5 Day Trips Close To Edinburgh | Story

Pentlands Hill

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Edinburgh is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating cities in Scotland, with its old architectures and vibrant cultural life.

If you are looking for something different, like a trip into the nature, then you only need to take a bus to find yourself surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Just a bunch of kilometers away from the city and you will end up to some nice and non-touristy places.

1. Pentlands Hills

Have you ever dreamt about immense stretches of fields, quiet and peaceful? If the answer is yes, get ready to plunge yourself into one of the most suggestive Scottish landscapes: Pentlands Hills.

The hills are a precious and uncontaminated natural spot in the south-west of Edinburgh, where you can take long walks and get away from the noise of the city.

Pentlands HIlls

For all animals lovers, at the edges of the Pentlands you will come across a nice surprise: the Bobcat Alpaca farm, where you can mingle with these sweet and cute animals. The area around the Pentlands is mostly populated by shepards with their sheep.

How to get there? There are few buses leaving from Princess Street, in Edinburgh city center. The bus will take less than one hour.

2. Cramond Island

Another magical place, just 30 minutes away from Edinburgh city center, is Cramond Island, where you can walk to from the mainland, crossing a paved path.

Cramond Island

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How come? Cramond Island is a tidal island, which means that at certain times of the day, the walking path is not accessible. It all depends on the tide level; so be careful, you might get stuck there!

The island is very tiny (less than 1 km in length), wild and simply beautiful: the sky is reflected in the water, creating evocative games of mirrors. Just look at the pictures below to get an idea of what you might see!

Cramond Island

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3. South Queensferry

The authentic beauty of Scotland sometimes can be found in small villages and towns. South Queensferry is one of them, a lovely town just 13 km away from Edinburgh city center. It is famous for the great view of the Forth Road Bridge, which is 2.5 km long!

South Queensferry has also got a beach, lots of nice restaurants, cafés and many craft shops which you won’t find in the city.

South Queensferry

So take a train from Edinburgh Waverley station and once you are there, just start strolling around the tiny picturesque streets of this authentic Scottish town.

4. Aberlady Bay

There are some places in Scotland that will make you believe you are somewhere else in the world.

One of these places is the Aberlady Local Nature Reserve. Huge golden sand dunes, beautiful endless beaches, deep blu water. Believe it or not, this is part of Scotland and it is just 30 km away from Edinburgh!

Aberlady bay

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Take a long and relaxing walk along the beach and don’t forget to seek out the wreck of a XT-craft, dates back to 1946. Great location for pictures!

wreck of a XT craft

5.North Berwick

Do you want to hang out at the seaside and do some bird watching? North Berwick is what you’re looking for! Just 30 km away from Edinburgh, North Berwick is the summer residence of many wealthy Scottish people. One the main attraction of this lovely seaside town is the Scottish Seabird Center, where visitors can spot puffins and other birds during the tours.