From Glasgow: Lochs & Castles of the West Highlands
A scenic journey through Scotland’s rugged West Highlands, where bonnie castles, lochs, and timeless landscapes steal the show.
A West Highlands tour is a journey into the heart of Scotland’s most dramatic and evocative landscapes, blending natural beauty, rich history, and memorable stops along the way.
We start off in Luss on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond for our breakfast stop, a delightful mix of natural beauty, history, and charm. Nestled on the western shores of Loch Lomond, this picturesque village is a favourite destination for both locals and tourists.
Leaving the Lowlands behind, the route quickly rises into wilder country, where rolling farmland gives way to rugged hills and sweeping glens. One of the first highlights is the iconic Rest and Be Thankful, a mountain pass offering breathtaking views across Glen Croe. Here, towering peaks frame the road below, and the sense of entering the true Highlands is unmistakable. It is a place that invites reflection, with its name recalling the gratitude once felt by weary travellers who had successfully crossed the pass.
Continuing west, the tour reaches the charming town of Inveraray, nestled on the shores of Loch Fyne. Dominated by the fairy-tale turrets of Inveraray Castle and lined with whitewashed buildings, the town is rich in history and Highland character. A stroll along the waterfront or through the town reveals stories of clan heritage, maritime trade, and centuries of Scottish life, all set against a backdrop of forested hills and tranquil waters.
From Inveraray, the journey follows scenic coastal roads and loch side views toward Oban, known as the “Gateway to the Isles.” This bustling harbour town is a highlight of the day and an ideal stop for lunch. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, relax by the waterfront, or watch ferries come and go as they connect the mainland to the Inner Hebrides. Overlooking the town, McCaig’s Tower provides a striking landmark and panoramic views across the bay, where islands and mountains meet the sea.
Leaving Oban, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as the tour heads north and then east into the legendary landscapes of Glencoe. Often regarded as one of Scotland’s most beautiful glens, Glencoe is a place of soaring peaks, deep valleys, and powerful history. Its brooding mountains and cascading waterfalls create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere, shaped by ancient volcanic activity and marked by the tragic events of the Glencoe Massacre. It is a location that captures both the grandeur and the emotional depth of the Highlands.
The return journey passes through Callander, a welcoming town often described as the “Gateway to the Highlands.” Set at the meeting point of Highland and Lowland landscapes, Callander offers a gentler contrast to the mountains of Glencoe, with leafy riversides and traditional shops. It provides a fitting final stop, allowing time to relax and reflect on a day filled with unforgettable scenery and stories.
Altogether, a West Highlands tour is more than a sightseeing experience; it is an immersive journey through Scotland’s soul, where every glen, loch, and town reveals a new chapter of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
















