Highland Lochs, Glens & Castles: Full-Day Scenic Tour from Edinburgh
Difficulty
easy
Duration
10 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal walking from coach to viewpoints and short on-foot visits during stops
Overview
A full-day coach tour that compresses the best of western Scotland: Doune and Kilchurn castles, Loch Lubnaig and Loch Lomond, the Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint, and a long lunch in Inveraray. Expect dramatic scenery, short guided walks, and plenty of photo stops.
Highland Lochs, Glens & Castles: Full-Day Scenic Tour from Edinburgh
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The coach pulls away from Waterloo Place as a low Scottish light slides across cobbled streets, and within an hour the city gives way to open country: rolling farmland, stone walls, and the steady rise of the Highlands’ foothills. On this full-day tour from Edinburgh, travelers move through landscapes that feel alive—lochs that mirror the sky, glens that seem to hold the echo of old clans, and castles that stand like punctuation marks across the hills.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Check the meeting point
Arrive at Waterloo Place opposite Howie’s by 08:15—there are two Howie’s in Edinburgh and the driver will not wait.
Bring cash for entry and lunch
Castle admissions and Inveraray cafes sometimes prefer card or small notes; have £10–£30 handy for optional tickets and snacks.
Dress in layers and waterproofs
Weather shifts quickly between lochs and glens; a lightweight waterproof and mid-layer will keep you comfortable all day.
Download offline maps/photos
Some stops have patchy cell service—download directions and any attraction reservations in advance.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Red deer
- Otter
History
The route follows old military roads and clan territories; the Rest and Be Thankful is named after soldiers who carved the original 18th-century route.
Conservation
Stick to marked paths, don't climb on fragile ruins, and support local cafés and attractions to help maintain trails and historic sites.
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Adventure Hotspots in Edinburgh
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof jacket
Protects against sudden rain and wind common in the Highlands.
Sturdy walking shoes
Comfortable shoes with good grip for uneven shorelines and castle ruins.
Layered clothing
Quick-dry base layers and a fleece make temperature changes manageable.
Camera or smartphone with wide-angle lens
Captures expansive loch vistas and castle exteriors in one frame.