Edinburgh: Lochs, Castles, Glencoe, Coos & Highlands Tour

Explore the Best of Scotland in One Day with the Lochs, Castles, Glencoe, Coos & Highlands Tour

This 11-hour tour from Edinburgh offers an in-depth look at some of Scotland’s most iconic sights. Priced for a full-day experience and limited to a small group, it provides more time off the bus than most Highland trips, allowing for genuine exploration. Highlights include Glencoe, Doune Castle, Highland cows, Loch Lomond, and the impressive Kelpies sculptures.

The tour starts at the Market Street Hotel in Edinburgh, with a comfortable ride in a 16-seater Mercedes Sprinter. This small-group setup means more personalized attention and better opportunities to interact with your knowledgeable guide. A key strength is the focus on off-the-bus experiences, giving visitors the chance to walk, take photos, and truly absorb each location.

While the tour covers a lot in one day, it remains suitable for those who appreciate a leisurely pace and plenty of sightseeing time. It’s especially well-suited for families, friends, couples, or solo travelers eager to see Scotland’s highlights without feeling rushed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Full-day adventure departing from Edinburgh with more exploration time than typical Highland tours
• Visits include Doune Castle, famous from Outlander, and Glencoe, with multiple stops for photos and walks
• Get close to Highland cows and The Kelpies, iconic steel horse sculptures
• Small-group tour in a luxury Mercedes Sprinter with expert commentary and music
• Tour includes a short hike at the Three Sisters Mountains and visits to Loch Lomond and Glen Etive
• The tour is suitable for those aged 5 and up and not wheelchair accessible

Starting Point and Transportation Details

The journey begins outside the Market Street Hotel at EH1 1DE in Edinburgh. Check-in starts at 8:30 AM, and the group departs promptly at 8:45 AM. The trip lasts 11 hours, ending back at the same spot around 7:45 PM.

Travel is in a luxurious, air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter, designed for comfort and intimacy. The small size of the group ensures a cozy atmosphere, with entertaining commentary and music throughout the trip. The guide helps with photos and provides insights into each location, making it easy to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Visiting Doune Castle, Outlander’s Castle Leoch

The first major stop is Doune Castle, a 14th-century fortress that served as Castle Leoch in Outlander. Visitors have about 5 minutes for photos and a quick visit to admire its medieval architecture. This stop offers a chance to step back into history and connect with the show’s setting.

This castle is a favorite for Outlander fans, but even those unfamiliar with the series will appreciate its old-world charm. The guide shares stories about the castle’s past and its role in Scottish history, making the brief visit educational and visually striking.

Encounter Highland Cows in Callander

Next, the tour moves toward Callander, where visitors can meet and feed Highland cows. This stop is both adorable and interactive, with 15 minutes allocated to wildlife viewing. The opportunity to get close to these iconic hairy coos is a highlight, especially for animal lovers.

From April to November, the chance to feed Highland cows adds a memorable, hands-on element to the day. The guide shares fun facts about these gentle creatures and their importance in Scottish farming culture.

More Great Tours Nearby

Discover the Dramatic Landscapes of Glencoe

The trip continues into the Highlands and into Glencoe, renowned for its stunning scenery and historical significance. The tour includes three stops within Glencoe, each offering breath-taking views, photo opportunities, and walks.

One of the options is a short hike at the famous Three Sisters Mountains, allowing visitors to stretch their legs and soak in the rugged beauty. The guide recounts stories about the clan massacres that took place here, adding a layer of historical intrigue to the scenic backdrop.

A visit to Glencoe Turff House provides insight into traditional Highland life, along with a chance for lunch and to see more Highland cattle at the visitors’ centre.

Scenic Drive through Glen Etive

Following Glencoe, the journey takes travelers to Glen Etive, a gorge with rugged mountains and winding rivers. This area offers some of the most dramatic landscapes Scotland has to offer, perfect for photos and quiet reflection. The guide emphasizes the natural beauty and geological features of the glen, making it a peaceful yet awe-inspiring stop.

Loch Lomond and the Village of Luss

Next, the tour visits Loch Lomond, known as the largest freshwater loch in Scotland. Its serene waters, dotted with over 30 islands, stretch along 24 miles of rolling hills and mountains. Visitors spend about 15 minutes at a photo stop and in the charming village of Luss.

Luss is famous as the home of Rob Roy MacGregor, giving visitors a sense of local history while enjoying scenic views. Walking trails along Loch Lomond offer a relaxed way to appreciate Scotland’s natural tranquility.

The Kelpies: Giant Steel Horses

The day concludes with a visit to the Kelpies, towering 30-meter sculptures of horse heads made of steel. Located in Falkirk, this site offers a photo opportunity and chance to learn about the sculptures’ significance as symbols of Scottish industry and craftsmanship.

The impressive size of The Kelpies makes it a memorable visual, perfect for capturing striking photos with the sculptures as a backdrop.

Final Return and Practical Details

After the Kelpie visit, the tour makes a 50-minute drive back to Edinburgh, arriving at the Market Street Hotel around 7:45 PM. The entire experience emphasizes more exploration time than typical Highland tours, with ample opportunities to walk, photograph, and enjoy every stop.

The tour’s small-group format, knowledgeable guide, and well-planned stops make it stand out as a well-balanced way to see Scotland’s highlights in a single day. It’s especially suited for those who prefer a personalized experience and more time to explore rather than just viewing from the bus window.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip appeals most to history enthusiasts, animal lovers, and scenery seekers. Its carefully curated stops, including Doune Castle, Glencoe, and Loch Lomond, pack a punch for anyone wanting a comprehensive look at Scotland’s natural and cultural landscape.

The small-group size and luxurious transport make it ideal for those who appreciate comfort and a relaxed pace. Children over 5 can enjoy the adventure, but the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of some stops.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour from start to finish?
The tour lasts 11 hours, beginning at 8:30 AM and returning around 7:45 PM.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs outside the Market Street Hotel in Edinburgh, located at EH1 1DE.

What are the main highlights of this trip?
Highlights include Doune Castle, Highland Cows, Glencoe, Loch Lomond, and The Kelpies sculptures.

Is there time to walk at the stops?
Yes, each stop provides walking opportunities, with specific options such as short hikes at the Three Sisters Mountains and walks in Loch Lomond and Glencoe.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it is suitable for children over 5 years old. However, it is not accessible for wheelchair users.

What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing, rain gear, a camera, and comfortable shoes. Snacks and water are recommended for the journey.

This small-group, full-day tour offers a well-rounded, relaxed way to experience Scotland’s iconic sights, with knowledgeable guides ensuring every stop is engaging. Ideal for those wanting more exploration time and a personalized touch during their visit to the Highlands.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby