Explore a long Highland day out from Edinburgh with Votura, a self-guided audio tour that combines scenic driving, landmark viewpoints and stories delivered through your phone.
This 12-hour route begins near South Queensferry and heads north through the Trossachs, Rannoch Moor and Glencoe. After visiting the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the route turns east through Laggan and Dalwhinnie before returning to Edinburgh via Pitlochry.
Your route includes:
• Forth Bridges – Start with views across the Firth of Forth, where three very different bridges stand side by side. The red-painted Forth Bridge is the oldest and most famous, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearby, the Forth Road Bridge and Queensferry Crossing show how bridge design has evolved across more than a century.
• Kilmahog – Take a short comfort stop near Callander at the Trossachs Woollen Mill. There is a café for drinks or snacks, plus a shop selling Scottish gifts and woollen products. Between April and late October, Highland cattle are often nearby and may be available to see or feed.
• Loch Tulla Viewpoint – Look out across Loch Tulla, a quiet stretch of water framed by open moorland and Highland hills. The wide landscape here gives a real sense of the scale of Rannoch Moor. It is especially popular with photographers because cloud, mist and sunlight can transform the view within minutes.
• Glencoe Valley Viewpoint – Enter the dramatic scenery of Glencoe, where steep-sided mountains rise directly from the glen floor. The valley was shaped by glaciers and is now one of the most photographed landscapes in Scotland. From the viewpoint, take a moment to appreciate the vast open space, rugged slopes and changing colours of the surrounding hills.
• Meeting of the Three Waters – Stop beside a waterfall where mountain streams flow together before heading down into Glencoe. After wet weather, the falls become particularly powerful and can be heard well before they are seen. It is a brief stop, but one that captures the wild character of the glen.
• Three Sisters Viewpoint – See the three distinctive ridges known as the Three Sisters, one of the defining views of Glencoe. Their steep slopes sit beneath the larger Bidean nam Bian mountain range. This is a classic place to take photographs and to hear more about the landscape, clans and history of the area.
• Loch Achtriochtan – Pause beside this small loch surrounded by high mountain walls. On still days, the water can mirror the peaks above it, creating one of Glencoe’s most peaceful scenes. The loch sits near the remains of an old settlement, adding a human story to the dramatic natural setting.
• Glenfinnan Viaduct – Visit the famous curved railway viaduct near Glenfinnan, set between mountains and lochs in the western Highlands. Its 21 arches carry the West Highland Line across the River Finnan. From the visitor area, follow the path to the viewpoint for a clear view of the viaduct and, with good timing, a passing train.
• Laggan Dam – Discover a major piece of Highland hydroelectric engineering on the River Spean. Constructed during the 1930s, the dam forms part of the wider Lochaber hydro scheme. The stop also offers a quieter stretch of Highland scenery, with water, forest and hills surrounding the dam.
• Dalwhinnie Distillery – Visit one of Scotland’s highest distilleries, located within the Cairngorms National Park. Dalwhinnie has been making single malt whisky since 1897 and is known for a light, gentle style. Guided visits and tastings may be offered by the distillery, but these are separate from the Votura tour.
• Pitlochry – Where time permits, enjoy a final break in this popular Highland Perthshire town. Pitlochry has cafés, small shops and a pleasant main street, making it a convenient place to stretch your legs before the journey south. Its wooded setting provides a calmer finish after a day of mountain roads and big Highland views.
How it works:
• First-time users should download the Votura app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
• Open the app and create a Votura account.
• Once registered, visit Votura’s free Premium trial page.
• iPhone users: click “Redeem on iPhone” to open the App Store and complete the trial activation process.
• Android users: click “Start Trial on Android”. This opens the Votura app and activates the free trial automatically.
• Return to the app, open this tour and begin at Edinburgh Castle.
• Follow the route map and in-app navigation from one stop to the next.
• At each location, play the audio to hear stories, history and useful context about the place.
• Pause the tour, take breaks, visit attractions or continue whenever it suits you. There is no fixed timetable and no guide to keep up with.
The route is designed as a full-day walking experience, with flexibility to explore at your own pace. It is ideal for visitors who want the freedom of an independent walk while still having stories and directions available throughout the day.
This is a digital self-guided experience provided by Votura. It does not include a personal guide, transport, food or drinks, or admission to Edinburgh Castle and any other paid attractions along the route. Visitors can choose which sites to enter and should check ticket prices, opening hours and accessibility directly with each venue.
The first 7 days of Votura Premium are free. A weekly subscription begins after the trial unless cancelled through the relevant App Store or Google Play subscription settings.
A smartphone, headphones and comfortable footwear are recommended, as the route includes city pavements, cobbled streets and some gradients.
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