The UK is filled with remarkable cities, towns, and villages, many of which are easily explored on foot and offer plenty of hidden gems.
However, one particular city has achieved a top ranking on a comprehensive list of the world’s most walkable cities in 2024.
Ranked sixth by the investing site Insider Monkey, Edinburgh continues to captivate visitors with its stunning scenery.
This admiration is well-deserved, as Scotland’s capital features a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town among its key attractions.
One Tripadvisor review even referred to it as “out of a fairy tale” due to its cobbled streets lined with medieval architecture and renowned landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.
However, one world-famous tourist attraction located around three hours away from the Scottish capital is being dubbed “underwhelming”, as travellers discourage other visitors from taking the day trip.
Loch Ness a large, deep freshwater lake located in the Scottish Highlands, is famous for its stunning scenery and is often associated with the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as “Nessie”.
While the loch is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills, forests, and charming villages, some Tripdvisor reviews were left disappointed by the experience, especially after taking a long coach or train trip from Edinburgh.
Responding to a post seeking advice about a travel itinerary featuring a day tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands, commenter Charlie W simply asserted that the lock is “too far for a day trip from Edinburgh”.
M9436DHbrians opined: “Ditch the Loch Ness tour. It is about the worst you take from Edinburgh due to the distance involved.
“Plus Loch Ness is about our poorest/most grossly over-promoted ‘attraction’ and for the rest, few/short stops and what little you see of the Highlands is mainly from a moving bus.”
Susan M agreed: “Don’t do the Loch Ness trip, you will spend most of the 12 hours sitting on a bus driving past most of the sites to see one of the least attractive lochs in Scotland which will be full of tourists from overseas trying to see a non-existent monster.
“Instead look at trips that go to west highlands via Callander and Trossachs NP.”
Fortunately, not all were negative reviews, as one commenter emphasised the beauty of the area, saying: “Research reviews of the Loch Ness trip (which are highly positive) and be aware that it’s a long way for a day trip though it does take you through some stunning landscapes…”