Highland Lochs & Glens Tour from Edinburgh – with Hairy Coos (Map & Itinerary)

After a short journey, we’ll arrive in the hills of Sheriffmuir, site of the pivotal Battle of Sheriffmuir in 1715. This key confrontation during the first Jacobite rising saw forces loyal to the exiled James Francis Edward Stuart clash with the British Government army. The site remains largely unchanged; here we’ll stretch our legs and take in the moorland setting of this dramatic battle site.

We then continue through gentle countryside dotted with grazing sheep, Highland cattle, and Shetland ponies, making our way down the beautiful Glen Eagles Valley as we approach our next destination—the charming town of Dunblane. Known across the world as the home of tennis champion Andy Murray, it is also home to the striking Dunblane Cathedral, which dates to the 12th century. Here we’ll have time to enjoy a leisurely riverside stroll, explore the town’s independent shops and cosy cafés, and be sure to spot the famous gold postbox, painted in honour of Andy Murray’s Olympic gold medal win.

Next, we make our way into the breathtaking landscapes of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. This area combines dramatic mountain scenery, dense woodlands, and mirror-like lochs. Near the picturesque town of Callander (often called the Gateway to the Highlands) we’ll stop for an encounter with some of Scotland’s most beloved residents—the Highland cows, or as locals affectionately call them, ‘Hairy Coos’. With their long, shaggy coats and curved horns, these gentle giants are a living symbol of the Highlands.

From here, we travel along narrow, winding roads flanked by glittering lochs and craggy hills, offering numerous photo opportunities. Our route will bring us to the shores of Loch Lomond, a beautiful body of water immortalised in songs, poems, and legend. As Scotland’s largest loch by surface area, here at Loch Lomond we’ll have time to enjoy a lochside walk (around 1 mile) or opt for a relaxing 45-minute boat cruise, taking in the tranquil waters and surrounding mountain views. This is also our lunch stop, with local cafés and picnic spots available.

After absorbing the views of Loch Lomond, our journey turns back eastward, towards the dramatic sight of The Kelpies—a pair of colossal, 30-metre (100-foot) high horse-head sculptures. We’ll stop at these gleaming steel structures that pay homage to the mythical water spirits said to inhabit Scotland’s lochs and rivers, and also serve as a tribute to Scotland’s equine and industrial heritage.

After some final views of the Forth Bridges, we’ll return to Edinburgh. Our journey concludes at Cairngorms Coffee Shop by approximately 5:30pm.