Glencoe, Waterfalls Walk & Highlands of Scotland Private Tour from Glasgow

Private Tour Itinerary

Your day begins with departure from Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow. As we travel west, we’ll cross the River Clyde, the historic waterway that helped shape the city. Enjoy views of the Clyde estuary, where freshwater meets the sea.

On clear days, you’ll catch a glimpse of Dumbarton Castle, a fortress with fascinating links to figures like William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, and Robert the Bruce. This site also holds tales of Viking raiders, who once moored their longboats here and launched raids on the surrounding area.

Loch Lomond

Continuing north, we’ll enter the breathtaking Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Passing the Highland Boundary Fault Line, you’ll officially be in the Highlands, with stunning views over Loch Lomond marking the transition. This scenic stretch reveals the rugged landscape that defines the Scottish Highlands.

Arriving at the northern end of Loch Lomond, we’ll stop to experience some beautiful waterfalls. After a rainfall, these falls roar to life, echoing off the rocks and filling the glen with a powerful, thunderous sound.

Caledonian Pine Forest

On our way to Glencoe, we’ll pass through a pocket of ancient Caledonian Pine Forest, a reminder of the woodlands that once blanketed much of Scotland. Take in the sights and the tranquil atmosphere of this ancient landscape.

Next, we’ll take a short hike along the West Highland Way to a small lochan (lake), a spot steeped in history. Legend has it that King Robert the Bruce tossed his sword into this lochan while escaping an ambush by the MacDougall clan. We’ll walk near the site of the Battle of Dail Righ, where this fabled escape took place.

Approaching Glencoe, you’ll see the majestic Buachaille Etive Mor, a pyramid-shaped mountain known as the “Great Herdsman.” The mountain has long been associated with the MacDonalds of Glencoe, who famously used it as a guidepost when returning from cattle raids.

Glencoe and Its Legendary Landscape

Now, it’s time to experience Glencoe itself, one of Scotland’s most famous and dramatic landscapes. This iconic glen has featured in numerous films, including Outlander, Harry Potter, Braveheart, Rob Roy, and Outlaw King. Your guide will share the powerful story of the Glencoe Massacre, when government forces turned against the MacDonald Clan in one of Scotland’s darker historical moments.

Take a break for lunch in the heart of Glencoe, surrounded by awe-inspiring Highland scenery. It’s the perfect time to relax and soak in the stunning views.

After lunch, we’ll set out on a short woodland walk to visit a series of multi-level waterfalls. Keep an eye out for Scotland’s endangered red squirrels, who may make an appearance if we’re lucky.

Rannoch Moor

Continuing on, we’ll visit the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor. This area, considered one of Europe’s last true wildernesses, features peat bogs, tranquil lochs, and open moorland stretching for miles. Its quiet beauty provides a stunning contrast to the nearby mountains.

In this area, we’ll be on the lookout for majestic red deer, Scotland’s largest land mammals. With a bit of luck, you might even capture a close-up photo of these incredible creatures.

Final Stop at Loch Lomond

As we head south toward Glasgow, we’ll make one final scenic stop at Loch Lomond, giving you a last chance to enjoy the Highlands’ natural beauty before concluding the tour.

We’ll return to Glasgow by the end of the day, where your guide will bid you farewell after a memorable journey through Glencoe and the Scottish Highlands.