On the Road: 9 great daytrips from Edinburgh

This article is taken from the 2025 edition of The Skinny Guide to Edinburgh – a 116-page selection of some of our favourite things to do and places to go across the city. Pick up a copy at venues across Edinburgh this summer, or read it online via Issuu.

The Bridges at South Queensferry

South Queensferry, on the banks of the Forth, houses the southern half of three enormous bridges – stand underneath the Forth Rail Bridge feeling small and quake in your boots every time a train rumbles overhead. Enjoy a sit-down meal at Scotts Bar & Restaurant or a chippie/deep fried pizza on Newhalls Rd, followed by a pint in The Ferry Tap. Keep an eye out for the Burryman, a local man covered entirely in burrs who is celebrated every year on the second Friday of August – incidentally, you can add him on Facebook.
Travel: Trains go from Waverley to Dalmeny station three times an hour

Cross the Cramond Causeway

For a slice of the outdoors that is readily accessible and doesn't ask much of your legs, visit Cramond Island, a tidal island in the Firth of Forth with a history of human occupation stretching back to the prehistoric era. Text CRAMOND to 81400 to get the day's safe crossing times from the RNLI.
Travel: Catch the 47 bus at the west end of Princes Street and get off at Cramond Place

A Night Out in Glasgow

Start with an afternoon wander around Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis (great for fans of gothic architecture as well as Robert Pattinson’s The Batman). Next grab a table at new (and freshly Bib Gourmand-ed) Mediterranean restaurant Margo – or if it’s a spur of the moment trip, opt for the more casual, no-reservation-necessary Sugo Pasta. Finally, sample some of Glasgow’s famed nightlife on Sauchiehall Street. Alternatively, you might want to organise your trip around a specific gig or clubnight – check out The Skinny's Music and Clubs listings to see what’s on in Glasgow this month.
Travel: The quick train to Glasgow Queen Street runs from Waverley every half hour – the journey should take around 50 minutes so check the arrival time before boarding. You can get a return ticket or, if it’s a late one, jump on any of the hourly buses that leave from Buchanan Bus Station throughout the night.

Surf’s up (in a former quarry)

If you like the sound of surfing but aren't ready for the ocean just yet, you can hit the waves (or book a beginner's lesson) at Lost Shore Surf Resort, Europe's largest wave pool, housed in a former quarry. Warm yourself back up afterwards with pizza onsite from Civerinos. (For extra points why not start the day off across the road in Edinburgh Leisure's Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, also the largest in Europe)
Travel: You'll need to get two buses to access Ratho from the city centre – most likely the 25 or 34 followed by the 70. Be aware that the route ends in a 25-minute walk so probably best not to bring your own board.

A walk in the Pentlands

The Pentland Hills have a grade of walk for every level of outdoorsman. The West Kip, East Kip & Scald Law Circular delivers views for those up for a challenge – but right at the start of the route lies Harlaw Reservoir. Stick around here for an easy, peaceful stroll.
Travel: Get the 44 bus from the city centre all the way to Cockburn Crescent 

Glasgow Cathedral. Image: Abbie Tanner.

Tantallon Castle and the shops at North Berwick

Hit up Tantallon Castle if you're excited by the drama of a ruined 14th-century fortress standing on the cliffs of East Lothian. On the way home stop off for a nosey around North Berwick, starting with lunch and a hot beverage at Steampunk Coffee and wine shopping for the evening at Lockett Bros. If your legs can handle it, top it all off with a walk up the conical shaped Berwick Law.
Travel: The train to North Berwick leaves from Waverley once an hour. Once there, walk to Lady Jane Road and get the 120 bus to Tantallon Castle.

A Sunny Afternoon in Dundee

Straight off the train catch an exhibition at the V&A Dundee or artist-run gallery Generator Projects. Mosey on up Perth Road, starting with lunch at casual dining spot Eastfield, followed by shopping for the carefully curated works of local designers at Kist and a drink at local institution the Speedwell Bar (fka Mennies), with plenty opportunities to cafe-hop in between.
Travel: Get the train from Waverley in less than 90 minutes

Whisky Galore

If you want to make a day out of a love for whisky, try the Arbikie Highland Estate, just south of Montrose. Not only do they offer the standard tour and tasting, the tour also takes in their crop fields, where the whisky you'll soon be drinking began. Have lunch there before the tour to line your stomach, and afterwards descend to the gorgeous Lunan Bay Beach, Angus’s worst-kept secret. It's perfect for walking, sunbathing, and swimming, but maybe not after that dram…
Travel: Get the train up the east coast to Arbroath, and there jump on the number 30 bus to Court hill Road End – all in all the journey takes two and a half hours in each direction

A Ride through Glencoe

Hear us out – this one may not be for the faint of heart, but it is possible. The new route on the electric (not to mention comfortable) Ember bus drops you right in the lap of one of the most breathtaking pieces of landscape Scotland has to offer. If you're not a seasoned walker, make for the Creag Dubh viewpoint via the Glencoe Chairlift to take in your surroundings from a vantage point. Bring a packed lunch, or stop by Kingshouse Hotel for a sit down meal and the chance to pet some deer.
Travel: The aforementioned Ember bus takes around three hours from George Street to Glencoe Mountain Resort – this day will necessarily entail an early start or a late return