Private tour in Edinburgh Barney N

Full Day Tour: Loch Ness & Glencoe from Edinburgh

5.0

(5) reviews

-
Hours icon 12 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 12 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Barney N.

5.0

Guide rating

60

Reviews

Tours delivered

4 hrs

Avg. response time

I've been a tour guide and driver now for 15 years, and every time I take guests to the Highlands, or castle spotting, or whisky sampling, I'm reminded that I really do have the best job in the world, in the best place in the world to visit. And I'd like to share that with you. I graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2008 with a degree in history. While a student there, I worked as a walking tour guide of Edinburgh, and also co-founded the university's first ever comedy writing and performing society, known today as the Edinburgh Revue. These experiences helped me hone the art of storytelling in an entertaining and interesting way. If you tour with me, you'll certainly learn plenty about Scottish history (and a fair amount about geography, nature, whisky, architecture or almost anything else that interests you) but most importantly, you'll hopefully be entertained. You don't have to remember a single piece of information I give you on my tours, as long as you enjoy the stories along the way. Also, as I have 15 years experience of guiding around Scotland, please don't feel limited to the tours listed here. I can take you almost anywhere you want to go in Scotland and northern England, as long as we begin and end in Edinburgh. Feel free to drop me an email and ask about a personalised tour for you. So sit back in my luxury Mercedes minivan, relax, and let me show you some of what this amazing country has to offer. - Member of SITOA (Scottish Independent Tour Operators Association) - MA (Hons) in History from the University of Edinburgh - PGDE(S) in History from the University of Strathclyde (high school teaching diploma) - 15 years of professional guiding and driving around Scotland Maximum 6 passengers for 1 day tours, 4 for multiday tours As a member of SITOA, I can accompany you into most castles, but I can't actively guide inside any room where the castle has its own guides or actors.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Barney N.

Overview of your Edinburgh tour

This tour is often nicknamed "Scotland in a day", as it's a 320 mile round trip from Edinburgh to the legendary Loch Ness. This takes 12 hours, with stops along the way, and throughout the day I'll entertain you with stories of Scottish history, culture and mythical creatures. (Please note: sightings of mythical creatures not guaranteed) Our first stop is an hour and a half's drive north for refreshments and a comfort break in the picture-perfect Highland village of Pitlochry. Afterwards, we continue through gorgeous Highland scenery until we get to Loch Ness at 1pm. Here, you have an added optional extra of a 50 minute cruise of the Loch. I don't join you on the boat, but it has commentary from a live guide on board. If you don't want to take the cruise, you can have a relaxing pub lunch in the village of Fort Augustus on the banks of the Loch. Following at least an hour at Loch Ness, we return to Edinburgh via Glencoe, one of the most famous and beautiful valleys in Scotland.

Recent Reviews

Pennie P.United States
June 2026

We loved the tour to the Lock Ness and would recommend the optional boat ride.

Marilyn B.United States
June 2026

We absolutely loved our day with Barney. He brought Scottish history and culture to life with funny, animated stories that made us laugh and learn at the same time. He’s a fantastic storyteller and a careful, confident driver. A truly memorable experience.

Wendi G.
June 2025

Tour was just amazing. It was my three daughters and me. We saw SO much of the Highlands, the cows, Lovh Ness , Inverness, Outlander inspired area. We had perfect food, bathroom breaks , store stops. He had water , umbrellas , and sweet treats. Furthermore, his story telling was amazing. He gave us greer recommendation for the rest of trip as well . I wish he was doing a tour for us in London . I would HIGHLY recommend him

Kathleen Kress H.
April 2025

Barney is an outstanding guide, and I highly recommend him for your Scotland travels. Booking the tour and building the itinerary were both extremely easy and his suggestions were spot on for our interests. He is very responsive to requests for information and payment was easily completed through the website. Beyond the logistics, Barney is extremely knowledgeable of history and can tell a story better than any historic novelist. He is truly outstanding.

Sami S.United States
April 2024

We had an awesome day-long excursion with Barney. We booked a private tour, rather than a small group, as we wanted to visit my husband's family farm and his grandfather's gravesite. Barney organized the day so we could that, as well as still hit the more typical sites we wanted to see. He was really knowledgeable, really easy going (while still keeping us on track). It was a great day!

Your Edinburgh tour itinerary

- 8am departure from your Edinburgh accommodation - Comfort break in the picturesque Highland village of Pitlochry - Photo stops throughout the Scottish Highlands. Trust me to take you to all my favourite scenic spots. - At least 1 hour at Loch Ness for an optional cruise on the Loch, with on board guide (provided by Cruise Loch Ness) This must be pre-booked, which I'm happy to do for you and you can pay for it on the day. If you don't want to take the cruise, you can have a relaxing pub lunch in the village of Fort Augustus on the banks of the Loch. - See the spectacular, steep-sided valley of Glencoe and hear of its tragic history - 8pm return to your Edinburgh accommodation

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Minivan

I can drive up to 6 guests in my luxury Mercedes V Class minivan. A/C is included, as is complementary Wi-Fi and chilled bottles of still and sparkling water.

What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets: Optional boat trip on Loch Ness - 21 GBP per person
Meeting location

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Boat
City Highlights
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Day Trip
Tour reference number
1084100
Languages
English
Activity level
Minimal

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Edinburgh best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for travellers interested in exploring the stunning landscapes of Scotland, including Loch Ness and Glencoe. It's ideal for those who want to experience Scottish history, culture, and mythical tales in a single day. With private transportation and a knowledgeable guide like Barney N., it's also great for those looking to connect with a local for deeper insights.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Edinburgh be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 12 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 12 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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