Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour
Overview
Available languages
12 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Embark on an unforgettable 1-day adventure through Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Scottish Highlands. This jam-packed tour offers stunning scenery, unspoiled landscapes, and a chance to escape the bustle of modern life.
This tour comes in three different versions. Book the Boat Cruise option if you’d like to stop in Fort Augustus and join a boat cruise on Loch Ness, the Whisky Distillery option if you’d like to do the distillery tour, or the Boat Cruise and Castle option if you’d prefer a shorter cruise and to visit Urquhart Castle. Please note that some versions are only available on specific days.
Immerse yourself in Scottish culture through captivating myths, legends, and historical landmarks. Visit the mysterious Loch Ness, marvel at the dramatic beauty of Glencoe, and (season permitting) meet the iconic Highland Cows.
Every winding road reveals new photo opportunities, stories, and memories.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please note: the Cruise & Castle version will run the route in reverse.
Feel free to bring a packed lunch and/or snacks to avoid spending time queuing. There are regular stops on tour to purchase food and refreshments that suit most dietary requirements
There are regular stops on tour for comfort breaks, as we do not have toilets onboard the coaches
There are three versions of this tour, please ensure you pick your preferred option when booking. Tickets to activity can be purchased during the tour.
Minimum age to travel is 7 years old (8 for Whisky Distillery option). Photo ID, such as a passport, may be required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
This tour has been designed to show you as much of Scotland as we can fit into one day! Due to the distance driven a large portion of the tour is spent on the bus, taking in the views and scenery of Scotland. Any time not accounted for in the itinerary is spent travelling through Scotland on the bus.
Please note: To manage demand and protect smaller towns during peak season, the route may run in reverse. A significant portion of the tour is spent on the bus, allowing you to relax and soak in the breathtaking Highland views.
We do not allow bookings for more than 8 passengers, please reach out if you are looking to book a larger group.
Scottish weather is unpredictable, we recommend bringing suitable clothing and footwear.
What To Expect
Callander
For those joining the Boat Cruise Option, our first stop of the day will be in the town of Callander; “The Gateway to the Highlands.” Nestled at the foot of the Trossachs Callander offers its guests plenty of place to stock up on refreshments, gifts and views toward the Trossachs. **Please note that Cruise & Castle version will drive the route in reserve and will make an alternative comfort stop due to limited opening hours in Callander**
Deanston Distillery & Visitor Centre
Passengers joining the Whisky Distillery Option, your journey begins with a visit to Deanston Distillery instead of Callander. Housed in a former cotton mill and nestled on the banks of the River Teith, the distillery produces a range of premium single malt whiskies. Enjoy an optional guided tour through the distillery (tickets not included), where you’ll learn about the traditional whisky-making process and the history behind this unique location. Finish with a tasting of Deanston’s finest malts, guided by an expert who will explain the distinct flavours and characteristics of their whiskies. *Please note that the minimum age on the distillery tour is 8.*
Options
Optional Cruise & Castle visit
Route driven in reverse: This tour will not stop at the distillery or Fort Augustus. Tickets for optional boat cruise & castle not included. 7 years+
With optional Distillery Visit
Stop at Deanston Distillery: This tour will not stop at Callander or include boat. Tickets for optional distillery tour & tasting not included. 8 years+
With optional Boat Cruise
Optional Loch Ness Boat Cruise: This tour will not stop at Deanston distillery. Tickets for optional boat cruise not included. 7 years+
What‘s Included
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Regular Comfort Breaks
Air-conditioned vehicle
Experienced 'Hairy Coo' Driver-Guide providing live commentary and story telling throughout
No Food and drinks
No Toilet/Restroom on board. There are no public toilets available by the departure point.
Boat Cruise version: Loch Ness Boat Cruise tickets not included (Adults £22, Children £15)
Whisky Distillery option: Deanston Distillery tour & tasting not included (£15.50 for adults, £6 for children)
Cruise and entry to Urquhart Castle not included (£32 per adult, £23 per child)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
7,101 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
It was a long day
Dream64510656849,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Smooth drive. Timed well. Paul S was our tour guide and was really funny and informative. However, definitely information overload by the end of the tour. Almost wished we had periods of quiet/music interspersed with anecdotes. Would help with attention and keep it more interesting.
Lock ness
James E,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The driver was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Plenty on time to explore and restroom stops were scheduled appropriately.
We had a lovely trip...
Alp H,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a lovely trip exploring the Scottish Highlands. Our Driver Mako was a great guy, deep historical and trivial knowledge along fun commentary of every day events. His taste of music was good and he did not blast it. Half a day trip even-though not driving on a bus is not the easiest thing for a 2 day touristic trip in Edinburgh but this one with an experienced and chill guy like Mako was fun. I really enjoyed Lochness and castle Urquhart. We also had some good food in Mroh 84. Venison pie was quite nice.
Amazing Day Trip with Dave
nanaesieyaabaha,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience with hairy coo. Set off at 7:50am and were back by 8pm. Decent number of stops for pictures, toilet breaks, food. Journey was smooth and Dave who was our driver is a great story teller. Had a good time. The boat cruise was also a good activity; enjoy the scenery and breeze.
Views from a movie
A4071ISemilya,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Colin was great! What a fun experience.
Best of the best!
cheneer2018,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a great experience. First off, my sister and I didn’t make the tour that we had originally booked but the staff were so kind enough to squeeze us both in to a different tour altogether just so we don’t waste our money. The tour that we had gotten on hosted and driven by Brian Smith. He made that tour. He made our day. He’s just brilliant. I love that he loves his job. You could tell and his love and pride for his country, his place. It was brilliant, full of craic, a lot of singing. I had the most fun ever. Kudos to the team and hairy coo, for having Brian and providing us with excellent service. Certainly not my last booking with Hairy Coo but promise I’ll be extra early.❤️ :)
Long time on a bus, but very spectacular scenery and driver.
Allan J,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brian Smith wads our driver and truly wonderful. It’s a long time (13 hours) on a bus. You can’t control the weather. You can’t control the crowds at every stop. But the driver can make a trip fun from start to finish. Great stories on Scottish history. Great singing. Great sound track through and through.
Our family returns to our highland ancestral homeland.
Terrence G,May 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was a long time on a bus but worth the time as there was so much natural beauty to see in a single day.
Absolutely Unforgettable Scottish Adventure
manularavinda,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Absolutely Unforgettable Scottish Adventure! Where do I even begin? Last Tuesday, my family and I embarked on what I can only describe as the most breathtaking, soul-stirring journey through the heart of Scotland — and The Hairy Coo delivered every single moment beyond our wildest expectations. From the mysterious, mist-covered waters of Loch Ness to the dramatic, jaw-dropping landscapes of Glencoe, the majestic Scottish Highlands, and the charming town of Pitlochry — every stop on this tour was pure magic. Scotland's beauty is something that photographs simply cannot capture, and experiencing it all in one incredible day felt like a true privilege. But the absolute star of the show? Our wonderful guide, Marco. This man is a gem! His knowledge of Scottish history, culture, and folklore is extraordinary — he brought every single location to life with fascinating stories and insights that kept us captivated throughout the entire journey. What makes Marco truly special, though, is his warm personality. He is incredibly polite, genuinely fun, and has a natural gift for making every single guest feel welcome and valued. My family was laughing, learning, and loving every second — all thanks to him. As a family travelling all the way from Sri Lanka, we wanted this experience to be special — and Marco and The Hairy Coo made it absolutely extraordinary. This tour is worth every penny and so much more. We will most definitely be booking with Marco again on our next visit to Scotland. If you're thinking about it — stop thinking and just book it. You will NOT regret it! 🏴 Thank you, Marco. Thank you, The Hairy Coo. Scotland stole our hearts! — Manula & Family, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
Great day-trip!
Aashaka M,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was very well-organised and managed. The distillery was a highlight and Marco’s snippets were fun throughout the day.
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