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Things to do in Scotland, United Kingdom: The Best Walking Tours
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1. Small-Group Photography Walking Tour of Edinburgh
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
See Edinburgh like a local on a small-group walking and photography tour with a professional photographer who used to work for Lonely Planet. You will learn how to use your camera to get the best results. We explain everything in easy to understand language and make sure you get the photos you always wanted whilst we go to the popular spots in the city and get off the beaten path to take great photos. All the while you will learn about Edinburgh's history and some of it's more interesting characters as well.
Inclusions: Professional photographer guide
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks
Reviewed By FormanFive
We had such a wonderful day with Will, even with the rain! (He taught us the word "smirr" for a light rain, which I misheard as smurf rain, which I think amused him). We are a family of 5 expat Americans living in the UK, looking for a private tour during these times of Covid. He had hand sanitiser in the van and was appropriately masked up and social distanced throughout the day. Will took us to an excellent coffee shop to get us started (he has great recommendations for coffee shops in Edinburgh), then guided us through Stirling Castle. He had asked us what we hoped to see and do during the day in advance so he could plan the day out and he went out of his way to try to hunt down a Highland cow for us, despite the off season (most are tucked away in barns during the wet season). He was super flexible for when the kids got worn out at a place or the road was closed to a site. The best part was chatting about a tour we took to Stonehenge and he piped up, "Want to see some standing stones you can touch?" Not 5 minutes later he had driven us to an isolated farmers field where we got to touch these beautiful old stones, standing in the mist. He took us to a very tasty place for hot pies and chips for lunch and was great about letting us eat in the van while he took a walk in the rain, since Covid restrictions meant no eating in restaurants and the weather was not great. And he was great about pointing out when we could and could not take a bathroom break, so we didn't end up with any uncomfortable bladders. All in all, it was a great day thanks to Will's stories and enthusiasm. We wouldn't hesitate to use his services again one day.
2. Crime and Punishment: Explore Aberdeen's darker history on a walking audio tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
From bodysnatching and beheadings to witchcraft and whippings, we share real life stories of crime and punishment from the last 500 years on this self-guided GPS audio tour. Along the way you’ll see major Aberdeen landmarks, from Marischal College to the Mercat Cross, and learn how they were witness to darkest chapters in the city’s history. Scot Free Tours sheds a light on the baffling and often unjust laws of the last five centuries – and reveals that past is not as far away as we think. Thousands of people have loved our 5-star rated live tours and now you can experience them with freedom of an audio guide! The tour plays audio automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smartphone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which also works offline. Start the tour in the app, put your phone in your pocket, and let us guide you around Aberdeen. The total walking distance is 3km and takes about 45 minutes without stopping, but you can pause anytime!
Inclusions: Lifetime access to this tour in English, VoiceMap app for Android and iOS, Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Exclusions: Smartphone and headphones, Transportation, Food and drink, Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
Reviewed By nickjtravels
A very informative tour of Aberdeen that we did on our brief stop in Aberdeen earlier this year. When we return we will be doing one of the other tours on VoiceMap. Altogether a great experience that is perfect in a COVID-19 world as you go around by yourselves and will still work well when this pandemic is well behind us. We were so pleased with this tour we did another one in Liverpool on the same trip and this was of the same quality. Just make sure you have plenty of charge on your phone!
3. Walk Inverness City Centre With Cath An Experienced Local STGA Green Badge Guide
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Take a walk with Cath, a local to the area, and an experienced Scottish Tourist Guide Association Green Badge Guide around her beautiful City of Inverness. Each tour is bespoke and planned around the opening times of various venues of historical interest and importance. A Walk Inverness tour contains lots of local history, beautiful scenery, architecture, and romantic (yet sometimes bloody) tales which have over time, shaped Inverness into the thriving city that stands today. In the true spirit of Outlander, find out more about the short but final confrontation of the Jacobite Rising, The Battle of Culloden in 1746, in which the fate of between 1500 Jacobites was sealed by a poor decision and a hostile terrain. Cath will fascinate you with references to Outlander along with life in 18th century Inverness right up to the present day. Sharing stories of clan history, folklore and legends. Step even further back in time to 565 AD and learn about St Columba’s visit to the Highlands.
Inclusions: Experienced local guide
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Broomas11
We were guided by Cath and had a great experience. Cath explained all the history and was highly knowledgeable and good fun. She took photos for us and sent them on and really helped us understand the relevance of all the places of interest we visited. Well worth doing
4. Award-winning circular cycle tour of Edinburgh!
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
This is a cycle tour you won't find anywhere else. I shall take you where other tourists will not know about. There are other cycle tours in Edinburgh, but as I take small groups, you will be able to go at your own pace, ask as many questions as you like and take numerous photos without pressure of being rushed. This tour requires you to be able to cycle for a maximum distance of 20 miles with regular stops and at a slow -steady pace. This tour is not suitable for under 12 years. From Craigmillar Caste, to the stunning Dean Village, Leith and Portobello, you will be cycling through all the 'must-see' parts of Edinburgh that are off the tourist trail.
Inclusions: We shall supply bikes, helmets and gloves.
Exclusions: Coffee and/or Tea
Reviewed By 735juditho
I can't really pick what part was a favourite because all were. But if I were to choose, a trip to roslin Chapel, followed by Craigmillar Castle. Edinburgh is full of history. Accessing these touristic sites by bike gives it even more of a personal touch because you get to cycle around as Leanne, Owner of wee pedal explains the history behind these beautiful sites. Craigmillar Castle although still beautiful as ancient it has a sad history. I understand it was a sanctuary for Queen Victoria. When you go there. You can feel the energy around it. Stunning! And the big parks and woodlands around it is breathtaking.
5. The Potter Trail Private Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 165 reviews
Founded in 2012, we are the original Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh. Our guides have the most experience of any tour company in Edinburgh and we are consistently rated most highly by visitors across all platforms. Booking a private tour with us will ensure the ultimate experience for Harry Potter fans as you'll be able to take the tour at your own pace and ask as many questions as you like! All of guides are trained comic performers so we can guarantee they will captivate and entertain you as well as impress with their extensive knowledge. We are also happy to customise this tour to suit you! We take on lots of bookings for hen parties and school groups and our guides are skilled at catering the tour content for any audience. Edinburgh is as magical to us as it is to JK Rowling and we hope this passion will inspire you too!
Inclusions: Guide
Exclusions: Please bring something that you can use as a wand. This can be anything roughly wand shaped - a pen or umbrella will work well!
Reviewed By rebeccajT8303LU
Our family did a virtual tour and just loved it! Our guide, Gemma, was so engaging and knowledgeable. We enjoyed our time so very much. It was like a little escape while still at home.
6. The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 165 reviews
Edinburgh's hysterical, historical, and completely original Mountebank comedy walking tour is back and we are in desperate need of a laugh now more than ever! Come and laugh off the pandemic on the only tour of Edinburgh that is led by a local, professional, stand-up comedian guaranteed to make you laugh yourself silly! The aim is simple, to make you laugh a lot while you learn a little about Scotland's incredible capital. *Please note I sometime have to take my mega friendly dog Brahan aka 'The Bonnie Prince' on the tour, he is the softest dog in Scotland but if you have any issues with dogs please let me know "a star on the rise at the moment with material totally on the pulse, Daniel is one to watch". (Mumble Comedy) '5* best history show 2019 Fringe' (Herald) 'the best walking tour I've ever been on,' 'my face ached from laughing so much,' 'laugh riot humor and historical intrigue,' 'masterfully executed,' 'I'll never look at a unicorn the same way again' (guest reviews)
Inclusions: Guide
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Bigtonylarok
Dan is an extremely witty guy, with excellent knowledge of the city. A brilliant way to spend a couple of hours . Dan gave us some excellent recommendations . Highly recommended
7. Private Glasgow Ghost Tour: City Center Exploration Game
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 19 reviews
Embark on a quest around Glasgow by solving clues that will take you to the most haunted places in the city, all with the help of your smartphone. Unlock new stories as you discover on your own Merchant City, George Square, the Lighthouse, and more. + Discover the most haunted streets, villas, and squares in the city + Find out the horror stories of the people who used to live there + Solve clues on your phone while you visit the haunted Glasgow You are invited to discover the captive souls, the spirits and the mysterious skeletons of Glasgow with an interactive city exploration app. Each clue will lead you from one place to another, giving you exact directions, so you won’t need a map, a GPS or a guide. When you solve it and guess the answer, the secret story of that place is unlocked. Start and stop whenever you want. Along the way, you’ll find horror stories that will give you the chills. Dare you go on this tour?
Inclusions: Full flexibility: start at any hour, take a break at any time and resume later, This tour is always available to book. We are open 24/7, every day of the week., This is the safest tour you can book: it is private, no human contact, you will avoid crowds., Play offline: you DON'T NEED an internet connection to play this city game
Exclusions: A physical tour guide
8. Silent Disco Adventure Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 158 reviews
Join the Silent Adventures Team as we take you on a journey of song and dance through the famous streets of Edinburgh. This musically instructed adventure aims to have your funky moves on display and your pop star voices serenading the people of the capital! Hi-tech headsets will fill your body with beats, theme songs and your favourite hits across the decades. As your inhibitions evaporate and laughter takes over, you will be part of the best all dance, all singing walking tour in town! It's a Flash Mob, it's a Silent Disco, It’s a roaming, rhythmic riot through Edinburgh!
Inclusions: Adventure Host, Advanced radio headsets
Exclusions: Please be aware that we have no place to store valuables
Reviewed By lologeorge69
A group of 5 friends were in town celebrating my 50th birthday. Our group was the 430 pm group and James was our leader. Admittedly, most of the 40 of us were women and most were pleasantly buzzed, but buzzed or not, this was the most fun activity I have been a part of in a very long time. It is a dance party through the royal.mile. Everyone is dancing and singing . Spectators were getting out their phones and taking pictures the whole time. We were encouraged by our fearless leader to interact with people we ran into during our tour. It was SO MUCH FUN. If silent adventures comes to your town, DO IT. You will not regret it. I would do this all over again. My husband and some friends chose not to go and they most definitely regret it. A total party. Thank you thank you thank you James.
9. Group Walk up Ben Nevis from Fort William
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 41 reviews
Group walks up Ben Nevis every Wednesday and Sunday from the start of May to the end of September. Your chance to join a group and together with your guide, climb to the summit at 1344 metres (4411 feet). Based in Fort William and only using local guides, you won't just climb Ben Nevis, you'll learn all about the mountain and the wildlife, geology and history it has to offer. The pub at the end of the path is a great place to finish the day with a well earned pint! Please note that for walks in early May winter boots, crampons and walking axes may be required if there is still snow on the mountain. This kit can be hired at an additional cost from Ellis Brigham in Fort William and we will advise guests as early as possible if it will be required.
Inclusions: Experienced mountain leader
Exclusions: Lunch, Transport between your accommodation and the start/finish point, Personal accident insurance
Reviewed By kylejohnorm
Completed my ML assessment with Abacus Mountain Guides in October 2020 and I was delighted with the quality, standard and value of the entire experience! Mike and Sally are both extremely well equipped guides but much more important than that, at all times, I was made to feel at ease. Going for assessment can be a nerve racking experience but with the style of delivery and the overall character of both of them meant that I was able to show my skills and experience in an open and (relatively) stress-free environment which brought out the best in me, and im sure for the other candidates too. Could not sing their praises higher! And Abacus Mountain Guides will be high on my list for any future skills courses, trainings etc. As you can tell the depth of knowledge that they posses.
10. Royal Mile Guided Walking Tour in Edinburgh
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 511 reviews
This guided walk with our unique guides, Stuart Usher or his son, Richard Usher, will entertain and enthral you. Also we are delighted to introduce a new guide who will take occasional group tours; Dr Alison Duncan, who is a professional historian and Edinburgh expert. We limit the tour to 10 guests so everyone is involved, unlike tours of 30, 40 or more. Stuart's family has historic connections with Edinburgh (Stuart's great-great Uncle, Andrew Usher, donated the magnificent Usher Hall to the city as well as being known as the father of the scotch whisky blending industry). Their deep knowledge of the cultural, historical and architectural aspects of the city means they have a unique perspective on our wonderful capital. Your guides will show you the cultural treasures of Edinburgh, the secrets of its past and its famous characters, and are rightly renowned for their entertaining and witty commentary.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Small group (maximum 10 participants)
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By William H
An excellent way to learn about the history of Edinburgh. Stuart is extremely knowledgeable whilst also being very friendly and easy going. He informs without lecturing and is so relaxed that you do not realise that you have just spent over three hours walking the streets of this great city. We have no hesitation in recommending Stuart Usher to guide you around Edinburgh and can only advise that you do it at the beginning of your holiday to improve your awareness of the city for the remainder of your stay. Peter & Jane Hunt
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