2-Day Loch Ness & Glenfinnan Viaduct Tour: Glencoe & the Highlands
Loch Ness, the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Glencoe, with a night in Fort William beneath Ben Nevis
- Max 16 travellers
- Storytelling guides
- 25% deposit
Tap a photo to enlarge · Scroll to see more
- A night beneath Ben NevisStaying in Fort William gives you time for Loch Ness, Glenfinnan and Glencoe without one very long day.
- The Harry Potter viaductSee the Glenfinnan Viaduct curving through the mountains above Loch Shiel.
- Storytelling guidesClan history, the Glencoe massacre and Stirling’s royal stories, from a guide who walks the stops with you.
“Wow. What a beautiful experience! I truly feel like I saw the spirit of Scotland on this tour.”
A 2-day tour from Edinburgh to the Highlands: Loch Ness, Glenfinnan and Glencoe, with a night in Fort William
Stay a little longer and see another side of the Highlands. On this two-day tour from Edinburgh, you walk through The Hermitage, stop for an optional Highland dram and spend time beside Loch Ness, with the option of a cruise, before settling into Fort William for the night, beneath Ben Nevis.
The next morning brings Glenfinnan, where the famous Harry Potter viaduct curves through the mountains above Loch Shiel. Continue into Glencoe for dramatic scenery and clan history, then travel through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs towards Stirling Castle and its royal stories.
- Duration2 days1 night in Fort William
- DepartsEdinburgh, 8:00amback approx. 6–7pm, Day 2
- Group sizeMax 16small scheduled group
- Ages12+younger? ask about a private tour
- WalkingShort walksup to about 45 min, uneven paths
- GuideStorytelling expert guidehistory, folklore, the best viewpoints
The guide is the part people remember
Across two days, your guide connects Loch Ness, Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Stirling into one Highland journey. Our guides are storytellers first: the Jacobites, the Glencoe massacre, Highland legend and Scotland’s royal history, with time for questions along the way.
- They walk the stops with you. Your guide leads the short walks, so you’re never left to work out where to go.
- They plan around the day. If weather or roads change, your guide reworks the order so you still see the best of it.
- Everyone’s included. Your guide makes sure everyone, including solo travellers, feels part of the group from the first morning.
“He was really the friendliest and most professional and helpful tour guide I have ever had.”
Your 2-day Highland tour itinerary from Edinburgh
Route map: Edinburgh, The Hermitage, a Highland distillery, the Cairngorms, Loch Ness, Fort William, Glenfinnan, Glencoe, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, Stirling Castle 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.
Day 1Edinburgh to Fort William via Loch Ness
The Hermitage · Highland whisky · Loch Ness · Fort William
North into the Highlands, then west along the Great Glen to Fort William.
- The Hermitage
A walk through towering trees and riverside scenery to the Black Linn Falls.
- Highland whisky distillery
A stop at a Highland distillery, with the chance to buy a dram.
Whisky purchases not included
- The Cairngorms
Travel deeper into the Highlands through the Cairngorms National Park.
- Loch Ness
Time beside Loch Ness, with the choice of an optional cruise.
Loch Ness cruise ticket optional and paid separately
- Fort William
Your night’s stay beneath Ben Nevis, with the evening free.
Day 2Glenfinnan, Glencoe & Stirling to Edinburgh
Glenfinnan Viaduct · Glencoe · Highland cows · Stirling Castle
West to Glenfinnan, south through Glencoe and the Trossachs, then Stirling.
- Glenfinnan Viaduct
Surrounded by mountains and Loch Shiel, see the famous viaduct from the Harry Potter films.
The tour doesn’t include a Jacobite Steam Train journey
- Glencoe
Towering mountains frame stories of clan history, the infamous massacre and Highland legend.
- Highland cows
Through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, with a possible Highland cow stop near Kilmahog.
Highland cow sightings can’t be guaranteed
- Stirling Castle
Explore Stirling Castle and its royal stories before returning to Edinburgh.
Stirling Castle admission not included
The itinerary is a guide. Weather, attraction availability, road conditions and other circumstances may require stops, timings or the running order to change.
Is this tour right for you?
A great fit if
- You want Loch Ness, Glenfinnan and Glencoe without squeezing them into one very long day.
- You’d like a night in the Highlands, in Fort William beneath Ben Nevis.
- You’re travelling solo and want to be part of a small group from the first morning.
- You enjoy history, scenery and short walks.
Think again if
- You only have one day. The Loch Ness day tour covers The Hermitage, Loch Ness and Glencoe from Edinburgh.
- You’d like to reach the Isle of Skye. Try the 3-day Skye tour from Edinburgh.
- You want to ride the Jacobite Steam Train. It isn’t included on this tour.
- You have limited mobility, or you’re travelling with children under 12. A private tour can be planned around you.
What travellers say about our Loch Ness tours
Google reviews. Two of these are from our Loch Ness day tour, which follows the same route north on Day 1.
We went to the 2 day tour to Harry Potter train and Loch Ness cruise from Edinburgh with our tour guide Matt. He was really the friendliest and most professional and helpful tour guide i have ever had. … He is a very knowledgeable person of Scottish history and his driving skills were very good as it was a very calm and relaxing drive throughout the highlands. I would definitely book another tour with him.
Richie was the absolute best tour guide we could have asked for! He made the whole 12 hour tour unforgettable for everyone aboard. We did the Loch Ness tour from Edinburgh and it was fantastic. It was more than we could have ever expected in its beauty.
Had a fantastic day doing this tour from Edinburgh to Loch Ness and everything in between. What a beautiful country, absolutely stunning, something you have to experience. Our tour guide was Ritchie, a wonderful speaker who knows everything about the country and its history. He will tell you all the ins and outs you need to know in a very engaging way.
Accommodation in Fort William: one night, not included
Your one night is in Fort William, beneath Ben Nevis. Accommodation isn’t included in the tour price, so you choose how to arrange it.
Let us arrange it
- We arrange your room after your tour booking is confirmed, and send you the details and total price.
- Twin, double, single or family rooms with trusted Fort William partners; breakfast is normally included.
Book your own
- Contact us before you reserve so we can confirm where the group is staying.
- Your accommodation should normally be within about 3 km of the group's location, for morning collection and evening drop-off.
| B&B, double or twin room shared with your travel companion | £80–£110 per person per night |
| B&B, single room | £100–£160 per night |
| Hotel, double or twin room shared with your travel companion | £100–£160 per person per night |
| Hotel, single room | £155–£255 per night |
These prices are a guide only. They change with the season, demand, special events and how close to departure you book, so we can't guarantee them.
Solo travellers: when we arrange accommodation, we aim for a single room. If availability is limited, we may offer a shared twin with a traveller of the same gender, so tell us beforehand if you'd rather not. Accommodation questions: info@scotlandswild.com
What's included, and what the trip costs
Included
- Expert Scotland's Wild guide and storyteller for both days
- Transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned touring vehicle
- Guided short walks, including The Hermitage
- Time at Loch Ness
- Glenfinnan Viaduct and Glencoe
- Stirling Castle visit (admission extra)
- Small group, maximum 16 travellers
Not included
- One night's accommodation in Fort William (see above)
- Meals and snacks
- Loch Ness cruise ticket (optional)
- Stirling Castle admission
- Whisky purchases at the distillery stop
- A Jacobite Steam Train journey
Your trip at a glance
- Tour
- From £196 per person on selected dates
- Pay today
- From £49 per person (25% deposit). The balance is taken 15 days before departure.
- One night in Fort William
- Not included. Typically from around £80 per person for a double or twin B&B room shared with your travel companion; single rooms and hotels cost more. We can arrange it, or you book your own.
- Optional extras
- The Loch Ness cruise, Stirling Castle admission, whisky, meals and snacks.
One day, two days or three?
Three ways to see Loch Ness and the Highlands with us from Edinburgh.
1 day
Short on time
The Hermitage, Loch Ness, Glencoe and Loch Lomond in one full day.
From £96 pp
See the Loch Ness day tour →2 days
Loch Ness and Glenfinnan
A night in Fort William, with the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe and Stirling Castle on Day 2.
From £196 pp
3 days
Add the Isle of Skye
Two nights on Skye, with Glencoe, Eilean Donan and Loch Ness.
From £248 pp
See the 3-day Skye tour →Good to know before you book
- Both days start early and finish late. The Highlands are a long way from Edinburgh, so the drives are broken up with walks and comfort stops.
- There’s no steam train ride. You see the Glenfinnan Viaduct, but a Jacobite Steam Train journey isn’t included.
- Highland cows can’t be promised. The Kilmahog stop depends on the animals and conditions on the day.
- Rain doesn’t stop the day. Bring a waterproof jacket and warm layers: Highland weather changes quickly.
Where your two days begin and end
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 leave on time and can’t wait for late guests. The tour returns to the same meeting point on Day 2. 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. 6–7pmon Day 2
2-day Loch Ness tour from Edinburgh: your questions
What does this 2-day tour include that a day tour doesn’t?
A night in Fort William beneath Ben Nevis, which gives you time for The Hermitage, a Highland distillery stop and Loch Ness on Day 1, then the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and Stirling Castle on Day 2. Accommodation isn’t included, but we can arrange it for you.
What does the 2-day tour cost?
From £196 per adult (25% deposit, balance 15 days before departure). Prices vary with the season and are highest from May to early October and over New Year. Accommodation is booked separately, and we can arrange it.
Is there a youth price?
Yes. Travellers aged 12 to 17 pay a youth price, from £176, and must travel with an adult. The calendar shows the youth price for your dates when you choose your travellers.
Is accommodation included?
No. Your one night is in Fort William and isn’t included in the tour price. We can arrange a room with trusted local partners, or you can book your own after checking the right area with us.
Can Scotland’s Wild arrange my accommodation?
Yes. We can book twin, double, single or family rooms with trusted partners in Fort William, with breakfast normally included. If you’d rather book your own, contact us first: it should normally be within about 3 km of the group’s location.
When does the tour run?
On most Saturdays from 7 November 2026, plus a Monday departure on 28 December 2026. The calendar shows live dates and availability.
Do we ride the Jacobite Steam Train?
No. The tour visits Glenfinnan and the famous viaduct from the Harry Potter films, but doesn’t include a journey on the Jacobite Steam Train.
Is the Loch Ness cruise included?
No. The cruise ticket is optional and paid separately, subject to availability and operating conditions.
Is Stirling Castle admission included?
No. Stirling Castle admission is paid separately from the tour price.
Is this tour good for solo travellers?
Yes. You’ll be part of a small group from the first morning, and if we arrange your accommodation, we aim for a single room.
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.
What is the cancellation policy?
16 or more days before departure: 90% refund of the total tour cost. 15 days or less before departure, or a no-show: 100% of the tour cost is payable. Full terms & conditions.
Where and when does the tour start and finish?
Check in at 7:45am outside The Jolly Botanist, 256–260 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8DT, for an 8:00am departure. The tour returns to the same place at approximately 6–7pm on Day 2; traffic and weather can affect this, so avoid tightly timed onward travel.
How much walking is there?
Short walks are built into both days. You should be comfortable walking for about 45 minutes on uneven woodland, Highland and historic-site paths, which can be rough, wet or slippery.
Can the weather change the itinerary?
Yes. Highland travel depends on weather, roads and attraction availability. Safety comes first, so your guide may adjust the order, timings or individual stops.
What should I bring?
Waterproofs, sturdy walking shoes or boots, warm layers, and a hat and gloves in colder weather. Midge repellent is useful from roughly April to September, and sun cream on brighter days.
How much luggage can I bring?
One suitcase or travel bag up to 15 kg (33 lb), about 56 × 43 × 25 cm (22 × 17 × 10 in), plus a small personal bag. Luggage information.
Are meals included?
No. There are chances to buy meals and snacks on both days, and your guide can recommend places to eat in Fort William.
Are there age limits?
The minimum age is 12. Travelling with younger children? Ask us about a private tour instead.
Are there regular bathroom breaks?
Yes. Regular comfort stops are made on both days, and there are facilities on the Loch Ness cruise and at Stirling Castle when they’re operating.
Ready for two days in the Highlands?
Check live dates and prices, secure your place from £49 per person, and we’ll help with your night in Fort William.
Questions first? Call +44 131 241 8292 (7am to 9pm UK time, every day) or email info@scotlandswild.com.
Short on time? See the Loch Ness day tour →
Looking for a longer trip? See all our multi-day tours from Edinburgh →
