Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Scottish Highlands Day Tour

Overview

Discover the magic of the Scottish Highlands on an unforgettable journey through stunning landscapes and iconic landmarks, where you’ll be transported to the world of Harry Potter and James Bond. When exploring Scotland on your 1-Day Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Highlands Tour, you will get to savor the dramatic beauty of Glencoe, and marvel at the breathtaking Glenfinnan Viaduct, a must-see for film enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the history of this picturesque area and enjoy the fresh Highland air and scenic vistas. Unwind in the charming village of Pitlochry and experience the rich heritage and natural splendor of Scotland in one remarkable adventure. Every twist and turn of the winding Scottish road has a new photo opportunity, a new story to be told and a new experience to be had. Due to the vast area covered, a large portion of the tour is spent on the bus, taking in the scenery of Scotland. Minimum passenger age is 7.

Itinerary

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.

   · Non-stop passage

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.

   · Non-stop passage

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, as your guide introduces you to the dramatic story of the ‘Young Pretender’ and how his actions changed the course of European history forever. For some, the viaduct is most recogniseable for it's appearance in the Harry Potter film series. If it is running, we aim to arrive in time to watch the Hogwarts Express (Jacobite Steam Train) cross the magnificent viaduct. Please note that the Jacobite Steam train is run on a seasonal basis (schedule is set by the train operator and is subject to change, we cannot guarantee the time or that is is operating).

   · 1 h

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

   · Non-stop passage

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.

   · Non-stop passage

10. Édimbourg

    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

How to use your ticket

Check-in opens 15 minutes before departure, please view the departure time on your booking. For 7 AM departures, CHECK-IN IS AT 6:45 AM. For 8 AM departures, CHECK-IN IS AT 7:45 AM. We meet at in front of Burns Monument, 1759 Regent Rd. What3Words: ///allow.topped.joined. If using Apple Maps, please reference the Burns Monument. Minimum age is 7, we are not able to accommodate younger children due to safety regulations and insurance. Your child must be 7 years old and over 120 cm in height at the time of departure, please bring photo ID for proof of age. Children must have a ticket of their own. We are unable to wait for latecomers under any circumstances and there will be no refunds for missed tours. If you are arriving at the departure point by taxi or local bus, please leave enough time for potential delays. Food and drinks will be available at multiple stops, but you are welcome to bring a packed lunch, drinks and snacks with you to make the most out of your time off the bus. Most commonly asked questions are covered in our Essential Information/FAQ section of the website: https://www.thehairycoo.com/essential-info/

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Minimum age to travel is 7 years old. Photo ID, such as a passport, may be required. Children (7-17) must be accompanied by an adult.
• There are opportunities to take short nature walks, it is recommended to bring suitable clothing and footwear.
• There are regular stops on tour to purchase food and refreshments that cater for most dietary requirements
• There are regular stops on tour for comfort breaks, as we do not have toilets onboard the coaches
• No animals allowed on tour
• This tour in an air-conditioned coach, hosted by a local Scottish guide, rated 5-stars by the official Scottish Tourist Board
• When using public transport or a taxi to the departure point, please allow extra time for possible delays.
• Most of this tour is spent on a bus travelling to the Scottish Highlands
• For insurance purposes, passengers must not be unaccompanied on our buses during tour stops. Drivers take legally required breaks and cannot stay with the vehicle.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

This activity can be canceled in case of bad weather.

Reviews

Product code: 30740P11

Activity offered by The Hairy Coo via Viator.