About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, I’ve seen my fair share of "Best of Scotland" itineraries that promise the world but deliver a cramped seat and a blurry view of a hedge. The industry loves to push these high-occupancy marathons because the RevPAR on a coach seat is pure gold, but this specific Highlands loop from Edinburgh actually manages to balance the scales. It’s a beast of a day—expect a high lead time on those "hairy coo" photo ops—but it’s one of the few tours that doesn't treat every traveler like a carbon copy. You get to choose your own poison: whisky, castles, or just staring at a dark lake hoping for a monster that definitely isn't there (or is it?). If you're okay with the fact that you'll be spending a lot of time on the rubber, this is probably the most efficient way to tick the Highlands off your bucket list without renting a car and driving on the wrong side of the road.
About the Tour
When you’re browsing Tour Comp, you’ll notice this particular excursion comes in three distinct flavors. Since each version utilizes a different coach, you’ll want to be sharp during the booking process to ensure your itinerary matches your vibe.
Choose Your Adventure
- The Boat Cruise Option: Ideal for those who want to hang out in the quaint village of Fort Augustus and spend an hour on the water looking for Nessie. (Daily departures).
- The Whisky Distillery Option: Perfect for the "dram" seekers. You'll swap some lake time for a guided tour of the Deanston Distillery, a repurposed cotton mill with a lot of character.
- The Boat Cruise & Castle Option: A bit more "history-heavy," focusing on a shorter cruise combined with a visit to the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Note: This version skips Fort Augustus entirely.
The Journey North
Leaving Edinburgh behind in a luxury air-conditioned coach, you'll head past Stirling Castle while your guide recounts the bloody battles that defined Scotland. Your first major gateway is Callander, though keep in mind that in the peak summer season, the route might be driven in reverse to manage traffic flow—standard industry practice to keep the schedule from falling apart.
One of the highlights for most is the encounter with the Highland cows (the famous "hairy coos"). We do are best to secure a stop to see them year-round, though they can be a bit elusive during the winter months.
Dramatic Landscapes & Dark History
As the coach climbs into the Highlands, you’ll enter the atmospheric Glencoe. Even if you haven't been here, you’ll recognize it from Skyfall or Harry Potter. The scenery is breathtaking, but the history is heavy, particularly the stories regarding the 1692 massacre. You’ll also catch a glimpse of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak, as you pass through Fort William.
Loch Ness and Beyond
Upon reaching the shores of Loch Ness, the experience diverges based on your chosen booking. Whether you're cruising the deep waters or exploring the Victorian charm of Pitlochry on the way back, the scenery remains relentless.
Pro Tip: This is a long haul. To maximize your time at the actual sights rather than standing in a deli line, bring a packed lunch. You'll arrive back in Edinburgh around 8:30 PM, likely exhausted but with a camera roll full of proof that you actually saw the Highlands.
Highlights
- Uncover the mystery of Loch Ness and enjoy the charm of Fort Augustus
- Follow in the footsteps of James Bond + Harry Potter at Rannoch Moor and Glencoe
- Visit Hairy Coos - come meet these iconic Scottish highland cows (not guranteed)
- Explore the charming village of Pitlochry and grab a quick bite to eat
- Optional Boat Cruise, Distillery tour or Cruise & Castle (choose when booking)
Know before you go
- Each version is on a different coach, so make sure you choose your preferred version when booking
- Boat Cruise version: Stop in Fort Augustus with an optional Loch Ness boat cruise.
- Whisky Distillery version: Join an optional distillery tour
- Cruise and Castle version: Enjoy optional Loch Ness cruise with entry to Urquhart Castle (does not stop in Fort Augustus)
- Optional activities (cruise/distillery tour/cruise and castle, depending on option) are not included and tickets can be purchased during the tour
- Minimum age 7 - 8 years for the distillery tour
- We do not allow groups over 8
- If you suffer from motion sickness, we advise that you take preventative measures
- You can bring a small bag onboard the bus, along with a packed cold lunch, snacks or drinks
- Please note that we do not allocate seats and cannot reserve seats
- Edinburgh return is at approx. 8:30 PM, please allow 2 hours past planned arrival time for any onward travel in case of delays
What to bring
Not allowed
Includes / Excluded
Itinerary
Starting location:
Burns Monument
Bus/coach
(1 hour)
Callander
Break time
Glencoe
Photo stop
Fort Augustus
Break time, Photo stop, Free time, Sightseeing
Loch Ness
Sightseeing
Commando Memorial
Photo stop, Scenic views on the way
Pitlochry
Bus/coach
(1 hour)
Arrive back at:
Burns Monument