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

Martijn – Netherlands

The Tour was filled with the most amazing highlights of Scotland, the Glencoe is beautiful, the Highlands s never-ending site for sore eyes and the Glenfinnan Viaduct and the nearby Loch absolutely one of a kind. What made this tour exceptionally and what was the true highlight of the day was our guide Paul, who is nothing short of a wonderful person, guide, entertainer and perfect accompaniment for exploring Scotland. With his knowledge of history, combined with his personal stories and by letting out his inner Harry Potter geek, he shared with us all the information we could have wished for and beyond. His enthusiasm is infectious and we left the bus with a big smile after a long day that felt like just a couple of hours. I would truly recommend going on a tour with him to anyone visiting Scotland.

Anastasia – United States

Above and beyond doesn’t even begin to describe the experience with Paul as our tour guide. He knows so so much about everything and shares the knowledge in an engaging and exciting way! He was able to keep everyone’s attention even at 7am (definitely a skill). Along with adding in so many fun additional stops that proved to be gorgeous and added to our experience! He’s very easy to talk to and loves answering questions. Additionally, he goes out of his way to add his own twists on storytelling such as handing out Hardy Potter books in Scots for us to look at, and a dope demonstration on swords and shields that Scottish people used in wars (i volunteered for the demo & it was great). So if you get the chance to not only see this beautiful route, BOOK WITH PAUL!! You won’t regret it I promise:)

Itinerary

Starting location:
1759 Regent Rd
Balquhidder
Break time, Coffee, Breakfast (30 minutes)
Glencoe
Photo stop (15 minutes)
Fort William
Break time
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Photo stop, Visit, Free time (1 hour)
Loch Shiel
Photo stop, Sightseeing
Commando Memorial
Photo stop
Cairngorms
Scenic drive
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.

Open in Google Maps

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.

Top Attractions in Scottish Highlands

Top destinations

Nearby destinations

Nearby sights

From Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Highlands Tour