Hairy Coos & Highland Views: A Short Escape from Edinburgh

Traveling from Edinburgh, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of Scotland’s natural beauty, historic sites, and charming rural landscapes—all packed into a manageable 6.5-hour window. Whether you’re short on time or want a quick break from the city’s hustle, it’s an appealing way to see the Highlands without the long-haul.

Three things we particularly like about this experience are the diverse stops that showcase Scottish heritage, the stunning scenery along Loch Katrine and the Forth Bridges, and the friendly, knowledgeable guides who bring the journey to life. That said, a potential consideration is the limited time at each stop, especially if you’re eager to explore more in depth.

This tour is ideal for those who want a mix of history, nature, and local culture in a single day, especially if you’re craving a taste of the Highlands but not looking to commit to a multi-day adventure. It’s perfect for first-time visitors to Edinburgh wanting an authentic, value-packed escape.

Good To Know

• Comfortable transportation: Travel in a modern, air-conditioned coach with plenty of photo stops.
• Flexible options: Choose between a whisky distillery tour or visiting Blackness Castle.
• Stunning scenery: Enjoy views of Loch Katrine, the Kelpies, Stirling Castle, and the Forth Bridges.
• Authentic experiences: Meet Highland cattle and learn local stories from an engaging guide.
• Moderate price for a full day: At $61, the experience offers good value considering the variety of stops and inclusions.
• Limited time at each stop: Rushed scheduling might leave some wishing for a bit more exploration time.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Experience

This tour stands out as a well-paced, thoughtfully curated day trip that captures the essence of Scotland’s landscapes and history. Departing from Edinburgh’s Regent Road, you’re whisked away in a plush, modern coach, with live commentary that keeps the journey engaging. The guides, like Jason, are praised for their humor, storytelling, and depth of knowledge—adding a layer of authenticity that makes each stop more meaningful.

Scenic Drive and Early Highlights

The trip kicks off with a drive past the famous Kelpies—giant horse-head sculptures symbolizing Scotland’s industrial heritage—and the historic town of Stirling. You might catch glimpses of the Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle, both iconic symbols of Scottish resilience and history. These sights are more than just photo ops; they’re gateways into Scotland’s identity.

Blackness Castle or Deanston Distillery

Depending on your chosen option during booking, your first stop will either be at Blackness Castle or Deanston Distillery. If you opt for Blackness Castle, you’ll explore a 15th-century fortress perched dramatically on the Firth of Forth. Recognized from the TV show Outlander, it’s dubbed “the ship that never sailed” due to its ship-like shape.

If you prefer whisky, you’ll visit Deanston Distillery, a former cotton mill transformed into a whisky producer. The guided tour here is described as revealing the “time-honoured craft of whisky-making,” and the tasting of Deanston’s signature malts is a highlight. Reviewers mention that, although the production tour might be unavailable during some dates due to ongoing work, the tasting experience remains informative and enjoyable.

Loch Katrine and Highland Nature

Post castle or whisky, you’ll venture into the heart of the Trossachs, stopping at Loch Katrine. Immortalized in Sir Walter Scott’s poem The Lady of the Lake, it’s a place that truly captures the serenity and beauty of Scotland’s countryside. Surrounded by lush forests and towering mountains, it’s a perfect spot for photos and quiet reflection.

You’ll also pass Loch Achray, a smaller but equally scenic waterbody, offering a snapshot of Highland tranquility. Expect plenty of opportunities for photographs and maybe even some wildlife spotting—reviewers note the scenic views and the peaceful atmosphere.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Highland Cattle and Queensferry

No Scottish countryside experience is complete without meeting the Hairy Coos—the iconic Highland cattle. The tour makes a stop for photos with these gentle, shaggy creatures, often described as a highlight by visitors. Several reviewers mention the pleasure of feeding the cows (cash only), and one noted that the cows are sometimes left waiting for buses, which is both amusing and a little sad if they look poorly cared for. The tour guides tend to be attentive, and feeding the cattle adds a fun, interactive element.

On the way back to Edinburgh, you’ll stop at Queensferry for panoramic views of the Forth Bridges, including the striking Forth Rail Bridge—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Reviewers love this stop for its picture-perfect scenery and the chance to appreciate Scotland’s engineering marvels.

Return to Edinburgh

The journey concludes around 5 PM, with plenty of time to unwind after a day packed with scenery, history, and a touch of Highland charm. Many reviewers mention that the tour’s timing allows for a relaxed experience, with enough breaks for photos and snacks, but a few note that the schedule can feel a little rushed—so plan to prioritize what interests you most.

Transportation, Group Size, and Pricing

Traveling on a luxury, air-conditioned coach, the ride itself is smooth and comfortable. Group sizes are kept manageable, with reviews mentioning small groups that foster a more intimate, friendly atmosphere. Costing $61 per person, this tour offers solid value given the diversity of stops, scenic drives, and guided commentary.

While it doesn’t include hotel pick-up, meeting at the designated spot is straightforward. Meals and drinks aren’t included, but multiple stops allow for food, snacks, and souvenirs. Whisky and castle tickets are purchasable on the day, keeping the process flexible.

The Value of the Experience

At this price point, you’re essentially paying for a thoughtfully curated day that combines scenic beauty, cultural insights, and unique Scottish encounters. Several reviews praise the guides, like Jason and Colin, for their entertainment and knowledge, which enhances the overall value.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for travelers who want a taste of Scottish highlands without the hassle of planning or multi-day commitments. It’s especially suited for those interested in Scottish castles, whisky, or Highland cattle, and who appreciate a scenic drive with plenty of photo opportunities. The tour’s moderate pace and friendly guides make it accessible, but those seeking deep exploration of each site might find the stops a bit brief.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded snapshot of Scotland’s natural beauty, historic landmarks, and rural charm in just over half a day. The mix of scenery, storytelling, and iconic sights makes it a memorable way to escape Edinburgh’s city limits, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.

The guided commentary and small group setting keep the experience intimate and engaging, allowing you to connect with Scottish culture and landscape in a relaxed way. Whether you opt for the whisky tasting or the castle visit, you’ll leave with a greater appreciation of what makes Scotland special.

Price-wise, it’s a good deal considering the variety of stops and the quality of the guides. It’s a comfortable, authentic taste of the Highlands—ideal for first-timers or those wanting a quick Highland fix.

In short, if you’re after a scenic, culturally rich, and fun day out from Edinburgh, this tour ticks most boxes. Just remember to bring some cash for feeding the Highland coos and be ready for a few photos, a lot of stories, and a taste of Scotland’s wild beauty.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes transportation on a luxury coach, a live commentary from an experienced guide, scenic stops at iconic locations, and the option to visit Deanston Distillery or Blackness Castle.

Can I join the whisky tasting?
Yes, you can choose the whisky distillery option, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour and tasting of Deanston’s single malts. Note that the tour of the distillery may be unavailable during certain dates due to ongoing works, but the tasting will still happen.

What are the main stops?
Stops include the Kelpies, Stirling, Deanston Distillery or Blackness Castle, Loch Katrine, Loch Achray, Highland cattle, and Queensferry with views of the Forth Bridges.

How long is the trip?
The total duration is approximately 6.5 hours, with the tour departing from Edinburgh at 10:30 AM and returning around 5 PM.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The minimum age is 7 years old, with over 8s recommended for the whisky tour. Children must be at least 120cm tall and the tour isn’t suited for groups larger than 8, so check with the provider for larger groups.

Are meals and drinks included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, but there are stops where food and souvenirs can be purchased. You’re encouraged to bring snacks and drinks for comfort.

What about accessibility?
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and pets aren’t allowed onboard. It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a bit of walking and standing.

Overall, the Hairy Coos & Highland Views tour offers a delightful mix of scenery, history, and Scottish culture at a fair price. Whether it’s your first visit or a quick escape from busy Edinburgh, you’ll come away with plenty of memories—and some great photos of Highland coos.

You can check if your dates are available here: