Loch Lomond is one of the easiest big Highland landscapes to reach from Edinburgh in a single day — but the drive itself, north into the glens beyond the loch and home through the Trossachs, is just as much a part of the experience as the loch. Here's what to look out for along the way, how we pace the day for families and elderly guests, and why a private minibus makes stopping so much easier.
Best Scenic Stops From Edinburgh
Luss — our first stop
The day's first stop is the village of Luss on the shore of Loch Lomond, with its well-known pier and easy shoreline walk — one of the most photographed spots on the whole loch, and a gentle, flat stroll rather than a hike, with plenty of spots for a family photo out over the water.
Or take a Loch Lomond cruise instead
If you'd rather see the loch from the water, you can take a Loch Lomond cruise instead of the stop at Luss. Cruise tickets aren't included in the tour price — let us know when you book and we can arrange it for you.
Highland cows
"Hairy coos" (Highland cattle) graze in fields along this route and are consistently one of the most-photographed sights our guests spot during the day — though, as with any animals, sightings on a specific day aren't guaranteed.
Glen Orchy, Glencoe and Loch Lubnaig
From Loch Lomond we head north to Glen Orchy for a wide panoramic view over the hills and rivers towards Loch Tulla, then on to Glencoe, the main stop of the day and our lunch stop. On the way back we stop at peaceful Loch Lubnaig for a comfort break and a short walk along the shore.
Callander — on the way home
After Loch Lubnaig, the road home passes through Callander, a small town known as the gateway to the Trossachs. We drive through it at the end of the day rather than stopping, on the way back to Edinburgh.
Pacing for Families & Elderly Guests
At approximately 9 hours (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM), this is our gentlest full-day tour — a couple of hours shorter than our Highlands or Loch Ness day tours, with less total driving and no stop that requires more than a short, level walk. That makes it a comfortable choice for families with young children, or guests who'd rather not commit to a longer 11-hour day.
Because it's a private vehicle for your group only, your driver-guide can lengthen or shorten time at any stop — more time at Luss for a slow amble along the shore, less time on the road in between — rather than following a schedule built around a busload of strangers.
Parking Advantages of a Private Tour
Luss and the other villages around Loch Lomond have relatively small car parks that fill up quickly in peak season, especially with full-size tour coaches — some of which need to pre-book a coach bay, or park further out and walk their group in. Our 8-seater minibus fits into an ordinary parking space close to the loch shore, which usually means less walking to and from the water and a smoother, less rushed stop overall.
