Highland Adventure: Glenfinnan & Hairy Coos Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct
- Discover the scenic beauty of Glen Coe
- Visit Doune Castle, a filming location for 'Outlander'
- Encounter the famous Highland Cows ('Hairy Coos')
- Enjoy picturesque Scottish landscapes
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Glenfinnan Viaduct and Glen Coe
- Visit to Doune Castle, featured in 'Outlander' and 'Game of Thrones'
- Opportunity to see Highland Cows ('Hairy Coos') in their natural habitat
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
The journey begins at Callander, the "Gateway to the Highlands," where visitors can explore local shops and enjoy a meal before entering Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, offering stunning views of lochs, mountains, and lush countryside.
The journey continues through Argyll and Bute into the Highlands, showcasing Rannoch Moor and the breath-taking Glencoe in the Caledonian Mountain range. Discover the ancient supervolcano that formed the "Three Sisters" peaks, learn about the tragic Massacre of Glencoe, and spot the iconic backdrop from the Harry Potter series.
Have lunch in Fort William, located at the base of the Nevis Range. Explore the remnants of old army barracks, take a stroll along the shores of Loch Linnhe, and savor local cafe delights before resuming the journey.
Arrive at Glenfinnan, the highlight of the journey, featuring the Glenfinnan Viaduct by Thomas Telford and the Jacobite Monument. Explore trails for stunning views, have a chance to spot the Jacobite Steam Train* (operating May 5th–September 26th, 2025), and relive the magic of the Hogwarts Express. Visit the shores of Loch Shiel and the historic Glenfinnan Monument, marking Bonnie Prince Charlie’s 1745 Jacobite Uprising. *Please be aware that the Jacobite Steam Train is operated independently by West Coast Railways. This service operates seasonally, from 5th May- 26th September 2025. While our tour is planned to coincide with the train's schedule, we cannot guarantee that the train will be running on the day of your tour. On days when the Jacobite Steam Train is not operating, you can still enjoy views of the viaduct.
Pass by: In the afternoon, journey through the Cairngorms, Scotland's largest national park, known as the "Blue Mountains." Relax and take in the rugged landscapes and ancient Caledonian pine forests.
The final stop of the tour offers a chance to meet Highland Cows, affectionately called “Hairy Coos” in Scotland. Enjoy an unforgettable experience interacting with these adorable animals and capturing iconic photos to round off your journey.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- The tour operates rain or shine; please dress appropriately for the weather.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and historic sites.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly for the day's conditions.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Children under 3 years not accepted. Proof of ID for children may be required at check in.
Traveler reviews
Stunning Experience
Hugh, the Piping Tour Guide, was amazing; told us lots of history while throwing in jokes here and there. The most magical part was when he played a song on the bagpipes while on a quick stop in the Highlands. The group size was perfect for the day trip and definitely worth the price. While you get to determine how much walking you do at both the Viaduct and Fort William, I recommend wearing comfy shoes. Also, arrive at check-in/meeting point early to secure a good seat on the bus.
Great day trip
We had an amazing time, our tour guide Jamie was knowledgeable and had the most amazing playlist perfectly curated for the trip. The stops were all just the right amount of time and we always knew when and where we would be heading off next. I think because of the long rides children may enjoy their other tours more, but couples, families (with bigger children) and solo travelers will have the best time.
It was a long day but worth it.
It was a long day on the bus but worth seeing so much of Scottish countryside. We missed stopping at the most amazing view in Glencoe because there was no parking. Nothing the tour guides could do about that but they took us to a beautiful stop just down the highway. We also wish lunch was longer so we didn’t need to eat McD and rush thru eating. But we had a full 12 hr day of many sites to see. The tour guides were super knowledgeable and funny. They played music in between sites that were relative to the sites being seen and added a little more magic to the highland views.
Be ready to spend most of the time driving
I enjoyed visiting the sites which were a part of the itenerary. What I did not expect was the sheer number of hours spent in the coach, driving, likely totalling 7-8 hours. The seats were not comfortable..
Great introduction to the highlands
We did the one day 13 hour tour to the highlands from Edinburgh, we had a brilliant day. Terri and Alan were a great team and made the day fun and interesting