Edinburgh Jan 17-21

You'd have to check the dates, but we had a very short time in Edinburgh and love the hairy coos tour to the Highlands. it's a free tour - you only tip what you think it's worth at the end. The guide was great, lots of info along the way and he didn't even pay attention as to who put what in the hat. We're heading back in May and will likely try to fit this in again, it was so enjoyable!

https://www.thehairycoo.com/tour/1-day-free-scottish-highlands-tour-from-edinburgh/

Thanks, Terri! I’m going to Edinburgh in April and this tour looks interesting!

Bill, check out Viator.com for day trips from Edinburgh.

Do you have a guidebook? We can give you ideas, but you will only get what each responder has liked. With a guidebook you get a professional rundown of the possibilities along with details like hours, days, prices, etc. The guy who hosts this site has a fine book on Scotland that we found invaluable.

Hi, Bill,

There is so much to see and do in Edinburgh that you may never have time to leave the city Or you may not want to leave the city at all. You could spend three weeks there, and not see everything.

If you really want to take a day trip, January is not really a good time to be seeing the moors. If you really have the urge to get out and about, there are several short (and long) hikes in the Pentland Hills, just south of Edinburgh. The starting points are relatively well served by public transportation.

If you enjoy Celtic music, the Celtic Connections festival is going on in Glasgow while you're over. That might be worth a day trip if there are particular performers you'd like to see.

Best thing to do is to get a guide that's specific to Edinburgh, like the Lonely Planet Guide to Edinburgh. The latest edition was published last year (2017), so it should be up to date on things to do, places to see, and January events. It's available on Amazon, or if you're cheap like me, you can probably get a copy through interlibrary loan. Just give your local library the ISBN number.

Dress warmly, but dress in layers, because you might be lucky enough to get some warm (i.e.: 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit) days. It won't be any colder than Connecticut.

Best wishes for a wonderful time on your brief holiday!

Slainte!

Mike (Auchterless)

Thanks Mike, I appreciate the detailed response.

Bill, if you are still looking for a place to stay in Edinburgh, may I recommend 23 Mayfield Guest House. My husband and I stayed at 23 Mayfield in October 2018; if you are looking for a 5 star experience we highly recommend this guest house. You are met by the most congenial of hosts, Ross, who welcomes you not as just a guest, but with a genuine warmth looking to make your stay as temporary home at 23 Mayfield. Ross and his wife both go above and beyond the expected 'make yourself at home,' as demonstrated by their genuine interest in their guests. The house, has been designed in meticulous detail, the result a very homey and luxurious setting, comfy cozy. If you enjoy a 5 star breakfast and setting to match, this is the guest house for you, the breakfast room has one feeling as if you have stepped back into a very comfortable yet elegant setting, enjoying not only the very delicious breakfast and enjoying conversations with people from various countries; as we discovered in meeting delightful people from Australia to Switzerland. Every morning greets you with a delightfully crafted menu enticing you to enjoy Chef Ross and his 5 start breakfast menu. We spent 6 days staying at 23 Mayfield, close to so many of the Edinburgh's highlights; being welcomed as guest and leaving as friends. Enjoy your trip to Edinburgh; I do hope my husband and I will make a return visit with 23 Mayfield as our 'home away from home.'