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The moment I decided to explore Scotland, the Scottish Highlands instantly captured my imagination—and trust me, the allure is irresistible. Who wouldn’t want to see those sprawling green valleys, mysterious lochs, and ancient castles up close?
I had experienced something similar in Switzerland last year, and it was so beautiful, while I did the train journey there – which has it’s own charm – I would love to do a road trip there someday. So when I was in Edinburgh and I came to know about Scottish Highlands, I thought why not!
This wasn’t just any tour. It was a full-day journey promising stunning landscapes, quirky local experiences, and a peek into Scotland’s rich history—all packed into a neat 12-hour schedule. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
In this blog post, I’ll take you through every step of my day—from the moment we left Edinburgh at 8 AM to the beautiful sunset drive back. I’ll share pro-tips on seating, highlights of the stops, the food situation (spoiler: vegetarian options are limited!), and finally, whether this tour is really worth your time and money.
So buckle up; here’s my Scottish Highlands road trip story.
Setting the Scene: Why the Scottish Highlands?
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of the tour, a little background is helpful. The Scottish Highlands are a vast, rugged region in northern Scotland, famous for dramatic landscapes including mountains, deep lochs, and historic sites. Historically, this area was the heartland of Gaelic culture (I am reading about this now) and home to famous clans that shaped Scotland’s history. Today, it draws travelers worldwide, especially those who love nature, history, and outdoor activities like trekking and camping.
If you’re coming from Edinburgh, the Highlands are easily accessible by road. The drive itself is part of the experience, winding through charming villages, rolling hills, and stunning lochs. However, covering this vast area on your own can be tricky, especially if you’re a solo traveler without a car or unfamiliar with the roads. That’s where organized tours come in handy—they offer a hassle-free, full-day immersion into the Highlands, complete with knowledgeable guides and comfortable transport.
If you’re interested in exploring Edinburgh itself before heading out, you might enjoy my post on the Beautiful Streets of Edinburgh: A Walk Through History and Charm, which captures the city’s unique vibe perfectly.
Practical Details to Know Before You Go
- How to Book: I booked my tour through GetYourGuide, a platform that I’ve used to book most of my trips in the USA and Europe. The Hairy Coo was the operator, known for friendly guides and well-planned itineraries.
- Tour Timings: The tour runs from 8 AM sharp, departing from near Edinburgh Station, and returns around 8 PM.
- Cost: The price was around Rs 7000 per person (roughly £70), covering the bus ride and entrance to some stops, but no food or beverages are included.
- Transport: The tour uses an air-conditioned coach, making the long drives comfortable, especially on chilly Scottish days.
Now, let me walk you through the day itself.
Scotland Highland Tour: From Edinburgh to Loch Ness and Back
The Bus and Seating: Pro-Tips for the Best Views
The day kicked off at 8 AM sharp near Edinburgh Station. The bus was a modern AC coach—thankfully, because Scottish mornings can be brisk! Here’s a nugget of wisdom for fellow travelers: the best seat on this bus is obviously the window seat (no surprise there), but I found that the seat right behind the driver offered the clearest, unobstructed views. That said, the most beautiful lakes we passed were actually on the opposite side of the driver when heading into the Highlands. So, if you’re hoping to snap that perfect loch shot, consider which side you pick.
As a solo traveler, I learned another lesson—seats were allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. I had secured a window seat early on but was asked to move to another bus when the group numbers shifted. I wasn’t ready to give up my window view, so I switched buses instead, which worked out fine but something to keep in mind if you’re traveling alone. Flexibility is key!
A Day of Scenic Stops and Surprises
Passing the Kelpies Statue: Mythical Giants of Steel
Our first notable sight was the Kelpies statue, visible right from the road. These are massive horse head sculptures—each a staggering 30 meters tall—made of steel and representing the mythical water horses from Scottish folklore. I was blown away by their sheer scale and intricate detail—you can almost imagine these giants coming to life, galloping through the water. They stand near Falkirk and symbolize the power and endurance of working horses that shaped Scotland’s industry.
Stirling Castle: A Royal Glimpse from the Window
Next up was Stirling Castle, but we didn’t stop here; instead, we admired it from our bus window. This imposing fortress sits atop a hill and is one of Scotland’s grandest castles, with a history dating back to the 12th century. Even from a distance, the castle looked majestic, standing guard over the surrounding town of Stirling, which played a crucial role in Scottish history, especially during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
If you want a deeper dive into Scottish castles, my post on Why Edinburgh Castle Should Top Your Scotland Trip List? offers great insights and stunning photos.
The Hairy Coo Farm: Meeting the Famous Highland Cows
A unique highlight for me was the visit to The Hairy Coo Farm, the namesake of our tour company. This place is home to the famous “hairy coos” or Highland cows—those shaggy, long-horned cattle that look like they’ve stepped out of a fairy tale. I’ve seen cows in India, of course, but these were quite different: stocky, covered in thick fur to survive the cold, and with an almost gentle demeanor.
Visitors can even buy food to feed them, though I decided to just admire from a distance (and I’m glad I did, they looked pretty eager!). It was a refreshing, quirky break from the usual sightseeing.
Glencoe: Scotland’s Stunning Valley of Legends
Our next stop was Glencoe, a place that truly stole my heart. Glencoe is a vast valley surrounded by towering mountains and lush grasslands. We stopped near Loch Achtriochtan, and the views were nothing short of breathtaking. The grasslands stretched endlessly, punctuated by the shimmering loch waters. The place has a tragic history (the Glencoe Massacre of 1692) but today it’s a peaceful haven for nature lovers.
What I loved most was the freedom Glencoe offers—you can camp virtually anywhere (just be mindful of the environment), and there are well-marked trekking trails for all levels. For trekking fans, this is a dream route, offering both challenge and stunning scenery. I still regret not staying longer here, but that’s a good excuse to come back.
Loch Ness and Fort Augustus: The Legendary Lake and Quaint Town
No Highlands trip is complete without a stop at Loch Ness, right? Loch Ness is one of Scotland’s largest and most famous lakes, stretching over 23 miles and connecting to the Atlantic Ocean through a series of rivers and canals. The town of Fort Augustus sits at the southern tip of the loch, a charming little place surrounded by grasslands and hills.
Vegetarian food options here were limited—there were a couple of eateries, but nothing that excited me, so I ended up at a 7Eleven grabbing soft drinks and chips (not the most authentic Scottish meal, but it worked!).
I also decided to take the Loch Ness cruise, just so I wouldn’t regret missing out. The cruise lasts about an hour, with hourly departures, and tickets can be bought either on the bus from the driver (cash only) or at the spot via card.
The cruise was decent but honestly, nothing spectacular. It was crowded, and the audio guide could have been more engaging. If you’re like me and only plan to visit once, go for it just to tick the box; otherwise, you might consider skipping it.
Pitlochry Village: A Quick Stop That Won My Heart
On our way back, we stopped at Pitlochry village for a short break. I absolutely loved the vibe here—it’s a quaint and cozy town nestled in the hills. Though the stop was brief, I made the most of it by picking up some packed Indian food from Pasha restaurant—Saag Paneer with rice, served with chutney and papad. A bit of home away from home, and it was delicious!
The Road Back: Forests, Grasslands, and a Beautiful Sunset
The final leg of the journey was pure magic. We drove through winding roads flanked by dense forests and open grasslands, with the sun setting behind the hills, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. The driver, Pete, played some fantastic Scottish music during this stretch, including some Caledonia tunes that I immediately added to my playlist.
I decided to get off at the last stop, which was the same place where the tour began near Edinburgh Station—content, tired, and grateful for the day’s experiences.
Is the Scottish Highlands Tour Worth It?
Here’s the thing: if you’re short on time or prefer an organized day trip, this tour is a great way to experience the essence of the Scottish Highlands. The stops are well-chosen, the views stunning, and the commentary on the road informative and engaging.
Plus, the music Pete played added a nice cultural touch that made the long drives more enjoyable. Here’s my favourite song of the playlist which I even play in my Tata Punch now a days.
I won’t deny, the food options for vegetarians are limited, and some activities like the Loch Ness cruise can feel a bit touristy. But the Highlands themselves? Absolutely breathtaking. Each season brings a different charm—lush green summers, golden autumns, or snowy winters. I can only imagine how magical it must be at other times of the year.
If you’re traveling solo, remember that seat allocation can be a bit tricky, so arrive early to snag your preferred window seat, or be ready to negotiate like I did. The price—around Rs 7000—is reasonable for a full day covering so much ground, though you’ll have to budget separately for food and extras.
Final Thoughts on My Scottish Highlands Adventure
This trip was a fantastic introduction to Scotland’s wild and beautiful north. From the towering Kelpies to the peaceful shores of Loch Ness, from historic castles to quirky hairy coos, it was a day packed with memories. I still feel like a beginner when it comes to Scotland, but this tour gave me a great overview and sparked my desire to explore more deeply next time.
If you decide to do this tour, I hope my tips on seating, food, and the cruise help you get the most out of it. And if you love nature, history, or just want to experience Scotland’s legendary landscapes without the hassle of driving yourself, the Scottish Highland tour is a solid choice.
If you’ve got any queries or suggestions, drop them in the comments below. You can also tweet to me at @Atulmaharaj or DM @Atulmaharaj on Instagram or Get In Touch.
