A day of Highland scenery, woodland waterfalls and Loch Ness, returning through Glencoe and Loch Lomond with no more than 16 travellers.
A day of Highland scenery, woodland waterfalls and Loch Ness, returning through Glencoe and Loch Lomond with no more than 16 travellers.
Loch Ness might be the name you know, but there’s a whole Highland journey to enjoy getting there. On this Loch Ness day tour from Edinburgh, walk beneath the towering trees of The Hermitage, travel through the Cairngorms and stop for a taste of Scotland’s whisky tradition before reaching Fort Augustus.
Here, choose an optional cruise on Loch Ness or enjoy the shoreline and village at your own pace. The route back takes you through the Great Glen, past Fort William and into Glencoe, before continuing through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs. Your expert guide brings the scenery to life with Highland history and folklore, while woodland walks and scenic stops give you plenty of reasons to put the camera down and take it all in.
At a glance
- Duration: 1 day (approx. 12 hours)
- Departs: Edinburgh, 8:00am (back approx. 8pm)
- Group size: Max 16 (small scheduled group)
- Ages: 12+ (younger? ask about a private tour)
- Walking: Short walks (woodland walk ~30 min, uneven paths)
- Guide: Expert local guide (stories, history, folklore)
Itinerary
Edinburgh to The Hermitage — Forth Bridges · Perthshire · Ancient woodland
Leave Edinburgh and travel north past the famous Forth Bridges as the city gives way to the landscapes of Perthshire.
At The Hermitage, enjoy a short walk beneath towering trees to the rushing waterfalls of the River Braan — your first chance to step into the Highland landscape.
Highland whisky & the Cairngorms — Whisky stop · Mountain scenery · Highland stories
Continue into the Highlands for a stop connected with Scotland’s whisky tradition, with the chance of an optional dram when available. The route then crosses the Cairngorms National Park, with mountain passes and wide-open scenery on the way north.
This is a short whisky stop rather than a full distillery tour. Tastings and drinks are optional and paid separately.
Fort Augustus & Loch Ness — Lochside time · Optional cruise · Lunch
Arrive in Fort Augustus at the southern end of Loch Ness, with time for lunch and to enjoy the famous loch from the shoreline. If you’d like to get out on the water, choose the optional Loch Ness cruise and hear more about the loch’s history, landscape and enduring mystery.
The cruise is optional and not included in the tour price; it can be affected by availability and conditions.
Fort William, Glencoe & Loch Lomond — Great Glen · Glencoe · Trossachs · Edinburgh
Travel south through the Great Glen towards Fort William, then into Glencoe — one of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes and the setting for one of its most powerful stories. Continue towards Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, with an optional traditional fish-and-chip stop and, when conditions and timing allow, a chance to see Highland cows.
Back in Edinburgh at approximately 8:00pm (normally closer to 7:00pm from November to March). Highland cow stops depend on route, timing and conditions and can’t be guaranteed.
The itinerary is a guide and may change because of weather, road conditions, seasonal access, attraction availability or circumstances beyond our control.
Included
- Expert Scotland's Wild guide and storyteller for the day
- Transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned touring vehicle
- Guided woodland walk at The Hermitage
- Time beside Loch Ness at Fort Augustus
- Highland whisky stop, the Cairngorms and Glencoe
- Small group — maximum 16 travellers
Not included
- Loch Ness cruise ticket (optional)
- Lunch and snacks
- Evening fish and chips (optional)
- Whisky tastings and other drinks
Departure
Outside The Jolly Botanist, 256–260 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8DT
Please arrive by 7:45am so your guide can check everyone in before the 8:00am departure — scheduled tours can't wait for late guests. The meeting point is outside; the bar itself may not be open that early.
Check-in: 7:45am · Departs: 8:00am · Back: approx. 8pm
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