The classic route
| Stop | What you see |
|---|---|
| Forth bridges or Stirling area | Views of the famous bridges, or a glimpse of Stirling Castle |
| Kilmahog or a farm stop | Highland cows (“hairy coos”) |
| Rannoch Moor | Wide, wild moorland with lochs |
| Glencoe | Dramatic mountains and the Three Sisters viewpoint |
| Fort Augustus, Loch Ness | Lunch, the canal locks, optional loch cruise |
| Pitlochry or the Cairngorms | Short stop on the way back |
Fort Augustus is about 250 km from Edinburgh, so expect 7–8 hours of driving in total. Tours return around 8pm.
Find tours & tickets in EdinburghTour or self-drive?
| Guided tour | Self-drive | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | About £60–100 per person | Car hire plus fuel; good value for groups |
| Pros | Relax, guide’s stories, no navigation | Flexible stops, can stay overnight |
| Cons | Long hours on the bus, fixed schedule | Driving on the left, narrow roads, long distances |
Small-group minibus tours are more comfortable and stop more often. If you drive, consider staying a night in Glencoe, Fort William or Inverness instead of returning the same day. Road information: Traffic Scotland.
Shorter alternatives
- Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument: under an hour by train; half a day is enough.
- The Kelpies: two 30-metre horse-head sculptures near Falkirk, often combined with Stirling.
- Loch Lomond and the Trossachs: lakes and hills about 1.5 hours away.
- St Andrews: the home of golf, with a ruined cathedral and beaches.
Best time to go
May to September has the longest daylight. Spring and early autumn have fewer midges and fewer crowds. In winter, tours still run, but light fades by 4pm and some roads can be snowy. More on seasons in best time to visit Edinburgh.
Tips
- Sit on the left side of the coach going north for the best Glencoe views (it varies by route, so ask your driver).
- Pack a waterproof, snacks and insect repellent in summer.
- Book a few days ahead from June to August.
Back in town? See things to do in Edinburgh.
More Edinburgh guides
- Edinburgh travel guide
- 20 best things to do in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 days
- Where to stay in Edinburgh
- Best time to visit Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Airport to the city centre
- Edinburgh Castle tickets
- UK ETA: who needs it and how to apply
FAQ: Highlands day trip from Edinburgh
Can you see Loch Ness on a day trip from Edinburgh?
Yes. Most full-day Highlands tours stop at Fort Augustus on Loch Ness for about an hour, with an optional cruise.
Is a Highlands day trip worth it?
Yes, if you don’t have time for a longer trip. It’s a long day, but Glencoe alone is worth it.
How far are the Highlands from Edinburgh?
The Highland boundary begins about 1.5 hours north. Glencoe is about 3 hours away and Loch Ness about 3.5–4 hours.
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