Glenfinnan Viaduct & Glencoe Private Tour

The day begins in Inverness, a historic city that sits at the heart of the Highlands. I will collect you from your hotel, guesthouse, or a nearby meeting point. As we leave the city, the road opens into wide Highland landscapes. Settle into my Ford Tourneo Custom and enjoy the unfolding hills and forests along the Great Glen as our journey begins.

Our first stop is the world-famous Loch Ness. The road follows the shoreline with open views of deep blue water and thick woodland. Every curve shows a new perspective, and the quiet of the morning makes it even more picturesque. I will share stories about the loch’s mysteries and its importance to Highland life.

Aleman’s tip: Early light turns the loch into a perfect mirror. It is the best time for peaceful photos before the day gets busy.

A short drive brings us to Fort Augustus, a lively village where the Caledonian Canal meets Loch Ness. You can stroll along the locks, watch boats move through, or enjoy a coffee beside the water. The canal is an incredible piece of 19th-century engineering and a fine place to stretch your legs.

Aleman’s tip: Wait for the gates to open for boats. It makes a great photo moment, especially if a piper is nearby.

Next, we travel toward Fort William and the slopes of Ben Nevis. At the Nevis Range, you can take a gondola ride up Aonach Mòr for wide views across the Great Glen. The scenery from the top is expansive and serene. The café at the base is a good place to stop if you prefer to relax and enjoy the view.

Aleman’s tip: The panorama from the viewing platform is one of the finest in the Highlands.

Not far from the Nevis Range stands the Commando Memorial near Spean Bridge. This spot honours the soldiers who trained here during the Second World War. The three bronze figures face Ben Nevis, and the silence of the setting gives it a powerful sense of respect and accessibility for all visitors.

Aleman’s tip: Walk behind the monument for the clearest mountain view.

We continue west to Glenfinnan, one of the most scenic and famous landmarks in the Highlands. The curved stone viaduct, built in 1898, crosses the glen with Loch Shiel stretching far behind it. It became world-famous through the Harry Potter films and attracts many Harry Potter fans hoping to see the Hogwarts Express steam across the bridge. The train is operated as part of the Jacobite service, running on a line once featured in James Bond scenes filmed near Rannoch Moor.

Aleman’s tip: The best photos are when the train reaches the centre of the viaduct.

Around midday, we stop in Fort William for lunch. The town sits at the base of Ben Nevis and offers plenty of places to eat. You can enjoy fish and chips by the water or a bowl of warm Cullen Skink in a local cafe. The view across Loch Linnhe makes every meal feel special.

Aleman’s tip: I know a cafe near the loch that serves good food and keeps your luggage safe while you dine.

We then follow the winding road into Glencoe. It is one of Scotland’s most famous and breathtaking valleys. The mountains rise high on both sides, and the air feels quiet and strong. This area lies within the Lochaber region of the Highlands, near the boundary of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. I will tell you about the story of Clan MacDonald and the events that shaped this land. We stop for photos and, if time allows, walk at Glencoe Lochan. It is the beautiful and peaceful spot surrounded by trees and mirrored water that always seems to enchant visitors.

Aleman’s tip: Glencoe is best enjoyed slowly. Take your time and feel the valley’s stillness.

In the evening, we drive back north through the Great Glen. The return route gives you one last look at the hills and lochs that make the Highlands so beautiful. You return to Inverness with photos, memories, and a quiet sense of connection to the places you have seen.