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Things to do in Spean Bridge

Our most recommended things to do in Spean Bridge

From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, Highlands & Ben Nevis

1. From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, Highlands & Ben Nevis

Depart Edinburgh on an air-conditioned luxury coach (max 57 seats). Pass Stirling Castle and hear your tour guide tell tales of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce and the bloody battles fought out on these lands. First, arrive at Callander town, nestled at the foot of the Trossachs. Next, drive through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Your Scottish guide will tell you about Rob Roy MacGregor, the infamous Highlander. Follow in the footsteps of James Bond ("Skyfall") and Harry Potter ("Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban") as you travel to the stunning Highland valley of Glencoe. Hear the eerie story of the Clan MacDonald massacre of 1692. Travel through Fort William, home to Ben Nevis, which at 4,409 feet is the highest mountain of the British Isles. Arrive on the south bank of Loch Ness in the charming village of Fort Augustus, where lots of cafes, shops, and restaurants offer a relaxing lunch. Stroll along the banks of the Caledonian Canal, then experience Loch Ness on an optional 1-hour boat cruise. Try to catch a glimpse of "Nessie," the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Admire the impressive Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge with views of the Nevis Range. Enter the Cairngorms National Park and discover "Monarch of the Glen" country. Drive along Loch Laggan before the roads climb above the Grampian Mountains. Travel over the Pass of Drumochter, linking the northern and southern Central Highlands. Experience the majesty of a mountain pass created by glacial activity during successive Ice Ages. Finally, stop briefly in the beautiful Victorian town of Pitlochry before heading back to Edinburgh city center, arriving at approximately 8:30 PM.

From Inverness: Jacobite Steam Train and Highlands Tour

2. From Inverness: Jacobite Steam Train and Highlands Tour

Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the Scottish Highlands and board the Jacobite Steam Train on a day trip from Inverness. Cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct for a scenic tour of Loch Ness and in the fishing town of Mallaig. Begin your journey by bus and drive along the world-famous Loch Ness, stopping for photos above the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Continue south and visit the Commando Memorial, overlooking the Nevis Range—home to the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Next, set your sights on the Jacobite Steam Train and hop on board at Fort William. Your journey through magnificent landscapes will end in the fishing port of Mallaig, where you can try fresh seafood for lunch (at your expense) or explore the town. Take the scenic ‘Road to the Isles’ to Glenfinnan viaduct for stunning views. Admire beautiful scenery as you ride to Fort Augustus, the Caledonian Canal, and Loch Ness. Finish your tour at Falls of Foyers and Dores Beach on the banks of Loch Ness.

From Edinburgh: 3-Day Isle of Skye and The Highlands Tour

3. From Edinburgh: 3-Day Isle of Skye and The Highlands Tour

Embark on a 3-day guided tour of the Scottish Highlands and visit highlights, including Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye. Learn the history of this lush region from your guide and spend two nights in Inverness. Day 1: Departing Edinburgh, we will take our first short drive heading north and stop at the mysterious Kelpies. Scotland’s largest piece of outdoor art depicting mythical creatures of Scotland’s folklore that your driver will tell you all about. We’ll then continue on our journey and pass Stirling Castle. Be inspired by tales from your guide of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. Continuing north, into the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, admire the scenery as your tour guide explains the remarkable tribal clan history of the Highlands. Discover beautiful Glencoe, the most famous valley in Scotland, and hear of its tragic history. Admire the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct then head north and arrive on the southern banks of Loch Ness to get photos of the infamous monster Nessie! Stop for photos of Urquhart Castle before arriving in Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands, where you'll stay for 2 nights, choosing from a local guesthouse, hostel, or hotel. Day 2: After breakfast, depart Inverness and drive across the Kessock Bridge to the Black Isle and marvel at the spectacular scenery of Achnasheen and Loch Carron. Arriving on the Isle of Skye, venture north to explore the highlights of the island, including; the Cuillin Mountains, Trotternish Peninsula, Portree, the Old Man Storr, Kilt Rock and the famous Quiraing. In late afternoon, stop for photographs of the most beautiful castle in Scotland, "Eilean Donan Castle." Backdrop to many famous films, such as 'Highlander' and 'Made of Honor', this castle is another must-see iconic landmark! A scenic drive through stunning Glen Shiel follows, returning to Inverness to stay your final night. In the evening, visit a local Highland Pub to drink some Scotch whisky or beer and eat some traditional Scottish food, whilst listening to some local musicians perform. Day 3: Visit Culloden Battlefield, site of the last Jacobite Rising, then 'Clava Cairns', incredible 4,000-year-old, Bronze-Age standing stones. Travelling south, stop at the Highland Folk Museum. Here you'll experience highland life in the 17th century. See the buildings, the clothes and weapons, and how people lived 300 years ago. Then, drive through the dramatic Cairngorm National Park. You will have the chance to experience a Scotch Whiskey tasting before you visit the historic village of Dunkeld on the banks of the mighty River Tay. Your journey back to Edinburgh takes you across the famous Forth Bridges. The expected arrival time back in Edinburgh is around 6:30 PM.

From Edinburgh: Isle of Skye 3-Day Tour with Accommodation

4. From Edinburgh: Isle of Skye 3-Day Tour with Accommodation

Enjoy a full 3 days exploring the dramatic scenery of the Scottish Highlands and the romance of the island of Skye in a small group tour. Dhoose your accommodation to suit your own budget and you will get an exclusive discount card to receive discounts at local restaurants and shops. Day 1: Depart Edinburgh by luxury Mercedes minibus at and travel west, passing Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Continue towards Stirling with its imposing castle and views of the Wallace Monument. You will pass Doune Castle, movie location for scenes from Monty Python's infamous "Holy Grail," before stopping at the edge of the Highlands for refreshments. As you drive into the Highlands you will pass Loch Luibnaig, Loch Earn, Crianlarich and Tyndrum, stopping for lunch along the way. Drive north through Glencoe, scene of the great massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. Continue to Fort William and up to the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, offering magnificent views over Ben Nevis. Next you will take the "Road to the Isles," through the splendor of the 5 Sisters of Kintail, the mountains that guard the pass to the Isle of Skye. Stop to visit the famous Eilean Donan Castle, used in the film "Highlander" and located at the junction of 3 lochs as protection against Viking raiders. Crossing over the bridge to Skye, you head north to Portree where you will be dropped off at your accommodation. Enjoy an evening and dinner at leisure, exploring the town’s Gaelic attractions and harborside. Day 2: You will spend the day on the Isle of Skye with flexible arrangements. There are many possibilities, depending on the weather, and the dynamics of your group. Your driver/ guide's local knowledge will come to the fore to arrange the best day for everyone. You could travel north to explore the Trotternish Peninsula with its stunning Quiraing mountain pass and some of Skye's extraordinary geological scenery. Or head to Kilt Rock, composed of basalt columns that are reminiscent of the pleats in a kilt. Enjoy the magic of the waterfall, cascading over cliffs and down into the sea below. Take a short break for lunch, before continuing to explore this most dramatic of islands. Head in a westerly direction to Dunvegan castle, the ancestral home of Clan Macleod, or enjoy spectacular views at Neist Point, the most westerly point of Skye. Return you to your accommodation in Portree in the early evening to enjoy dinner and the rest of the evening at leisure. Day 3: Your driver will collect you from your accommodation and head south through the Cuillin Hills, back over to the mainland for stunning views over Loch Duich and the 5 Sisters of Kintail. Move on to Loch Ness for lunch. Look out for "Nessie," the mysterious monster that has haunted and confounded visitors since the 1950s. Head south through the Grampian Mountains along Loch Laggan, famous as the location for the TV miniseries "Monarch of the Glen," before passing Dalwhinnie, home to Scotland's highest whisky distillery. You will pause for refreshments at Blair Castle, before heading back to Edinburgh via Perth and over the extraordinary Forth Road Bridge.

From Edinburgh: Loch Ness and Highlands Tour in Spanish

5. From Edinburgh: Loch Ness and Highlands Tour in Spanish

Discover the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands on this guided day trip from Edinburgh. Depart from Edinburgh's city center and head towards the Scottish Highlands. Pass by Stirling and catch a glimpse of the incredible Stirling Castle. Travel through Trossachs National Park and stop in Callander, where you can buy a drink and a light snack. Continue up to Glen Coe and take as many photos as you want. Journey past the village of Fort William and arrive at Fort Augustus. Explore the area with free time to take an optional boat cruise on Loch Ness, grab lunch, or just relax in the village. Stop at the Commando Memorial and listen to stories of the Second World War. From there, catch a glimpse of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. Finish your tour at the town of Pitlochry and relax with a drink in one of its pubs. Return to your meeting point in Edinburgh at the conclusion of your tour.

From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, & the Highlands Day Tour

6. From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, & the Highlands Day Tour

Immerse yourself in the history of Scotland on this day tour that takes you to all of the most important sites in Scotland. Visit the Highlands, Cairngorms National Park, Loch Ness, and more. Your day begins on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, where a coach will pick you up for your day of adventure. As you head towards the Highlands, see the fantastic Forth Bridges. You can try some delicious home baking when you stop in the beautiful Highland town of Pitlochry. From there, continue on through the Cairngorms National Park, where you will enjoy stunning scenery amidst the unique wilderness of the National Park. Take a break at Loch Ness, which is famous all over the world for its beauty and mystery. From here, you will have the chance to take a 'monster spotting' cruise, visit Urquhart Castle, and look for the famous monster for yourself. Next, visit Glen Coe, a broodingly beautiful spot steeped in history. As you stand at the mouth of the glen, you'll feel the past come to life as your guide tells you about the terrible massacre of the Clan. On your way home, you pass by the beautiful city of Stirling, where you can see its stunning castle and learn more about the exploits of William Wallace that were dramatized in the film Braveheart.

From Edinburgh: Loch Ness and The Highlands Tour

7. From Edinburgh: Loch Ness and The Highlands Tour

Take in wild landscapes, pretty villages, and historic monuments on this tour from Edinburgh. Experience the many sides of the Highlands on this inclusive excursion. Depart from the old town of Edinburgh in the early morning and travel by bus or minivan into the Highlands. Admire the dramatic scenery and enjoy views of Stirling Castle, a famous royal abode that was once the home to the mighty Stuart monarchs. Pull up in the picturesque town of Callander and stretch your legs while admiring shaggy Highland cattle grazing in surrounding pastures. Continue north across rugged terrain to Glencoe valley, with its craggy mountains and sweeping vistas perfect for photographing. Arrive in Fort Augustus and spend some time at your leisure. Cruise the calm waters of Loch Ness (optional), tuck into a spot of lunch or stroll along the Caledonian Canal. Next, it's back to the bus for the World War II Commando Memorial. Continue your journey as you look out the window for Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain. Your next stop is a visit of Pitlochry and its salmon ladder. Sip on a dram of warming whisky in a local pub (own expense), before returning to Edinburgh.

Inverness: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Mallaig, & Loch Ness Day Tour

8. Inverness: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Mallaig, & Loch Ness Day Tour

See some superb Highland sights on this 1-day excursion from Inverness. Stop outside Urquhart Castle, view the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and keep an eye out for the Loch Mess monster on this tour aboard a comfortable coach.  Begin your day out from Inverness, by hopping onboard the climate-controlled coach and heading for Urquhart Castle. Stop for refreshments and photos at the Castle which is located on the banks of Loch Ness. Pass through the charming waterside town of Mallaig.  Travel to Commando Memorial for a photo stop before heading for the beautiful Glenfinnan Viaduct, which is known for being part of the Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter films. Enjoy an hour here to soak up the atmosphere and to snap a photo of the train when it crosses the bridge. Venture westwards on a picturesque road to the Isles and arrive in the harbor village of Mallaig in time for lunch. Stretch your legs while exploring its harbor. From Mallaig, travel to Fort Augustus for a refreshment break, and then on to the impressive Falls of Foyers. End your tour with a stop at Dores Beach which is located at the north of Loch Ness. Pause here to take some time to explore its sandy beach and go Nessie hunting, before returning to Inverness.

From Edinburgh: Loch Ness & Inverness Tour in Spanish

9. From Edinburgh: Loch Ness & Inverness Tour in Spanish

The tour will depart from Edinburgh early in the morning. On your journey to Inverness, you will see the mouth of the river Ness, the Moray Firth, the Cathedral of Saint Andrews, its castle, and the university. At this stop, you can purchase some lunch. After Inverness, you can take an optional cruise and head to Urquhart Castle, one of the gems of the Highlands with its superb views of Loch Ness. It is also the place from where more sightings of Nessie have been reported. If you opt out of the cruise and Urquhart Castle, enjoy some time resting close to Loch Ness, where you can take a walk on its riverside. Before the return journey back to Edinburgh, you will visit Dunkeld, a small village next to Tay River.

From Inverness: 3-Day Isle of Skye & Jacobite Steam Train

10. From Inverness: 3-Day Isle of Skye & Jacobite Steam Train

Ride a ferry to the beautiful Isle of Sky. Tour around on a Mercedes mini coach. Enjoy 2 nights' accommodation in a 3-star B&B with full Scottish breakfasts. Hop on board the iconic Jacobite Steam Train. Enjoy whisky tasting at Glen Ord. Arrive for check-in at 7:30 AM on day 1. Head to Loch Ness and appreciate the view of the 13th century Urquhart Castle, which is now derelict. See the Commando Memorial, built to pay tribute to the men of the original British Commando Forces who lost their lives during World War II. Continue to Fort William and board the world-famous Jacobite Steam Train. Ride this classic train along the West Highland Line between Mallaig and Fort William and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the west coast. Pass by the beaches of Arisaig and Morar. Finish your steam train journey at Mallaig. Choose to eat lunch in Mallaig, where fish and chips are popular. Stretch your legs and head to Skye. Visit Sligachan Old Bridge and the River Sligachan, which offers eternal youth according to a local legend. Gaze at the spectacular view of the Cuillin Hills. Travel overnight to Portree. Begin day 2 by taking in the natural beauty of the fairy pools. Hear about the island's folklore from your guide. Explore Dunvegan village. Stare at Quiraing, a landslip offering a display of cliffs along the Trotternish Peninsula. Impress yourself with the view of Kilt Rock, a cliff resembling a kilt. See the amazing Mealt Waterfall running into the ocean. Visit one of Skye's most famous sights, the Old Man of Storr, and be amazed by the steep rocky pinnacles dotted along the green hills. Commence your tour on day 3 as you travel from Portree to Inverness. Stop at Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed castle in Scotland. Journey to the quaint highland village of Beauly and explore Beauly Priory, a derelict former monastic community which dates back to the 13th century. Go to Glen Ord for a Highland whisky experience. Choose to taste whisky as your guide explains how it is made. Gain new knowledge about the history of whisky in Scotland. Keep going to Culloden Battlefield, the site of the final Jacobite Uprising of 1746. Go to the bronze age burial site at Clava Cairns. See the standing stones, which were one of the inspirations behind the Outlander television series. Return to Inverness at roughly 5:30 PM to finish your tour.

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What people are saying about Spean Bridge

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 4,216 reviews

Amazing! Amazing! Amazing! I am not someone who likes organised tours and especially 12 hours but this one was awesome thanks to our guide Brian Smith!!! The detailed stories and history of the areas we visited, the wonderful jokes and great humour, and The perfect playlist! And incredible driver…safety first and I couldn’t have felt more safe with Brian at the wheel on those sketchy roads! I wish I had known..I would have booked all my tours with Hairy Coo!!! This particular tour had it all to get a first taste of the highlands. Brian thank you for making my day visit of such a breathtaking place even more perfect and amazing!!! I could not I have asked or wished for more! Perfect! Recommend this tour 110%

My overall experience was excellent, this being my first foray into Scottish Highlands. Steven, quite the quintessential guide, amiable, full of knowledge on things Scotland, and interesting folk tales from Coinnach Oer, stories of the Jacobites rebellions and myths on the Kelpies and Selkies. The Hairy coo is forever singed in my mind.

Wonderful experience. Probably best way to explore highlands… go for there 3 day tour for best experience… the star of the tour was Anthony our guide and good friend… this wouldn’t have been same experience without him

A wonderful experience. Brian a charm, he made the tour very enjoyable. I hope to meet again.

Simply amazing tour, our tour guide Anthony was exceptional.