Day trips Outdoor activities Guided tours Family-friendly activities Landmarks & monuments Nature & adventure Day Trips From Tours Culture & history Viewing points Sightseeing

Discover the beauty of the Scottish Highlands on a day trip from Edinburgh. See the Glenfinnan Viaduct, visit the historic town of Fort William, and meet some Hairy Coos!

Highlights

• Discover the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor, Britain’s largest moorland.
• Visit Glencoe and learn about the geology and history of the mountains
• Relive the movie magic of the Hogwarts Express at the Glenfinnan Viaduct!
• Meet some Highland Cows, known in Scot’s as “Hairy Coos!”

Description

Depart from Edinburgh and embark on an action-packed day taking in Scotland’s most iconic and varied landmarks. Visit the famous Glenfinnan (Harry Potter) viaduct, the historic village of Callander, and the town of Fort William. See two separate national parks and meet some Highland Cows! Stop at the historic village of Callander, known as the 'Gateway to the Highlands,' where you can visit the local shops and grab a tasty bite to eat as you enter the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Experience breathtaking views of lochs and mountains in the lush countryside as you ascend further into the park. Continue through the county of Argyll and Bute and into the Highlands, where you will be able to discover the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor, Britain’s largest moorland, and onto the stunning scenery of Glencoe, part of the Caledonian Mountain range. Learn about the fascinating geology of the extinct ancient super volcano that exploded 420 million years ago, forming the incredible 'Three Sisters' mountains that can be seen today, and the tragic history of the Massacre of Glencoe. Enjoy your lunch in the notable town Fort William, which sits at the base of the Nevis Range. Wander around the remains of the army barracks that once stood defending the town, stroll along the shores of Loch Linnhe, a wonderful sea loch at the start of the Great Glen, and enjoy the flavors from the local cafes before hopping back on the bus to continue your journey. Arrive at Glenfinnan, the pinnacle of your journey. Here you will be able to see the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which was engineered by Thomas Telford, and the Jacobite Monument. Traverse the nearby trails to see the best views of the viaduct, have a chance to see the Jacobite Steam Train and relive the movie magic of the Hogwarts Express as it crosses over. Take a stroll down to the shores of Loch Shiel and marvel at the Glenfinnan Monument, the site where Bonnie Prince Charlie first raised his royal standard in the Jacobite Uprisings of 1745. Later in the afternoon, travel across Scotland’s largest national park, the Cairngorms (meaning “Blue Mountains”), where you can relax and enjoy the rugged landscapes of these ancient hills. Driving through, you can immerse yourself in the Caledonian pine forests, before arriving at your final stop of the tour, to meet some Highland Cows, known in Scot’s as “Hairy Coos.” Round off your tour with an unforgettable experience of meeting these adorable critters up close and getting some iconic photos. Return to Edinburgh after an exciting day filled with history, adventure, and stunning scenery.

Includes

Transportation by touring vehicle Services of experienced English speaking driver guide

Important Information

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately Please be aware that the Jacobite Steam Train is operated independently by West Coast Railways. This service operates seasonally, from 5th May- 26th September 2025. While our tour is planned to coincide with the train's schedule, we cannot guarantee that the train will be running on the day of your tour. On days when the Jacobite Steam Train is not operating, you can still enjoy views of the viaduct.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund