Edinburgh + Scenic Locations

[Mika_98]

Hi all,
I have a week off during Easter and having never ventured out to Scotland before, we're thinking of making a trip. First stop would be Edinburgh for a couple of days.

From there, we are hoping to get to a nice scenic/rural location, a nice beach (or a few to pick from if possible), scenic family friendly walks/hikes, etc. Any suggestions on places which meet requirements please? We have a week to play with so I don't mind driving a couple of hours from Edinburgh and having a couple of other locations to stay at.

Also, should I be worried about midges (rural locations) in the current season?

Would love to do the NC500 but I feel this requires a bit more planning!

[Time4another]

Arthur's Seat on a clear day has a great view over all of Edinburgh.

Coastal road up to St Andrews is anice jaunt.

Where are you travelling from? Some nice roads between Moffat/Hawick and Edinburgh.

[Juan B]

Done Edinburgh for a couple of nights and then over to the trossachs quite a few times, good walks around the lochs and theres a few decent little pubs and restraunts.

[loskie]

For a complete contrast to Edinburgh (which is fantastic by the way) head over to Arran or Argyll (Oban and Mull). Midges won't be an issue at Easter.

For less driving head up to the East Neuk Of Fife. Crail maybe.

Or just head down from Edinburgh on the east coast to Dunbar and N Berwick stopping off in Bamburgh (Northumberland) and Alnwick.

The latter would minimise driving and maximise leisure time as you "holiday" on the journey home.

Whatever you do chill out and enjoy it.

[Mika_98]

Thank you all for the detailed information. I now have something to work with rather than look at Google Maps thinking shall I go here, there, etc! Haha. I feel this won't be our only visit as there seems to be a lot to see and do.

Time4another said:

Arthur's Seat on a clear day has a great view over all of Edinburgh.

Coastal road up to St Andrews is anice jaunt.

Where are you travelling from? Some nice roads between Moffat/Hawick and Edinburgh.

Will be travelling up from Wakefield. The A1 seems like the best option. Google Maps is also showing M6/A74. However, the former looks like a nicer drive.

[MarkJS]

Mika_98 said:

Will be travelling up from Wakefield. The A1 seems like the best option. Google Maps is also showing M6/A74. However, the former looks like a nicer drive.

We do this trip fairly regularly but from nearer Huddersfield. If you’re using the A1, it’s regularly a nightmare especially coming home on bank holiday weekends. My advice is to travel either very early in the morning or in the evening. The easiest runs have been when we’ve left it till after 6/7pm.

Coldingham Bay has a lovely beach and it’s a nice little scenic walk to St Abbs from there & back. I also really like Gullane beach and a beer or two outside in the sun (if you’re lucky) at The Old Clubhouse. As previously mentioned, North Berwick is very nice.

[thepritch]

Beaches you say?



I’d like to suggest Newburgh beach (north Aberdeen) , with its seal colony, or Cruden Bay, BUT, realistically they’re too far north, and given you’re in Edinburgh I think there is lots to see / do that is closer.

Fife is pretty decent to explore as above suggestions, or you could head NW past Stirling to Pitlochry / Aberfeldy / Killin and get into the hills there, theyre beautiful too. Never been to the Pentlands just outside Edinburgh but have heard lots of good things about that region and it’s on my list!

I’d echo Loskie, keep driving to a minimum, chill and enjoy. Loads of people try to see / do too much in one go.

[J6542]

thepritch said:

Beaches you say?



I’d like to suggest Newburgh beach (north Aberdeen) , with its seal colony, or Cruden Bay, BUT, realistically they’re too far north, and given you’re in Edinburgh I think there is lots to see / do that is closer.

Fife is pretty decent to explore as above suggestions, or you could head NW past Stirling to Pitlochry / Aberfeldy / Killin and get into the hills there, theyre beautiful too. Never been to the Pentlands just outside Edinburgh but have heard lots of good things about that region and it’s on my list!

I’d echo Loskie, keep driving to a minimum, chill and enjoy. Loads of people try to see / do too much in one go.

The whole east coast from border up to Peterhead is covered with empty beaches like this.
Stay 3 days near St Andrews.

1 day could be spent wandering the beaches and historic sites.

2nd day could be spent 20 mins away in Dundee, visiting the Discovery, unicorn and V and A museum

3rd day could be spent visiting all the small places down the east neuk with a possible boat trip to the May isle.

[Venisonpie]

Edinburgh is a great base for walking, there are 3 that I've done a few times.

1) Walk of Leith - take a train to Curriehill and then walk along the river Leith through the city to the old dock in Leith.

2) Arthurs Seat coupled wirh Calton Hill for a central walk.

3) Walk along the Firth of Forth to South Queensferry for a coastal walk, train back.

[Lotusgone]

loskie said:

Or just head down from Edinburgh on the east coast to Dunbar and N Berwick stopping off in Bamburgh (Northumberland) and Alnwick..

Agreed - also, check out the tide times to see about visiting Holy Island (Lindisfarne). The sea covers the road some of the time.

[chopper602]

Personally I'd avoid the A1 where possible. It's slow once you get past Morpeth, there are huge roadworks near the Metrocentre and often goes down to single carriageway. We travel up to Scotland often (from near Darlington) for Highland Games competitions and head across country at Scotch Corner onto the A66, then M6, M74, then head across Edinburgh on the M8 (or cross country from Abington Services). It doesn't look as direct, but it's a lot quicker and that section of the M6 is lovely. You could of course come back down the A1 if taking in Lindisfarne and Northumberland.

[Skodillac]

Have a look at doing a section of the West Highland Way, perhaps the leg from Drymen to Balmaha would make a good day out. 3 hour walk, with top pubs at either end, spectacular scenery and a great view of Loch Lomond from the top of Conic Hill. There's a public bus service back from Balmaha if you leave a car in Drymen and can't face 3 hours return walking.

[smallpaul]

As above post a bit more of a drive (1 hour 30 from city centre) but Conic hill might have a combination of what you want.

Very nice views on a clear day from Conic Hill. Not too long of a walk if a bit steep. Then a beach on loch lomond at the bottom to swim / chill / bbq (dispose responsibly)

[Mika_98]

Thanks for the additional suggestions. Plenty of options for our itinerary and beaches look great. Looking forward to our journey!

Thanks too for the advice on the A1. There's not much else worse than being stuck in traffic heading to a break or on the way back. Looking into other routes so have a couple of further options.

[Skodillac]

chopper602 said:

Personally I'd avoid the A1 where possible. It's slow once you get past Morpeth, there are huge roadworks near the Metrocentre and often goes down to single carriageway. We travel up to Scotland often (from near Darlington) for Highland Games competitions and head across country at Scotch Corner onto the A66, then M6, M74, then head across Edinburgh on the M8 (or cross country from Abington Services). It doesn't look as direct, but it's a lot quicker and that section of the M6 is lovely. You could of course come back down the A1 if taking in Lindisfarne and Northumberland.

This is the route I usually take into Scotland also, but occasionally use the A68 from Darlington to Edinburgh if not in too much of a rush and fancy a scenic change. Far better bet than the A1 all the way.