Inverness: Great Glen Tour with Urquhart Castle

If you’re planning a day trip from Inverness, the Great Glen Tour with Urquhart Castle offers a compelling mix of history, stunning scenery, and iconic Scottish landmarks. While we haven’t personally been on this tour, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of a well-rounded experience suited for those eager to explore the Highlands without the hassle of self-driving.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to get up close to Urquhart Castle, a site teeming with military history and breathtaking views over Loch Ness. Second, the opportunity to see the Glenfinnan Viaduct—famous for its connection to Harry Potter—and the historic Glenfinnan Monument. Lastly, the guide’s local expertise shines, making the journey both informative and fun.

One potential consideration is that this tour is quite full, with a 10-hour schedule and multiple stops, so it might not be ideal if you’re looking for a slow, leisurely experience. It’s best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive day trip that covers a variety of highlights in a single day, especially those who appreciate guided storytelling and scenic drives.

This tour is ideal for history lovers, Harry Potter fans, and anyone who wants to see the highlights of the Highlands comfortably and with expert guidance.

Good To Know

• Expert-guided experience covering major Highland sights with local insights.
• Balanced mix of historical and scenic stops such as Urquhart Castle, Glenfinnan, and Loch Ness.
• Small group size (limited to 7), ensuring a more personal and flexible atmosphere.
• Includes photo opportunities at Loch Ness and other scenic points.
• Transport is by comfortable van, making long-distance travel easy.
• Not including entrance fees or meals, so budget accordingly.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring the Itinerary: What You’ll Experience

Loch Ness and the Search for Nessie

The day kicks off with a scenic drive to Loch Ness, where you’ll have the chance to see the legendary loch itself—famous worldwide for its mysterious monster. The tour mentions a fun “Beastie whisperer” calling Nessie for a photograph, which hints at a lighthearted, engaging approach. You’ll even have time to walk down to the shoreline, snap photos of the stunning scenery, and imagine the elusive creature lurking beneath the surface.

The guide explains how Loch Ness was formed through a geological event, giving an educational touch to the scenic backdrop. The discussion about ongoing scientific and enthusiast efforts to find Nessie adds a fun layer of curiosity for all ages. As one reviewer remarked, the photo opportunity and storytelling made Loch Ness feel more real and exciting.

Urquhart Castle: Ruins with a View

Next, you’ll visit the famous Urquhart Castle, perched on a rocky promontory overlooking Loch Ness. The visit is a viewpoint stop rather than a walk around the ruins, which means you get the spectacular views without the additional time or cost of entrance fees. The guide shares stories about the castle’s military past—who fought over it and who destroyed it—adding context to the impressive setting.

Travelers appreciated the open outlook over the loch, noting it’s a perfect spot for photos and to soak up the atmosphere. As one reviewer put it, the castle’s location is “spectacular,” and the commentary helps bring its history alive without making the stop feel rushed.

Charming Villages and Fort Augustus

The tour then passes through Invermoriston, a village linked to fairy folklore, and the historic Fort Augustus. Here, you’ll see the famous canal locks, which are still operational, and learn about their role in Highland transportation. This is a great chance to stretch your legs and grab a quick lunch during the free time allocated in Fort Augustus, which many guests found convenient.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Highland Highlights: Glencoe or Glenfinnan

From Fort Augustus, the route offers a choice—either passing through Glen Coe, known for its somber history of the Massacre of 1692, or heading toward Glenfinnan, home of the Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Glenfinnan Monument. Our sources note that the Glenfinnan Viaduct is a highlight, especially for Harry Potter fans, as the famous Hogwarts Express crosses it.

The Glenfinnan Monument, marking the 1745 Jacobite Rising, adds a layer of historical drama. Many reviews mention how the guide’s stories about the Jacobite rebellion make the scenery more meaningful.

Fort William and Invergloy Castle

Driving through Fort William, you’ll enjoy views of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, and a quick visit to the Inverlochy Castle ruins. Even if not entering these sites, the views and stories shared by the guide deepen your appreciation for Highland history.

The Final Stops and Return

The tour wraps up with a visit to the Commando Memorial near Spean Bridge, which honors the brave soldiers trained in the area during WWII. The final stretch takes you back along the Great Glen, through lush landscapes, ending at the meeting point in Inverness.

How the Experience Feels

Traveling with Storytellertours means you’re in capable hands. The guide, praised for their knowledge and storytelling, makes history come alive with details many travelers found engaging. The small group size means you can ask questions freely and get a more personalized experience.

The 10-hour duration includes plenty of scenic stops, photo opportunities, and storytelling, making the long day feel packed but not overwhelming. The transportation by van is comfortable, and the stops are well-paced, with enough time for photos and short walks.

Price and Value

At $269 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive look at the Highlands without the hassle of organizing transport or multiple entries. While entrance fees to sites like Urquhart Castle are not included, the overall value lies in the guided experience, the convenience, and the access to viewpoints that might be tricky to reach independently.

Practical Tips

• Dress in layers: Scottish weather can change rapidly, so bring rain gear and warm clothes.
• Comfortable shoes are a must, especially if you want to walk down to Loch Ness or around Fort Augustus.
• Bring a camera and water—photography is a big part of capturing the day.
• Remember this is a guided tour, so punctuality helps keep the day running smoothly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a full-day Highland adventure with the comfort of a guided group. It’s especially suited for those interested in Scottish history, Harry Potter fans, and anyone eager to see iconic sights like Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and Glenfinnan without the stress of self-driving.

While it’s not ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues due to the walking involved, the small group size and engaging storytelling make it a great choice for adventure seekers and history buffs alike.

Final Thoughts

This tour balances scenic drives with meaningful stops, making it an excellent way to experience the Scottish Highlands in a single day. The knowledgeable guides and well-chosen itinerary help ensure you come away with a good sense of place, history, and the magic of the landscape.

The blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and iconic film locations offers something for all. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to see the highlights of the Great Glen and Loch Ness, this tour likely fits the bill.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 5 years old, mainly because of the long day and walking involved.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the ticket price does not cover entrance fees to sites like Urquhart Castle, so plan accordingly if you want to explore further.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a camera, water, and rain gear are advisable, as weather can change rapidly.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the stops and walking involved.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, starting and ending in Inverness.

What’s the group size?
The tour is limited to 7 participants, making for a more intimate experience.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not provided, but there will be a stop in Fort Augustus for you to purchase food.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses a van designed for comfort on long drives.

What is the main highlight?
Many travelers highlight the scenic views at Loch Ness and the experience of seeing Glenfinnan and the Harry Potter train as the main highlights.

The Inverness Great Glen Tour with Urquhart Castle offers a well-rounded, engaging way to discover the Scottish Highlands, especially if you’re eager for history, scenery, and a bit of magic—all in one day.

You can check if your dates are available here: