From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, Highlands & Ben Nevis in Edinburgh – the Perfect Scottish Tour Plan

Scotland has often been described as the most geographically diverse country in Europe, and this is especially evident on any tour of the Highlands and Ben Nevis area of Scotland. Its majestic mountains, tranquil lochs and sweeping glens have created a landscape of breathtaking beauty. Visitors to Scotland can create the perfect tour plan to see some of Scotland’s most spectacular sites: Loch Ness, Glencoe, the Highlands and Ben Nevis.

Loch Ness

Visiting Loch Ness is often on the bucket list for many visitors to Scotland, thanks in part to its reputation as home to the enigmatic Loch Ness Monster. Located on Scotland’s east coast, near Inverness, Loch Ness is the second largest body of water in Scotland at approximately 24 miles in length, and one mile wide in some parts. The mysterious wreck of the SS Nessie was discovered at the bottom of the Loch in 2002, though its exact origin is still disputed.

The awe-inspiring scenery of this area makes it one of the highlights of any Scottish highlands trip. The serene loch stretches out below along with its wealth of wildlife, including ospreys, eagles and an abundance of salmon. No matter the time of year, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy such as sailing, kayaking, mountain biking or fishing. There are also several cruises available that go around the entire loch offering up varied scenery and tales of previous visitors.

Glencoe

Another popular destination for visitors to Scotland is Glencoe. Located near Fort William on Scotland’s west coast, Glencoe’s dramatic landscape provides a stunning backdrop. It has a unique geological combination of sheer rock walls, jagged ridge lines and deep glens created by glaciers many thousands of years ago. It is easy to see why it has long been a popular destination for artists and photographers alike.

There are plenty of activities which can be enjoyed here; with cycling trails and mountain bike routes along with convenient parking areas right by the trailheads. The area is also well-known for its rock climbing and hikers have a variety of routes available that traverse the mountainous terrain while providing stunning views along the way. There is also excellent fishing to be had in the many rivers and streams that wind their way through the area.

The Highlands

No trip to Scotland would be complete without a visit to its majestic Highlands. There are several popular destinations which may include a tour of Cawdor Castle, located just north of Inverness, where visitors can explore some of its secret spots and learn about its historical and mythological past. There are also plenty of outdoor activities available including the opportunity to climb Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in both Britain and Scotland.

The Cairngorms National Park offers some incredible opportunities for mountain biking, with more than 150 miles of paths and trails that traverse through meadows, forests and moors before reaching the incredible peaks. The National Nature Reserve also offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities with a wealth of badgers, golden eagles, capercaillies and wildcats within its boundaries.

The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s most popular destinations and provides visitors with a multitude of things to do; such as exploring the rugged terrain via car or hiking, kayaking around its coastline or retracing the history of clan warfare at sites such as Dunvegan Castle. The island is also home to some impressive wildlife, including diverse bird life as well as whales, dolphins and otters that roam these waters making it a nature lover’s paradise.

Ben Nevis

At 4,409 ft Ben Nevis is Britain’s tallest mountain and offers walkers an exciting challenge with plenty of spectacular scenery along the way. Around 30 thousand climbers scale this summit each year but even reaching the halfway point offers plenty of stunning views across to other peaks such as Aonach Mor, Carn Mor Dearg and the Grey Corries mountain range. There are several routes up Ben Nevis itself and one can expect to encounter some icy boulder fields and loose rocks that require careful navigation but all efforts will be rewarded with breath-taking views from its summit.

Conclusion

Visiting from Edinburgh gives you a unique opportunity to explore all these incredible areas as part of a Scottish tour plan. From scaling Ben Nevis to taking part in outdoor activities amongst the rugged beauty of Glencoe, there’s something for everyone to do in this area. And don’t forget one of Scotland’s most famous sights – Loch Ness – where you can possibly spot the famous monster too! Once you have explored these majestic sites, why not complete your tour plan by taking a guided tour around all four points, where you’re guaranteed to take away some amazing memories of all that Scotland has to offer.