Glenfinnan Viaduct, Mallaig & Glencoe 1 Day Tour

Leaving from Glasgow we make our way to Tarbet which sits on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. Not only will we stop here for morning refreshments, but to enjoy some wonderful views of Loch Lomond. Ben Lomond, Scotland’s most southerly Munro, (mountains over 3000 feet high) can also be viewed from here. Our journey then continues following the full length of Loch Lomond. Notice the landscape changing as we enter wild and desolate Rannoch Moor, one of Europe’s last remaining wildernesses. The moor lies around 305 meters above sea level with a 150 square miles of peat bogs, lochans (small lochs), rivers, heather and rocky outcrops. Despite its harsh conditions, the land still supports varieties of flora and fauna. Not to mention, a wealth of plants, insects, birds and animal life that thrive in this bleak landscape.

Your driver-guide will point out Buachaille Etive Mor, an intimidating climb but a photographer’s favourite. Filming for the James Bond epic, Skyfall, also took place on this stretch of road. Glencoe was the setting to one of the most infamous periods in Scottish history, the Glencoe massacre. In 1692, the Clan MacDonald were slaughtered while they slept by Captain Robert Campbell and his men. As a result of this treacherous act, it has left a stain on this haunting place to this day.

Our highland tour continues to Fort William and we’re now on the romantic ‘Road to the Isles’ to Mallaig. Loch Eilt was the location in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, where Hagrid skimmed stones across the water. Your driver-guide will point out Eilean na Moine, which passes for Dumbledore’s final resting place. Look out for the Loch Eilt pines, a fine example of the ancient Caledonian pine forest. We’ll have the chance to kick off our shoes at the Silver Sands of Morar. Here you'll find white sandy beaches with turquoise waters stretching out to the Isles of Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna. Mallaig is our next stop, we'll have around 60 minutes to take in the local atmosphere with, shops, bars, restaurants, and the chance to sample some local fish and chips.

After lunch, on our return to Glasgow, we will stop for around an hour at Glenfinnan. The views here are simply spectacular. You will also see the 21 arches of the majestic Glenfinnan Viaduct curve through the glen in a scene immortalised as the route to Harry Potter’s Hogwarts. In 1745, Glenfinnan was also where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in an ill-fated attempt to reinstate the exiled Stuarts onto the throne of Great Britain and Ireland. The Glenfinnan Monument lies at the head of Loch Shiel and was erected in 1815, to honour the Jacobites who fought and died in the cause of Bonnie Prince Charlie. During this stop you will have to time to visit the monument.

Our adventure is not finished yet, as you will have a further chance to be immersed in the tumbling mountains, stretching glens and sparkling lochs of Glencoe and Rannoch Moor. Finally, our last stop is at a traditional Scottish pub and historic resting point for weary travellers of old. The Drovers Inn has welcomed the heroes and villains of Scotland’s colourful history through its creaking doors over the centuries. Enjoy an evening refreshment in front of a roaring log fire once enjoyed by the infamous outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor. The staff might even share legends about the ghosts and ghouls known to haunt the place before our day trip returns to Glasgow.