Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Scottish Highlands Day Tour

Meeting point

Where

We meet in front of Burns Monument, on Regent Road, Edinburgh. What3Words: ///allow.topped.joined Check-in opens 15 minutes before the departure time. 7 AM departures, CHECK-IN AT 6:45 AM. 8 AM departures, CHECK-IN AT 7:45 AM. · Open in Google Maps

Departure

07:00, 08:00 daily; scheduled through October 2027 (operator schedule, seats confirmed at checkout)

Return

This activity ends back at the meeting point

Pickup

No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point

Operator

The Hairy Coo; booking and payment are completed on Viator

1. 1
   Balquhidder

   After departing Edinburgh you’ll head north through the central belt of the country. Your guide will entertain by laying the foundations of many a story about Scotland’s past heroes like William Wallace and Robert the Bruce who made this area of Scotland their own. You will spot royal palaces, giant mythical Kelpies and the ancient stronghold of Stirling Castle. Arriving at our first stop of the day, surrounded by the verdant hills of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National park. Stretch your legs, enjoy a coffee or some baked goods and refresh before rejoining the bus to continue north. Please note, some departures may stop at Callander instead.

   30 min
2. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

   As we travel through the ‘Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park’ our bus weaves through hills, mountains and Glens. These remote places were once inhabited by Highland Clans, not to mention Scotland’s most famous outlaw, Rob Roy MacGregor, whom some consider The Scottish Robin Hood. Look out across the landscape and picture what it was like as you hear the remarkable bloodthirsty stories of betrayal and revenge as told by your guide. If we happen to spot some of our famous ‘Hairy Highland Coos’, we might stop for a selfie.

   Pass by, no stop
3. 3
   Glencoe

   Glencoe was also the scene of one of Scotland’s most shocking massacres. As you gaze at the haunting hills, you notice the Glen is eerily silent. In the 17th century one of the worst acts of betrayal occurred here. Your guide will recount the details of this betrayal for you. You can almost feel the sorrow in the mountains of the ‘weeping valley’. Above all though, Glencoe is one of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes. A highlight of any tour to the Scottish Highlands!

   10 min
4. Fort William

   The tour then takes you through Fort William and past the spectacular Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the British Isles. The Nevis Range towers over the winding road as you continue your journey to Glenfinnan.

   Pass by, no stop
5. 5
   Glenfinnan Viaduct

   The iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct overlooks Loch Shiel and spans across 1000 feet, carrying the railway 100 feet above the ground on it's way to Glenfinnan Station. This stunning viewpoint also marks the spot where Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) raised his standard prior to the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion. Go to the top of the monument for the best views of the Glen, and explore the dramatic story of the ‘Young Pretender’ and actions that changed the course of European history forever. For some, the viaduct is most recogniseable for it's appearance in the Harry Potter movies. If it is running, we aim to arrive in time to watch the Jacobite Steam Train cross the magnificent viaduct. Please note that the Jacobite Steam train runs on a seasonal basis. We hope to see it on the 7 am departures until 25/09/2026, and on 8 am departures until 23/10/2026 (schedule is set by the train operator and is subject to change, we cannot guarantee the time or that is is operating).

   1h
6. 6
   Commando Monument

   Along the route, we’ll stop at the Commando Memorial. In 1942, this setting became the training ground for Britain’s Special Forces. Harsh, unforgiving, and breathtakingly beautiful. A statue of our heroes overlooks the Nevis range. Bring a camera – this is undoubtedly one of our favourite photo-stops in all of Scotland. Here, weather permitting, you could also spot Ben Nevis. The tallest mountain in The United Kingdom.

   10 min
7. Cairngorms National Park

   Heading south we travel through the Cairngorm National Park where Red squirrels, roe deer, red deer, soaring buzzards, pine martens, golden eagles and osprey can be found. Our final stop of the day is Pitlochry

   Pass by, no stop
8. 8
   Pitlochry

   Pitlochry is situated in the heart of the stunning scenery of Highland Perthshire. The town sits below Beinn Bhracaigh (Ben Vrackie), the speckled mountain and beside the River Tummel, in some of the most magnificent scenery in Scotland. With a backdrop of surrounding hills and beautiful woodlands, it is wonderful walking country.

   30 min
9. Forth Bridge

   As we re-enter Edinburgh from the North, you will be met with views of Scotland’s greatest piece of engineering, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Forth Bridge. This 19th century engineering marvel was at one point the World’s longest cantilever bridge. Today it neighbours the 20th century Forth Road Bridge and the 21st century Queensferry Crossing which opened in 2017. Three spectacular bridges, from three different centuries, span the Firth of Forth connecting our Capital city and the Kingdom of Fife.

   Pass by, no stop
10. 10
    Edinburgh

    On our return to Edinburgh, we will drop you off in the city centre. Our estimated arrival time is 7 PM for tours departing 7 AM, and 8:30 PM for tours departing at 8:30 AM. Please note that this can be impacted by traffic and other factors outwith our control. We recommend leaving 2 hours between the expected arrival time and any onward travel or reservations, as we are not able to offer individual drop-offs.

    5 min

About this tour, from the operator