Loch Ness Day Trip from Edinburgh: Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands
Loch Ness Day Trip from Edinburgh: Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands
A Loch Ness day trip from Edinburgh with a small group, from £96 per adult. Travel through Glencoe and the Highlands, with time at the loch for an optional cruise.
Edinburgh to Loch Ness in one day, via Glencoe and the Highlands
Loch Ness might be the name you know, but there’s a whole Highland journey to enjoy getting there. On this Loch Ness day tour from Edinburgh, walk beneath the towering trees of The Hermitage, travel through the Cairngorms and stop for a taste of Scotland’s whisky tradition before reaching Fort Augustus.
Here, choose an optional cruise on Loch Ness or enjoy the shoreline and village at your own pace. The route back takes you through the Great Glen, past Fort William and into Glencoe, before continuing through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs. Your expert guide brings the scenery to life with Highland history and folklore, while woodland walks and scenic stops give you plenty of reasons to put the camera down and take it all in.
- Duration1 dayapprox. 12 hours
- DepartsEdinburgh, 8:00amback approx. 8pm
- Group sizeMax 16small scheduled group
- Ages12+younger? ask about a private tour
- WalkingShort walkswoodland walk ~30 min, uneven paths
- GuideExpert guidestories, history, folklore
Tap a photo to enlarge · Scroll to see more
Your Loch Ness tour from Edinburgh: the itinerary
Stop 1Edinburgh to The Hermitage
Forth Bridges · Perthshire · Ancient woodland
Leave Edinburgh and travel north past the famous Forth Bridges as the city gives way to the landscapes of Perthshire.
At The Hermitage, take a short walk beneath tall trees to the waterfalls of the River Braan, your first chance to get out into the Highlands.
Stop 2Highland whisky & the Cairngorms
Whisky stop · Mountain scenery · Highland stories
Continue into the Highlands for a stop connected with Scotland’s whisky tradition, with the chance of an optional dram when available. The route then crosses the Cairngorms National Park, with mountain passes and wide-open scenery on the way north.
This is a short whisky stop rather than a full distillery tour. Tastings and drinks are optional and paid separately.
Stop 3Fort Augustus & Loch Ness
Lochside time · Optional cruise · Lunch
Arrive in Fort Augustus at the southern end of Loch Ness, with time for lunch and to enjoy the famous loch from the shoreline. If you’d like to get out on the water, choose the optional Loch Ness cruise and hear more about the loch’s history, landscape and enduring mystery.
The cruise is optional and not included in the tour price; it can be affected by availability and conditions.
Stop 4Fort William, Glencoe & Loch Lomond
Great Glen · Glencoe · Trossachs · Edinburgh
Travel south through the Great Glen towards Fort William, then into Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes and the scene of the Glencoe Massacre. Continue towards Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, with an optional traditional fish-and-chip stop and, when conditions and timing allow, a chance to see Highland cows.
Back in Edinburgh at approximately 8:00pm (normally closer to 7:00pm from November to March). Highland cow stops depend on route, timing and conditions and can’t be guaranteed.
The itinerary is a guide and may change because of weather, road conditions, seasonal access, attraction availability or circumstances beyond our control.
What travellers say about this Loch Ness tour
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. His storytelling brought Scotland’s history and legends to life.
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. 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.
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. Thank you!
Why travellers choose Scotland's Wild
People come for the scenery, but it's often the guide and the group they remember most.
- A guide worth getting to knowHistory, folklore, local recommendations and plenty of personality.
- A group small enough to feel personalWith no more than 16 travellers, there's time for questions and to get to know the group.
- More time experiencing ScotlandRegular stops and short walks get you out of the vehicle and into the landscape.
What's included, and what the day costs
Included
- Expert Scotland's Wild guide and storyteller 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 ticket (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. These are all paid on the day, only if you want them.
- Timing
- Check-in 7:45am, depart 8:00am, back approx. 8:00pm (closer to 7:00pm from November to March).
Where to meet your guide in Edinburgh
Outside The Jolly Botanist
256–260 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8DT
Please arrive by 7:45am so your guide can check everyone in before the 8:00am departure. Scheduled tours 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
Before your adventure
Can I visit Loch Ness in a day from Edinburgh?
Yes. Our Loch Ness & Scottish Highlands day tour is a full-day Highland journey from Edinburgh with Glencoe and Loch Ness, returning to Edinburgh the same day.
How far is Loch Ness from Edinburgh?
About 160 to 170 miles (260 to 275 km) by road, depending on the route: 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. On this tour your guide does the driving, with The Hermitage, a Highland whisky stop and the Cairngorms on the way north and Glencoe on the way back, and you’re back in Edinburgh the same evening.
Is a Loch Ness day tour 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, with a storytelling guide. If you have three days, the 3-Day Isle of Skye tour (from £248) adds Skye and Eilean Donan.
How big is the group?
No more than 16 travellers on scheduled tours, in a modern touring vehicle, so every stop is quick to get off and on.
How long is the Loch Ness day trip from Edinburgh?
It's a full day of about 12 hours. We leave Edinburgh at 8:00am and are back at approximately 8:00pm (closer to 7:00pm from November to March), stopping at The Hermitage, a Highland whisky stop and the Cairngorms on the way north, Fort Augustus on Loch Ness, and Fort William, Glencoe and Loch Lomond on the way back.
Is the Loch Ness cruise included?
No. The cruise is optional and paid separately. You can instead enjoy time around Fort Augustus and the Loch Ness shoreline.
How do I secure my place, and what is the cancellation policy?
A 50% deposit is taken when you book; the balance is collected automatically 8 days before departure. Cancellations 8 or more days before departure: full refund. 3–7 days before: 50% refund. Less than 3 days before, or no-show: no refund. Full terms & conditions →
Are there age restrictions?
The minimum age is 12. If you're travelling with younger children, ask us about a private Loch Ness tour.
Where and when does the tour depart, and when is it back?
Check in at 7:45am outside The Jolly Botanist, 256–260 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8DT, for an 8:00am departure. We're back at approximately 8:00pm (closer to 7:00pm from November to March); traffic and weather can affect this, so avoid tightly timed onward travel. We don't recommend relying on street parking near the meeting point.
How much walking is involved?
A woodland walk at The Hermitage of about 30 minutes over natural terrain that can be rough, wet or uneven, plus short walks at scenic stops. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is recommended.
What should I wear and bring?
Waterproof clothing, warm layers and sturdy walking shoes, as Scotland's weather changes quickly. Midge repellent in summer and sun cream on brighter days are worth packing. Please bring only a small day bag; contact us first if you need to travel with larger luggage.
Are food and drinks included?
No. Lunch, snacks, whisky and other drinks aren't included, but there are planned stops to buy food, with vegetarian and vegan choices normally available. For strict gluten-free or complex dietary needs, a packed lunch is recommended.
Will there be bathroom breaks?
Yes. Regular comfort stops are planned throughout the day and your guide will let you know when the next one is.
Will I definitely see Highland cows?
We often include a chance to see Highland cows, but it's seasonal and depends on route, timing, animal welfare and local conditions, so it can't be guaranteed.
What if the weather is bad?
The tour runs in Scotland's changeable weather, and rain alone won't cancel it. Safety comes first, so weather, road or attraction closures can mean your guide adjusts the route, timings or stops.
Ready for Loch Ness?
Check live dates and prices, secure your place from £48 per person, and we'll see you at 7:45am.
Want more time in the Highlands? See the 2-day Loch Ness tour →
Comparing options? See all our Loch Ness tours →
