1 Day Loch Ness, Whisky, Glencoe & Scottish Highlands Tour
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1 Day Loch Ness, Whisky, Glencoe & Scottish Highlands Tour

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(133 reviews)
12h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Set off from Edinburgh on an exhilarating one-day adventure through the stunning Scottish Highlands. This unforgettable tour combines the rich heritage of Scotland's whisky making with spectacular landscapes and historic sites. From the world-renowned Deanston Distillery to the rugged beauty of Glencoe and the tranquillity of Loch Ness, this tour showcases the best of Scotland in a single day

Available options

1 Day Loch Ness, Whisky, Glencoe & Scottish Highlands Tour

What's included

All taxes, fees and handling charges
Regular Comfort Breaks
Air-conditioned vehicle
Experienced 'Hairy Coo' Driver-Guide providing live commentary and story telling throughout

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Our journey begins with a visit to Deanston Distillery, nestled on the banks of the River Teith. Housed in a former cotton mill, the distillery produces a range of premium single malt whiskies. Enjoy a guided tour through the distillery, where you’ll learn about the traditional whisky-making process and the history behind this unique location. Finish with a tasting of Deanston's finest malts, guided by an expert who will explain the distinct flavours and characteristics of their whiskies.

2
Stop 2

We stop for a short visit to Glencoe, which was the scene of one of Scotland’s most shocking massacres. As you gaze at the haunting hills, you notice the Glen is eerily silent. In the 17th century one of the worst acts of betrayal occurred here. Your guide will recount the details of this betrayal for you. You can almost feel the sorrow in the mountains of the ‘weeping valley’. Above all though, Glencoe is one of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes. A highlight of any tour to the Scottish Highlands!

3

The tour then takes you through Fort William and past the spectacular Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the British Isles. The Nevis Range towers over the winding road as you continue your journey to Loch Ness.

4
Stop 4

Desperate for a glimpse of ‘Nessie’?

Fort Augustus, a charming, postcard-perfect, Highland village on the Southern shores of the Loch.

You will have time to explore the village and its beautiful Caledonian Canal lock system, built by the famous engineer Thomas Telford in the 19th century, that descends through the heart of the village into Loch Ness. Walk further along the canal and into the surrounding countryside to enjoy mountainous views and sights of farm animals and possibly red deer.

5

Along the route, we’ll stop at the Commando Memorial. In 1942, this setting became the training ground for Britain’s Special Forces. Harsh, unforgiving, and breathtakingly beautiful. A statue of our heroes overlooks the Nevis range. Bring a camera – this is undoubtedly one of our favourite photo-stops in all of Scotland.

Here, weather permitting, you could also spot Ben Nevis. The tallest mountain in The United Kingdom.

6
Stop 6 Pass by

Heading south we travel through the Cairngorm National Park where Red squirrels, roe deer, red deer, soaring buzzards, pine martens, golden eagles and osprey can be found. Our final stop of the day is Pitlochry

7

On our way south, we stop by the town of Pitlochry to stretch our legs and enjoy the fresh air. This picturesque town is situated in the heart of the stunning scenery of Highland Perthshire. It sits below Beinn Bhracaigh (Ben Vrackie), the speckled mountain and beside the River Tummel, in some of the most magnificent scenery in Scotland. With a backdrop of surrounding hills and beautiful woodlands, it is wonderful walking country.

8
Stop 8 Pass by

As we re-enter Edinburgh from the North, you will be met with views of Scotland’s greatest piece of engineering, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Forth Bridge. This 19th century engineering marvel was at one point the World’s longest cantilever bridge. Today it neighbours the 20th century Forth Road Bridge and the 21st century Queensferry Crossing which opened in 2017. Three spectacular bridges, from three different centuries, span the Firth of Forth connecting our Capital city and the Kingdom of Fife.

9
Stop 9

We drop you off in the city centre, our estimated arrival time is 8:30 PM. Please note that during the winter season, we may be arriving earlier than estimated.

We recommend leaving 2 hours between the expected arrival time and any onward travel or reservations in case of delayed, and that we are not able to offer individual drop-offs.

What's not included

Food and drinks
No Toilet/Restroom on board. There are no public toilets available by the departure point.
No children under the age of 8 allowed
Please note that we do not allow groups over 8 passengers, and ask that groups book private tours.
WiFi on board
Deanston Distillery tour & tasting (£15.50 for adults, £6 for children)

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8
4 reviews
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Tripadvisor 4.9
129 reviews
5★
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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
There are regular stops on tour for comfort breaks, as we do not have toilets onboard the coaches
No animals allowed on tour, including guide dogs
Minimum age to travel is 8 years old. Photo ID, such as a passport, may be required. Children (8-17) must be accompanied by an adult.
For insurance purposes, passengers must not be unaccompanied on our buses during tour stops. Drivers take legally required breaks and cannot stay with the vehicle.
Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in the hold of the bus during transit, bear in mind that staff cannot assist during boarding. Please note that the optional tour at Deanston Distillery involves multiple stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
Please note that the optional distillery tour involves an old building with numerous stairs, and has limited accessibility.

Meeting point

We meet in front of Burns Monument, at 1759 Regent Road, Edinburgh.
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CHECK-IN STARTS AT 7:50 AM, BUS DEPARTS 8:05 AM.

Important notes

Check-In opens 7:50 AM, Check-In closes 8:00 am, Last Bus Departs 8:05 AM SHARP

• We meet at 1759 Regent Rd, EH8 8DR, in front of Burns Monument. What3Words: ///allow.topped.joined. If using Apple Maps, please reference the Burns Monument.

We are unable to wait for latecomers under any circumstances and there will be no refunds for missed tours. It is vitally important that if you are arriving at the departure point by taxi or local bus that you leave enough time to get there for the departure time.

• Due to safety regulations and insurance, we operate a minimum age requirement of 7 years old for all of our tours, including private excursions, we are unable to make any exemptions. Your child must be 7 years old at the time of departure, we cannot take children on board who will be turning that age while on tour.
• Should your driver-guide be unsure of the age of your child, you may be asked to produce a government-approved photographic ID, such as a passport, in order to verify their age.
• Additionally, we have to ensure that our seat belts fit all passengers properly and we are unable to accommodate anyone under 1.2m in height. even if your child is 7, they must meet the minimum height requirement.

• We will not be contactable on the morning of departure. It is important that you contact us with any questions before your departure day. Most commonly asked questions are covered in our Essential Information/FAQ section of the website: https://www.thehairycoo.com/essential-info/

• Safety of all passengers on board is the responsibility of your driver-guide and, if they are not 100% content that your child meets these requirements you will be unable to travel. Refunds will not be issued in this instance.

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a city of historic and cultural significance. Known for its medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Edinburgh offers a unique blend of ancient and modern. The city is famous for its annual festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe, and its iconic Edinburgh Castle.

Top Attractions

Edinburgh Castle

A historic fortress that dominates the city's skyline. It houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

Historical 2-3 hours £18 (adult), £11 (child)

Royal Mile

A historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Historical/Cultural Several hours to explore fully Free to walk, attractions vary

Arthur's Seat

An extinct volcano offering panoramic views of the city. A popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities.

Nature/Adventure 1-2 hours (hike) Free

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The former royal yacht of the British monarchy, now a museum docked in Edinburgh's port.

Historical 2 hours £19 (adult), £10 (child)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis

A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's offal, oats, and spices, typically served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan.

Scotch Pie

A small, double-crust meat pie filled with minced mutton or beef.

Snack Contains meat.

Cranachan

A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten.

Irn-Bru

Scotland's iconic bright orange, fizzy soft drink with a unique flavor.

Drink Contains caffeine and sugar.

Popular Activities

Hiking Arthur's Seat Kayaking on the Water of Leith Cycling the National Cycle Network Afternoon tea at The Dome Visiting the Royal Botanic Garden Strolling along Princes Street Gardens Exploring the National Museum of Scotland Visiting the Scottish National Gallery

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season, with long daylight hours and numerous festivals. The weather is generally pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Edinburgh is generally safe for tourists, but as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Be cautious of your surroundings at night
  • • Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air
  • Edinburgh Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center
By train

Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh Haymarket

By bus

Edinburgh Bus Station (Stance 20)

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and frequent bus services cover the entire city. Key routes include the Airlink 100 to the airport.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FREE NOW

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town New Town Leith

Day trips

Lothian
10-20 km (6-12 miles) • Half day to full day

Lothian offers a mix of historic sites, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities. Visit historic castles, explore picturesque villages, and enjoy the beautiful countryside.

Fife
30-50 km (18-31 miles) • Full day

Fife is known for its beautiful coastline, historic towns, and the famous St. Andrews, home to the University of St. Andrews and the Old Course golf course.

Stirling
60 km (37 miles) • Full day

Stirling is a historic city known for its castle and its role in Scottish history. It's a great destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in Scotland's past.

Festivals

Edinburgh Festival Fringe • August Edinburgh International Festival • August Hogmanay • December 31

Pro tips

  • Visit the camera obscura for a unique view of the city
  • Explore the underground closes for a glimpse into Edinburgh's past
  • Try a whisky tasting at one of the city's many whisky bars
  • Walk the Royal Mile at night for a quieter and more atmospheric experience
  • Visit the National Museum of Scotland for a comprehensive overview of the city's history and culture
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 18-99
1
Childs
Age 8-17
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 8
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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