Edinburgh to Loch Ness and Blair Castle: Private day trip

Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle are one of the most popular destinations in Scotland thanks in large part to the legendary monster that dwells beneath the lake’s waters. While the earliest mention of a monster at Loch Ness dates back to the 6th century, Nessie wasn’t brought to international attention until 1933. Decades of obsession have never turned up any conclusive results, but explanations for the monster range from tree trunks to a bathing circus elephant to a Greenland shark. And while you probably won’t see the beast, a boat trip on the lake is made more exciting by the legend. Overlooking the lake, the sprawling Urquhart Castle is one of the largest in Scotland, where visitors can enjoy a guided tour, or simply roam the ruins, to appreciate this majestic medieval castle, and great views of the Loch Ness.

Founded in the 13th century, Blair Castle and Hercules Gardens have been home to 19 generations of Stewarts and Murrays of Atholl. Over its long history, the castle has been visited by notable figures including Mary Queen of Scots, Viscount Dundee, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and Queen Victoria, who granted permission to Duke Murray to found the Atholl Highlanders - Europe's last (legal) private army. Today, over 30 historic rooms exhibit period furnishings, family portraits, landscape paintings, weapons and armour, and lavish decorations for a full serving of Scottish culture. A walk through the nine acre walled garden brings visitors past fruit trees and vegetable, a Chinese bridge and Gothic folly, and a path lined with both contemporary and 18th Century sculptures. In a quiet grove, visitors will find the second tallest tree in Britain, and the ruins of St Brides Kirk, the final resting place of Jacobite leader Bonnie Dundee. For more information, please visit blair-castle.co.uk