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What to Expect on an Edinburgh Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands (My Honest Take)
Soooo you’re probably wondering if an Edinburgh day trip to the Scottish Highlands is actually worth the early wake-up call, the long drive, and an entire day on the road? Fortunately for you…I also had the same question, especially since the Scottish Highlands are often known as one of the most beautiful places in the world.
So instead of guessing, I went all in and booked this full 12-hour Edinburgh day trip to the Scottish Highlands tour myself. And in this post, I’m sharing my honest take on what the day was really like, including a realistic hour-by-hour itinerary, how much time you actually spend driving, what to pack, what you’ll see, and whether an Edinburgh day trip to the Scottish Highlands is truly worth it if you’re short on time. (Spoiler alert: the answer is yes).
And yes, I’ll also tell you if I’d do it again or if once was enough. Now let’s get into it 👇
Read more on the United Kingdom 🤍
- 26+ Best Things to Do in Edinburgh for First-Time Visitors
- Your Complete Guide to Where to Stay in London for First Time Visitors
- A First Timer’s Guide to the Best 2 Day London Itinerary
This site contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them (which will likely go towards overpriced airport wine or buying my dog more unnecessary toys). However, none of that impacts the integrity of my reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Is a Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh Worth It?
So you’re probably wondering… is a day trip to the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh actually worth it?
Short answer: yes, for the right kind of traveler.
I personally found my Edinburgh Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands very worth it, especially since I only had four days in Edinburgh and had no foreseeable plans to visit Scotland again.
Since…ya know. Not everyone has unlimited PTO, and sometimes you have to make peace with seeing a place for a short period of time rather than not seeing it at all 🤷🏻♀️
In my honest opinion, I think day trips to the Highlands from Edinburgh make the most sense if you’re short on time, okay with fast-paced travel, and don’t mind spending a good chunk of the day on a bus.
It’s also a great fit for people who love nature, photography, and wildlife, because the landscapes are genuinely stunning. I went through 2 drone batteries and 2 SLR batteries during my 12 hour day!
Also, if you’re traveling with kids who can handle longer sitting periods, this kind of Highlands day trip is very doable. That’s what ipads are for 😉
On the flip side, you’ll see plenty of blogs insisting that one day isn’t enough for the Highlands, and I get that perspective. If I were Jeff Bezos, I’d happily disappear into the Highlands for two or three weeks.
But let’s be real.
Not everyone is on a gap year or able to spend weeks traveling Europe without financial implications.
For most people (like myself), this Edinburgh Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands was the most realistic way to experience it.
That said, a Highlands day trip probably isn’t worth it if you have a lot more time.
If you’re spending a full week or more in Edinburgh, traveling with infants or very young kids, have mobility concerns, or know you’ll be disappointed by only scratching the surface of a destination, this might not be the best fit.
It’s also not ideal if you really hate organized tours. I used to avoid them in my early twenties, but I’ve grown to appreciate them more with age.
There’s nothing better than having someone else handle all of the painstaking logistics. Plus the fact that I can’t drive on the left made this a no-brainer for me.
For me, this trip was about choosing to see somewhere new and incredibly beautiful, even if only for a day, rather than skipping it entirely. And that trade-off felt more than worth it.
How Long Is the Drive from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands?
Okay now that we’ve answered “is a day trip to the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh actually worth it?… the next question people often ask before booking an Edinburgh Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands will be “how long am I going to be in the car for” which is totally fair.
In general, most day trips to the Highlands from Edinburgh involve anywhere from ~2.5 to 4 hours of driving each way, depending on how far north you go and how many stops are built in.
For reference, Fort William is about 120 miles (193 km) from Edinburgh, while some tours continue all the way to Inverness, which is closer to 155 miles (250 km) one way.
On my specific Scottish Highlands day trip, it took about an hour to reach our first stop in Kilmahog for a quick coffee break, followed by another 30 minutes to the Loch Tulla viewpoint. From there, it was roughly another hour before we reached the Fort William area, arriving around 11am, which is where the landscapes really start to feel like the Highlands.
We also made it as far as Fort Augustus, spending a few hours there (this is where you can take a boat ride on Loch Ness) before heading back south, with additional breaks near Loch Laggan to see the Highland coos and a final stop in Pitlochry.
It’s definitely a long day, but the frequent scenic stops help break up the drive. I’ll walk through the full stop-by-stop itinerary later so you can see exactly how my day unfolded.
What Should I Wear and Bring for a Scottish Highlands Day Trip?
If I asked you to picture Scottish weather, what comes to mind? Green rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and probably a little fog or low-hanging clouds, right?
Well that’s pretty much what you can expect for your Edinburgh day trip to the Scottish highlands!
When you’re packing for a Scottish Highlands day trip, think layers and comfort. Kinda reminded me a lot of the weather where I live aka San Francisco.
The weather can change quickly, and just remember that you’ll be in and out of the bus all day so layers are 🔑
Here’s what I’d actually recommend bringing for a Scottish Highlands day trip:
- A warm, weather-resistant jacket – even in summer, it can be windy and cold at viewpoints
- Comfortable walking shoes – you’ll be walking on uneven paths and gravel
- Snacks and a reusable water bottle – there are multiple coffee + food stops along the way, but timing can vary especially if you’re traveling with kids
- Portable charger – photos drain batteries fast (we had charging ports on the bus but you can never be too sure)
- A camera or phone with extra storage – the landscapes are unreal and you’ll make frequent photo stops
- Cash for tips and small purchases – contactless was accepted at all of the stops we went to but i definitely brought some cash to tip the guide/driver with at the end of the tour
- Motion sickness meds (if needed) – the roads can be a bit windy. I normally get car sick and was generally okay during my tour but still recommended if you get severe motion sickness.
You don’t need to overpack, but having these basics makes a long Edinburgh Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands much more comfortable.
What are the Top-Rated Edinburgh Day Trips to the Scottish Highlands?
I’ve already talked a lot about this specific Edinburgh day trip to the Scottish Highlands tour I took, but there are actually quite a few different tour options to choose from.
I’ll dive into my full itinerary and a detailed recap of my exact tour in the next section, but before that, I wanted to highlight a few other top-rated day trips that offer slightly different routes, stops, and experiences, all backed by thousands of great reviews.
When I travel around Europe, I usually book tours through GetYourGuide. It’s similar to Viator, but because they dominate the EU market, there’s often more variety when it comes to tours and experiences.
They also have an excellent cancellation and refund policy, which means you’re never really locked in and can switch things up last minute if needed.
So keep reading for a curated list of top-rated Edinburgh day trips to the Scottish Highlands I’d recommend based on a mix of extensive reviews and my own research:
- From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Day Trip – this is the exact tour that I went on. I really enjoyed the tour guide and all the logistics were really well-planned. Just be prepared for a long day and make sure to bring plenty of snacks 😊
- From Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Highlands Tour – this is the tour to book if you’re a Harry Potter fan and want to see the famous “Hogwarts Express”. Just keep in mind that the train only runs from spring-fall and doesn’t run during winter.
- Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Scenic Walk, Glencoe & Whisky Day Tour – this is another Edinburgh day trip to the Scottish Highlands tour I was originally gonna book but I visited Edinburgh while pregnant so I would’ve had to skip the whiskey tasting. But I know a few other travel bloggers who went on this exact tour and loved it!
- Edinburgh: Balmoral Castle and Scone Palace Royal Tour – for a more intimate experience, this Highlands day trip is capped at just 6 guests, making it perfect for small groups or anyone wanting an almost private tour.
- Edinburgh: Semi-Private Stirling & Loch Lomond Tour – another really great semi-private tour option (max 8 guests) with a big focus on Stirling, The Kelpies, and Loch Lomond
- Hairy Coos & Highland Views: A Short Escape from Edinburgh – for those short on time but still want to see the adorable little coos!
Our Full Edinburgh Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands Itinerary
Okaaaay and finally the part that you’ve probably been waiting for. A full recap of my Edinburgh day trip to the Scottish Highlands itinerary. For reference, our tour departed Edinburgh around 7:30am and returned in the early evening around 6pm.
I did my best to take notes throughout the journey so you can get a realistic sense of what to expect, from what you’ll see to bathroom breaks, food stops, and everything in between. So let’s go see the coos!
Early Morning Departure from Edinburgh
As I mentioned earlier, I booked this Highlands day trip from Edinburgh through GetYourGuide less than 24 hours before departure and somehow snagged one of the last available spots.
The meeting point was Charlotte Square and the instructions were very clear. Be there by 7:30am because the bus “leaves promptly at 7:45am”
And they were not kidding around.
I rolled up around 7:35am, which I personally consider early, and I was already one of the last people boarding.
So yes, show up early. And also try to sit on the left hand side of the bus!!! Unfortunately I sat on the right hand side. You still get to see beautiful scenery regardless but I felt like the people that were on the left definitely had a slight advantage to more of the landscapes.
It was also still pitch black outside since I was visiting in winter, so don’t be alarmed if it feels like the middle of the night.
If you’re visiting in summer, this part of the experience will probably look very different.
I was staying at the InterContinental Edinburgh, which made things easy though since it was only about a ~10 minute walk to Charlotte Square.
By 7:45am sharp, we were on the road and officially headed for the Highlands 🐮
Mid-Morning Drive Into the Scottish Highlands
Once we were onboard, our guide Leon kicked things off with some quick background on Scotland and what to expect for the day.
He was absolutely hilarious, wonderful, and also casually playing both the driver and the tour guide, which honestly impressed me because that is usually a two-person job.
As we drove north, he shared stories about Scottish history, including one very memorable segment about Mary, Queen of Scots and her three husbands in the 1500s.
It was equal parts fascinating and chaotic (spoiler alert: her 3rd husband allegedly killed her 2nd husband).
Our first stop came around 9:20am in the small village of Kilmahog. This was a quick pitstop for coffee, snacks, and to use the bathrooms.
During the warmer months, Highland coos often hang out here, but since it was winter, we didn’t see any in the morning which was fine though because we got plenty of cow time later in the day.
First Scenic Stop in the Scottish Highlands
After Kilmahog, we continued driving north, passing over the Bridge of Orchy before arriving at Loch Tulla, our first true scenic stop on this Edinburgh day trip to the Scottish Highlands.
Loch Tulla sits about 40 minutes from Kilmahog and is known for its quiet, untouched feel compared to some of the more famous lochs you’ll hear about.
It’s also a freshwater loch surrounded by rolling hills and dramatic mountain backdrops, and it feels like one of those places where Scotland really starts to look like Scotland. We got to spend about ~20 minutes here, mostly just for photos and take in the fresh air.
In case you’re wondering what the heck a “loch” is like I was after hearing our tour guide say it for the 87th time…lochs are essentially lakes, and Scotland has over 30,000 of them scattered across the country. They were formed thousands of years ago by glaciers, which is why so many of them have that long, narrow shape and moody, reflective water.
Late Morning Stops and Viewpoints Along the Way
After Loch Tulla, we continued on to Lochan na h-Achlaise, a small loch tucked right into Glencoe and surrounded by some of the area’s most dramatic mountain scenery.
From there, we stopped at the Loch Ba viewpoint, another quick but memorable photo stop.
Loch Ba sits in a remote stretch of Rannoch Moor and has a much more rugged, windswept feel compared to some of the other lochs we’d seen.
When we left Edinburgh in the dark, I was afraid that the weather wouldn’t hold up throughout the trip but I feel like we lucked out. It wasn’t necessarily blue skies the entire time, but we had plenty of breaks in the clouds with long stretches of sunshine.
One of the biggest surprises for me was seeing snow on the Glencoe mountains. Definitely NOT something I was expecting on this Edinburgh day trip to the Scottish Highlands. (But I guess duh it makes sense as it can get to be prettttyyy freakin cold in Scotland).
I always pictured the Highlands as endless green fields, so the snow-capped peaks were a very welcome plot twist.
Turns out you can actually ski in Glencoe as well which I guess makes sense given the snow but again…not what I was expecting at all.
This was also the longest stretch of travel on the tour, especially without a proper bathroom stop. From leaving Kilmahog to reaching our main free time in the Highlands, it was about ~2.5 hours total, even with multiple scenic pull-offs.
There was technically a bathroom on the bus if you absolutely needed it. There were a few women that opted to use it but I tried to wait until we got to a proper stop.
Remember… I was pregnant on this trip, so holding it was not exactly easy.
Still doable, but definitely something to mentally prepare for.
And Harry Potter fans, don’t worry you’re not forgotten. We passed by filming locations used for Hagrid’s Hut and the area where Harry learns to fly his broomstick in the Sorcerer’s Stone.
Thanks to CGI there isn’t an actual hut sitting there of course, but it was still pretty cool to see the real-life landscape that made it onto the big screen.
If I had more time in this area, I would absolutely stay a few nights in Glencoe, probably at the Clachaig Inn, and hike the trail out toward the Hagrid’s Hut viewpoint.
Before lunch, we made a few more stops, including Loch Achtriochtan and viewpoints around Glencoe, including the famous Glencoe House.
Glencoe itself is one of the most scenic and historically significant valleys in Scotland, known for its dramatic mountains and tragic history, including the infamous Glencoe Massacre of 1692.
I know this is a Scottish Highlands day trip review but Glencoe is easily a destination that could be explored on its own for several days with hiking, scenic drives, and cozy pub stops.
Lunch Stop and Free Time
By this point, it was around 11:30am and we finally reached our main stretch of free time. We were dropped off in Fort William, a town at the base of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK.
Fort William is often considered the gateway to the Highlands and serves as a popular base for hikers, climbers, and road trippers passing through the area.
We had about an hour here to roam around, grab food, and stretch our legs. It’s a small but lively town with plenty of casual cafés, shops, and takeaway spots, making it a solid place for a quick lunch break.
After that, we continued on to Fort Augustus, where we had about two hours to explore. Fort Augustus sits at the southern end of Loch Ness and is best known for boarding the optional Loch Ness boat cruise.
Just a headsup that the cruise is not included in the base tour price and is available as an add-on for around £20.
I personally skipped it so I could fly my drone and explore on foot, but everyone I spoke to who did the cruise said they really enjoyed it.
“Nessie” monster sightings (aka the Loch Ness monster) not guaranteed, but one can imagine.
Since I didn’t go on the cruise, I mostly spent my time wandering around the quaint town of Fort Augustus.
I also stopped by the Caledonian Canal Centre for souvenirs and coffee and had what might have been the best baked potato of my life, which I was not expecting at all.
They also had ice cream that looked amazing, but it was about 30 degrees outside, so I passed.
Around ~3pm, we regrouped and hopped back on the bus to start the journey back to Edinburgh.
Final Stops Before Heading Back
Since it was winter, the sun started to set around 5pm which felt early, but we still ended up getting a couple solid hours of daylight left on our day trip.
On the way back to Edinburgh, we made two final stops that honestly ended up being some of my favorites.
First up. the Highland coos!!!! 🐮
I genuinely thought we were going to make it through this entire Edinburgh day trip to the Scottish Highlands without actually pulling over to see them (we saw plenty from the road), so I was so happy when we finally hopped off the bus, and spent close to an hour hanging out with the fluffiest celebrities in Scotland.
There’s a small walking trail you can follow to spot more coos nearby, and they were completely unfazed by humans.
After that, it was about another hour on the road to our final stop in Pitlochry. Our guide described Pitlochry as one of the original tourist towns in Scotland which grew famous as a proper holiday destination after Queen Victoria visited in 1842.
We had around ~45 minutes in Pitlochry to use the restrooms, stretch our legs, browse shops, and grab a quick dinner.
The main downtown is a short stretch of road, maybe five or six blocks total, lined with souvenir shops, cafes, and casual restaurants.
I popped into a gift shop and picked up the cutest Highland cow mug because obviously I needed to take another mug home. Don’t ask my husband how many mugs we already have in the kitchen. There’s easily over 30+ at this point and none of them match. He loves it.
McKay’s fish and chips is also a big deal here, but the thing everyone would not stop talking about was the whisky ice cream from the Scotch Corner of Pitlochry, made with actual whisky and not just fake flavoring.
Unfortunately, pregnant me had to sit this one out, so I went with a classic chocolate scoop instead 😭
That said, almost half the bus tried the whisky ice cream and everyone said it was delicious, so if you’re not pregnant, I’d say it’s a must try 🥃🍦
The Drive Back to Edinburgh
Last but not least…the drive back to Edinburgh from Pitlochry was pretty uneventful.
It took roughly ~90 minutes from Pitlochry and most of us used the time to zone out, scroll through photos, and/or take a cat nap.
We got back into Edinburgh around 6pm and were dropped off at where we started in Charlotte Square, making it a full 11-ish hour day from start to finish.
Long, I know. But incredibly well paced and absolutely worth it if you want to see a huge slice of the Highlands without renting a car or planning every detail yourself.
Would I Do an Edinburgh Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands Again?
Now you’re probably wondering… “Would I go on an Edinburgh day trip to the Scottish highlands again?
And despite the long days, my answer is 100% YES to an Edinburgh day trip to the Scottish Highlands! But I’d opt for a slightly different tour option and/or one that allows for more time in Glencoe or Inverness.
I thought the tour I went on was the perfect teaser of the highlands but the Harry Potter fan in me would definitely want to see the Jacobite Steam Train (aka the Hogwarts Express) pass along the Glenfinnan Viaduct or hike around Inverness next time.
Did you get a chance to go on an Edinburgh day trip to the Scottish Highlands? Let me know in the comments below!!
Visiting other parts of Scotland?
Check out my other travel guides on Scotland here.
Visiting other parts of Europe?
Check out my other travel guides on Europe here.
Looking for travel inspiration to somewhere else?
Soooo you’re probably wondering if an Edinburgh day trip to the Scottish Highlands is actually worth the early wake-up call, the long drive, and an entire day on the road? Fortunately for you…I also had the same question, especially since the Scottish Highlands are often known as one of the most beautiful places in the world.
So instead of guessing, I went all in and booked this full 12-hour Edinburgh day trip to the Scottish Highlands tour myself. And in this post, I’m sharing my honest take on what the day was really like, including a realistic hour-by-hour itinerary, how much time you actually spend driving, what to pack, what you’ll see, and whether an Edinburgh day trip to the Scottish Highlands is truly worth it if you’re short on time. (Spoiler alert: the answer is yes).
And yes, I’ll also tell you if I’d do it again or if once was enough. Now let’s get into it 👇
Read more on the United Kingdom 🤍
- 26+ Best Things to Do in Edinburgh for First-Time Visitors
- Your Complete Guide to Where to Stay in London for First Time Visitors
- A First Timer’s Guide to the Best 2 Day London Itinerary
This site contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them (which will likely go towards overpriced airport wine or buying my dog more unnecessary toys). However, none of that impacts the integrity of my reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Is a Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh Worth It?
So you’re probably wondering… is a day trip to the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh actually worth it?
Short answer: yes, for the right kind of traveler.
I personally found my Edinburgh Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands very worth it, especially since I only had four days in Edinburgh and had no foreseeable plans to visit Scotland again.
Since…ya know. Not everyone has unlimited PTO, and sometimes you have to make peace with seeing a place for a short period of time rather than not seeing it at all 🤷🏻♀️
In my honest opinion, I think day trips to the Highlands from Edinburgh make the most sense if you’re short on time, okay with fast-paced travel, and don’t mind spending a good chunk of the day on a bus.
It’s also a great fit for people who love nature, photography, and wildlife, because the landscapes are genuinely stunning. I went through 2 drone batteries and 2 SLR batteries during my 12 hour day!
Also, if you’re traveling with kids who can handle longer sitting periods, this kind of Highlands day trip is very doable. That’s what ipads are for 😉
On the flip side, you’ll see plenty of blogs insisting that one day isn’t enough for the Highlands, and I get that perspective. If I were Jeff Bezos, I’d happily disappear into the Highlands for two or three weeks.
But let’s be real.
Not everyone is on a gap year or able to spend weeks traveling Europe without financial implications.
For most people (like myself), this Edinburgh Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands was the most realistic way to experience it.
That said, a Highlands day trip probably isn’t worth it if you have a lot more time.
If you’re spending a full week or more in Edinburgh, traveling with infants or very young kids, have mobility concerns, or know you’ll be disappointed by only scratching the surface of a destination, this might not be the best fit.
It’s also not ideal if you really hate organized tours. I used to avoid them in my early twenties, but I’ve grown to appreciate them more with age.
There’s nothing better than having someone else handle all of the painstaking logistics. Plus the fact that I can’t drive on the left made this a no-brainer for me.
For me, this trip was about choosing to see somewhere new and incredibly beautiful, even if only for a day, rather than skipping it entirely. And that trade-off felt more than worth it.
How Long Is the Drive from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands?
Okay now that we’ve answered “is a day trip to the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh actually worth it?… the next question people often ask before booking an Edinburgh Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands will be “how long am I going to be in the car for” which is totally fair.
In general, most day trips to the Highlands from Edinburgh involve anywhere from ~2.5 to 4 hours of driving each way, depending on how far north you go and how many stops are built in.
For reference, Fort William is about 120 miles (193 km) from Edinburgh, while some tours continue all the way to Inverness, which is closer to 155 miles (250 km) one way.
On my specific Scottish Highlands day trip, it took about an hour to reach our first stop in Kilmahog for a quick coffee break, followed by another 30 minutes to the Loch Tulla viewpoint. From there, it was roughly another hour before we reached the Fort William area, arriving around 11am, which is where the landscapes really start to feel like the Highlands.
We also made it as far as Fort Augustus, spending a few hours there (this is where you can take a boat ride on Loch Ness) before heading back south, with additional breaks near Loch Laggan to see the Highland coos and a final stop in Pitlochry.
It’s definitely a long day, but the frequent scenic stops help break up the drive. I’ll walk through the full stop-by-stop itinerary later so you can see exactly how my day unfolded.
What Should I Wear and Bring for a Scottish Highlands Day Trip?
If I asked you to picture Scottish weather, what comes to mind? Green rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and probably a little fog or low-hanging clouds, right?
Well that’s pretty much what you can expect for your Edinburgh day trip to the Scottish highlands!
When you’re packing for a Scottish Highlands day trip, think layers and comfort. Kinda reminded me a lot of the weather where I live aka San Francisco.
The weather can change quickly, and just remember that you’ll be in and out of the bus all day so layers are 🔑
Here’s what I’d actually recommend bringing for a Scottish Highlands day trip:
- A warm, weather-resistant jacket – even in summer, it can be windy and cold at viewpoints
- Comfortable walking shoes – you’ll be walking on uneven paths and gravel
- Snacks and a reusable water bottle – there are multiple coffee + food stops along the way, but timing can vary especially if you’re traveling with kids
- Portable charger – photos drain batteries fast (we had charging ports on the bus but you can never be too sure)
- A camera or phone with extra storage – the landscapes are unreal and you’ll make frequent photo stops
- Cash for tips and small purchases – contactless was accepted at all of the stops we went to but i definitely brought some cash to tip the guide/driver with at the end of the tour
- Motion sickness meds (if needed) – the roads can be a bit windy. I normally get car sick and was generally okay during my tour but still recommended if you get severe motion sickness.
You don’t need to overpack, but having these basics makes a long Edinburgh Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands much more comfortable.
What are the Top-Rated Edinburgh Day Trips to the Scottish Highlands?
I’ve already talked a lot about this specific Edinburgh day trip to the Scottish Highlands tour I took, but there are actually quite a few different tour options to choose from.
I’ll dive into my full itinerary and a detailed recap of my exact tour in the next section, but before that, I wanted to highlight a few other top-rated day trips that offer slightly different routes, stops, and experiences, all backed by thousands of great reviews.
When I travel around Europe, I usually book tours through GetYourGuide. It’s similar to Viator, but because they dominate the EU market, there’s often more variety when it comes to tours and experiences.
They also have an excellent cancellation and refund policy, which means you’re never really locked in and can switch things up last minute if needed.
So keep reading for a curated list of top-rated Edinburgh day trips to the Scottish Highlands I’d recommend based on a mix of extensive reviews and my own research:
- From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Day Trip – this is the exact tour that I went on. I really enjoyed the tour guide and all the logistics were really well-planned. Just be prepared for a long day and make sure to bring plenty of snacks 😊
- From Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Highlands Tour – this is the tour to book if you’re a Harry Potter fan and want to see the famous “Hogwarts Express”. Just keep in mind that the train only runs from spring-fall and doesn’t run during winter.
- Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Scenic Walk, Glencoe & Whisky Day Tour – this is another Edinburgh day trip to the Scottish Highlands tour I was originally gonna book but I visited Edinburgh while pregnant so I would’ve had to skip the whiskey tasting. But I know a few other travel bloggers who went on this exact tour and loved it!
- Edinburgh: Balmoral Castle and Scone Palace Royal Tour – for a more intimate experience, this Highlands day trip is capped at just 6 guests, making it perfect for small groups or anyone wanting an almost private tour.
- Edinburgh: Semi-Private Stirling & Loch Lomond Tour – another really great semi-private tour option (max 8 guests) with a big focus on Stirling, The Kelpies, and Loch Lomond
- Hairy Coos & Highland Views: A Short Escape from Edinburgh – for those short on time but still want to see the adorable little coos!
Our Full Edinburgh Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands Itinerary
Okaaaay and finally the part that you’ve probably been waiting for. A full recap of my Edinburgh day trip to the Scottish Highlands itinerary. For reference, our tour departed Edinburgh around 7:30am and returned in the early evening around 6pm.
I did my best to take notes throughout the journey so you can get a realistic sense of what to expect, from what you’ll see to bathroom breaks, food stops, and everything in between. So let’s go see the coos!
Early Morning Departure from Edinburgh
As I mentioned earlier, I booked this Highlands day trip from Edinburgh through GetYourGuide less than 24 hours before departure and somehow snagged one of the last available spots.
The meeting point was Charlotte Square and the instructions were very clear. Be there by 7:30am because the bus “leaves promptly at 7:45am”
And they were not kidding around.
I rolled up around 7:35am, which I personally consider early, and I was already one of the last people boarding.
So yes, show up early. And also try to sit on the left hand side of the bus!!! Unfortunately I sat on the right hand side. You still get to see beautiful scenery regardless but I felt like the people that were on the left definitely had a slight advantage to more of the landscapes.
It was also still pitch black outside since I was visiting in winter, so don’t be alarmed if it feels like the middle of the night.
If you’re visiting in summer, this part of the experience will probably look very different.
I was staying at the InterContinental Edinburgh, which made things easy though since it was only about a ~10 minute walk to Charlotte Square.
By 7:45am sharp, we were on the road and officially headed for the Highlands 🐮
Mid-Morning Drive Into the Scottish Highlands
Once we were onboard, our guide Leon kicked things off with some quick background on Scotland and what to expect for the day.
He was absolutely hilarious, wonderful, and also casually playing both the driver and the tour guide, which honestly impressed me because that is usually a two-person job.
As we drove north, he shared stories about Scottish history, including one very memorable segment about Mary, Queen of Scots and her three husbands in the 1500s.
It was equal parts fascinating and chaotic (spoiler alert: her 3rd husband allegedly killed her 2nd husband).
Our first stop came around 9:20am in the small village of Kilmahog. This was a quick pitstop for coffee, snacks, and to use the bathrooms.
During the warmer months, Highland coos often hang out here, but since it was winter, we didn’t see any in the morning which was fine though because we got plenty of cow time later in the day.
First Scenic Stop in the Scottish Highlands
After Kilmahog, we continued driving north, passing over the Bridge of Orchy before arriving at Loch Tulla, our first true scenic stop on this Edinburgh day trip to the Scottish Highlands.
Loch Tulla sits about 40 minutes from Kilmahog and is known for its quiet, untouched feel compared to some of the more famous lochs you’ll hear about.
It’s also a freshwater loch surrounded by rolling hills and dramatic mountain backdrops, and it feels like one of those places where Scotland really starts to look like Scotland. We got to spend about ~20 minutes here, mostly just for photos and take in the fresh air.
In case you’re wondering what the heck a “loch” is like I was after hearing our tour guide say it for the 87th time…lochs are essentially lakes, and Scotland has over 30,000 of them scattered across the country. They were formed thousands of years ago by glaciers, which is why so many of them have that long, narrow shape and moody, reflective water.
Late Morning Stops and Viewpoints Along the Way
After Loch Tulla, we continued on to Lochan na h-Achlaise, a small loch tucked right into Glencoe and surrounded by some of the area’s most dramatic mountain scenery.
From there, we stopped at the Loch Ba viewpoint, another quick but memorable photo stop.
Loch Ba sits in a remote stretch of Rannoch Moor and has a much more rugged, windswept feel compared to some of the other lochs we’d seen.
When we left Edinburgh in the dark, I was afraid that the weather wouldn’t hold up throughout the trip but I feel like we lucked out. It wasn’t necessarily blue skies the entire time, but we had plenty of breaks in the clouds with long stretches of sunshine.
One of the biggest surprises for me was seeing snow on the Glencoe mountains. Definitely NOT something I was expecting on this Edinburgh day trip to the Scottish Highlands. (But I guess duh it makes sense as it can get to be prettttyyy freakin cold in Scotland).
I always pictured the Highlands as endless green fields, so the snow-capped peaks were a very welcome plot twist.
Turns out you can actually ski in Glencoe as well which I guess makes sense given the snow but again…not what I was expecting at all.
This was also the longest stretch of travel on the tour, especially without a proper bathroom stop. From leaving Kilmahog to reaching our main free time in the Highlands, it was about ~2.5 hours total, even with multiple scenic pull-offs.
There was technically a bathroom on the bus if you absolutely needed it. There were a few women that opted to use it but I tried to wait until we got to a proper stop.
Remember… I was pregnant on this trip, so holding it was not exactly easy.
Still doable, but definitely something to mentally prepare for.
And Harry Potter fans, don’t worry you’re not forgotten. We passed by filming locations used for Hagrid’s Hut and the area where Harry learns to fly his broomstick in the Sorcerer’s Stone.
Thanks to CGI there isn’t an actual hut sitting there of course, but it was still pretty cool to see the real-life landscape that made it onto the big screen.
If I had more time in this area, I would absolutely stay a few nights in Glencoe, probably at the Clachaig Inn, and hike the trail out toward the Hagrid’s Hut viewpoint.
Before lunch, we made a few more stops, including Loch Achtriochtan and viewpoints around Glencoe, including the famous Glencoe House.
Glencoe itself is one of the most scenic and historically significant valleys in Scotland, known for its dramatic mountains and tragic history, including the infamous Glencoe Massacre of 1692.
I know this is a Scottish Highlands day trip review but Glencoe is easily a destination that could be explored on its own for several days with hiking, scenic drives, and cozy pub stops.
Lunch Stop and Free Time
By this point, it was around 11:30am and we finally reached our main stretch of free time. We were dropped off in Fort William, a town at the base of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK.
Fort William is often considered the gateway to the Highlands and serves as a popular base for hikers, climbers, and road trippers passing through the area.
We had about an hour here to roam around, grab food, and stretch our legs. It’s a small but lively town with plenty of casual cafés, shops, and takeaway spots, making it a solid place for a quick lunch break.
After that, we continued on to Fort Augustus, where we had about two hours to explore. Fort Augustus sits at the southern end of Loch Ness and is best known for boarding the optional Loch Ness boat cruise.
Just a headsup that the cruise is not included in the base tour price and is available as an add-on for around £20.
I personally skipped it so I could fly my drone and explore on foot, but everyone I spoke to who did the cruise said they really enjoyed it.
“Nessie” monster sightings (aka the Loch Ness monster) not guaranteed, but one can imagine.
Since I didn’t go on the cruise, I mostly spent my time wandering around the quaint town of Fort Augustus.
I also stopped by the Caledonian Canal Centre for souvenirs and coffee and had what might have been the best baked potato of my life, which I was not expecting at all.
They also had ice cream that looked amazing, but it was about 30 degrees outside, so I passed.
Around ~3pm, we regrouped and hopped back on the bus to start the journey back to Edinburgh.
Final Stops Before Heading Back
Since it was winter, the sun started to set around 5pm which felt early, but we still ended up getting a couple solid hours of daylight left on our day trip.
On the way back to Edinburgh, we made two final stops that honestly ended up being some of my favorites.
First up. the Highland coos!!!! 🐮
I genuinely thought we were going to make it through this entire Edinburgh day trip to the Scottish Highlands without actually pulling over to see them (we saw plenty from the road), so I was so happy when we finally hopped off the bus, and spent close to an hour hanging out with the fluffiest celebrities in Scotland.
There’s a small walking trail you can follow to spot more coos nearby, and they were completely unfazed by humans.
After that, it was about another hour on the road to our final stop in Pitlochry. Our guide described Pitlochry as one of the original tourist towns in Scotland which grew famous as a proper holiday destination after Queen Victoria visited in 1842.
We had around ~45 minutes in Pitlochry to use the restrooms, stretch our legs, browse shops, and grab a quick dinner.
The main downtown is a short stretch of road, maybe five or six blocks total, lined with souvenir shops, cafes, and casual restaurants.
I popped into a gift shop and picked up the cutest Highland cow mug because obviously I needed to take another mug home. Don’t ask my husband how many mugs we already have in the kitchen. There’s easily over 30+ at this point and none of them match. He loves it.
McKay’s fish and chips is also a big deal here, but the thing everyone would not stop talking about was the whisky ice cream from the Scotch Corner of Pitlochry, made with actual whisky and not just fake flavoring.
Unfortunately, pregnant me had to sit this one out, so I went with a classic chocolate scoop instead 😭
That said, almost half the bus tried the whisky ice cream and everyone said it was delicious, so if you’re not pregnant, I’d say it’s a must try 🥃🍦
The Drive Back to Edinburgh
Last but not least…the drive back to Edinburgh from Pitlochry was pretty uneventful.
It took roughly ~90 minutes from Pitlochry and most of us used the time to zone out, scroll through photos, and/or take a cat nap.
We got back into Edinburgh around 6pm and were dropped off at where we started in Charlotte Square, making it a full 11-ish hour day from start to finish.
Long, I know. But incredibly well paced and absolutely worth it if you want to see a huge slice of the Highlands without renting a car or planning every detail yourself.
Would I Do an Edinburgh Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands Again?
Now you’re probably wondering… “Would I go on an Edinburgh day trip to the Scottish highlands again?
And despite the long days, my answer is 100% YES to an Edinburgh day trip to the Scottish Highlands! But I’d opt for a slightly different tour option and/or one that allows for more time in Glencoe or Inverness.
I thought the tour I went on was the perfect teaser of the highlands but the Harry Potter fan in me would definitely want to see the Jacobite Steam Train (aka the Hogwarts Express) pass along the Glenfinnan Viaduct or hike around Inverness next time.
Did you get a chance to go on an Edinburgh day trip to the Scottish Highlands? Let me know in the comments below!!
Visiting other parts of Scotland?
Check out my other travel guides on Scotland here.
Visiting other parts of Europe?
Check out my other travel guides on Europe here.
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