With a population of almost 500,000, it’s no surprise that Edinburgh is the perfect beginning for your journey through Scotland. This capital city alone is enough to keep even the most seasoned RV enthusiast busy for many days. For those interested in history, this 15th century city has the perfect amount of flavor in it’s food and it’s history to leave some mystery surrounding it’s building architecture. With castles, rivers, and lakes galore you’ll surely be pleased with the photographs and memories you take away. Quite easy for one to navigate but still needing a little caution, making Edinburgh your jump-off point as you discover the wonderful Scotland city and countryside. Seeing as this is an ancient and dated city, use caution when navigating the one way streets and dead ends. Drive slow and keep weary of your surroundings.
One thing many know about Scotland is that they love their fried food and their lovely drinks. From deep fried pizza and amazing ‘fish and chip’ shops, to some of the best ales and Whiskey, if you want to lighten up your tastebuds look no further than the great city of Edinburgh. Please adhere to the drinking and driving policies.
Seeing as this is the perfect start for your journey, you are offered many different routes to take. The M8 being the most well known, leading to Glasgow. You also have the A1 and M1 leading to England and Newcastle Upon Tyne. These two main roadways are easy to navigate for newer RV drivers.
Recommended campervan drives starting from Edinburgh City
Park near Calton Hill to hike up and see some of the Edinburgh’s most notable treasures, such as The National Monument and the Nelson Monument. With this great and easy hike you can also get a very clear view of the surrounding countryside. This is a great start because it can help put more focus in to what you want to see. The views are inspiring. If this hike isn’t enough for you – don’t fear. Arthur’s Seat is a wonderful walk also that can provide even better views and is well worth the extra challenge.
Head to the Grassmarket area off Victoria St. to try some tradition Scottish cooking and get an understanding of the food and culture of this country. This is where one can really understand the flavors and natural ingredients one uses to cook in this 15th century town.
Edinburgh Zoo is one of the most popular attractions all year round and is surely one not to miss. Worth the experience.
National Museum of Scotland was created in 1985 and has had over 1.5 million visitors in a year, this showing the true amazing artifacts this museum holds. One of it’s most amazing artifacts is having 11 of the Lewis chessmen.
Also, don’t forget to take a stroll along the Water of Leith river and dream of a simpler past. Though close to the city, this provides a perfect place for one to try and get a feel of a past times and earlier cultures. A most notable spot for reflection.
For those who enjoy cycling, Edinburgh is strangely a great place to start. A very well known path is for one to ride from Edinburgh to Melrose, stay a night in Melrose, and then to Berwick-upon-Tweed. Then, one would take a train back home to Edinburgh. Scotland’s terrain provides a semi-challenging and rewarding bicycle journey.
Edinburgh & Nearby Attractions
Glasgow is only but an hour away from Edinburgh, along the way you’ll get a great view of the countryside. Along the 97km M8, one of the United Kingdom’s busiest motorways, you’ll have the ability to marvel at other notable cities such as Greenock, Paisley, and Livingston.
Taking the A90 motorway will be a scenic adventure north to places such as Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire. One can stop along the way and see the ancient Roman camp in Stracathro. One can also see the Bridge of Muchalls as well as the 13th century Muchalls Castle.
Last, but not least we have the M90 motorway. Although there are several different routes to take from Edinburgh, this is certainly one of the most popular as well. The most northern motorway in the United Kingdom gives drivers and passengers the ability to see gorgeous landscapes and many historical cities such as Perth. Perth having shown signs of inhabitants 8,000 years ago. This fact alone drives thousands of people a year to try and find ancient buried treasures and artifacts. Also, one can see the great city of Dunfermline, also having Neolithic settlers thousands of years ago.