1-day Hairy Coos & Highland Views
A short escape!
There are two great ways to enjoy this tour! Would you like to explore a scenic castle steeped in history, or visit a whisky distillery to discover the craft behind Scotland’s most iconic spirit? The choice is yours!
Please note that this option does not include the distillery stop.
Please note that this option does not include the castle stop.
Scotland’s Beauty in a Day!
Embark on a delightful day tour from Edinburgh, where Scotland’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes await.
Choose between visiting a traditional whisky distillery for a fascinating tour and tasting, or exploring the imposing Blackness Castle, known as the “Ship That Never Sailed” for its dramatic riverside setting and historic role.
Continue your adventure with the tranquil beauty of Loch Katrine and the wild splendour of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, where nature and heritage blend in perfect harmony.
It’s the ideal mix of history, culture, and stunning scenery—all before returning to Edinburgh in time for dinner and evening plans!
Departing at: 10:30 AM
Duration: 6.5 hours
Returns: approx. 5 PM
Group size: Up to 37 passengers
Minimum age: 7 years old
Distance: 130 miles / 210 km
Hairy Coos: Meet Highlands Cows (Apr-Nov)
ITINERARY
10:30 AM
Depart Edinburgh
♦ Blackness Castle/Deanston Distillery
♦ Loch Katrine
♦ Hairy Coos
Kelpies (drive-by)
Stirling Castle (drive-by)
◊ Forth Bridges
Arrive back in Edinburgh
Approximately 5 PM
♦ Longer stop | ◊ Photo stop
Please note: Due to weather and/or road conditions the route may change at the driver/guide’s discretion.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
- Experienced ‘Hairy Coo’ Driver Guide providing live commentary and storytelling throughout.
- Travel on one of our luxury, modern, air-conditioned coaches.
- Regular Comfort Breaks
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
- Food & drink
- No toilets on board
- Gratuities for your Driver Guide.
- Optional Extras are purchasable on the day, we recommend paying by cash.
Blackness Castle Option – £8.50 Adult, £5 Child
Whisky Distillery Tour Option – £19.50 Adult, £6 Child
MEETING POINT
We meet at 1759 Regent Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8DR, in front of the Burns Monument.
Google Map
Check in for departure
Check-in: 10:15 AM
Departure: 10:30 AM
Seats are unreserved so we recommend you arrive early if you have a preference of where you would like to sit. We are unable to wait for guests who are late and no refunds will be issued in this instance.
TOURS RETURNS
Drop-Off: 5 PM
The tour concludes back at Regent Road, Edinburgh.
Please note that return times are approximate and may be impacted by road conditions and weather. We recommend allowing at least 2 hours for any onward travel or reservations in the evening, in the event of delays.
ABOUT YOUR HAIRY COOS & HIGHLAND VIEWS TOUR
Leave Edinburgh behind on this scenic day trip through Scotland’s stunning landscapes and rich history.
Our first stop will be either Blackness Castle—a dramatic 15th-century fortress on the Firth of Forth—or Deanston Distillery for a guided whisky tour and tasting. Then travel into the Trossachs to admire Loch Katrine and Loch Achray, meet Scotland’s iconic Highland cows, and finish with a stop in Queensferry for views of the famous Forth Bridges. A perfect day of castles, lochs, whisky, and unforgettable scenery.
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Departing from Edinburgh’s elegant New Town, we leave the bustle of the city behind and set off on a scenic day trip through Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and world-famous whisky tradition.
Early in the journey, you’ll see the spectacular Kelpies—towering 30-metre sculptures celebrating Scotland’s mythical horses—and catch views of historic Stirling. Look out for the Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s grandest and most significant strongholds.
Our first stop will be either Blackness Castle or Deanston Distillery, depending on the option you choose.
If you visit Blackness Castle, you’ll explore this mighty 15th-century fortress, dramatically perched on the Firth of Forth. Known as “the ship that never sailed” because of its distinctive shape, Blackness Castle has served as a royal residence, garrison fortress, and prison, and offers striking views across the water.
Alternatively, at Deanston Distillery—a former cotton mill turned renowned whisky producer—you’ll take a guided tour revealing the time-honoured craft of whisky-making. Learn the fascinating history of this unique site and conclude with a tasting of Deanston’s signature single malts. You can also enjoy a relaxing stroll by the River Teith or unwind in the distillery’s cosy Coffee Bothy.
From there, we journey deeper into the heart of the Trossachs to Loch Katrine, a stunning freshwater loch famed for its tranquil beauty. Immortalised in Sir Walter Scott’s poem The Lady of the Lake, Loch Katrine is surrounded by forests and mountains, offering classic Highland scenery perfect for relaxation and photos.
We’ll also make make our way past Loch Achray, a smaller but equally picturesque loch nestled between Ben A’an and Ben Venue. This peaceful spot offers another chance to soak in the serene beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
No Scottish adventure is complete without meeting the iconic Hairy Coos—the legendary Highland cattle. Enjoy a photo stop with these shaggy, gentle creatures that have become synonymous with Scotland’s rural landscape.
On our return, we’ll pause briefly at Queensferry, a charming town on the Firth of Forth. Take in panoramic views of the famous bridges spanning the estuary, including the striking red Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Finally, we head back to Edinburgh, having experienced some of Scotland’s most famous landmarks, sampled a taste of its finest whisky, and explored its spectacular countryside—all in one unforgettable day. We aim to return to the capital by around 5 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you can find the answer on this page or in our general FAQ’s, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
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We always do our very best to stop for a visit of our local, beloved Hairy Coos on our tours! However we cannot guarantee Highland cows, as we are not in control of their movements or placements. Please note that in the winter months (Mid November – April) some farmers decide to move the cows indoors or to other field for the winter so they are unavailable during this period.
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It doesn’t matter when you are travelling, the weather in Scotland can be incredibly unpredictable and sometimes you can even experience several seasons in one day!
As a result of this, we would always encourage our passengers to wear waterproof shoes and clothing, ensuring they have several removable layers. You are more than welcome to leave jackets/jumpers on the coach during stops if you find that the weather is nice when you are due to get off.
To help you plan ahead of the tour, please feel free to check the weather of some of the destinations for this tour here:
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You are more than welcome to bring along a carry-on bag on the tour which can be packed with essentials for the day, but we would advise keeping this bag as light and small as possible to maximise your comfort onboard. If you’d like to bring along larger luggage, please get in touch to confirm availability.
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We recommend you bring warm and/or waterproof clothing, no matter what the forecast appears to be…Scotland’s weather is very unpredictable! And don’t forget your camera to capture all the lovely scenery and wildlife you’ll encounter on your tour, which you can later share with us online!
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Food will be available at some of stops on tour, but you are absolutely more than welcome to bring snacks and a cold packed lunch on board. There are often alternatives suitable to most diets, but options may be limited so if you have dietary restrictions we recommend that you plan ahead.
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You will be able to purchase the optional extras using a credit or debit card, but we always recommend bringing some spare cash as a back up!
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All of our 1-Day excursions require notice of cancellation at least 24 hours notice prior to your scheduled departure in order to be eligible for a 100% refund. Should you book your tour within this period, your booking will be immediately non-refundable. If you made your booking through an agent site, please contact their customer services for support.
Our tours are very rarely cancelled but should we have to cancel a tour, passengers will be offered multiple alternatives. These may include options such as an alternative tour, alternative date or a full refund for their booking.
You can find further details in our FAQ’s and Terms & Conditions.
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When booking our Hairy Coos & Highland Views tour you will choose between two versions of the tour: either with an visit to Blackness Castle or with an optional distillery tour at Deanston.
If you feel like swapping to the other option after booking your tour, please contact us on contact@thehairycoo.com or by calling 0131 212 5026. Please note that the options alternate days.
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As we are quite far north, the amount of daylight varies during the year. This means that we enjoy bright evenings during the summer, but have early sunsets during the winter months. This can of course have an impact on your experience on the road, and is one of the reasons why we use seasonal prices for all our tours.
As an example, we’ve looked at the estimated daylight times in Fort Augustus, to help you understand what to expect.
During spring equinox (mid March):
Sun rises around 6:30am, sets at 6:30pm. It will usually be dark from 7:15pm until 5:45am.Summer solstice (mid June):
Sun rises around 4:30am, sets at 10.30pm. It will usually be dark/darker* from 11:30pm until 3:15am.
*For a time, at the height of summer, Scotland does not experience astronomical twilight.Autumn equinox (mid September):
Sun rises around 7:15am, sets at 7.15pm. It will usually be dark from 8:30pm until 5:30am.Winter solstice (mid December):
Sun rises around 9am, sets at 3.30pm. It will usually be dark from 4:30pm until 8am.Please note that visibility and light can also be impacted by weather, and that it is best to look at the daylight time and weather forecast for your specific tour date for further details.