Our journey through the Scottish Highlands was a tapestry of misty lochs, towering glens, Highland cows, and quaint village charms. From the serene shores of Loch Lomond to the mystery of Loch Ness and the lively streets of Pitlochry — this was a heartfelt recollection of a day well spent with family.
A Perfect Family Getaway in the Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands are more than just a scenic escape — they blend myth, nature, and timeless charm. For our family of four, this iconic region of Scotland became the perfect one-day getaway from Glasgow. We booked the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness & Glencoe Day Tour with Viator, and the journey was filled with whimsical landscapes, Highland cows, legendary lochs, and delightful little moments that made us fall in love with Scotland even more.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a nature lover looking to explore more, this tour covers a wide array of Scottish beauty — all in just 12 hours.
Starting from Glasgow: A Comfortable Ride of the Tour
The tour began bright and early from Glasgow City Centre, where we boarded a comfortable minibus with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide. The ride itself was a pleasure — cozy seats (first come, first served), gorgeous window views, and commentary filled with local legends, fun facts, and delightful Scottish humor.
Highlights of the Scottish Highlands
Here are the highlights from the family tour to the Scottish Highlands, chasing myths, Glencoe mountains, and moo moments.
Loch Lomond: Coffee, Croissants & Chai Lattes
Our first stop was by the peaceful banks of Loch Lomond, where we grabbed a quick breakfast at a cozy café. Though there were mini breakfast options, we chose warm croissants and chai lattes — a nod to our Indian roots (we couldn’t resist!). The chai latte, while a fun attempt, wasn’t quite home — but hey, it was a flavorful start to the day.
The calm waters of Loch Lomond and misty hills around it made it the perfect welcome into the Highlands — crisp air, quiet roads, and sleepy-eyed families soaking in the view.
Glencoe: Breezy Hugs & Majestic Vistas
Driving into Glencoe was like stepping into a fantasy novel — towering mountain peaks, sweeping valleys, and layers of mist rolling across the landscape. We had a few scenic stops for photos, and even with the wind challenging our balance, we couldn’t resist wrapping ourselves in breezy hugs and standing still to breathe in the magic of the place.
Our guide shared haunting stories from Scottish history, including the Glencoe Massacre, adding a sense of depth and emotion to this already captivating place.
Fort Augustus & Loch Ness: In Search of Nessie
At Fort Augustus, we stopped for a longer break where we enjoyed lunch and prepared for our boat cruise across the legendary Loch Ness. This was a major highlight — not just because of the mystery surrounding Nessie, but also the beauty of the landscape around us.
The boat had indoor seating with large windows and an open deck above, allowing stunning views. While we didn’t spot the real Nessie (sadly!), the cruise had fun sticker silhouettes of the monster on the windows. It was entertaining for kids trying to “spot” her. The water was deep and dark, with ancient forests hugging the shore, making it easy to believe the legend could be factual.
The Scottish Highlands Cow Farm: Short Treks & A Family Mix-Up
Next, we visited a Highland cattle farm, where we got up close with Scotland’s most adorable and iconic shaggy residents. The farm featured little trekking paths, almost like a countryside maze.
My mum and I got lost for a while trying to locate my dad and brother, which became a fun family story in itself. Eventually, we all reunited near a group of cows munching away contentedly. These gentle creatures were a joy to watch and photograph, and the walk offered lovely views of rolling farmland.
Pitlochry: Whisky Ice Cream & Charming Streets
Our final stop was the charming Victorian town of Pitlochry. Though small, it was bustling with tourists all lining up to try the famous whisky-flavored ice cream — and yes, we joined in too. The sweet, creamy treat had a grown-up kick and was worth every scoop.
We also took a short stroll through the pretty streets, filled with indie shops, stone cottages, and cozy cafés. For a brief moment, time felt slower here — the perfect way to wind down before the drive back.
Planning Your Trip: From Glasgow or Edinburgh?
Though we started our tour in Glasgow, many similar Highland day tours are available from Edinburgh. If you’re traveling from the capital, it’s easy to book a comparable route covering Loch Ness, Glencoe, and more. For those travelling in Glasgow, this Viator tour we chose was incredibly convenient, well-paced, and covered all the essentials without feeling rushed.
The Scottish Highlands Left Us Wanting More
Our 12-hour journey through the Scottish Highlands with Viator was spectacular. It blended nature, history, folklore, and food into a seamless experience — perfect for families, solo travelers, or anyone curious about the wonders of Scotland. The itinerary hit all the iconic spots while leaving room for quiet, magical moments we’ll never forget.
Though we had to return to Glasgow by nightfall, our hearts remained between the misty glens and mysterious lochs. On our next visit, we hope to explore Inverness, delve deeper into Highland culture, and maybe (just maybe) catch a real glimpse of Nessie.