Hairy Coos & Highland Views: A Short Escape from Edinburgh
Stirling Council Area, Edinburgh
Head out from Edinburgh, exploring Scotland's stunning sights & rich history. Please note that there are two versions of this tour: visit a whisky distillery or explore a castle, chose when booking.
Day Trip from Edinburgh: Scottish Highlands, Loch Katrine, and Optional Distillery or Castle Visit
This full-day tour from Edinburgh explores Scotland’s landscapes, heritage, and includes options suitable for history and whisky enthusiasts.
Highlights
- Experience Scotland’s nature, history, and heritage on a scenic day trip
- Relax by the tranquil waters of Loch Katrine
- Visit Queensferry and view the iconic Forth Bridges
- Choose to tour Deanston Distillery with a single malt whisky tasting (Distillery option)
- Or explore Blackness Castle and its riverside setting (Castle option)
Description
The tour departs from Edinburgh, leaving the city behind for a journey through Scotland’s landscapes and historic landmarks. Early in the drive, you pass the Kelpies and Stirling, with views of the Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle.
The first stop depends on your chosen option at booking and cannot be changed later. The Castle option visits Blackness Castle, a 15th-century fortress on the Firth of Forth, known for its unique shape and history as a royal residence and prison. It has appeared in the TV show “Outlander.”
The Distillery option includes a visit to Deanston Distillery, formerly a cotton mill. Here, an optional guided tour reveals the whisky-making process, ending with a tasting of Deanston’s single malts. You can also stroll by the River Teith or relax in the distillery’s Coffee Bothy.
The journey continues into the Trossachs to Loch Katrine, a freshwater loch surrounded by forests and mountains, featured in Sir Walter Scott’s poem The Lady of the Lake. The tour then passes Loch Achray, situated between Ben A’an and Ben Venue.
There is a photo stop with Highland cattle, known locally as Hairy Coos. On the return trip, the group stops at Queensferry to view the Forth Bridges, including the UNESCO-listed Forth Rail Bridge, before returning to Edinburgh around 5 PM.
Includes
- Live commentary and storytelling from an experienced ‘Hairy Coo’ driver guide
- Travel in a modern, air-conditioned coach
- Photo stops at iconic locations
- Scenic drive through the Scottish Highlands
- Visit to Loch Katrine within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Excludes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Meals and drinks
- Optional tips
- Optional activities depending on chosen option:
- Distillery option only: Deanston Distillery tickets purchasable on the day
- Castle option only: Blackness Castle tickets purchasable on the day
Important Information
- The tour option (Distillery or Castle) is fixed at booking and cannot be changed on the day.
- Minimum age is 7 years; 8 years minimum for the distillery tour. A photographic ID is required for age verification.
- Groups larger than 8 must contact the operator before booking.
- Late arrivals cannot be accommodated; no refunds for missed tours.
- There are no toilets on the coach and none available near the meeting point prior to departure.
- You may bring a small bag onboard. Food is available at stops, but bringing drinks and snacks is recommended.
- Arrival back in Edinburgh is approximately 5 PM. Allow extra time for onward travel in case of delays.
Easy Cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For best experience, book your preferred option in advance and bring a camera and comfortable footwear. Morning departures are recommended for clearer daylight during stops.
