This Host works with co-host(s) and depending upon the day and date of the experience, it may be hosted by one of his co-host(s).
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Tours
This tour is our way of showing you as much of Scotland as you could possibly see in one day! Our fantastic driver-guides entertain you from start to finish with stories, music and fantastic stops along the way. On this tour, you will drive the full length of Loch Ness, get the opportunity to cruise on the loch and explore Urquhart Castle, pass through Cairngorms National park and the stunning Glen Coe.
Detailed description:As you head out of Edinburgh's Old Town and towards the Highlands, you’ll see the amazing Forth Railway Bridge, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s bright red, so you can’t miss it, and it’s a stunning example of Victorian engineering. With its triple cantilever design, it is the biggest one of its kind in Britain and the second-biggest in the world. Our journey continues past Perth, the old capital of Scotland. With a rich and influential history that stretches back over 800 years, it has always been one of the most important political, judicial and commercial centres in Scotland. As you journey north, you will pass Dunkeld – ‘fort of the Celts’ – the ancient religious centre of Kenneth MacAlpin. Our first stop will be in the beautiful, small Highland town of Pitlochry, one of the gateways to the Highlands which lies on the River Tummel. Here you can buy some delicious home baking and get ready to continue deeper into the Highlands. You will then enjoy the stunning scenery as you travel through the spectacular and unique wilderness of the Cairngorms National Park, the largest national park in Scotland. This large mountain range has five of the highest mountains in the UK within its limits. We pass Aviemore, the main town in this area, that is now a centre for outdoor and holiday activities, and then continue north and drive through Inverness – the capital of the Highlands. Perched picturesquely above the river, Inverness Castle dominates the horizon of this thriving city. Then it is on to the famous Loch Ness. In the early afternoon you will arrive on the shores of Loch Ness, which is the largest body of water in Britain by volume; incredibly, all lakes and rivers of England and Wales would fit in it. With these dimensions, it’s not surprising that a monster is believed to live in the depths of the Loch. The famous “Nessie” was first seen by St. Columba in the mid-6th century. But it wasn’t until the 1930s that the mysterious creature came to widespread notice when it was seen again by an American couple. Since then, there have been thousands of sightings, and who knows? Maybe you will be the next to spot it. During our time at Loch Ness, you have the opportunity to visit Urquhart Castle and join a cruise on Loch Ness (cruise and castle combined: additional £27.00 per person). We then make our way through the Great Glen towards the Commando Memorial, erected in 1952 and dedicated to the remembrance of the Royal Marine Commandos who trained here during WWII. We stop here for a quick photo opportunity of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain at 4,413 feet (1,345 metres). Next, we will have a short refreshment stop, where you can purchase coffee, refreshments and perhaps a wee nip of whisky. The next destination on your tour with us would be Glen Coe, which is broodingly beautiful and steeped in history. It is in the centre of an extinct volcano that exploded millions of years ago, leaving the rocky mountainous place we see today. As you stand at the mouth of the glen, you’ll feel the past come to life as our guide tells you about the terrible massacre of Glen Coe. You’ll learn the parts clans Campbell and MacDonald played in this brutal part of Scottish history. The other side of Glen Coe is Rannoch Moor, one of the last great wildernesses – 50 square miles of peat bog and marsh, and a site of special scientific interest. It is also where part of the James Bond film ‘Skyfall’ was filmed. The route back to Edinburgh takes you past the beautiful city of Stirling and its stunning castle, which is one of the most important castles in Scotland, both historically and architecturally. Several Scottish kings and queens have been crowned at Stirling, including Mary Queen of Scots. Not far away from here, William Wallace had one of his greatest triumphs at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in September 1297. You’ll catch a glimpse of the Wallace Monument as we pass by Stirling. His exploits were dramatised in the award-winning film ‘Braveheart,’ starring Mel-Gibson. We’ll continue to Edinburgh arriving back at 8.30 pm approximately.
We have spent many years designing and refining our tours to break from the crowds and give you authentic and out-of-the-ordinary Highland Experiences. Our tours take you to the heart of Scotland; we will visit some of our most extraordinary landscapes, learn about our fascinating history and explore one of the world’s most captivating culture: the Scottish! You’ll see scenery that will take your breath away and, as you travel, our local guides will reveal the fascinating stories, myths and legends of the countryside and places you pass. Our friendly tours offer you the opportunity to get personal attention, explore Scotland beyond the famous sights, make friends and have a great time!
Cash for optional Loch Ness Boat Cruise and Urquhart CastleCamera (recommended)Bottle of Water (recommended)Shoes comfortable for short walks (recommended)
Who can come
Adults & Children
Activity level
not much
Skill level
beginner
If you would like to book a private group please contact the host directly via private message
If you would like to request for alternative dates not currently showing in availability, please contact the host directly via private message
We are happy to welcome anyone from the age of 3 years old and above on all of our scheduled tours, providing valid proof of age, such as a passport or birth certificate.
The tickets for a Loch Ness Boat Cruise and Urquhart Castle are an optional extra, and are not included in the price of the tour.
Check-in closes at 7:45am - 15 minutes before your tour is due to depart.
If you think you will be late for check-in, please contact us as soon as possible to let us know. In fairness to all passengers, our tours will depart promptly at their scheduled time.
Name
Frazer McNeill
