Highlands, Oban & Glencoe: Private Day Trip from Glasgow

Summary

Glencoe’s valleys, Oban’s seafood and Highland castles in one private journey

You’ll travel from Glasgow into Scotland’s wild Highlands with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Expect photo stops by lochs and castles, lunch in Oban (seafood capital), time to wander ancient kirks or ruins, and space to just breathe in those views. This private tour feels personal—more like being shown around by a friend than following a script.

What’s the experience like?

We left Glasgow just after sunrise — I was still clutching my coffee when our guide (Colin, who somehow remembers everyone’s name) pulled up. The city faded fast, replaced by green hills and sudden flashes of loch water. First stop was Luss on Loch Lomond. It was quiet except for the crows and the odd couple walking their dog. There’s this old Viking gravestone tucked behind the kirk — Colin explained it with a kind of pride, like he’d shown us a family secret. I bought shortbread at the shop but honestly just wanted to stand by the water for another minute.

The drive through the Highlands is hard to describe — you get these moments where the clouds break and everything goes silver and blue. We stopped for photos whenever someone asked (I think we stopped more than most tours would). Inveraray Castle looked like something out of a storybook, even though we couldn’t go inside that day. The gardens smelled like wet earth and pine needles. Later at St Conan’s Kirk, I tried to whisper but my boots still echoed on the stone floor — it felt almost too peaceful to talk.

Oban was busy in that friendly way small towns can be. We found a table overlooking the harbor for lunch (yes, I ordered fish and chips — no regrets). Someone from our group tried whisky at the distillery; I stuck with tea but stole a sip. McCaig’s Tower is up a steep hill but worth it for that view over the bay — gulls everywhere, salty wind, boats coming in slow. On the way back we hit Glencoe just as the sun started dipping; Colin told us about the MacDonald Massacre while we stood looking at those huge mountains. It’s strange how beautiful and sad a place can feel at once.

I didn’t expect to care so much about an old castle ruin or get mud on my jeans at Falls of Falloch (bring good shoes if it rained). But that’s what stuck with me: little details like sheep blocking the road or Colin laughing when someone tried to pronounce “Kilchurn.” The Highlands day trip from Glasgow wasn’t really about ticking off sights — more like being let into someone else’s world for a day. I still think about that light in Glencoe sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Western Highlands and Castles Tour

• Visit village of Luss at Loch Lomond
• Photo stop at western Highlands viewpoint
• Explore Inveraray Castle or town
• Photo stop at Kilchurn Castle viewpoint
• Visit St Conan’s Kirk at Loch Awe
• Lunch and explore Oban town
• Visit McCaig's Tower in Oban
• See the Three Sisters of Glencoe
• Scenic drive and photo stop at Rannoch Moor
• Walk to Falls of Falloch waterfall

Top questions

How long is the private Highlands day trip from Glasgow?

The tour lasts approximately one full day, starting early morning from Glasgow and returning in the evening.

Does this tour include stops at Oban and Glencoe?

Yes, you’ll have free time in Oban for lunch and visit Glencoe Valley with photo stops along the way.

Is Inveraray Castle open all year?

No, Inveraray Castle is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and shuts entirely from November to April.

Are there restroom breaks during this Highlands tour?

Yes, your guide will make time for plenty of restroom breaks throughout the journey.

Can infants or small children join this private tour?

Yes, infants can ride in prams or strollers; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Is there pickup included from my hotel in Glasgow?

The tour includes private transportation with pickup arranged directly from your location in Glasgow.

What should I wear for this Highlands day trip?

Wear comfortable shoes (paths can be muddy), dress in layers due to changing weather conditions.

How many people can join this private Highlands tour?

The standard vehicle fits 1-8 passengers; larger groups up to 16 can arrange an extra vehicle by phone.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water and snacks provided along the way. Pickup is arranged directly from your location in Glasgow, so you don’t need to worry about meeting points or transfers—just show up ready for Highland weather and some winding roads!