Over the Forth Bridge and up the motorway to Pitlochry or further to get a taste of Highland Scenery with its lochs, glens and castles. Start early enough and you can get in some walking or hire mountain bikes. Combine this with Birkhill Fireclay Mine and Blackness Castle , perhaps. A bucket and spade day. Bypass Edinburgh on the new ring-road and make for the seaside around Gullane and Dirleton.
Water can be a bit chilly and can be invigoratingly windy.
Splendid location on a hillside where lions, tigers and countless other species prowl around Scotland s biggest zoo. Penguins a great attraction. A universal favourite with everyone. Parking in nearby streets free. Or hire mountain bikes from near Peebles.