Loch Ness Day Trip from Edinburgh: Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands
See Loch Ness, Glencoe, the Cairngorms and The Hermitage in one day on a small-group tour
- Max 16 travellers
- Storytelling guides
- 50% deposit
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- Loch Ness and Glencoe in one dayThe Hermitage, a Highland whisky stop and the Cairngorms on the way north, and Glencoe on the way back.
- Never more than 16Time for questions, room to see out of the window, and a group that gets to know each other.
- Storytelling guidesHighland history, folklore and Nessie stories from a guide who gets out and walks the stops with you.
“If you’re only in Scotland for a few days, this is the perfect way to experience the magic of the Highlands, Loch Ness, and Glencoe.”
Edinburgh to Loch Ness in one day, via Glencoe and the Highlands
On this Loch Ness day trip from Edinburgh, you travel north through Perthshire and the Cairngorms to Fort Augustus, at the southern end of Loch Ness, with time for lunch and an optional cruise on the loch.
On the way, you walk among the tall trees at The Hermitage and stop at a Highland whisky distillery. The route back runs through the Great Glen, past Fort William and into Glencoe, then home by Loch Lomond & The Trossachs.
- Duration1 dayapprox. 12 hours
- DepartsEdinburgh, 8:00amback approx. 8pm (7pm Nov–Mar)
- Group sizeMax 16small scheduled group
- Ages12+younger? ask about a private tour
- WalkingShort walkswoodland walk ~30 min, uneven paths
- GuideStorytelling expert guidehistory, folklore, the best viewpoints
The guide is the part people remember
It’s a long day on the road, and in our reviews it’s the guide that travellers talk about most. Our guides are storytellers first. They’ll tell you about the Glencoe Massacre as you drive through the glen, and the stories behind Loch Ness and its monster.
- They walk the stops with you. Your guide leads the walk at The Hermitage, so you’re never left to work out where to go.
- Everyone’s included. Your guide makes sure everyone, including solo travellers, feels part of the group from the first stop.
- They know the little things. When to eat at Fort Augustus so you’re not rushed for the cruise, and where the best Glencoe photo is.
“Richie’s enthusiasm and knowledge of the topography and history of Scotland was remarkable … it felt that we were traveling with a friend and not a tour guide.”
Your Loch Ness day trip from Edinburgh: the itinerary
Route map: Edinburgh, The Hermitage, a Highland whisky stop, the Cairngorms, Fort Augustus on Loch Ness, Fort William, Glencoe, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs and back to Edinburgh.
Route shown is approximate. Your guide may change the order of stops or the roads taken on the day, depending on weather, traffic and road conditions.
AMEdinburgh to the Highlands
Forth Bridges · The Hermitage · Whisky stop · Cairngorms
Leave Edinburgh at 8am and head north past the Forth Bridges into Perthshire.
- The Hermitage
A walk of about 30 minutes beneath towering trees to the Black Linn Falls on the River Braan: your first chance to get out into the Highlands.
Guide tip The paths can be wet and uneven, so wear shoes with a good grip.
- Highland whisky stop
A short stop at a Highland Scotch whisky distillery, with the chance to buy a dram if you’d like one.
A whisky stop, not a full distillery tour. Tastings and drinks are optional and paid separately.
- The Cairngorms
Cross Cairngorms National Park on the road north, with mountain passes and wide-open Highland scenery.
NoonFort Augustus & Loch Ness
Lunch · Optional cruise · The lochside
Arrive at Fort Augustus, at the southern end of Loch Ness, for lunch and time beside the loch.
- Fort Augustus & Loch Ness
Walk along the Caledonian Canal locks and the shore, or take the optional Loch Ness cruise to see the loch from the water and hear more about its history and the monster.
Guide tip If you’re taking the cruise, have a quick lunch first so you’re not rushed.
Cruise optional, paid separately, and subject to availability and conditions
PMGlencoe and back to Edinburgh
Great Glen · Fort William · Glencoe · Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
Head south through the Great Glen for the journey home.
- Fort William & the Great Glen
Pass beneath some of the highest mountains in the Highlands on the road to Glencoe.
- Glencoe
One of Scotland’s most dramatic glens, and the scene of the Glencoe Massacre of 1692. Your guide tells the story as the mountains rise around the road.
Guide tip Have your camera ready: the best views can come quickly as you drive through the glen.
- Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
The last stretch home runs through the national park, with an optional fish-and-chip stop and, when timing and conditions allow, a chance to see Highland cows.
Highland cow stops depend on route, timing and conditions and can’t be guaranteed
The itinerary is a guide and can change with weather, road conditions, seasonal access or attraction availability.
Is this tour right for you?
A great fit if
- You want to see Loch Ness and Glencoe but only have one day.
- You’d rather someone else drove the Highland roads.
- You’re travelling solo and want to be part of a small group for the day.
- You’re happy with a long day: about 12 hours, much of it spent travelling through the scenery.
Think again if
- You want to visit Urquhart Castle. This tour stops at Fort Augustus instead. Our Loch Ness tour from Inverness includes an optional cruise to the castle.
- You’d like more time in the Highlands. The 2-day Loch Ness & Glenfinnan tour adds a night beneath Ben Nevis.
- You’re travelling with children under 12, or you have limited mobility. A private Loch Ness tour can be planned around you.
What travellers say about this Loch Ness tour
Google reviews from guests on our Loch Ness day trip from Edinburgh.
We had an absolutely incredible time on this tour! From the moment we left Edinburgh, the journey was filled with breathtaking scenery, fascinating stories, and unforgettable moments… What truly made this tour exceptional was our guide, Pete. He was knowledgeable, engaging, and had a fantastic sense of humor.
This was hands down my favorite tour in Scotland! The views were absolutely breathtaking, and I loved learning about all the history along the way. Our guide, Georgie, was fantastic! so friendly! and knowledgeable, and made the day really special.
Had a fantastic day on the Loch Ness and Glencoe tour from Edinburgh. Our tour guide, Cameron was lovely, funny and knowledgeable, kept us entertained during the whole day and made sure everyone felt welcomed and always comfortable… By the end of the day our little group felt like family.
What's included, and what the day costs
Included
- Expert Scotland's Wild guide for the day
- Transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned touring vehicle
- Guided woodland walk at The Hermitage
- Time beside Loch Ness at Fort Augustus
- Highland whisky stop, the Cairngorms and Glencoe
- Small group, maximum 16 travellers
Not included
- Loch Ness cruise (optional)
- Lunch and snacks
- Evening fish and chips (optional)
- Whisky tastings and other drinks
Your day at a glance
- Tour
- From £96 per person
- Pay today
- From £48 per person (50% deposit). The balance is taken 8 days before departure.
- Optional extras
- The Loch Ness cruise, lunch, fish and chips on the way home, whisky tastings and drinks, paid on the day only if you want them.
- Timing
- Check-in 7:45am, departs 8:00am, back approx. 8pm (closer to 7pm from November to March).
How far is Loch Ness from Edinburgh?
Loch Ness is about 160 to 170 miles (260 to 275 km) from Edinburgh by road. That’s around 3½ to 4 hours’ driving without stops. By public transport, it’s about 3½ hours on the train to Inverness, then around 30 minutes on the 919 bus to Urquhart Castle, so a there-and-back trip leaves little time at the loch.
Our day trip
No driving and no connections. The Hermitage, a whisky stop and the Cairngorms on the way north, Glencoe on the way back, and home the same evening.
Driving yourself
About 3½ to 4 hours each way without stops, so seeing Glencoe as well makes a very long day behind the wheel.
Train and bus
Train to Inverness (about 3½ hours), then about 30 minutes on the 919 bus along Loch Ness: around 4 hours each way.
A day trip, 2 days or a private tour?
All three include Loch Ness with a storytelling guide. Choose by how much time you have and who you’re travelling with.
1 day
Loch Ness and Glencoe in a day
The Hermitage, the Cairngorms, Fort Augustus and Glencoe, back in Edinburgh the same evening.
From £96 pp
2 days
A slower pace and Glenfinnan
A night beneath Ben Nevis, with the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Stirling Castle added.
From £196 pp
See the 2-day Loch Ness tour →Private
Your own guide and vehicle
Loch Ness and Glencoe for your group only, with pick-up from your Edinburgh accommodation.
From £548 per group
See the private Loch Ness tour →Good to know before you book
- It’s a long day. About 12 hours, with a lot of the Highlands seen from the road between stops. There are regular comfort stops, and your guide goes through the plan in the morning.
- Urquhart Castle isn’t on this tour. Your time at Loch Ness is at Fort Augustus, at the southern end of the loch.
- Bring a small day bag only. Please contact us before you book if you need to travel with larger luggage.
- Rain doesn’t stop the day. Bring a waterproof jacket. Glencoe can be even more dramatic in the rain.
Where to meet your guide in Edinburgh
Outside The Jolly Botanist
256–260 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8DT
Please arrive by 7:45am. Scheduled tours leave on time and can’t wait for late guests. The meeting point is outside, and the bar may not be open that early.
- Check-in7:45amplease arrive by then
- Departs8:00amtours leave on time
- Backapprox. 8pmcloser to 7pm Nov–Mar
Loch Ness day trip from Edinburgh: your questions
Can I visit Loch Ness in a day from Edinburgh?
Yes. This tour is a full day from Edinburgh to Loch Ness and back, with Glencoe, the Cairngorms and The Hermitage on the way. You’re back in Edinburgh the same evening.
How far is Loch Ness from Edinburgh?
About 160 to 170 miles (260 to 275 km) by road: around 3½ to 4 hours’ driving without stops, or about 4 hours by train to Inverness and the 919 bus.
How long is the Loch Ness day trip from Edinburgh?
About 12 hours. We leave Edinburgh at 8:00am and are back at approximately 8:00pm (closer to 7:00pm from November to March). Traffic and weather can affect this, so avoid tightly timed onward plans.
Where does the tour start?
Outside The Jolly Botanist, 256–260 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8DT. Please check in by 7:45am for the 8:00am departure. The tour comes back to the same place. We don’t recommend relying on street parking nearby.
What does the Loch Ness day trip cost?
From £96 per adult (50% deposit, balance 8 days before departure). Prices vary by season.
Is there a youth price?
Yes. Travellers aged 12 to 17 pay a youth price, from £86, and must travel with an adult. The calendar shows the youth price for your date when you choose your travellers.
Is the Loch Ness cruise included?
No. The cruise from Fort Augustus is optional and paid on the day, and it depends on availability and conditions. You can spend the time around Fort Augustus and the lochside instead.
Do you visit Urquhart Castle?
No. This tour’s time at Loch Ness is at Fort Augustus, at the southern end of the loch. Our Loch Ness tour from Inverness includes an optional cruise to Urquhart Castle.
Is a Loch Ness day trip from Edinburgh worth it?
Yes, if you only have one day for the Highlands. You’ll see Glencoe, the Great Glen and Loch Ness without driving. If you have three days, the 3-Day Isle of Skye tour (from £248) adds Skye and Eilean Donan Castle.
How many people are on the tour?
A maximum of 16 travellers on every scheduled departure.
Will the tour run if only a few people book?
Each departure needs at least 4 travellers to run. If we have to cancel your tour for any reason, we’ll offer you another tour or a full refund.
Does this tour run in winter?
Yes, it runs almost every day of the year. From November to March the days are shorter and we’re back closer to 7pm. Snow or ice can affect Highland roads, so your guide may change the route or timings, with safety first.
What is the cancellation policy?
8 or more days before departure: full refund. 3 to 7 days before: 50% of the booking cost is payable. Less than 3 days before, or a no-show: 100% is payable. Full terms & conditions.
How much walking is there?
A woodland walk at The Hermitage of about 30 minutes on paths that can be rough, wet or uneven, plus short walks at other stops. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are best.
What if the weather is bad?
Rain alone never cancels a tour. Safety comes first, so your guide may change the route, timings or individual stops if weather, road or attraction closures require it.
What should I bring?
Waterproof clothing, warm layers and sturdy walking shoes, as the weather changes quickly. Midge repellent in summer and sun cream on brighter days are worth packing.
Can I bring luggage?
Please bring a small day bag only. If you need to travel with larger luggage, contact us before you book.
Are meals included?
No. Lunch, snacks and drinks aren’t included, but there are planned food stops, normally with vegetarian and vegan choices. For strict gluten-free or complex dietary needs, a packed lunch is a good idea.
Will I see Highland cows?
We often stop to see Highland cows on the way home, but it depends on the route, timing and conditions, so it can’t be guaranteed.
Are there age limits?
The minimum age is 12. Travelling with younger children? Ask us about a private Loch Ness tour.
Are there regular bathroom breaks?
Yes. There are comfort stops throughout the day, and your guide will tell you when the next one is coming.
Ready for Loch Ness?
Check live dates and prices, secure your place from £48 per person, and we’ll see you at 7:45am.
Questions first? Call +44 131 241 8292 (7am to 9pm UK time, every day) or email info@scotlandswild.com.
Want more time in the Highlands? See the 2-day Loch Ness & Glenfinnan tour →
Comparing options? See all our Loch Ness tours →
