Top Edinburgh Nature Walks

This walking tour of Edinburgh is a great choice for first-time visitors who want to get their bearings of the city and learn more about its history. By exploring the city with a guide, you’ll be able to stop looking at a map and focus on enjoying the sites around you. Your guide will teach you about secret places locals love, as well as the Old Town’s most famous sites. Highlights include St. Giles’ Cathedral, the Mercat Cross, Edinburgh Castle, and much more.

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.

Conquer Edinburgh’s most iconic peaks on an intimate, small-group walking tour away from the crowds. Led by an expert local guide packed with fascinating folklore, this journey ensures a deeply personal experience. Your adventure begins at Calton Hill to marvel at famous national monuments and snap picture-perfect photos of the skyline. Next, pass the majestic Holyrood Palace before entering the wild expanse of Holyrood Park. Escape standard paths for our peaceful, scenic trail up the 251-metre summit of Arthur’s Seat. At the peak, enjoy breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views across the city and countryside. Your leisurely descent winds through hidden historic sites and vibrant local wildlife habitats, ensuring you see sides of the city most tourists completely miss. Perfect for individuals, families, and groups of all ages, this gentle-paced walk features plenty of rest stops. Book today to explore Edinburgh like a true insider!

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.

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.

See the famous Hairy Cows in their natural environment in Edinburgh 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 short hike takes us far 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. Our hike then takes us up to a high viewpoint, where we can see over the city and to the sea. 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.

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.

Experience Edinburgh captivating history and hidden secrets at your own rhythm with our expertly crafted audio tour that transforms your smartphone into a personal storyteller. Unlike rushed group tours with rigid schedules, you control the journey pause to photograph stunning architecture, linger in atmospheric closes, or revisit fascinating locations that capture your imagination. Our meticulously researched commentary unveils exclusive historical insights, legendary tales, delivered through crystal-clear narration by professional storytellers whose engaging voices bring centuries of Scottish heritage to life. The superior flexibility allows you to explore during golden hour for perfect photos, avoid crowds by visiting popular sites at unconventional times, and dive deeper into locations that resonate with your personal interests, all while enjoying compelling storytelling that makes every step an adventure filled with "aha!" moments that traditional guidebooks simply cannot provide.

Edinburgh is known for its dark past, and this evening walking tour is the original one to showcase the city's historically sinister and spooky side. Discover the hidden ‘wynds’ (alleys) and closes of the Old Town as you learn their mysteries and horrors; visit the ghost-ridden Greyfriars Kirkyard; and explore the city’s underground vaults to uncover their spirits and secrets. Your tour is led by a creepily costumed guide to get everyone into the spooky spirit of things.

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.

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.

Download GuideAlong’s self-guided audio walking tour of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. Begin at the incomparable Victoria Street, poke around Greyfriars Kirkyard, and finish up near Edinburgh Castle. Along the way, discover winding medieval streets, historic landmarks, stunning architecture, and - best of all - the hidden gems that inspired J.K. Rowling when writing the Harry Potter series. Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you and bypassing any that don’t. Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location Travel at your own pace Tour offline using GPS. No cell service or WiFi is needed Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use No time limits or expiry, and free updates Like having a personal guide by your side on every step Purchase one tour per person, or listen together by sharing headphones or a speaker.

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. Visit Callander, the "Gateway to the Highlands," 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 Royal Mile and its secret alleys on a journey where history comes to life. From the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, enter the old closets, narrow passages full of history, until you reach the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Visit iconic landmarks such as Bakehouse Close, Dunbar’s Close or James Court, as we discover the lives of key figures such as Allan Ramsay, David Hume or Patrick Geddes. You will also explore gardens hidden among the stone, small oases in the heart of historic center. An ideal experience for those looking to discover the most authentic and surprising side of Edinburgh.

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 rush of standard group tours for the chance to explore Edinburgh's history-packed Royal Mile at your own pace. Open this audioguide on your smartphone and let it lead you to the most-important landmarks while filling you in on the stories behind each. With your personal guide in hand, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, St Giles' Cathedral, and Edinburgh Castle, and explore narrow medieval lanes and a unique double-level street.

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.

Listen to Edinburgh’s grisliest tales on a haunted evening or night-time 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 or Canongate Kirkyard cemetery to learn about body-snatching and some of the infamous individuals interred here.

This Edinburgh city sightseeing tour offers a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus experience with an open-top double-decker bus and audio commentary in multiple languages. Hop on and off at key stops including Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and the Royal Mile. Buses run every 20 minutes with tickets valid for 24 hours from first use, providing flexible sightseeing at your own pace.

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.

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.

Wildlife and history tour. Join me on an urban walk from the popular West End in the Heart of Edinburgh to the beautiful villages along the Water of Leith. Learn about the Water of Leith history which was the 'lifeblood' of the Capital back in the day. Meander with me along the banks of the 'Leith' and just relax whilst looking for amazing wildlife such as Kingfisher, Dipper, Grey Heron, Deer, Otter and so much more. Binoculars, guide books and identification sheets available during the trip. A free 'wee dram' available on route for those that want to sample Scotch Whisky. We will have time to stop at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre. At journeys end in either Colinton, Juniper Green or Balerno why not explore the village and pop into a Hotel, Inn or Restaurant for a meal before heading back into town on Lothian Buses. Bus fare(s) included.

An enthralling day exploring the wonderful coastline of Scottish Border country with an expert guide. Exploring the geology around St Abbs Head, a National Nature Reserve with it's spectacular cliffs, seals, birdlife and picturesque harbour. The area is important in the emergence of modern geology. A visit to the Lighthouse set upon the dramatic cliffs is an invigorating experience. We then venture on to visit the incredible castle sites of Tantallon and Dirleton, pivotal in history of the region and a chance to understand the power of place. Lunchtime stop in the beautiful seaside town of North Berwick for delicious local produce. To end this fabulous day out a private whisky tasting of 3 Speyside or Highland whisky's in a very cosy and special setting with option of a grazing board of charcuterie and artisan cheeses. All admission fees included, whisky flight in this small group tour. Travel in style in a V Class Mercedes with comfortable leather seats and air con.