Ben Nevis: Our most recommended tours and activities

Edinburgh: Glenfinnan, Fort William, and Glencoe Day Tour

1. Edinburgh: Glenfinnan, Fort William, and Glencoe Day Tour

Try a Glenfinnan, Glencoe, and Fort William adventure, beginning in the heart of Edinburgh city center from Royal Mile. Take in the scenery of classic modern Hollywood films. Depart Edinburgh's bustling streets, pass some of its most iconic sights like Edinburgh Castle on your way out, and begin your journey north into the rugged Scottish Highlands. Stop for refreshments at the gateway to the Highlands in Callander before continuing to Glencoe. Drive through the land where James Bonds' Skyfall was filmed. See the backdrop to some scenes from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Pause here for photos and to learn all about the history of Glencoe, including the massacre of the MacDonald clan in 1692. From the atmospheric Glencoe, travel further along the banks of Loch Linnhe to the Highland town of Fort William, which sits at the foot of Britain's tallest mountain - Ben Nevis. Stop here to stretch your legs and have an early lunch break. Next, continue on to Glenfinnan Viaduct, the location of many Harry Potter scenes, encased by the shores of Loch Shiel. See the location of the Jacobite Steam Train, and of “Black Lake”. Take in the setting for the Triwizard Tournament, and the loch on which Hogwarts sits. Continue on to Glenfinnan Monument, which symbolizes one of the most important events in Scottish history; the 1745 Jacobite uprising. Next, departing Glenfinnan, you’ll begin your return journey to Edinburgh, stopping for refreshments at the small village of Pitlochry.

From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, Highlands & Ben Nevis

2. From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, Highlands & Ben Nevis

Depart Edinburgh on an air-conditioned luxury coach (max 57 seats). Pass Stirling Castle and hear your tour guide tell tales of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce and the bloody battles fought out on these lands. First, arrive at Callander town, nestled at the foot of the Trossachs. Next, drive through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Your Scottish guide will tell you about Rob Roy MacGregor, the infamous Highlander. Follow in the footsteps of James Bond ("Skyfall") and Harry Potter ("Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban") as you travel to the stunning Highland valley of Glencoe. Hear the eerie story of the Clan MacDonald massacre of 1692. Travel through Fort William, home to Ben Nevis, which at 4,409 feet is the highest mountain of the British Isles. Arrive on the south bank of Loch Ness in the charming village of Fort Augustus, where lots of cafes, shops, and restaurants offer a relaxing lunch. Stroll along the banks of the Caledonian Canal, then experience Loch Ness on an optional 1-hour boat cruise. Try to catch a glimpse of "Nessie," the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Admire the impressive Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge with views of the Nevis Range. Enter the Cairngorms National Park and discover "Monarch of the Glen" country. Drive along Loch Laggan before the roads climb above the Grampian Mountains. Travel over the Pass of Drumochter, linking the northern and southern Central Highlands. Experience the majesty of a mountain pass created by glacial activity during successive Ice Ages. Finally, stop briefly in the beautiful Victorian town of Pitlochry before heading back to Edinburgh city center, arriving at approximately 8:30 PM.

Fort William: Seal Spotting Loch Linnhe Cruise

3. Fort William: Seal Spotting Loch Linnhe Cruise

Embark on a boat tour of Loch Linnhe. Pass picturesque villages, seal, islands and a Caledonian forest. Hear live commentary from the skipper. Depart from Fort William's town pier and head towards the top of Loch Linnhe. See the charming village of Corpach which has Scotland's most instagrammed shipwreck. Marvel at islands teeming with birdlife. Sail over the entrance to the Caledonian canal. Admire traditional black houses, stunning glens, an ancient Caledonian forest, and salmon and mussel farms. Keep your eyes peeled for eagles, otters, and porpoises. Have the chance to purchase refreshments and from the crew. Get close to Black Rock for the chance to see seals and seal pups. Head back to Fort William.

Fort William: Evening Cruise with Views of Ben Nevis

4. Fort William: Evening Cruise with Views of Ben Nevis

Departing from and returning to Fort William's main town pier, this 90-minute cruise is the perfect way to relax after a day exploring the mountains and glens of Lochaber! Enjoy spectacular views of Ben Nevis, islands teeming with birdlife, and unbeatable sunsets over the granite hills! Enjoy a range of local beers and whiskies aboard your vessel MV Elsie.

Edinburgh: Loch Ness & Scottish Highlands Tour with Lunch

5. Edinburgh: Loch Ness & Scottish Highlands Tour with Lunch

Embark on a full-day guided trip to Loch Ness from Edinburgh and tour the Scottish Highlands. See the UK's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, keep an eye out for Nessie on a boat cruise and enjoy a picnic lunch. Head north from Edinburgh and pass the imposing ramparts of Stirling Castle. Skirt the Trossachs Rob Roy country, and cross the wilds of Rannoch Moor before stopping at dramatic Glencoe; the scene of the infamous 1692 massacre.  Your journey takes you through Fort William. Pass Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, before entering the Great Glen. Arrive at the pretty Highland village of Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness, and enjoy a lovely picnic with freshly made sandwiches, shortbread, and chips. If you fancy something more substantial, your guide will happily recommend some great local cafes.  Take an optional boat cruise on the loch, go for a scenic hike, or just relax by the Caledonian Canal. If you choose to sail along the waters of Loch Ness, it really is an unforgettable experience. Your boat is equipped with the latest hi-tech color, sonar, and underwater imaging system, giving you a fascinating view of the underwater terrain and life. You might even see Nessie! You can also relax with a coffee or beer in the onboard bar. Having seen the best of the Scottish Highlands, it's time to head back to Edinburgh via shimmering Loch Laggan and the wild and lonely Drumochter Pass. Head south and enter Perthshire, a land of forests, rivers, and mountains. See the spectacular Forth Bridge before arriving back in Edinburgh at around 20:00.

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

6. From Edinburgh: 3-Day Isle of Skye, Highlands & Loch Ness

Embark on a 3-day guided trip to the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh. See the Glencoe Valley and the Eilean Donan Castle. Admire the rolling pastures of the Isle of Skye and visit lake Loch Ness. Day 1 From Edinburgh, you will head west where your first stop will be at the picturesque conservation village of Luss, on the ‘Bonny, Bonny’ banks of Loch Lomond. Traveling north via Tyndrum you will pass over the atmospheric Rannoch Moor before enjoying time to walk and admire the dramatic Glencoe valley, site of the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald Clan. After lunch in the Fort William area, your tour will pause for photos at Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, then stop to admire Glen Garry and the stunning Five Sisters of Kintail mountain range. Your first day ends in the charming village of Portree, on the Isle of Skye. Day 2 After breakfast, your will depart Portree for a full day’s touring - options include Dunvegan Castle, a trip to Uig, and a visit to Flora MacDonald’s grave and the unique Black Houses, ancient dwellings of the Scottish Highlanders. Other options include viewing Duntulum Castle, enjoying breathtaking views of Kilt Rock, or perhaps a bracing walk at the Lealt Falls. The day will end with the opportunity to admire the Old Man of Storr, before returning to Portree. Day 3 You will commence your final day of the tour via the much-admired Eilean Donan Castle, the backdrop for the movie, ‘Highlander’; (interior closed in winter) then move on to the pretty lochside village of Fort Augustus for lunch and views of Loch Ness. The tour continues south over Laggan and the Grampian mountains with the last stop, for refreshments, in the Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, before returning to Edinburgh, where the tour will end.

From Glasgow: Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Tour

7. 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.

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Highlands Tour with Lunch

8. Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Highlands Tour with Lunch

Head north from Edinburgh and pass the imposing ramparts of Stirling Castle. Skirt the Trossachs (Rob Roy country) before crossing the wilds of Rannoch Moor and moving on to dramatic Glencoe, the site of the massacre of the McDonald clan in 1692.  The tour takes you past Fort William and Britain's highest mountain, the mighty Ben Nevis, before following the Great Glen and stopping in the village of Fort Augustus by the shores of mysterious Loch Ness. You then have the option to take a boat trip on mysterious Loch Ness and hunt for Nessie, explore the shores of the loch, or simply relax and enjoy your free locally produced picnic lunch.  A typical lunch includes a bottle of Scottish mineral water, a choice of freshly made sandwiches, and shortbread. Your return journey passes south along Loch Laggan stopping at one of the quaint Highland villages along the way.  After one last look at the spectacular Forth Bridges, arrive back in the capital at around 8:00 PM. Loch Ness Cruise option: A cruise on Loch Ness is an unforgettable experience, where you might just catch a glimpse of Nessie. Locally owned custom-built boats are used, designed with sonar and underwater imaging systems, giving you a fascinating view of the terrain and life underwater.  Enjoy the views with a coffee or beer from the onboard bar.  Purchase your cruise ticket from our office on the day of the tour. Tickets cost £16.50* and allow you to board the boat immediately on arrival in the village without having to queue. The Loch Ness Cruise is subject to availability during winter months. *Prices may vary slightly when purchased during the tour

From Edinburgh: Isle of Skye and Hogwarts Express 4-Day Trip

9. From Edinburgh: Isle of Skye and Hogwarts Express 4-Day Trip

Day 1 Departing from Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh, we’ll begin our journey north, stopping to see the impressive Forth Railway Bridge. We will then continue on to the quaint Victorian town of Pitlochry, where you'll have time to explore and grab a morning coffee if you choose to. Continuing through the Cairngorms National Park we'll make our way to Fort Augustus for lunch. This is pretty village at the south end of Loch Ness, so you'll have time to try to spot to elusive monster Nessie. Next we head to Eilean Donan Castle* where we'll spend some time before crossing the bridge to Skye. Overnight: Skye Day 2 Enjoy a full day exploring the Isle of Skye. Your experienced and knowledgeable guide will ensure you get the most out of your day and enjoy sights such as the craggy Cuillin Mountains, the outstanding Trotternish Peninsula, The Kilt Rock and The Old Man of Storr. Portree is your lunch time stop, where you can enjoy delicious fish and chips next to the harbour – just watch out for the seagulls! Overnight: Skye Day 3 This morning we will continue to explore Skye, taking in some highlights in the south of the island. We will then join a ferry from Armadale to Mallaig, our lunch stop for the day. There may also be an opportunity to join a Wildlife Cruise here. Next we will join the Jacobite Steam Train (or Hogwarts Express!) and enjoy the stunning 2-hour train ride to Fort William, our overnight stop. Day 4 After a restful at the stunning new Nevis Range Hotel we will start our journey south towards the impressive Glen Coe. We'll have ample time to take in this stunning glen and explore the Glen Coe Visitor Centre. We will then continue our drive through Rannoch Moor, one of the last really wild places in Scotland. If you want to experience the beauty of the Scottish Moor, this is the place! We will stop for lunch in Callander, situated on the River Teith this is where we'll say goodbye to the Highlands and continue into the lowlands. We will stop to see the impressive, Kelpies - 30-meter-high horse head sculptures before returning to Edinburgh. *Optional Extra Subject to Availability.

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

10. 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.

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Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 5,796 reviews

Amazing! Amazing! Amazing! I am not someone who likes organised tours and especially 12 hours but this one was awesome thanks to our guide Brian Smith!!! The detailed stories and history of the areas we visited, the wonderful jokes and great humour, and The perfect playlist! And incredible driver…safety first and I couldn’t have felt more safe with Brian at the wheel on those sketchy roads! I wish I had known..I would have booked all my tours with Hairy Coo!!! This particular tour had it all to get a first taste of the highlands. Brian thank you for making my day visit of such a breathtaking place even more perfect and amazing!!! I could not I have asked or wished for more! Perfect! Recommend this tour 110%

Very nice excursion which makes us discover the Highlands and the nature of Scotland. Super guide always very attentive and attentive to the group. Good driving from the driver. The town of Fort William where the lunch break is not very interesting but there is a nice café and the time passes quite quickly. We spend a lot of time on the bus but we don't see the time spent, there are pee/view breaks all along, the guide makes relevant comments and punctuates the day with a rather nice playlist. We would like to thank them for this great tour. Glencoe and the Glenfinann Viaduct are a must see!

What can I say apart from it was fantastic, Fraser our guide was informative and knowledgeable he was brilliant, John our drive was very good. The sights we saw and experience were amazing. It’s a long day but worth it. You have lots of stop off’s for photo opportunities and toilet breaks. Definitely worth the money will definitely do one of these again.

This is my first solo trip and I enjoyed it a lot. Very very lively guide (sorry I forgot your name)and bus driver Adam. I’m planning to book again soon with my friends. Thank you both for making my day.!

The excursion is well worth it! The scenery was breathtaking! Jim was a very excellent guide and took us to awesome places!