So we're spending four days in Edinburgh, and the first day is going to be a bit of a wash, because I can't sleep on red-eye flights. I've always liked the idea of seeing Loch Ness, so I figured I'd book one of those Rabbie's 12-hour tours to Loch Ness and the Highlands. But that's a LONG time to be on a bus, and a big chunk of travel time. For those who have been to Edinburgh, would you say a day trip to Loch Ness is worth it? Or would we be better off sticking close to home? Thanks!
Posted by
Glasgow, Scotland
1692 posts
No. Stay close to the capital. Unless falling asleep in a Ford Transit appeals.
I would baulk at a day trip to Loch Ness and live in Glasgow.
Posted by
Tampa, FL
626 posts
I agree. That would not be worth a long day trip to me. There's so much to do in Edinburgh, that I suggest staying there and visiting the museums, Edinburgh and Holyrood Castles, walking the Royal Mile, etc. Loch Ness is nice but mostly because you can visit Urquhart castle ruins.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8879 posts
Here are some places that are "worth it" from Edingurgh:
Stirling Castle
St. Andrews
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
Loch Ness is of course worth a trip but not day trip. Too far for a day trip.
Posted by
OP
NYC, NY, USA
40 posts
Thanks, y'all!
Posted by
RIchmond, BC,Canada
932 posts
No, I drove right by it, there are far more attractive lakes in Scotland. I would also do either Stirling or St. Andrew's, or even a day trip to Glasgow by train.
Posted by
Edinburgh
2681 posts
I might consider doing the tour in the summer months when there is a lot of daylight and lots to see from the bus, but certainly as this time of year and anytime before the spring equinox there really is not enough daylight to make this a pleasant experience.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7146 posts
There’s also Craigmiller castle and Rosslyn chapel outside of Edinburgh that are easy to reach by bus. Loch Ness is nice if you have the time, but a long way to go just to drive alongside a lake. Both Craigmiller and Stirling castles are better than Urguhart castle that’s alongside Loch Ness
Posted by
Vermont USA
123 posts
I too have red eye travel issues so we planned the first day as a walk around get bearings. Wasn’t at all a waste if planning ahead. We booked in advanced the two hour Rabbies tour of Edinburgh which was totally worth it. Got to see parts we wouldn’t otherwise know about. Was a fun diversion from jet lag. Then we walked all over New Town where we stayed.
We booked several day trips with Rabbies out of Edinburgh. What’s nice about the Rabbies day tours is you get back in time to go out for evening events or just walk around city.