Loch Ness & Highlands Minicoach Tour from Glasgow
Tour that could be called "Scotland in a day" tour. Departs Glasgow every day of the year at 08:00. The ideal way to see the maximum amount of Scotland as possible in one day! Includes: Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Cairngorms. Tour is guaranteed to run!
Rannoch Moor ~ Glencoe ~ Great Glen ~ Fort Augustus ~ Boat Cruise on Loch Ness ~ Loch Lomond ~ Highland Perthshire
Depart Glasgow at 08.00 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.
Into the Highlands
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. It's easy to forget that this was once thought of as a dangerous frontier fought over by the fiercely territorial Highland clans such as the MacGregors, made famous by the Highland folk hero, Rob Roy MacGregor.
Rannoch Moor Wilderness
Travelling north through Breadalbane (meaning the 'High Country of Scotland'), you climb towards the wild desolation of Rannoch Moor. At an altitude of over 1000ft, covered by heather and peat-bogs and dotted with dozens of lochs, it's a unique landscape. This contrasts with the spectacular mountain scenery as you pass the majestic peak of Buachaille Etive Mor (meaning 'the great shepherd of Etive') and down into Scotland's most famous valley, Glencoe.
Glencoe
Stunningly beautiful, with its dramatic cliff faces and steep slopes, Glencoe is infamous as the site of the Glencoe massacre in 1692. Following orders from King William, Scottish soldiers, under the leadership of Captain Robert Campbell, slaughtered 38 men, women and children of the Macdonald clan. This was especially shocking as the soldiers had been living with the people of Glencoe for 2 weeks and killed them in their own homes. Noone was ever punished for this crime, as the King himself had signed the order, but because it was murder under trust, the Highlands would never be the same again.
Fort William & Ben Nevis
Beyond Glencoe you will enter the Great Glen, a deep glacial valley which 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.
Loch Ness
At 23 miles long and over 700ft deep it's the largest loch by volume in Scotland and contains more water than every lake in England and Wales combined! Of course, the loch is best known for the legendary sightings of the Loch Ness Monster ('Nessie'). Fort Augustus is a pretty little town in its own right, the Caledonian Canal which links the lochs of the Great Glen dominates the town and makes a great place to relax and watch the boats sail by. You will stop here for lunch before travelling north the full length of the loch with the opportunity to take a 5 Star Jacobite boat cruise on the loch and view the ancient stronghold of Urquhart Castle.
Urquhart Castle
Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart’s remains include a tower house that commands splendid views of the famous loch and Great Glen. Urquhart witnessed considerable conflict throughout its 500 years as a medieval fortress and its history from the 13th to 17th centuries was particularly bloody. Following Edward I’s invasion, it fell into English hands and was then reclaimed and lost again. In the 14th century, it figured prominently in the Scots’ struggle for independence and came under the control of Robert the Bruce after he became King of Scots.
The Journey South
From Loch Ness you continue north through Inverness before travelling south through the mountains of the Cairngorms National Park. Your route takes you over the Drumochter Pass (1500ft above sea level) and past 13th century Blair Castle, ancestral home of the Duke of Atholl. We continue south via the forests of Highland Perthshire with a short refreshment stop on route, returning to Glasgow at approximately 19.45.
Inclusions
- Transportation in top of the range 16 seat Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience.
- Forced air ventilation as standard.
- Services of a professional driver/guide
- Your chance to see 'Nessie' !
Exclusions
- Lunch and refreshments.
- Price of Loch Ness boat cruise.
The Little Details
- Minimum Age: Age 5+
- Min Age: 5 years
- Tour Vehicle Type: Mini Coach
- Months of Operation: All Year
- Duration of Tour: Full Day
- Departure Point: Glasgow
- Departure Point: Parish Hall, 266 George Street, Glasgow (next to the City Chambers) between North Frederick Street and John Street
- Departure Time: 08:00 Please check-in 15 minutes earlier.
- Expected return Time: 19:45
- Duration of Tour: Full Day
Rates & Dates
Adult Prices: From £39 to £47
Discount Prices: From £36 to £44
Discount Price: Students, Seniors over 60 and Children between 5 and 16. We regret children under 5 cannot be accepted on the tour.
The actual price for your tour will be displayed during the booking process. Simply click on the 'Book Now' button to book your tour.
Booking Notes
Click on the 'Book Now' button to proceed to Rabbies' booking window. Simply enter your tour requirements, your details and payment details for immediate confirmation.
Because we believe in time off the bus and give you opportunities to take nature walks we recommend you bring suitable clothing and footwear for your tour. Scotland can be a wet place!! The Loch Ness boat cruise only runs from Easter to October.
Some Places We Will Visit
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Fort William
Fort William is the gateway to the Western Highlands and one of the country's main tourist centres. It stands at the head of Loch Linnhe, with the snow-topped mass of Ben Nevis towering behind.
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Fort Augustus
At the more scenic southern end of Loch Ness stands the village of Fort Augustus, originally set up as a garrison after the Jacobite rebellion of 1715, and headquarters of General Wade's campaign to pacify the Highlands. Today Fort Augustus is a busy little place; full of monster-hunting tourists and boats using the flight of five locks to enter or leave Loch Ness on their journey along the Caledonian Canal.
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Inverness
The Highlands' largest town and enjoying a real renaissance over the past ten years as young professionals have moved to the city. The gateway to the far north and a fun night out if you stay.
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Pitlochry
Small Highland tour that is a frequent stopping place for coaches travelling along the A9. Somewhat a one road town of shops and cafes.
Castle Visited
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Urquhart Castle
Semi ruinous castle in strong position beside Loch Ness controlling the route North. Captured by Robert the Bruce by clever negotiation. Visitor centre open all year.
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