Edinburgh: Whisky Day Trip Glengoyne, Deanston & Loch Lomond

Summary

Whisky tastings at Glengoyne and Deanston with Loch Lomond views

You’ll leave Edinburgh behind for a day filled with whisky tastings at Glengoyne and Deanston distilleries (entry included), stories from your local guide, and time by misty Loch Lomond. Expect laughter over drams, glimpses into Scotland’s traditions, and those small moments you remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I booked this whisky day trip from Edinburgh mostly out of curiosity — I’ve never been much of a whisky person. But there’s something about leaving the city behind in that little mini-coach, watching the stone houses blur past, that made me feel like I was in for something special. Our guide, Jamie, had this way of talking about Scotland that made you want to listen — not just facts, but stories about his granddad sneaking sips from a hidden flask during winter football matches. The air outside was sharp and damp; inside the bus it smelled faintly of wool and coffee.

First stop: Glengoyne Distillery. It’s smaller than I pictured — tucked right against a green hill, with copper stills catching the morning light. We wandered through with our guide (I think her name was Isla?), who handed me my first dram and waited for my reaction. The taste surprised me — smooth but somehow peppery at the end. There’s a moment when everyone goes quiet just to let it settle. Isla grinned when I tried to name what I tasted; apparently “like burnt toast but good” isn’t official terminology. Anyway, it felt friendly and unpretentious.

After that we drove toward Loch Lomond. The loch itself is wider than you expect — grey water under low clouds, hills rolling off into mist. We stopped for photos (and snacks), and a couple next to me debated whether the sheep nearby were actually wild or just pretending to be for tourists. It’s peaceful out there; even the air smells different, like wet grass and woodsmoke somewhere far off.

Deanston was next, bigger and more industrial — old brick walls, echoes in the warehouse where they age the barrels. Our group got two drams here too (I preferred the second one, which surprised me). They told us about how Deanston makes its own electricity — something about turbines in the river — and I liked that mix of old tradition and new ideas. By then everyone was a bit more chatty; maybe it was the whisky or maybe just being together out in the countryside for hours.

The drive back to Edinburgh felt slower somehow, like nobody wanted to break whatever spell we’d fallen under. I keep thinking about that quiet moment at Glengoyne — just holding a glass, rain tapping on old windows — and how unexpectedly warm Scotland can feel even when your hands are cold.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whisky tours and Loch Lomond visit

• Visit Glengoyne Distillery
• Enjoy whisky tasting at Glengoyne
• Admire views at Loch Lomond
• Take photos at Loch Lomond
• Visit Deanston Distillery
• Enjoy whisky tasting at Deanston

Top questions

How long is the whisky day trip from Edinburgh?

The tour is a full-day trip departing from Edinburgh Bus Station.

Are entry fees to Glengoyne & Deanston distilleries included?

Yes, admission fees for tours and tastings at both distilleries are included in the price.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No lunch is provided; there are stops where you can buy snacks or food.

How many people are on each tour?

The group size is capped at 16 people for a more personal experience.

Where does the tour depart from in Edinburgh?

The tour departs from Edinburgh Bus Station at St Andrew Square (Gate J/K).

Is there an age restriction for this whisky tour?

The minimum age is 18 years old due to alcohol tastings.

What if Deanston Distillery is observing silent season?

If visiting during silent season (Sept 8–Oct 2), you’ll spend more time in the warehouse instead of seeing the still house before tasting.

Are public transport options available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the departure point.

What’s included

Your day includes travel by comfortable mini-coach from central Edinburgh with a small group, all admission fees for guided tours and whisky tastings at both Glengoyne and Deanston distilleries (two drams each), plus plenty of time by Loch Lomond before returning to town in the evening with your guide’s stories still lingering in your head.