central Highlands. See castles, waterfalls, and historic villages as your local guide takes care of the driving. Customize the itinerary according to your personal interests, including a possible stop at a whisky distillery. Get personalized advice on where to eat traditional food. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included.

Immerse yourself in an unforgettable Edinburgh experience with a photo shoot captured by a professional photographer. Tailor each backdrop to your vision, from the majestic Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Park, to Calton Hill and more. Treasure mementos that tell the story of your visit—perfect for any traveler or special occasion. Choose from a variety of packages that suit your specific needs.

Follow clues and find hidden gems in the heart of Edinburgh on this gamified treasure hunt tour designed by local games fans. Learn about the history and tales of the OId Town, and use your treasure hunting kit to find the faeries and other magical fantastic beasts. Rejoin your guide at certain points on the map, and explore the city on foot, getting to know its secrets.

Immerse yourself in Scottish nature and culture—and make exploring beyond Edinburgh city limits easy—on this three-in-one, full-day tour. Begin at a top-rated distillery, where you can upgrade to join a tour and enjoy a dram or two. Next, discover Loch Lomond: the jewel of Trossachs National Park. Finally, venture to the storied Stirling Castle (entry own expense) to hear the story of the real "Braveheart," before returning to Edinburgh.

Explore the Scottish countryside at your own pace with a private driver. Get picked up at your hotel in Edinburgh in an air-conditioned Mercedes Vito Tourer and set out towards Glencoe. The full-day itinerary can be customized according to your interests and includes seeing castles, lochs, and if you choose, a whisky distillery. Learn about Scottish history from your local guide.

There’s so much more to see in Scotland than just Edinburgh. On this private tour, get picked up from your Edinburgh accommodation for a full-day adventure exploring the Kingdom of Fife. Take in the Forth Bridge—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—visit the medieval town of St Andrews, hunt for sea glass on Fife beach, and explore fishing villages and historic sites.

WHY CHOOSE US? Discover the beauty of Edinburgh in just one day with this engaging audio tour. Covering a 5 km route with over 30 stories, the tour guides you past iconic landmarks like the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, as well as hidden gems such as the Witches Well and Bobby Greyfriars Kirkyard. Immerse yourself in Edinburgh's rich history and culture by visiting the Scott Monument, learning about Princes Street, and hearing the legend of Burke and Hare. Walk at your own pace, with the flexibility to pause whenever you like. Simply purchase the tour, download the app, and activate it with your code to enjoy an unforgettable Edinburgh experience. Works offline!

Embark on a self-guided journey to explore Edinburgh's historic heart, from the panoramic vistas of Calton Hill to the majestic St Giles' Cathedral. Delve into the city's rich past as you stroll the Royal Mile, uncover the stories of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and marvel at the architecture of Edinburgh Castle (entry ticket not included). This tour invites you to discover at your pace, revealing hidden gems and iconic landmarks, including Grassmarket Square and Greyfriars Kirk, enriching your visit with culture and history.

Escape from Edinburgh and spend a relaxing day exploring some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland, including Loch Lomond and seeing a Hairy Coo or two. During this small-group tour we absorb unique Scottish scenery at its best with many magnificent lochs (lakes) set against backdrops of dramatic mountains. We'll also weave stories of Scottish history, pass through battle sites and be introduced to our nation's mythical creatures.

Skip the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads and see much more of the Scottish Highlands than you could alone on a private day tour from Edinburgh. Led by your local guide in a luxury minivan, learn about the history and mythology of the Highlands as you pass by mountains and glens. See Stirling Castle on your journey—and hear about the Scottish royals who once lived there—and the sites of famous battles nearby.

Skip the big bus tours and enjoy a personalized experience as you explore the Scottish Highlands in a Land Rover. This private tour is just for your group and takes you into the haunting valley of Glencoe. Between stops at the Falls of Dochart, Rannoch Moor and more, you'll learn all about the area from your guide.

Award-Winning Escape Room Game Solve a thrilling mystery in a beautiful, authentic historical setting Learn about Edinburgh's fascinating grave-robbing era history Perfect for tourists, friends & family (2-8 people) 5* Rated across TripAdvisor, Google & Facebook

Begin your walk at the towering Gothic spire dedicated to Sir Walter Scott — Scotland’s most famous author. Head east along Princes Street, then up the short but steep path to Calton Hill. See the National Monument (Scotland’s unfinished Parthenon), the Nelson Monument, and sweeping views of the Firth of Forth. This is one of Edinburgh’s top photography spots — you can see Arthur’s Seat, the Old Town skyline, and even the Castle. Descend back toward the Old Town and walk up the Royal Mile. Along the way, take in narrow closes (alleyways), traditional shops, and centuries of history in the buildings around you. Admire the crown-shaped steeple and stained glass of St Giles’ Cathedral, and don’t miss the Thistle Chapel inside — home to the Order of the Thistle, Scotland’s highest chivalric order. Outside, you’ll find the heart-shaped mosaic known as the Heart of Midlothian, marking the old Tolbooth prison — locals still spit on it for good luck.