Scottish Highlands: Lochs, Glens & Whisky Day Trip from Edinburgh

Summary

Highland forests, village strolls and a whisky tasting with locals

You’ll wander ancient cathedrals in Dunkeld, hike through mossy forests to waterfalls at The Hermitage, sample single malt at Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery (with tasting included), and share stories with your local guide on this Highland day trip from Edinburgh. Expect moments of quiet beauty — plus laughter over lunch or your first sip of real Scottish whisky.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air in Dunkeld to smell so green — like moss after rain, even though it hadn’t rained yet. Our guide, Jamie, pointed out the ruined cathedral through the trees. It looked half asleep in the morning light. There was this quietness I can’t quite explain, except for a couple of crows arguing overhead. We wandered along the riverbank and I tried to imagine what it must’ve been like centuries ago. Jamie told us about some old clan stories; I only caught half of it because I got distracted by a dog chasing sticks into the Tay.

The Hermitage was next — honestly, I thought “forest walk” would be just trees, but it’s more like stepping into a storybook. The waterfall was louder than I’d guessed; you could feel the spray if you leaned over (which I maybe did too far). Everyone took photos but then we just stood there for a minute not saying much. There’s something about Scottish woods that makes you want to listen instead of talk. Afterward, we drove past fields dotted with sheep and stopped in Pitlochry for lunch. The café smelled like baking bread and wet wool — that’s not a complaint, actually kind of comforting.

I’d never done a whisky tour before this day trip from Edinburgh, so Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery felt weirdly formal at first — until our guide there cracked a joke about “water of life” and passed around glasses. The whisky burned in my throat but then went sweet; apparently that means it’s good? Li laughed when I tried to pronounce “slàinte mhath.” (I definitely butchered it.) Even if you’re not usually into whisky tours, there’s something grounding about standing in that old stone building with everyone breathing in malt and wood smoke together.

The drive back was quieter. Maybe everyone was full or sleepy or just thinking — hard to say. I kept looking out at those hills and glens, trying to hold onto the feeling of being somewhere so old and strange and kind of gentle all at once. If you’re considering this Highland lochs & whisky tour, just know: parts of it will stick with you longer than you expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Highlands, Lochs, and Whisky Tasting

• Visit village with ruined cathedral
• Walk through woodland to waterfall
• Travel along River Tay to Pitlochry
• Lunch and stroll in Pitlochry
• See iconic queen's favourite view
• Tour and taste at Dewar's Distillery

Top questions

How long is the Highland lochs & whisky day trip from Edinburgh?

The tour is a full-day trip departing from Edinburgh Bus Station and returning the same evening.

Is whisky tasting included on this day trip?

Yes, admission for a guided tour and tasting at Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery is included in the price.

What villages or towns do we visit during the tour?

You’ll stop in Dunkeld village and have time for lunch in Pitlochry during the day trip.

Are children allowed on this Highlands whisky tour?

The minimum age is 5 years old; children under 5 are not accepted on this tour.

What happens if Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery is closed?

If Dewar's is closed, you’ll visit Glenturret Distillery as an alternative for your whisky tour & tasting.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; the tour departs from inside Edinburgh Bus Station at St Andrew Square.

How big is the group on this Highland day trip?

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

Is lunch included on the Highlands & whisky tour?

No, lunch isn’t included but there’s free time to buy lunch in Pitlochry where there are cafés and pubs.

What’s included

Your day includes transport by top-range Mercedes mini-coach from central Edinburgh, all stories and guiding by an English-speaking driver-guide throughout Scotland’s Highlands, admission fees for a guided tour plus tasting at Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery (or Glenturret if needed), stops at Dunkeld village with its cathedral ruins, woodland walks at The Hermitage waterfall trail, free time for lunch in Pitlochry resort town, and return travel by evening.