Seeing the Scottish Highlands had always been high on my list, so I made sure to squeeze in a day trip during my time in the UK. Even though it was just a single day, it was enough to give me a real taste of how dramatic and beautiful the landscape is up north. Wide open spaces, mountains, lochs, and views that just keep coming - it’s the kind of scenery that makes you want to keep looking out the window.
I booked the tour through GetYourGuide, which made everything easy and stress-free. It included roundtrip transportation from Edinburgh and a guide who provided commentary throughout the trip. The guide was very informative and shared bits of Scottish history, local stories, and context about the places we passed, which made the long drives much more interesting.
We departed from Edinburgh early in the morning and drove for about 1.5 hours to our first stop, Callander. It was a quick break for coffee, souvenir shopping, and our first proper introduction to the Highlands - complete with Highland cows, which everyone was understandably excited about.
 |
| met these cute locals |
Tour Highlights – What to See in the Scottish Highlands
The route itself was already a highlight. Even between stops, the views from the bus were stunning, with rolling hills, winding roads, and scenery that kept changing as we drove deeper into the Highlands.
Glencoe
Glencoe was easily one of the most striking parts of the trip. Surrounded by towering mountains and wide valleys, it feels dramatic in a quiet, almost moody way. This area is known for its history as well as its landscapes, and you can really feel that sense of scale when you’re standing there.
 |
| views at Glencoe |
We made one stop in a single area where you get 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. There was also a small stream running through the area, which added to how peaceful it felt despite the dramatic landscape. We had enough time to walk around, take photos, and just stand there soaking it all in. It’s quiet, wide open, and honestly one of those moments where you really feel how vast the Highlands are.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Another major highlight was the Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter films. Seeing it in person was very cool, especially as a Harry Potter fan. I even wore my Hogwarts Slytherin scarf for the photos but because it rained that day, which is typical in the Highlands, I didn't have nice photos.
 |
| saw the Hogwarts Express and the Black Lake - my Potterhead self was super happy |
The walk up to the viewpoint is manageable, and the payoff is worth it once the viaduct comes into view. If you’re lucky with timing, you might even catch the Jacobite Steam Train passing through, which makes the scene even better. Even without the train, the setting - with the viaduct cutting through the landscape - is impressive on its own.
Loch Shiel
Just nearby the viaduct is Loch Shiel, which was also used in the Harry Potter films as the Black Lake. The loch is calm and scenic, with mountains framing the water. It was a peaceful stop and a nice contrast to the more dramatic landscapes earlier in the day.
 |
| view of Loch Shiel from the hiking trail going to the viaduct viewpoint |
Our last stop of the day was Pitlochry, a small town that felt cozy and welcoming after a long day on the road. We had some time to walk around, browse local shops, and try a few treats. I ended up trying Scottish ice cream, which was a fun way to end the day before heading back.
 |
| the small town of Pitlochry |
Overall, the Scottish Highlands day trip was a great experience and absolutely worth it. Even with limited time, you get to see so many stunning landscapes, especially while driving between stops - honestly, the views never really stop.
If you’re visiting Edinburgh and want to see a completely different side of Scotland without planning everything yourself, this kind of day tour is something I’d easily recommend.
0 Comments