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    9 top things to do in the Scottish Highlands

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Fort William

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John o' Groats

Dalwhinnie, Scotland

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Leinster tours

Perth and Kinross tours

North West England tours

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County Galway tours

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park tours

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Royal MileAttraction in Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh CastleAttraction in Edinburgh, Scotland

Giant's CausewayAttraction in Bushmills, Northern Ireland

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Dublin CastleAttraction in Dublin, Ireland

Trinity College DublinAttraction in Dublin, Ireland

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Distillery tours

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9 top things to do in the Scottish Highlands

From Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Highlands Tour

Top rated
4.7517858 out of 5 stars
4.8
4.7517858 out of 5 stars
560 reviews
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From Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Highlands Tour
Likely to sell out
Top rated
4.7517858 out of 5 stars
4.8
4.7517858 out of 5 stars
560 reviews

Depart from Edinburgh on a day trip to the Scottish Highlands. Visit Glenfinnan Viaduct (seen in the Harry Potter films), dramatic Glencoe, and the Commando Memorial where film and legend meet.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 12 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

D
Dragica – United Kingdom

Colin our guide was just incredible… thank you for this amazing experience

I
Isha – United Kingdom

I loved the points we covered they were covered on time and for sufficient amount of time. Our guide was seriously very good, he continuously kept on passing on information and stories which kept the bus ride equally enjoyable.

Select participants and date

Participants

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    Starting location:

    1759 Regent Rd

  • Balquhidder

    Break time, Coffee, Breakfast (30 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Glencoe

    Photo stop (15 minutes)

  • Fort William

    Break time

  • Timeline stop icon

    Glenfinnan Viaduct

    Photo stop, Visit, Free time (1 hour)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Loch Shiel

    Photo stop, Sightseeing

  • Timeline stop icon

    Commando Memorial

    Photo stop

  • Cairngorms

    Scenic drive

  • Timeline stop icon

    Pitlochry

    Break time, Visit, Free time (30 minutes)

  • Arrive back at:

    1759 Regent Rd

Main stop
Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Discover the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands on a day trip
  • Visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter film series
  • Stop at the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge and take in the views
  • Learn about the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan in Glencoe
  • Explore the charming village of Pitlochry and grab a quick bite to eat

Full description

Embark on a journey from Edinburgh to the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Pass by iconic sights, including The Kelpies and Stirling Castle as you head north to the Scottish Highlands. After crossing into the Highlands, pause for refreshments in Balquhidder (Callander during the winter months). Get your cameras ready for Highland wildlife — including meeting a few Highland cows, also known as hairy coos!

Onwards to Glencoe, a dramatic and renowned glen featured in films such as “James Bond’s Skyfall”, "Monty Python and The Holy Grail" and “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”. Stop for photos and delve into Glencoe’s history, including the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan.

Depart this scenic valley and follow the banks of Loch Linnhe to Fort William, a Highland town situated at the base of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in Britain. Pause here to enjoy the fresh Highland air before continuing to the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Drive west to the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, best known for its scenes in the Harry Potter film series, which is beautifully set among mountains on the shores of Loch Shiel. This enchanting location is famous for the Jacobite Steam Train, often compared to the Hogwarts Express. Take a short nature walk to reach the best viewing point of the Glenfinnan Viaduct. We aim to arrive in time to watch the train cross the viaduct, please note that the Jacobite Steam train runs on a seasonal basis (schedule is set by the train operator and is subject to change).

Loch Shiel also plays the role of the “Black Lake”, used as the backdrop to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in several of the films. Enjoy the stunning views by the shores of the lake, a short walk away from our stop at Glenfinnan.

Our scenic journey back to Edinburgh begins with our first stop is the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, where you can take in the impressive views of the Nevis Range. Continue along the picturesque Loch Laggan and then ascend above the Grampian Mountains.

Travel through the western regions of the beautiful Cairngorms National Park and pause in the charming village of Pitlochry for refreshments. Take a stroll through this picturesque Victorian town or grab a quick bite to eat before making your way back to Edinburgh, arriving at approximately 7 PM for tours departing 7 AM, and 8:30 PM for tours departing at 8:30 AM..

**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.**

Includes

  • Commentary in English by our local 'Hairy Coo' driver-guides
  • Scenic drive through the Scottish Highlands, including Glencoe
  • Visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Loch Shiel
  • Transportation by air-conditioned coach
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Meals and drinks
  • Tips (optional)

Not suitable for

  • Children under 7 years
  • Wheelchair users

Meeting point

We meet at 1759 Regent Rd, EH8 8DR, in front of Burns Monument. What3Words: ///allow.topped.joined | For 7 AM departures, check-in starts at 6:45 AM. For 8:30 AM departures, check-in starts at 8:15 AM.

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Important information

Not allowed

  • Pets

Know before you go

  • Children must be over 7 years of age. We do not allow groups over 8 passengers, please contact us to discuss larger group bookings.
  • Buses don't have toilets on board, but we make frequent comfort breaks instead.
  • Please note that we do not allocate seats, and that they are chosen when boarding.
  • The Highlands have plenty of winding roads as well as breathtaking views! If you suffer from motion sickness, we advise that you take preventative measures.
  • You are welcome to bring a small bag onboard the bus, along with a packed lunch, snacks or something to drink.
  • When using public transport or a taxi to the departure point, please allow extra time for possible delays.
  • Due to insurance reasons we are unable to allow passengers to remain on our buses unaccompanied at any stop on tour.
  • Estimated Edinburgh return is at approx. 7:00 PM, please allow a minimum of 2 hours past planned arrival time for any onward travel in case of delays.
Likely to sell out

From $63.62 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 560 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Transportation
    4.8/5
  • Value for money
    4.7/5

Customer photos

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D
Dragica – United KingdomMay 21, 2025 – Verified booking
Colin our guide was just incredible… thank you for this amazing experience
I
Isha – United KingdomMay 21, 2025 – Verified booking
I loved the points we covered they were covered on time and for sufficient amount of time. Our guide was seriously very good, he continuously kept on passing on information and stories which kept the bus ride equally enjoyable.
J
Jenna – United StatesMay 20, 2025 – Verified booking
It was absolutely incredible. Lucky was a PHENOMENAL tour guide, making multiple unplanned stops along the way and really making sure we got the most out of the day, all while keeping us laughing, engaged, and having the most fun!! It is a very very long journey and you spend a lot of time on the road, however the views are so gorgeous and the stories/information provided fills the time so well you don’t even notice!!! You get out of it what you put in!!! The viaduct and surrounding area was stunning and the viewpoint from the hillside was amazing. Wish a steam train came through rather than a diesel but oh well 😂. The whisky ice cream Lucky recommended at one of the rest stops was UNREAL!!! The cows at the end had my heart they were absolutely adorable 😭😭 overall, a fantastic trip resulting in a crap ton of photos and so many amazing memories. I would absolutely recommend this!!!

Product ID: 786099

Activity provider:The Hairy Coo
  • United Kingdom
  • Scottish Highlands
  • Loch Linnhe

Top Attractions in Scottish Highlands

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