Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glen Coe & Ben Nevis Full Day

A full loop through Scotland's most famous valleys, lochs and mountains: all in one day from Edinburgh.

You travel twelve hours through Stirling Castle, Glen Coe, Fort Augustus and Cairngorms National Park in a single day, with an optional fifty-minute Loch Ness boat cruise included. Transport, a local guide and the route are all arranged. You just show up at least fifteen minutes early and bring layers for the weather.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Stirling Castlepass by
2. Glencoe20m
3. Ben Nevispass by
4. Fort Augustus1h 40m
5. Cairngorms National Parkpass by
6. Forth Bridgepass by

Highlands tour with Loch Ness cruise

• Pass Stirling Castle ramparts
• Drive through Trossachs National Park
• Stop in Callander for comfort break
• Cross Rannoch Moor
• Stop at Glencoe
• Drive through Fort William past Ben Nevis
• Arrive Fort Augustus by Loch Ness
• Take Loch Ness boat cruise or walk
• Pass Loch Laggan and Drumochter Pass
• Stop in Pitlochry or similar town
• Pass Forth Bridge returning to Edinburgh

The experience

Hands grip the coach rail as it climbs away from Stirling Castle, the ramparts shrinking behind you, and you're already in the Trossachs: Rob Roy country, your guide will tell you. The drive north takes you through Callander, a small highland town where you stretch your legs for twenty minutes, then the landscape opens up. Rannoch Moor spreads out flat and wild, and then Glen Coe arrives. It's not subtle. The valley walls rise steep and dark, and your guide mentions the 1692 massacre in a matter-of-fact way that makes it feel closer than three centuries. You stop here, long enough to walk down to the river or just stand and look.

Fort William comes next, and with it Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, standing over the town like it owns the place. The coach passes it on the way into the Great Glen, and then you're at Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness. This is where the day splits. Some people take the fifty-minute boat cruise on the loch, scanning the water out of habit even if they don't quite believe. Others walk the Caledonian Canal or sit by the water with a coffee. You get roughly ninety minutes here, which is enough to do one thing properly without rushing back.

The return journey takes you past Loch Laggan and over Drumochter Pass in the Cairngorms National Park: high, exposed, the kind of road that makes you understand why the Highlands feel separate from the rest of Scotland. Then Perthshire, forests and rivers, a stop in Pitlochry or a similar town where you can grab lunch or just move around. The Forth Bridge appears on the way back into Edinburgh, and that's the signal the day is closing. You'll be back around early evening, though the exact time depends on weather and traffic: the itinerary notes to allow at least three hours after the scheduled return for any onward plans. The coach is air-conditioned, the guide is local and speaks English, and the route can shift depending on conditions, so what you see might not be in this exact order.

What’s included

Your day includes an air-conditioned coach, a local English-speaking guide, and stops at Stirling Castle, the Trossachs, Glen Coe, Fort William with views of Ben Nevis, Fort Augustus on Loch Ness (with the option of a fifty-minute boat cruise), Loch Laggan, Drumochter Pass in Cairngorms National Park, and Pitlochry or a similar Perthshire town before returning past the Forth Bridge to Edinburgh. Lunch is not included.

Options for this experience

2 options

A full day trip covering Loch Ness and the Scottish HighlandsGuide in English · 07:30

Loch Ness cruise included in the tourGuide in English · 07:30The boat relies on the most up-to-date high-tech colour sonar and underwater imaging systems to sharpen the search! The cruise lasts 1 hour

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to5h before

AgesAdult (17 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Child (5 to 16 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 34 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideSpanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Highland Explorer Tours Ltd

Is this one for you?Right for travellers based in Edinburgh without a car who want to see the Highlands' most famous landmarks in one push. Expect a full day in the coach. That's what fits Glen Coe, Loch Ness and Ben Nevis into a single departure and return.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 16 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the full day tour from Edinburgh?

Approximately twelve hours, including all stops and the optional Loch Ness boat cruise. Return times vary with weather and road conditions.

Is the Loch Ness boat cruise included?

The cruise is optional and takes about fifty minutes. It may be cancelled in extreme weather, with a full refund if you've purchased a ticket.

What's included in the tour?

Air-conditioned coach, local English-speaking guide, and all stops at Glen Coe, Fort Augustus, Cairngorms National Park and other landmarks. Lunch and the boat cruise are not included unless specified.

What time do I need to arrive for check-in?

Arrive at least fifteen minutes before the scheduled departure time. Late arrivals cannot be held or refunded.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility difficulties?

It is not recommended for travellers with mobility difficulties due to the nature of the stops and terrain.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The Loch Ness boat cruise may be cancelled on short notice in extreme weather, with a full refund. The coach tour itself operates in most conditions.

Can the itinerary order change?

Yes, the route order is subject to change depending on weather, road conditions and operational needs.