Tour Description:
Head for the Northwest Scottish Highlands on this great sightseeing tour of Scotland: dramatic mountain views, wild history and a visit to the captivating Eilean Donan Castle as well as the chance to see Loch Ness. Enjoy an overnight stay in the Highland town of Fort William.
Day 1:
ROUTING: EDINBURGH/GLASGOW - STIRLING - DOUNE CASTLE - GLENCOE - FORT WILLIAM
From Edinburgh we head west, via Stirling, looking across to its famous Castle, standing majestically above the town.
We visit the Wallace Monument, and afterwards, enjoy a stop at Doune Castle, location for the film ' Monty Python & The Holy Grail'. After lunch, time permitting we can make a brief visit to Rob Roy's grave at Balqhuidder before we climb via Tyndrum up to Bridge of Orchy. Enjoy a walk in the famous valley of Glencoe, scene of the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald Clan, then travel on towards Fort William, which nestles in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest mountain at 1,343 metres.
From Glasgow we head north-east, to Stirling, where we stop for photos of its magnificent Castle. Continuing on our journey we travel past the towns of Doune
and Callander and through the spectacular scenery of Strathyre, where we make a refreshment stop before climbing up via Crianlarich.
We descend into the desolate expanse of Rannoch Moor, passing the Black Mount, to dramatic Glencoe, made famous by the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald Clan. Enjoy a leisurely walk in the glen then we travel on towards Fort William, and Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest mountain. After a lunch stop in the area we can then admire Glen Nevis, its stunning setting a location for films including ' Braveheart' and 'Rob Roy'. We arrive in Fort William early evening.
Day 2
ROUTING: LOCH NESS - EILEAN DONAN CASTLE - DUNKELD - EDINBURGH
Today we head north into the Great Glen, a geographical fault line characterised by a chain of lochs, including Loch Ness. We drive west towards the mountain peaks of Knoydart and Kintail, travelling by the famous 'Five Sisters' mountains and then on to the stunning Eilean Donan Castle for a visit.
We move on to the iconic Loch Ness and Fort Augustus, with its impressive series of locks then turn off at Spean Bridge, across country to Loch Laggan and the 900-foot Laggan Dam. Our journey south takes us past Scotland's
highest distillery at Dalwhinnie, then through Perthshire, with time for a gentle woodland walk at The Hermitage, near Dunkeld, and then an evening refreshment stop before returning to Edinburgh via the Forth Bridges.
**Please note that on tours where the coach picks up customers departing from Glasgow, the route on Day 1 will be subject to change. If continuing to Glasgow on Day 2, your guide will take you to Edinburgh Waverley railway station for the 50-minute journey by train, courtesy of Timberbush.
Itinerary Subject to seasonal opening times
Tour Highlights: Wallace Monument, Doune Castle, Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, Fort William, Ben Nevis, Five Sisters of Kintail, Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness, Spean Bridge, Loch Laggan
Optional Extras: Eilean Donan Castle
Please note: There are no scheduled whisky distillery visits on this tour.
For departure details refer to the "Prices, Dates, and What's Included" Section...
Eilean Donan, Loch Ness and North West Highlands Tour of Scotland