Loch Ness & Highlands Day Trip from Edinburgh with Glencoe

Summary

Loch Ness day trip winding through Glencoe and Highland glens

You’ll wind through Scotland’s Highlands from Edinburgh, stopping in Glencoe’s haunting valley before reaching Loch Ness for lunch (and maybe Nessie). With stories from your local guide, moments of silence on Rannoch Moor, and time in Pitlochry’s cozy streets, this day trip leaves you with more than photos—it lingers in your bones.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the mist just hangs over Rannoch Moor, like it’s not in a hurry. We’d barely left Edinburgh when our driver, Jamie, started telling stories about clans and battles—his accent made even traffic lights sound poetic. The bus windows fogged up a bit, so I pressed my forehead to the glass for a better look at those rolling hills. There’s something about the way light hits the heather here that makes everything feel older than it probably is.

We stopped in Glencoe, which Jamie called the “Glen of Weeping.” He pointed out where the Massacre happened (I’ll admit, I didn’t know much about it before). The air was sharp and smelled faintly of peat smoke—someone nearby must’ve had a fire going. A couple of us just stood there quietly, boots sinking into soft moss. It’s hard not to feel small in that valley. I tried to take a photo but my hands were cold and honestly, photos don’t really get it across.

Lunch was at Fort Augustus by Loch Ness. The water looked black and still—almost too calm for all those monster stories. Some folks went on the boat tour to look for Nessie (I chickened out; maybe next time). Instead, I sat by the loch with a sandwich from the local shop and watched an old man feed ducks. He winked at me and said, “She only comes out when you’re not looking.” So yeah, no monster sighting this time.

Pitlochry was our last stop—a Victorian town with bright shopfronts and people actually saying hello as you pass. It started drizzling again but nobody seemed bothered. On the drive back to Edinburgh, Jamie played some old Scottish ballads and everyone got quiet for a while. I still think about that view over Glencoe when the sun broke through for half a second—felt like luck or maybe just timing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Loch Ness and Highlands exploration

• Stop at Fort Augustus town
• Visit Loch Ness and boat trip
• Pass through the Scottish Highlands
• View Glen Coe valley and visitor centre
• Stop at Pitlochry Victorian town

Top questions

How long is the Loch Ness & Highlands day trip from Edinburgh?

The tour lasts around 12 hours including all stops.

Is lunch included on this Loch Ness tour?

No, lunch isn’t included—you can buy food at Fort Augustus by Loch Ness.

Does this day trip include a boat tour on Loch Ness?

The boat tour is optional at Loch Ness; tickets can be purchased separately during your stop.

What are the main stops on this Highlands tour?

You’ll visit Rannoch Moor, Glencoe (Glen Coe), Fort Augustus at Loch Ness, and Pitlochry.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children aged 6 and up are welcome if accompanied by an adult.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; you meet at a central location in Edinburgh for departure.

What’s included in the price of this day trip?

Your transport by coach and an experienced driver-guide are included.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable coach transport from Edinburgh with a knowledgeable driver-guide sharing local stories along the way; all main stops like Glencoe, Rannoch Moor, Loch Ness (with time for an optional boat ride), Fort Augustus for lunch breaks (at your own cost), plus free time in Pitlochry before returning to Edinburgh in the evening.