This is a wonderful day out giving you the chance to experience some of the best scenery in Scotland in this scenic West Highland tour. You will experience mountain scenery, see some of our best known lochs, have the chance to visit the historic town of Inveraray with it's castle and jail, the picturesque town of Oban famed for it's seafood before driving through the majestic Glencoe on the return journey to Glasgow.
After leaving Glasgow we cross the Erskine Bridge from which, on a clear day, Dumbarton Rock & Castle can be seen. We then travel along the west side of Loch Lomond with views of Ben Lomond, Scotland’s most southerly Munro, on the other side of the loch. Our route then takes us though the villages of Tarbet and Arrocher, at the head of Loch Long, before we drive up and over the”Rest and be Thankful” by the steep rocky mountains known as the Arrochar Alps and onwards to Inveraray on Loch Fyne.
You have the option to visit the iconicary Inveraray Castle (Closed Nov to Mar) or Inveraray Jail, a living museum and top Scottish visitor attraction where real people portray life in a 19th century prison. Discover how the highland wrongdoers were treated in days gone by.
From Inveraray we travel northwards towards Loch Awe where you will see the imposing Kilchurn Castle, which stands at the head of the loch with a backdrop of soaring mountains. We will then drive alongside Loch Awe before cutting across to Loch Etive and the village of Connel which stands astride Loch Etive at the narrows before it joins the Firth of Lorne. From here, dependent on the tides, you may be fortunate and see the famous Falls of Lora tidal race.
We will arrive in Oban where you can have lunch in one of the many restaurants available offering a wide choice of food to suit most tastes. Originally a small fishing village it is now the major ferry port on the west of Scotland with regular ferries to many of the Western Isles. Oban is known as the ‘Seafood Capital of Scotland’ and is renowned for the variety and quality of seafood landed in the harbour. Whilst in Oban you will be able to visit the Oban Distillery, which was established in 1794, and also visit McCaig's Tower which overlooks the town and offers stunning views over the bay.
After lunch our route takes us along the breathtaking west coast, passing Loch Creran on route to Castle Stalker, situated on its own little islet in Loch Laich. There is viewpoint here to get some photos.
Our next stop will be at spectacular Glencoe, known as the “Weeping Glen” due to the terrible events that took place here when the Macdonalds were massacred by the Campells, who were loyal to the new monarchs King William and Queen Mary, 1692.
From Glencoe we make the short drive over Rannoch Moor to the Drovers Inn situated at the northern end of Loch Lomond.
Since 1705 the Drovers Inn has welcomed all who passed including Rob Roy MacGregor one of Scotland’s most infamous outlaws. Here you will be able to enjoy a refreshment or a full meal and maybe encounter one of the resident ghosts said to haunt this place.
Having enjoyed some food and drink we will drive back down the shores of Loch Lomond towards Glasgow ending your unforgettable day out seeing some of Scotlands most spectacular scenery.
Like all of our tours the choice is yours as to how you spend your day and, as you have total flexibilty, you can even change the itinerary during your tour. You can also spend as long as you wish at any attraction as you do not need to compromise and follow anyone elses agenda or timescale. This is one of the main benefits available to you when you choose your tour with Glascotours.