Mountains, Glens & The Loch Ness Monster

Name: Mountains, Glens & The Loch Ness Monster

Short Description: Leaving the city buzz of Glasgow behind, our Loch Ness tour first heads north into Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, a land of lochs, legends, and eye-popping scenery. From there, it’s straight into the Highlands, with a stop at Glen Coe, famous for its dramatic peaks and haunting past. As we venture further north, you'll catch stunning views of the Commando Monument and the Nevis Range, with a glimpse of the mighty Ben Nevis — the tallest mountain in the UK. Next, we head to Fort Augustus, a charming village on the banks of Loch Ness. Here, you can hop on an optional boat cruise to try your luck spotting Nessie, or just relax along the Caledonian Canal. On the way back, we’ll take you through the rugged beauty of Cairngorms National Park, wrapping up an unforgettable day before heading back to Glasgow in the evening.

Description: Leaving the city buzz of Glasgow behind, our Loch Ness tour first heads north into Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, a land of lochs, legends, and eye-popping scenery. From there, it’s straight into the Highlands, with a stop at Glen Coe, famous for its dramatic peaks and haunting past. As we venture further north, you'll catch stunning views of the Commando Monument and the Nevis Range, with a glimpse of the mighty Ben Nevis — the tallest mountain in the UK. Next, we head to Fort Augustus, a charming village on the banks of Loch Ness. Here, you can hop on an optional boat cruise to try your luck spotting Nessie, or just relax along the Caledonian Canal. On the way back, we’ll take you through the rugged beauty of Cairngorms National Park, wrapping up an unforgettable day before heading back to Glasgow in the evening.

Highlights

• Glen Coe(GC)
• Commando Memorial(Commando)
• Fort Augustus (Augustus)
• Loch Ness(LN)
• Cairngorms National Park(Cairngorms)

Inclusions

Item 1: Your Legendary Local HAGGiS Guide

Item 2: Scottish Stories & Live Commentary (in English)

Name: Glen Coe

NameShort: Glen Coe

As far as Scottish scenery goes, you don’t get more dramatic than the mighty Glencoe. ‘Glen’ is Gaelic for valley, and this jaw-dropper was deeply carved into the landscape during the Ice Age. From the sprawling peaks to crystal-clear rivers, Glencoe is guaranteed to blow your wee socks off.

Glencoe translates as the ‘weeping glen’, and it certainly lives up to its name. Waterfalls run from misty peaks through the glen’s gorges and creases, and are particularly dramatic after a downpour of “liquid sunshine”. Glencoe’s name also reflects the sad history of the clan who once lived there. In 1692, the government redcoats murdered Clan MacDonald in their beds, as punishment for their Jacobite allegiance. This bloody and brutal betrayal of Highland hospitality is remembered in history as the Massacre of Glencoe. Glencoe is dominated by majestic mountains which completely contrast the vast and flat expanse of its neighbouring Rannoch Moor. Buachaille Etive Mòr, which overlooks the moor, is a bonnie brute of a mountain, and a fond favourite with photographers. We think that Glencoe is the most photogenic when the weather is moody and atmospheric.

Image Name: Glen Coe

Image Alt: Glen Coe

Name: Commando Memorial

NameShort: Commando Memorial

Looking out over the stunning Nevis Range is a bonnie bronze statue which pays tribute to the fallen British Commandos who fought in the Second World War, who and trained with live ammunition in the area near the memorial.

Looking out over the stunning Nevis Range is a bonnie bronze statue which pays tribute to the fallen British Commandos who fought in the Second World War, who and trained with live ammunition in the area near the memorial.

Image Name: Commando Memorial

Image Alt: Commando Memorial

Name: Fort Augustus

NameShort: Fort Augustus

On the southern tip of Loch Ness sits the pretty village of Fort Augustus, and one of the most impressive sections of the Caledonian Canal. Go in search of our famous monster with Cruise Loch Ness, or pose for a perfect picture at the Loch Ness Viewpoint.

Fort Augustus was named after the Duke of Cumberland – William Augustus – who led the government army into the Battle of Culloden in 1746. The village is a hotspot for tourists looking to get up close and personal with Scotland’s most famous loch. Fort Augustus marks the midway point between Inverness and Fort William on the Great Glen Way; a popular route for walking, cycling and sailing. The Caledonian Canal is an epic feat of engineering, and a picturesque picnic spot for watching boats pass through the lock system. Venture to the Loch Ness Viewpoint at the end of the canal to look lovingly down the length of the loch, and maybe even catch a glimpse of the notorious ‘Nessie’. ‘Woven Sounds’ is super-cool viewpoint which winds through the forest, and extends over the edge of the pool, facing directly towards the falls. Pretty pictures are guaranteed! This modern, steel walkway allows for an up-close and immersive experience of the falls, which can be heard before they come into sight.

Image Name: Fort Augustus

Image Alt: Fort Augustus

Name: Loch Ness

NameShort: Loch Ness

It’s time to tick Loch Ness off your Scotland bucket list, as we go in search of the infamous Loch Ness Monster. We promise you’ll get cool photos of Loch Ness and the surrounding scenery. A glimpse of ‘Nessie’ in the background is just an extra bonus!

Loch Ness is not the biggest or the deepest loch in Scotland, but it is definitely the most well-known. For this, we can thank the legend of the Loch Ness Monster. The first sighting of ‘Nessie’ was in 565AD by St Columba, when the monster reared its ugly head and launched an attack on his man servant. Much later, the ‘Surgeons Photograph’ from 1934 was considered the best and most famous capture of the beast, until it was later revealed to be a fake.! Of all Scotland’s lochs, Loch Ness has the highest volume of water. Glaciers carved the crazy-deep cavity of the loch, which holds more water than all the lakes in England and Wales. The water is so full of peat from the surrounding hills, its depths are almost pitch-black. Perfect hiding place for a monster if you ask us!

Image Name: Loch Ness

Image Alt: Loch Ness tour

Name: Cairngorms National Park

NameShort: Cairngorms National Park

Sit back as we blaze a trail through the UK’s largest National Park. Scotland is famed for its wildly beautiful scenery, and the Cairngorms National Park has it all; from forests and lochs, to mighty mountains and roaring rivers.

Sit back as we blaze a trail through the UK’s largest National Park. Scotland is famed for its wildly beautiful scenery, and the Cairngorms National Park has it all; from forests and lochs, to mighty mountains and roaring rivers.

Image Name: Cairngorms National Park

Image Alt: Cairngorms National Park