Glencoe is the Highlands at their most dramatic. The road runs through a steep-sided glen of bare, scree-streaked mountains, with the Three Sisters of Bidean nam Bian looming on one side and a sombre history in the air: this is where, in 1692, members of the Clan MacDonald were killed by government troops who had been their guests, a story every Scottish schoolchild learns. The scenery has also starred in films, from the Skyfall road scene to the Harry Potter series, which gives photographers and fans plenty to look for from the coach window. This day tour from Glasgow takes in Glencoe, Oban and the lochs and castles of the West Highlands in about ten hours. Oban, the harbour town on the west coast, is the 'gateway to the Isles': a place of ferries, fish and chips and a seafront strung with cafes, where most tours allow a lunch stop. On the way you cross open moorland and skirt long lochs, passing castles that appear on shortbread tins. The tour uses a small-group format, which helps on narrow roads and means fewer people at every photo stop.
Practical details
The day lasts about ten hours and starts and ends in Glasgow, with the meeting point and start time confirmed at booking. Lunch is usually not included, so bring cash or a card for Oban, where there are many places to eat, from seafood stalls on the pier to proper restaurants. Roads in the glens can be slow, and the tour can run late if traffic or weather interferes, so avoid booking tight onward connections the same evening.
What to expect
The longest stretches are in the coach, with the commentary pointing out the mountains, lochs and history as you pass, and stops of a few minutes to an hour at viewpoints, a castle and Oban. Weather decides everything in Glencoe: on a clear day it is spectacular, and in cloud and rain it is moody and atmospheric, but the summits may vanish. Wear layers and waterproofs, and sturdy shoes if you plan any short walks. The days are shortest from November to February, so expect less time outdoors in winter.
Making the choice
This route is the best option for travellers who want Glencoe and Oban rather than Loch Ness, which is a longer drive and goes further north. It is also the tour to choose if you love castles and seafood. If you specifically want the Harry Potter viaduct, there is a separate Glenfinnan tour, and if you want a multi-day journey to Skye you can combine Highland scenery with an island stay on the three-day trip.
What to expect
The experience
A small-group coach day from Glasgow through Loch Lomond country to Glencoe, Oban and the lochs and castles of the West Highlands.
Best time
Spring to early autumn gives the longest daylight and the best chance of clear summits, though autumn colours in the glens are outstanding.
How long
About ten hours door to door from the Glasgow start point.
Tips
Bring waterproofs and lunch money for Oban, and do not book a tight onward connection for the same evening.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Scenery lovers, photographers and castle fans who want the Highlands in one long day.
- Families
- Fine for teenagers; younger children may find ten hours on a coach long, so bring snacks and entertainment.
- Couples
- Glencoe at its moodiest and a harbour lunch in Oban make a memorable day for two.
- Pair with
- The Loch Lomond and Stirling day on another date, or a gentler museum day back in Glasgow.
- Time needed
- A full day, leaving early and returning in the evening.
Good questions
How long is the Glencoe and Oban tour?+
It runs for about ten hours, starting and ending in Glasgow.
Is lunch included?+
Lunch is usually not included. Bring money for Oban, which has plenty of places to eat. Check the ticket page to confirm.
What is Glencoe known for?+
It is a dramatic mountain glen with a tragic history, the 1692 massacre of members of Clan MacDonald, and it appears in several films.
Can I do this tour in winter?+
Yes, tours generally run through the year but daylight is short, so there is less time at stops. Check conditions at booking.
Is it a small group?+
The tour is a small-group format, which helps on narrow Highland roads and at photo stops.
