From Glasgow: The Kelpies, Glencoe & Loch Lomond Day Tour

Travel from Glasgow to the heart of the Scottish Highlands on a private 10-hour day tour designed for comfort, flexibility, and personalized experiences. This tour takes you through iconic locations like Glencoe, Loch Lomond, and the Kelpies, with the added bonus of visiting filming sites from Harry Potter and James Bond movies. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll travel in an executive Mercedes V Class vehicle, ensuring a smooth and stylish journey.

One of the tour’s biggest strengths is the private group setting, which means only your immediate party travels together, giving you control over stop durations and pacing. This tour is perfect for those who want a personalized, relaxed exploration of Scotland’s breathtaking scenery, with the option to feed Highland Cows and enjoy photo stops at some of the most photogenic spots.

While the tour offers hotel pick-up and drop-off, it does not include food and drinks, so planning for some snacks or meals is recommended. The 10-hour duration provides ample time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed, making it suitable for travelers who prefer a more intimate experience away from large tour buses.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience with only your group
• Includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in Glasgow
• Travel in style via an executive Mercedes V Class
• Stops at Glencoe, Loch Lomond, and The Kelpies
• Visit Harry Potter filming sites and Highland Cows
• Guided commentary enhances understanding of each location

You can check availability for your dates here:

Departing Glasgow for the Scottish Highlands

This tour departs directly from Glasgow, with convenient hotel pick-up arrangements. The journey begins with a drive through Glasgow’s iconic sights before heading north into the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. The private transportation ensures comfort and flexibility, avoiding the crowds and fixed schedules of larger tour groups.

Traveling in an executive Mercedes V Class, travelers enjoy a smooth ride that allows for spontaneous stops or extra photo sessions. The relaxed pace is ideal for those who want to absorb the scenery and learn about the history and stories behind each location from the driver guide.

The tour’s flexibility allows for personal input on stop durations, making it suitable for those who want to spend more time at particular sights or take additional photos. This setup creates a more tailored experience compared to standard bus tours.

Scenic Drive Past Edinburgh’s Landmarks and Into the Highlands

The journey out of Edinburgh’s streets passes by notable landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, setting the scene for a transition from city to countryside. Once on the road, the scenery quickly shifts into the rugged Scottish landscape, with picturesque views and mountain ranges.

A stop in Callander offers a chance to stretch and enjoy some refreshments at the gateway to the Highlands. This stop is an excellent opportunity to appreciate the transition from urban to rural scenery and to soak in the fresh, mountain air.

Continuing north, the route takes travelers through landscapes featured in Hollywood movies, providing an extra layer of interest for fans of film. The scenery remains spectacular, with mountain vistas and rolling hills that define the essence of the Scottish Highlands.

Highland Cows and Callander’s Refreshment Stop

The Kilmahog stop is a highlight for animal lovers, featuring the famous Highland Cows, known locally as “coos”. Visitors can feed these furry, friendly animals, making it a fun and interactive experience.

This stop offers more than just animal encounters; it provides a chance to appreciate authentic Scottish scenery and take cheerful photos. The informative guide explains the significance of Highland Cows in Scottish culture, adding a layer of local insight to the visit.

The stop also helps break up the drive, giving everyone a chance to relax and enjoy the peaceful environment before heading further into the scenic heart of Glencoe.

Glencoe’s Dramatic Landscapes and Historical Tales

The drive through Glencoe is undoubtedly one of the most striking parts of the tour. Known for its rugged beauty, Glencoe’s dramatic mountains and waterfalls create a breathtaking backdrop for photos.

The guide shares the history of Glencoe, including the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan, adding depth to the stunning scenery. The tour also takes visitors to the exact house where Highlanders stayed from the 16th century, connecting you to the area’s rich past.

Film fans will recognize parts of Harry Potter and Skyfall filmed here, making Glencoe a fascinating stop for movie enthusiasts. The walk and photo opportunities here last long enough to savor the views and learn about the area’s intriguing stories.

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Loch Lomond’s Famous ‘Bonnie Banks’

After Glencoe, the journey continues along the banks of Loch Lomond, renowned for its beautiful scenery and legendary status within Scottish culture. The storytelling about Loch Lomond enriches the experience, describing its role in local legends and history.

Multiple photo opportunities are available, allowing travelers to capture the stunning views of the loch’s surface, surrounded by mountains. The guide points out notable features and shares interesting stories, making this part of the trip both scenic and educational.

This segment offers a chance to relax, breathe in the fresh Highland air, and appreciate the peaceful beauty of this iconic lake.

Visiting The Kelpies: Iconic Horse Sculptures

The final highlight of the tour is the visit to the Kelpies — the 30-meter-high horse sculptures that have become a world-famous landmark. Located near Falkirk, these striking sculptures are a photo magnet and perfect for Instagram photos.

The Kelpies’ impressive size and artistic design make them a memorable sight, especially at sunset or in good lighting. The guide provides brief commentary about their creation and significance, adding context to this modern marvel.

This stop offers a visual feast and a chance for travelers to enjoy the conclusion of their scenic journey with a striking monument that symbolizes Scotland’s equine heritage.

The Comfort and Flexibility of a Private Tour

One of the key strengths of this tour is the private setting, which means only your group travels together. This allows for customized stop times and a relaxed pace, unlike large bus tours. The driver guide is attentive and knowledgeable, ready to answer questions and tailor the experience to your interests.

The luxury vehicle and door-to-door hotel pick-up and drop-off add convenience, making the whole day seamless. The tour is wheelchair accessible, adding to its inclusivity, and the 10-hour duration provides ample time to enjoy each location without feeling rushed.

While the tour does not include food and drinks, the stops at Callander and Kilmahog give opportunities for refreshments and snacks, making it easy to plan your day.

Who Will Love This Scottish Highlands Tour?

This private tour is ideal for travelers who value personalized service and want to avoid the crowds of larger groups. It suits families, couples, or small groups seeking a comfortable and flexible way to explore the Scottish landscape.

The tour’s focus on notable film locations, historic sites, and iconic landmarks like The Kelpies and Loch Lomond makes it especially appealing for film enthusiasts and those interested in Scottish culture. The informative guide and interactive stops ensure a rich experience, perfect for visitors who enjoy learning as they explore.

Final Thoughts on the Glasgow to Highlands Private Tour

This 10-hour private day tour from Glasgow offers a well-rounded experience of some of Scotland’s most famous sights, combining scenic beauty, history, and film locations in a comfortable, flexible format. The luxury transportation and personalized approach make it stand out from standard coach trips.

While it doesn’t include meals, the stops for refreshments and animal encounters, combined with the engaging commentary, make for a memorable day. The positive feedback highlights the expertise and thoughtfulness of guides like Jordan, adding to the overall value.

This tour is best suited for those who appreciate a tailored, intimate experience and want to see Glencoe, Loch Lomond, and the Kelpies without the hassle of large groups or rigid schedules. It provides a stunning journey through Scotland’s landscapes, history, and film lore in style and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour from Glasgow?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, including all stops and travel time.

Does the tour include hotel pick-up?
Yes, hotel pick-up and drop-off are included in Glasgow.

What vehicle is used for transportation?
Travel is in an executive Mercedes V Class, offering comfort and style.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there are stops for refreshments.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Can I customize the stop durations?
Yes, being a private tour, you can input on stop durations and pacing.

What are the main highlights?
Glencoe, Loch Lomond, and the Kelpies are the key highlights, with film locations and Highland Cows as special extras.

Is this tour good for families?
Yes, the private and flexible setup makes it suitable for families and small groups.

Does the guide provide commentary?
Yes, a driver guide offers live commentary throughout the day.

What is the booking policy?
You can reserve now and pay later, with full refund if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

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