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Glasgow Nature & adventure

Our most recommended Glasgow Nature & adventure

Glasgow: Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands Tour

1. Glasgow: Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands Tour

Embark on a guided tour to Loch Lomond National Park, Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, the Great Glen, Loch Ness, and Pitlochry from Glasgow. Learn the history behind each turn from your guide. Depart Glasgow and travel north towards the Highlands along the “bonnie, bonnie” banks of Loch Lomond. Crossing the ancient natural fault line that runs across Scotland you travel into the majestic Highlands where the scenery changes quickly and dramatically – the flat fertile plains of the Lowlands give way to shimmering lochs, rugged mountain tops and forest-filled glens. Traveling north through Breadalbane, meaning the 'High Country of Scotland,' you climb towards the wild desolation of Rannoch Moor and down into Scotland's most famous valley, Glencoe. Glencoe is infamous as the site of the Glencoe massacre in 1692. Beyond Glencoe you will enter the Great Glen, a deep glacial valley that follows a geological fault line. Passing through the town of Fort William you drive under Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, before arriving at Fort Augustus on the southern shore of Loch Ness. Keep an eye out for legendary sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, Nessie. Take in views of the charming town of Fort Augustus and the Caledonian Canal which links the lochs of the Great Glen. Spend some time here where you can purchase a nice lunch before traveling north up the full length of the loch. Have the opportunity to see the ancient stronghold of Urquhart Castle while taking a 5-Star Jacobite boat cruise (only included on tours after April 1, 2023) on the loch. Continue north through Inverness before traveling south in the stunning the mountains of Cairngorms National Park. Drive over the Drumochter Pass, at 1500 feet above sea level and past the 13th century Blair Castle, the ancestral home of the Duke of Atholl. Finally, stretch your legs at the Highland resort town of Pitlochry which is built for Victorian tourism and nestled amongst the mountains of Highland Perthshire. Return to your starting point in Glasgow at the end of your tour.

From Glasgow: Oban, Glencoe, Highland Lochs & Castles Tour

2. From Glasgow: Oban, Glencoe, Highland Lochs & Castles Tour

Explore the stunning lochs and castles of the Western Highlands on this small-group tour from Glasgow. You'll see the superb ruins of Kilchurn on Loch Awe, the bustling west coast harbor town of Oban, and the dramatic beauty of Glencoe. Depart Glasgow at 8:30 AM and travel through gorgeous Glen Fruin, driving parallel with Loch Long. You'll then cross the Highland boundary, where the scenery changes quickly and dramatically–the flat plains of the Lowlands give way to shimmering lochs, rugged mountain tops and forest-filled glens. Continue your drive over the Rest and Be Thankful mountain pass before traveling through the Arrochar Alps. You'll then arrive at the picturesque harbor town of Inveraray on the shores of Loch Fyne. From here you will drive along the shore of Scotland’s longest loch, Loch Awe, where you'll stop to take photos of Kilchurn Castle, a magnificent ruin right in the middle of Loch Awe and the former home of the Campbells of Breadalbane. You will then continue to the harbor town of Oban, gateway to the Isles, where you will eat lunch. After lunch you'll travel north along the coast around Appin, passing imposing Castle Stalker, and into Scotland's most famous valley, Glencoe. This is Scotland's largest loch and it takes its name from the mountain Ben Lomond. The last stop of the day will be in Luss, an 18th-century conservation village with old workers' cottages, built for the laborers of the estate.

From Glasgow: Loch Lomond, Trossachs & Stirling Castle Tour

3. From Glasgow: Loch Lomond, Trossachs & Stirling Castle Tour

Embark on a guided bus tour of Loch Lomond, the Trossachs, and Stirling Castle from Glasgow. Take in the views of the lush Scottish countryside and learn about William Wallace and Rob Roy from your driver. After leaving Glasgow, stop at the ‘bonnie banks’ of Loch Lomond, one of the prettiest and largest lochs in the whole of Scotland. Take a cruise, enjoying spectacular views of the loch’s many islands and the surrounding mountains. Alternatively, take a stroll through the picturesque loch-side conservation village of Luss, with its quaint houses, cafes, and stunning views across the loch’s western shoreline. Eat lunch in the village of Aberfoyle, nestled in the heart of Trossachs National Park. Continue through the Trossachs, Scotland’s first national park, known as ‘the Highlands in miniature’ for its abundance of lochs, mountains, and forests, and homeland of the legendary outlaw, Rob Roy MacGregor. Your final stop is Stirling Castle, which sits high on volcanic rock and offers wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. Have time to visit the castle and learn of the exploits of key historic figures including William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and Mary Queen of Scots. After your visit to Stirling Castle, make your way back to Glasgow.

From Glasgow: Glenfinnan, Fort William, and Glencoe Day Trip

4. From Glasgow: Glenfinnan, Fort William, and Glencoe Day Trip

Step into scenes used in famous films like the Harry Potter franchise on this bus day trip from Glasgow. See the bridge that the Hogwarts Express passes over, visit the Glencoe meadow, view a piece of Jacobite history at the Glenfinnan Monument, and enjoy free time in the town of Fort William. Begin your tour with pickup from the heart of Glasgow. Board a comfortable and climate-controlled bus and be whisked away from the bustling streets. Take in the stunning views as you travel through the heart of the Trossachs National Park which is known as "the Highlands in Miniature." Stop for a rest in Tyndrum, in the Trossachs area, before your Glenfinnan tour continues onwards to Glencoe. The Glen is arguably one of Scotland's most famous glens. It has been featured in the James Bond film 'Skyfall' ' Outlander,' and a Harry Potter film. Journey onwards to the Glenfinnan Viaduct which is known to many as the "Harry Potter Bridge" where the Jacobite Steam Train, the Hogwarts Express, passes during the parts of the year when it is running. The bridge is surrounded by mountains that line the shores of the stunning Loch Shiel.  See if you can spot a grindylow under the surface causing mischief at Loch Shiel which was the location of the Black Lake at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. It was used as the backdrop for scenes like Buckbeak's beautiful flight and the Triwizard Tournament.  Take pictures of the loch and bridge before heading to the nearby Glenfinnan Monument, a symbol of one of the most important events in Scottish history, the 1745 Jacobite Uprising. From Glenfinnan, travel along the banks of Loch Linnhe to the Highland town of Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis. Enjoy plenty of free time in Fort William to stretch your legs and have a lunch break After lunch, begin our return journey to Glasgow. Pass Loch Lomond and pause for a photo and coffee break. Arrive back in the city center in the early evening.

From Glasgow: Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Tour

5. From Glasgow: Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Tour

Embark on a full-day guided bus tour of the Scottish Highlands from Glasgow. Marvel at the wild beauty of the Scottish countryside and visit highlights, including Loch Lomond and Loch Ness. Head north towards the Highlands and admire the lush pastures of the Scottish countryside from an air-conditioned bus. Stop for a cup of tea or coffee at a café on the shores of Loch Lomond before ascending into the Highlands. Traverse the desolate landscape of Rannoch Moor and the Black Mount to Glencoe, the site of the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan. Learn about the events and history of the area from your guide. After lunch in the Fort William area, pass beneath Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and into the Great Glen. At Loch Ness, opt for a sightseeing cruise on the loch or choose to admire the views from the shore. On your way back to Glasgow, cross the Grampian Mountains and admire the woodland scenery of Perthshire, including the Forest of Atholl.

Glasgow: Glenfinnan, Mallaig and Glencoe Adventure Tour

6. Glasgow: Glenfinnan, Mallaig and Glencoe Adventure Tour

Enjoy a guided day trip from Glasgow by bus exploring the Port of Mallaig, Glencoe, Loch Lomond, and reach Glenfinnan Viaduct right on time to see the Jacobite Steam Train (also known as the Harry Potter Hogwarts Express) crossing the tall bridge. Depart Glasgow and travel north, stopping for a coffee and refreshments at a small highland village. Traveling onwards, reach Glencoe, known to many as the location for the Massacre of the MacDonald clan in 1692. Take photos of this beautiful area whilst you learn about its turbulent past. After Glencoe, travel further north to Fort William. Stop for refreshments and perhaps a bite to eat before journeying down the Road to the Isles. Learn about the history of the area as you approach Mallaig, where you will spend time enjoying lunch and its sea views. From Mallaig, travel eastwards to the main attraction, Glenfinnan. Arrive to see the Jacobite Steam Train (also known as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter Films) cross the bridge. Enjoy the iconic view, known as the setting for many Harry Potter scenes, including Loch Shiel. From Glenfinnan, travel southwards, stopping for refreshments before reaching Luss for Loch Lomond. Spend time here to enjoy the beautiful lochside views before returning to Glasgow.

Isle of Skye 3-Day Small Group Tour from Glasgow

7. Isle of Skye 3-Day Small Group Tour from Glasgow

Spend 3 days exploring some of the most dramatic and beautiful places in the Highlands and the romantic island of Skye. Highlights also include Glencoe, Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle and the 5 Sisters of Kintail. Itinerary Day 1: Depart Glasgow at 9.00 AM and travel north towards the Highlands along the “bonnie, bonnie” banks of Loch Lomond. This is Scotland's largest loch and it takes its name from the mountain Ben Lomond on the eastern shore. Crossing the ancient natural fault line that runs across Scotland, you travel into the majestic Highlands where the scenery changes quickly and dramatically - the flat fertile plains of the Lowlands give way to shimmering lochs, rugged mountain tops and forest-filled glens. From Loch Lomond the tour travels north over the wild and remote Rannoch Moor into Glencoe. This haunting glen was the scene of a great massacre in 1692 that left many of the Clan Macdonald slaughtered. The tour stops at this imposing mountain pass so you can enjoy the spectacular views. From here you travel past Fort William and up to the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge with great views over Ben Nevis. On the "Road to the Isles" you will pass through the splendor of the Five Sisters of Kintail, the mountains guarding the pass on the way to the Isle of Skye. Stop to visit the famous Eilean Donan Castle. Featured in the film "Highlander," the castle is set at the junction of 3 lochs and once provided protection against Viking raiders. Crossing over the bridge to Skye, the tour heads north to Portree. You are dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening where you are free to go out and explore the town. Day 2: This is a very flexible day on Skye. There are many possibilities depending on the weather and the wants of the group. Your driver/ guide's knowledge will come to the fore in arranging the best day for everyone. For example: Travel north to explore the Trotternish peninsula with its stunning Quiraing mountain pass and some of Skye's extraordinary geological scenery. See Kilt Rock, composed of basalt columns (reminiscent of the pleats in a kilt) with its waterfall cascading over the cliffs and down into the sea below. Take a short break for lunch before continuing to enjoy this most dramatic of islands. Heading in a westerly direction you will find Dunvegan castle, the ancestral home of Clan Macleod. You could also enjoy spectacular views at Neist Point, the westernmost point on Skye. You return you to your accommodation in Portree in the early evening and enjoy a free night in Portree. Day 3: You will be collected from your accommodation and will travel south through the Cuillin Hills and back over to the mainland for stunning views over Loch Duich and the 5 Sisters of Kintail. Head to Loch Ness for lunch and the possibility of spotting "Nessie." Continue south through the Grampian Mountains along Loch Laggan, famous now as "Monarch of the Glen Country" before passing Dalwhinnie, home to Scotland's highest whisky Distillery. The tour then proceeds past Blair Castle stopping for refreshments before heading back to Glasgow. Arrive back in Glascow at approximately 7:30 PM.

From Glasgow: 3-Day Isle of Skye, Highlands & Loch Ness Tour

8. From Glasgow: 3-Day Isle of Skye, Highlands & Loch Ness Tour

Day One: Visit the village of Luss on the banks of Loch Lomond, within a national park. Admire Rannoch Moor before walking through Glen Coe valley. Pause for photos after lunch by Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. End your first day by relaxing in the charming village of Portree, on the Isle of Skye.  Day Two: Enjoy breakfast in Portree, before deciding how you will spend your day. Choose between a tour of Dunvegan Castle, Duntulm Castle or a visit to Uig and the traditional blackhouses. End your day by viewing The Storr, before returning to Portree. Day Three: Experience a tour of Eilean Donan Castle. Visit the pretty loch-side village of Fort Augustus for lunch and views of Loch Ness. Continue your journey to the Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, before driving back to Edinburgh where you will be dropped off outside Edinburgh Waverley Train Station. Passengers that began the tour in Glasgow will be provided with a free train ticket to return to Glasgow.

From Glasgow: Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond Tour

9. From Glasgow: Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond Tour

Discover Scotland's glorious past on this exciting tour through the heart of the Highlands. Hear about heroes such as Rob Roy, Robert the Bruce and William Wallace. Marvel at the natural beauty of the forests, lochs, and mountains in Loch Lomond National Park. Depart from Glasgow in the morning and travel towards Stirling, along a route that was once the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire, and was later used by the English King Edward I as he marched towards Stirling.  Approach Stirling and take in views of the magnificent castle that dominates the area as you make your way up towards the high volcanic rock where it imposes itself upon the surrounding land.  Go north to see the towering National Wallace Monument commemorating Scotland’s great hero William Wallace, played by Mel Gibson in the Oscar-winning movie 'Braveheart.' Travel to Bannockburn castle where, in 1314, the great Scottish warrior-king Robert the Bruce defeated the English army of Edward II. From Stirling you will drive into the Highlands to an area known as the Trossachs National Park where the Lowlands meet the Highlands.  Stop to purchase lunch in the heart of the National Park forest outside Aberfoyle, where you can enjoy the magnificent nature all around you. After lunch you take the backroad to Loch Lomond.  Admire the country's biggest loch which takes its name from the mountain Ben Lomond on the eastern shore. Following a walk out in the west highland, continue to the picturesque Distillery of Glengoyne where one of the bestselling malt whiskies in Scotland is produced.  Have the option to tour the distillery or peruse the refreshments that are on offer at their "Slainte Mhath Shop." From there, it’s just a short drive back to Glasgow where you will arrive in the late afternoon. 

Greenock Shore Excursion: Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond

10. Greenock Shore Excursion: Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond

Explore the majestic scenery of the Trossachs National Park and discover where the Scottish Highlands meet the Lowlands. Learn more about some of the nation's heroes at historic castles and monuments. Following a pick-up from Greenock Port, travel northeast into the Trossachs, known as “Scotland in Miniature” for the craggy hills and sparkling lochs. Discover where writers such as Sir Walter Scott found their inspiration. Continue into “Braveheart” country to see the magnificent landscapes of Stirlingshire and Stirling Castle, the latter arguably one of the most important castles in Scotland. The Old Town of Stirling is still surrounded by its 16th-century walls, built to protect Mary Queen of Scots from Henry VIII. Enjoy some free time to tour the castle and learn about the exploits of Robert the Bruce. Then enjoy some refreshments at the café, before driving into the heart of the Trossachs and the home of the folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor and his “Children of the Mist.” Go to Kilmahog to get up-close to Highland cattle. Then journey to the village of Aberfoyle just below the Highland fault line. Stop for a bite to eat before traveling through Trossachs National Park to the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. Marvel at one of the largest lochs in Scotland and see many of its islands. Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains before the return journey through Campsie Fells to Greenock Port and your drop off. 2023 May 5th, 10th, 14th, 24th, 26th, 28th June 1st, 7th, 19th, 28th July 1st, 13th, 14th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd, 25th, 26th, 29th August 5th, 18th, 20th, 27th, 29th, 30th September 9th, 11th, 23rd October 5th

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Frequently asked questions about Glasgow

What are the best day trips and excursions from Glasgow?

The best day trips and excursions from Glasgow are:

Loch Ness

Other Sightseeing Options in Glasgow

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What people are saying about Glasgow

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 1,565 reviews

We had an excellent experience on our tour. Graham was an amazing guide who gave us such an enjoyable day. He brought us to all of the best look out spots and gave us great recommendations. The boat tour is also offered at a discount to Rabbie's tour participants. As a bonus at the end of the trip Graham brought us to an area where we could see and feed the famous highland coos! It was truly the highlight of my whole trip. This tour is a must do to get to see the Highlands in only a day.

What a lovely way to spend my birthday our guide was Jenny and she was just amazing even went above and beyond to help me celebrate my birthday. It’s clear she loves her job. The tour itself although it a long journey is broken down into nice amounts of time. The most you are on the bus is 2 hours at a time. The scenery is just beautiful and breathtaking . The little music interludes were a nice touch too. Highly recommend this tour. Thanks Jenny for making my day special

Superb discovery! The day was well divided between driving time and time for activities. The guide is great and really nice. The coach is clean, pleasant and equipped with USB sockets for charging. I recommend !

Well paced tour. Plenty of time to see the sights without rushing. Beautiful scenery and the castle was very interesting. Was great to be in a smaller group rather than the huge buses. Highly recommend.

Cameron was very informative and patient. He also love what he does.