Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 1-day adventure through Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Scottish Highlands. Enjoy stunning scenery, unspoiled landscapes, and a chance to escape the bustle of modern life. Immerse yourself in Scottish culture through captivating myths, legends, and historical landmarks. Every winding road reveals new photo opportunities, stories, and memories. This tour is available in three different versions, each version on a separate coach. When booking, please make sure you select the option that includes the experience you're most interested in: - Boat Cruise – Take the opportunity to join an optional Cruise on Loch Ness (not included) - Whisky Distillery – Stop at Deanston Distillery, for an optional distillery tour & tasting (not included) - Castle & Cruise Combo – Take an optional shorter cruise combined with a visit to Urquhart Castle (not included) Don't want any of the activities? We recommend booking the Boat Cruise version! Minimum age on tour is 7 years.

Itinerary

1. Callander

   For those joining the Boat Cruise Option, our first stop of the day will be in the town of Callander; “The Gateway to the Highlands.” Nestled at the foot of the Trossachs Callander offers its guests plenty of place to stock up on refreshments, gifts and views toward the Trossachs. **Please note that Castle & Cruise version will drive the route in reserve and will make an alternative comfort stop due to limited opening hours in Callander**

   · 30 min

2. Deanston Distillery & Visitor Centre

   Passengers joining the Whisky Distillery Option, your journey begins with a visit to Deanston Distillery instead of Callander. Housed in a former cotton mill and nestled on the banks of the River Teith, the distillery produces a range of premium single malt whiskies. Enjoy an optional guided tour through the distillery (tickets not included), where you’ll learn about the traditional whisky-making process and the history behind this unique location. Finish with a tasting of Deanston’s finest malts, guided by an expert who will explain the distinct flavours and characteristics of their whiskies. *Please note that the minimum age on the distillery tour is 8.*

   · 1 h 30 min· Admission not included

3. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

   As we enter 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.

   · Non-stop passage

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 Loch Ness.

   · Non-stop passage

5. Glencoe

   We stop for a short visit to Glencoe, which was 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

6. Loch Ness

   Castle & Cruise version: Arrive at the north bank of Loch Ness. Join an optional cruise and castle visit. Disembark at Urquhart Castle to explore these magnificent ruins. Please note that this version will not stop at Fort Augustus. Boat Cruise and Whisky Distillery versions: We arrive in Fort Augustus, a charming, Highland village on the Southern shores of the loch. If you booked the Boat Cruise Option you will have the chance to take a 1-hour cruise on the loch with our friends at Cruise Loch Ness. Those not joining the optional cruise and those on the Whisky Distillery version, you will have time to explore the village and the beautiful Caledonian Canal, that descends through the heart of the village into Loch Ness. Walk further along the canal and if there is time, into the surrounding countryside to enjoy mountainous views. **The Whisky Distillery option will have a shorter stop in Fort Augustus, approx. 45-60 minutes.**

   · 1 h

7. Commando Monument

   Along the route, we’ll stop at the Commando Memorial. *Please note that the Castle & Cruise version of the tour may not make this stop, due to time limitations.* 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

8. 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

9. Pitlochry

   On our way south, we stop by the town of Pitlochry to stretch our legs and enjoy the fresh air. This picturesque town is situated in the heart of the stunning scenery of Highland Perthshire. It 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

10. 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

11. Édimbourg

    We drop you off in the city centre, our estimated arrival time is 8:30 PM. Please note that during the winter season, we may be arriving earlier than estimated. We recommend leaving 2 hours between the expected arrival time and any onward travel or reservations in case of delayed, and that we are not able to offer individual drop-offs.

    · 10 min

How to use your ticket

Minimum age on tour is 7 years, and 8 for the Whisky Distillery option. Please bring a photo ID, such as a passport, to verify their age. We cannot allow children under 7. We meet in front of Burns Monument on Regent Road. What3Words: ///allow.topped.joined. Please reference the Burns Monument. The tour version (Boat Cruise, Whisky Distillery or Cruise & Castle) is chosen when booking. See your ticket for booked version and departure time. Please note that the Cruise & Castle version is driven in reverse, please check itinerary for full details and itinerary differences. Please arrive before the tour departure time to check-in: - Cruise & Castle version: Please check in 15 minutes before departure time. - Boat Cruise version: Check-in is from 7 AM to 7:40 AM, final departure is at 7:45 AM. - Whisky Distillery version: Please check in 15 minutes before departure time. Please note that the Distillery version and the Castle & Cruise versions do not run every day, and that we cannot change the booked version on the day. Optional activities are not included, and based on your chosen version when booking. Tickets can be purchased during the tour. - Boat Cruise version: Loch Ness Cruise - Whisky Distillery version: Deanston Distillery Tour - Cruise & Castle version: Cruise & Urquhart Castle entry We are unable to wait for latecomers. If you are arriving at the departure point by taxi or local bus, please leave enough time for potential delays. Our office opening hours are weekdays, 9AM - 5PM. Please reach out by email during check-in. Most commonly asked questions are covered in our Essential Information/FAQ section of the website: www.thehairycoo.com/essential-info/ 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.

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Please note: the Castle & Cruise version will run the route in reverse.
• Minimum age to travel is 7 years old (8 for Whisky Distillery option). Photo ID, such as a passport, may be required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• There are regular stops on tour for comfort breaks, as we do not have toilets onboard the coaches
• There are three versions of this tour, please ensure you pick your preferred option when booking. Tickets to activity can be purchased during the tour.
• Feel free to bring a packed lunch and/or snacks to avoid spending time queuing. There are regular stops on tour to purchase food and refreshments that suit most dietary requirements
• This tour has been designed to show you as much of Scotland as we can fit into one day! Due to the distance driven a large portion of the tour is spent on the bus, taking in the views and scenery of Scotland. Any time not accounted for in the itinerary is spent travelling through Scotland on the bus.
• Please note: To manage demand and protect smaller towns during peak season, the route may run in reverse. A significant portion of the tour is spent on the bus, allowing you to relax and soak in the breathtaking Highland views.
• We do not allow bookings for more than 8 passengers, please reach out if you are looking to book a larger group.
• Scottish weather is unpredictable, we recommend bringing suitable clothing and footwear.

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: 30740P1

Activity offered by The Hairy Coo via Viator.