Explore the Scottish Highlands With My Tour RouteDiscover the breathtaking landscapes of Glencoe and Loch Ness on a self guided tour of the Scottish Highlands. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!
If you're looking for a truly unforgettable experience, a self-guided tour of the Scottish Highlands is a must. Explore the stunning landscapes of Glencoe and Fort Augustus, and discover the rich history and culture of this beautiful region. With a knowledgeable guide to lead the way, you'll be sure to see all the highlights and make memories that will last a lifetime.
From the rugged mountains and deep valleys to the sparkling lochs and rushing waterfalls, every moment of the tour is filled with breathtaking views and photo opportunities. Whether you're an experienced photographer or just looking to snap a few shots for your Instagram feed, our tour is the perfect way to capture the beauty of Scotland's natural landscapes. So don't forget your camera and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime.
This tour will let you explore Loch Lomond National Park, Rannoch Moore, Glencoe and the famous Loch Ness. I have highlighted, in bold, key locations for you to program sat navs. Most if not all are landmarks in modern sat navs.
I have been exploring the Highlands for the past 10 years and fell in love with the beauty of the Highlands. It is one of the key reasons why I moved to Scotland from my hometown of Bristol.
My self-guided tour can start from either Edinburgh or Glasgow and is best done by car or motorcycle. Whilst you can experience the highlands using public transport, it isn't ideal as they don't stop at a lot of the locations here. The routes from Glasgow and Edinburgh merge after about an hour and a half to two hours drive. The self-guided tour is good for a 2-day excursion or you can extend it by an additional one or two days. The main route is drawn in blue on the map above. Optional additional routes are highlighted in pink, green and orange and are explained later in this guide.
Safety, Weather and What To Bring
We will be exploring the Scottish Highlands which can be remote. Although we are not straying off the main routes, there are times when mobile coverage is patchy, although generally, I lose connection to my network, someone else's network still has a signal and vice-versa. There is always emergency signal coverage on the main routes. If you are using something like Google Maps or other mobile phone sat navs I would highly recommend downloading the offline maps in case of poor signal. Also, bring changing cables and 12v accessory adaptors.
Warm clothes are important at any time of the year, the mountains can get quite chilly even in the summer. The weather is unpredictable and you can get caught out by scattered showers, or even downpours, so bring an umbrella and waterproof jacket. Ensure your vehicle has plenty of fuel and keep it above 1/2 tank just in case. Carry an emergency toolkit, warning triangle, spare tyre, food and water. These should be in your car anyway.
Experience the Beauty of Glencoe's Rugged Mountains and Stunning Lochs
Glencoe is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Scottish Highlands. With its rugged mountains and stunning lochs, it's no wonder that this area has been used as a backdrop for many films and TV shows. A guided tour will take you through the heart of Glencoe, where you'll have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery and learn about the history and culture of the area. Don't forget your camera - you'll want to capture every moment of this unforgettable experience.
Heading Out on Your Scottish Highlands Tour
From Glasgow
If you are starting from the Glasgow area, head west on the A82. From the south of Glasgow, you journey over the Erskine bridge, from the north or east along Great Western Road. This will vary depending on your starting point. Your first destination for the Sat Nav is the Visitor Centre Car Park in the Village of Luss. There is ample parking which is Pay and Display (parking charges apply). There are two car parks, I recommend heading to the north as it is a much shorter walk to the pier and Luss View Point. From here you get fantastic views over Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond.
From Edinburgh
From the Edinburgh side, you want to head out on the M9 towards Stirling.
There is an optional, but recommended stop at the Kelpies at the Helix. These are two gigantic water-horse sculptures about 10 minutes off the M9. If you are coming from that direction you will drive past them on the left. There is a visitor centre with full facilities and ample car parking (free and paid). To see the Kelpies, exit the M9 at junction 5.
From the Kelpies, or if you stayed on the M9, a short while after the Keplies, take Junction 10 (A84) signed Stirling, Callander, Crianlarich. Your destination for the Sat Nav is "The Cabin" on the shores of Loch Lubnaig, Callander. There are two car parks, both of which are pay and display (charges apply). The southern car park has no facilities, whilst the northern has tea/coffee and toilets. Both offer stunning views of Loch Lubnaig and Meall Gainmheich.
Continuing from our first stop both routes take you through the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park before merging at Crianlarich. From there we travel along the A82 to Tyndrum and the Green Welly Stop.
The Green Welly Stop
The Green Welly Stop (FK20 8RY) is a popular stop on any tour. There is a large free car park and the stop provides a full restaurant, gift shop and fuel, all with views of the mountains to come. Over the years this has become a traditional stopping point for refreshments and for our guests to buy some souvenirs.
Once you are suitably refreshed, we continue on the A82 to the Loch Tulla Viewpoint. This has what is now an ample car park, however, my first trip was little more than a lay-by. Sometimes during the summer months, there is a snack van but other than that there aren't any facilities. There used to be a piper at the weekends, however, we haven't seen him for several years. The Loch Tulla Viewpoint provides panoramic views of Loch Tulla and the Bridge of Orchy. It is quite exposed so can get quite brisk at times so be sure to bring a windproof jacket.
When you have taken in the vista, head back out on the A82 to The Meeting of Three Waters which is the next stop on this trip.
Rannoch Moor and Glencoe
Before we get to the meeting of three waters, we get to drive across Rannoch Moor, a vast expanse of around 50 square miles of boggy moorland to the west of Loch Rannoch. As you drive the A82 through the moor we get closer and closer to the mountains as we head to Glencoe. The Glencoe Mountain Resort is a popular winter destination for skiers. Some of the roads you may recognize from the James Bond Skyfall movie which was filmed around here. The "Skyfall Waterfall" is set some distance from the A82.
There are plenty of lay-bys and viewpoints along the way so feel free to stop in any of them to take in the scenery and snap some photos. The Meeting of Three Waters is another of my traditional stops which is why I've set this one as a destination. It's very easy to miss if you don't know where it is. There is a layby on both sides of the road and can get busy. Once parked, head to the viewpoint area for a rather picturesque view of the waterfalls.
The next stop on this trip is the Commando Memorial (PH34 4EG) with some optional stops. Continue on the A82 and you will get to the village of Ballachulish where there is a nice bridge to cross with views over Loch Leven. There is a nice viewpoint just over the bridge next to Onich Service Station. It's an optional stop, there are no facilities here, but you can stop at the filling station for fuel and snacks.
We continue along the A82 to Fort William. This is the largest town in the area and has many hotels, restaurants and shops. There is a large car park on the loch side which used to be free out of season, I haven't stopped here for several years so don't know if this is still the case. Depending on your preferences you can stay here overnight, or continue to Fort Augustus which is where we usually stop for the night.
Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge
The commando memorial is a bronze statue commemorating World War II commandos amid mountain surroundings. The statue is located on the side of a hill with panoramic views over the Nevis mountain range. On clear days you can apparently see Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the British Isles, however despite all my trips to the highlands it's always cloudy or misty!
There is a good sized car park, but no facilities. Sometimes there is a snack van. Please take note - this area is a memorial site. It is not appropriate to climb over the statue, fly drones or light BBQs! I've seen this so many times over the years and it just makes everyone angry. The site is visited all year round by ex-service members and their families. Please make room for these people when they place wreaths and flowers and pay their respects.
It can be very windy here at any time of year, so dress appropriately. Please dispose of your trash in the provided bins or take it home with you.
When you are rested (and if you see Ben Nevis please let me know if it is actually there!) we continue to the final stop of the day, Fort Augustus.
Visit the Charming Village of Fort Augustus and See the Famous Caledonian Canal
Fort Augustus is a picturesque village located at the southern end of Loch Ness. It's known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and its proximity to the famous Caledonian Canal. The canal is a marvel of engineering, stretching over 60 miles from Inverness to Fort William. It was built in the early 19th century to provide a safe passage for ships through the treacherous waters of the Scottish Highlands. Today, it's a popular destination for boaters and tourists alike, offering a unique perspective on the natural beauty of the region.
There are many places to stay and eat, but you need to book well in advance during the summer season as it gets very busy. There is a large pay-and-display car park you can use, however, most hotels and B&Bs have their own private parking.
Whilst you are in Fort Augustus there are a few recommended activities and several souvenir shops to visit.
No trip to the Scottish Highlands is complete without a visit to Loch Ness, home of the legendary Loch Ness Monster. While you may not spot Nessie herself, a boat tour of the lake offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. You can also learn about the history and folklore of the area from knowledgeable guides. Keep an eye out for other wildlife, such as otters and eagles, as you cruise along the tranquil waters.
Then there is the Caledonian Canal which connects the east coast at Inverness with the west coast near Fort William. In Fort Augustus, there are a series of locks and a swing bridge which take boats from the canal to Loch Ness.
The Next Destination Is Up To You
The next destination is up to you.
If you want to carry on exploring you can continue driving up the A82 (drawn in orange on the map at the top) along the shores of Loch Ness to Inverness where you can pick up the A9 to return south. Along this road you drive a kinda-boring road through the Cairngorms National Park, optionally stopping at Aviemore, the Dalwhinnie distillery tour is recommended, before continuing to Perth and either staying on the A9 to Glasgow or taking the M9 to Edinburgh.
Also from Inverness, you can continue North on the A835 to Ullapool along the Pink Route, a small but popular fishing town on the west coast. There are numerous hotels and B&B options here as well as restaurants. I can recommend the fish and chips from the Seaforth.
For a longer trip, you can follow the green route which takes you to the Isle of Skye which is accessed via a road bridge from the turning at Invermoriston. From there just follow the signs. Skye is very beautiful to visit and I would recommend staying here overnight if you get the chance. The Isle of Skye is known for its rugged landscapes and stunning natural beauty. Take a hike to the Old Man of Storr, a towering rock formation that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and coastline. Or, visit the Fairy Pools, a series of crystal-clear pools and waterfalls that are perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot summer day. Don't forget to stop by the charming town of Portree, with its colourful houses and bustling harbour.
You can also head back the way we came. You saw how stunning the Glencoe range and Rannoch Moor are on the way up and I can tell you it's just as good driving back and seeing it from a different angle.
And that brings the self-guided tour to a conclusion. These are the routes I take almost every year including varying the final destination. In 2023 we did the journey from Edinburgh to Fort Augustus, staying there overnight, Cruise Loch Ness and returning to the same route in two days comfortably. It's about 150 miles each way and took around 5 hours including all the stops listed, although on the way back we didn't stop much.
I hope you like these routes and please let me know in the comments below how you got on and what you saw!
