A Perfect Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh: Glencoe, Loch Ness, & Pitlochry
you’ve ever dreamed of castles tucked into the hills, misty lochs, and mountains straight out of a fantasy novel, a day trip to the Scottish Highlands is an absolute must. It’s one of those places that looks exactly like the postcards.
When I was staying in Edinburgh, I wanted to experience that side of Scotland without renting a car and only had 1 day to make it happen. That’s when I found this Scottish Highlands Full-Day Tour from Edinburgh and it completely exceeded my expectations.
This route hits all the highlights in one day: Glencoe, Loch Ness, and Pitlochry, plus plenty of hidden gems in between. You’ll see iconic movie locations from Harry Potter, Outlander, and James Bond, drive through Inverness, and pass Culloden Battlefield on your way back to the city. You’ll also get to meet Scotland’s most loved celebrities, the hairy coos!
If you’re looking for an easy, memorable way to see Scotland’s natural beauty, this guide will walk you through what to expect, what to pack, and why this specific day tour is one of the best things to do during your time in Edinburgh.
Why Take a Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh
Let’s be real, the idea of driving for 12 hours on winding Highland roads while trying to stay on the opposite side of the road isn’t exactly relaxing. That’s why a guided tour is the perfect solution.
This Scottish Highlands Day Tour takes care of all the logistics. You can sit back, enjoy the views, and listen to your guide share stories about Scottish history, legends, and filming locations. The bus is comfortable, the pace is great, and every stop is worth it.
You’ll travel through some of the most beautiful parts of Scotland (from the Trossachs National Park to Glencoe, Loch Ness, and Pitlochry) and return to Edinburgh in one unforgettable day.
It’s ideal for travelers who want to experience the Highlands without the stress of planning every detail themselves, don’t want to tackle driving on the left side of the road, or may only have a few days in Scotland.
Highlands Filming Locations: Harry Potter, Outlander & James Bond
One of the most fun parts of this route is spotting filming locations from iconic movies and shows along the way.
– Harry Potter: You’ll pass through parts of the Highlands used in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, including the landscapes around Glencoe and the road leading toward Fort William, where scenes of the Hogwarts Express were filmed. You’ll also see the original location of Hagrid’s Hut and some spots used for The Black Lake in the films.
– Outlander: Fans of Outlander will recognize the rugged countryside around Glencoe and Culloden. The tour even passes near the real Culloden Battlefield, which plays a major role in the show’s story. You’ll also pass through Inverness, the town Claire and Frank were visiting when she first fell back in time through the stones.
– James Bond (Skyfall): Remember the scene where Bond drives through the dramatic Scottish mountains? That was filmed in Glencoe. The exact stretch of road you’ll travel has the same cinematic feel, minus the secret agent.
If you’re a film or TV fan, this tour feels like a mini movie set adventure through some of Scotland’s most recognizable landscapes.
Morning: Leaving Edinburgh and Heading North
Your day starts early, around 8 a.m., at a central pickup spot in Edinburgh, typically on the Royal Mile. Once everyone’s settled, you’ll drive north over the Forth Bridge, one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks, and head into the countryside.
As the city fades, the views transform into rolling farmland, forests, and misty mountains. The guide fills the drive with local legends, historical tidbits, and fun facts about the places you’re passing. You’ll quickly realize that Scotland’s beauty starts before you even reach the Highlands.
About an hour into the tour you’ll reach the first pitstop, where you can grab some coffee and a pastry to cure any lingering sleepiness. You’ll also get to meet Scotland’s unofficial mascot, the hairy coo! Take some pictures with the adorable highland cows, locally known as hairy coos, before hopping back on the bus to continue the tour.
Note: If you’re going in the winter the highland cows may not be out in the pasture to meet guests, this part of the tour is not guaranteed.
First Stop: Glencoe, Scotland’s Most Dramatic Landscape
About two and a half hours later, you’ll arrive in Glencoe, one of the most jaw-dropping valleys in the Highlands. The scenery here is unreal. Towering peaks, waterfalls, and green hills that seem to stretch on in every direction.
Glencoe is known for its tragic history (the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692) and its cinematic beauty. You’ll probably recognize it from films like Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Skyfall, and Outlander.
Standing there feels like stepping into a movie scene. Even if you’ve seen hundreds of photos, nothing compares to seeing it in person, the sheer scale and stillness of it are unforgettable. It’s one of those places that reminds you how small you really are.
Your guide will make a few stops so you can get photos and breathe in that crisp Highland air. My favorite photo spot was in front of The Three Sisters. As the name suggests, these are 3 side-by-side mountain peaks that stand out from the landscape and make for some insane shots.
👉 You can experience Glencoe and more on this Scottish Highlands Full-Day Tour from Edinburgh.
Midday: Loch Ness, Scotland’s Legendary Lake
Next, you’ll continue to Fort William for lunch, then follow the Great Glen toward Loch Ness, one of the world’s most famous lakes. You might even spot Nessie while you’re there…
Even if you’re not a believer in the Loch Ness Monster, this stop is worth it for the views alone. The lake stretches for miles, its surface a deep blue that perfectly reflects the sky.
At Fort Augustus, you’ll have free time to grab a snack, explore the village, or hop on a Loch Ness cruise (which I highly recommend). From the boat, you’ll see panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and might even spot Urquhart Castle, a centuries-old ruin perched above the water.
If you choose not to take the lake cruise, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the Urquhart Castle ruins and museum, which feels like being transported back in time. If that’s not your speed, you can also partake in the “Donald Fraser – Illicit Whiskey Experience” to learn about the history of distilling in the highlands and try some of the local liquors.
Your guide will share some of the lake’s myths and monster sightings , all with that dry Scottish humor that makes the storytelling even better.
Pro Tip: Bring a jacket for the boat ride, even on warmer days it’s chilly out on the lake, and if you’re a Nessie believer, keep your camera ready.
Driving Through Inverness and Past Culloden
After exploring Loch Ness, your journey continues north toward Inverness, often called the “capital of the Highlands.” While you won’t stop long here, the drive through the area gives you a glimpse into a more modern side of Highland life, still surrounded by the beauty of the mountains.
On your way back south to Edinburgh, you’ll pass Culloden Battlefield, the historic site of the final Jacobite uprising in 1746. Your guide will share the story of the battle and how it shaped Scotland’s history. Even from the bus, you can feel the weight of that place. Lastly, you’ll pass through the Cairngorms National Park, the largest National Park in the UK. It’s the perfect sunset drive to round out your day.
This leg of the journey is a mix of history and reflection. By this point, you’ve seen the dramatic side of the Highlands, and now you get a glimpse of its history and personality.
Evening Stop: Pitlochry
Before heading back to Edinburgh, you’ll stop in Pitlochry, a charming Victorian-era town that looks like it belongs on a postcard.
It’s the perfect time to hit up a chippy for some fish & chips, stretch your legs, or browse through small local shops. If you have time, pop into one of the cozy pubs or cafés for a quick drink, I recommend trying a local whisky or gin to end your day the Scottish way.
Pitlochry is peaceful, welcoming, and the perfect last stop before returning to the city.
👉 This exact route: Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, and Pitlochry, is part of the Scottish Highlands Full-Day Tour from Edinburgh.
Returning to Edinburgh
You’ll get back to Edinburgh around 8:00–9:00 p.m., depending on the traffic. The ride home feels calm and relaxed, everyone’s a little tired, scrolling through their photos and watching the sun set behind the hills.
It’s one of those days that feels jam packed in the best way possible. You’ve seen mountains, lochs, castles, and small towns, all without lifting a finger to plan it.
By the time you’re back in the city, you’ll understand why so many travelers call this one of the best day trips in all of Europe.
Tips for Your Scottish Highlands Tour
Here are a few helpful things to know before you go:
– Dress in layers. The weather can change fast! One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s misting and chilly. Check the weather before your trip and even if you don’t think you’ll need it, bring a coat.
– Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll have short walking breaks at scenic stops and will want to climb some hills and rocks for the perfect photos. Check out my Amazon list for my absolute favorite travel shoes (they’re comfortable and still actually cute)
– Bring snacks and water. It’s a long day, and although you’ll stop for food, it’s nice to have something on hand.
– Bring a portable charger and camera battery. Every single view is photo-worthy and you don’t want to risk missing out on any of them. I’d bring a portable charger in case you get low throughout the day. I’ve linked my favorite travel chargers here
– Sit on the left side of the bus. You’ll get the best views heading north into the Highlands.
– Book early. This Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh sells out quickly, especially during summer and holidays.
Why This Day Tour Is Worth It
There are many ways to see Scotland, but if you’re short on time, this is hands-down the most efficient and rewarding way to do it.
You’ll visit Glencoe’s dramatic peaks, Loch Ness’s mysterious shore, and Pitlochry’s storybook charm, plus experience Inverness, Culloden, Fort William, Fort Augustus, Urquhart Castle, Cairngorms National Park, and iconic film locations all in one unforgettable day. Oh, and don’t forget about the hairy coos! (can you tell they were my favorite part?)
The guides are knowledgeable and fun, the bus is comfortable, and the itinerary flows perfectly. You get just the right balance of sightseeing, history, and downtime.
👉 If you only have one free day in Scotland, this Scottish Highlands Full-Day Tour from Edinburgh is the one to book.
Note from the author: Has this post changed how you’re planning your trip or given you inspiration for your next adventure? Please drop a comment below! Comments help to grow my blog and let me know what to write more of 🙂
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Final Thoughts
There’s something about the Scottish Highlands that stays with you long after you’ve left and, in my opinion, not visiting them during your time in Scotland is a mistake.
This day trip lets you experience a bit of everything in the region, even if you’re short on time. Whether you’re chasing history, nature, or just the chance to say you’ve been to Loch Ness, this tour has it all.
It’s easy, scenic, and completely unforgettable. The perfect way to fall in love with Scotland beyond Edinburgh’s cobblestone streets.
👉 Book your adventure now: Scottish Highlands Full-Day Tour from Edinburgh
