913 Edinburgh – Fort William

Journey Overview

The 913 starts in the cultural melting pot that is Edinburgh, with its nightlife, heritage and fascinating landscape and then passes through amazing scenery, which just ramps up with every twist and turn on this incredible route. The bus goes close to Arthur’s seat on leaving Edinburgh and is one of the highest hills formed from the history of a volcano over 350 million years ago. 

In under an hour, the bus arrives in Perth with its palace, many museums, art galleries, stunning gardens and renowned entertainment venues.

Stirling with its iconic castle and the National Wallace Monument then on through Crianlarich, passing by Callander, the home of many distilleries and the evergreen Loch Latrine.

Passing through the outskirts of Callander, head towards the forest holiday Park outside Strathyre with some pretty scenery.  A very stunning place in Strathyre, the Three Lochs drive, is a ‘must explore’ experience. 

Then, it’s through the three Lochs in Strathyre, peace and serenity defined with breath-taking views, including Rob Roy’s Grave with its remarkable history and ancient church. Crainlarich village, which is 8 miles north of Loch Lomond beckons, surrounded by beautiful hills and The Trossachs National Park closeby. Not too far beyond, the coach passes Tyndrum and the Falls of Dochart in Killin. The mountains of Tyndrum are utterly stunning and the magnificent views of an invigorating range of boats cruising at River Orchy and River Awe.

This really is a trip combining scenery with classic Scottish history. The coach passes Bridge of Orchy which was constructed by the British Army during the pacification of the Highland Clans, following the Battle of Culloden in 1746.

The bus is soon in the midst of Glencoe and the incredible views of Glencoe Mountains which descend from ancient sedimentary and volcanic strata. Then it’s Fort William, with its spectacular landscapes and dramatic mountains and of course the gateway to Ben Nevis, Steall Waterfall and much more!

A Fab Day Out!

As there’s only one coach a day, our recommendation is that you enjoy the journey in one full trip, making the most of the scenery but also enjoying the delights of Fort William before returning or maybe spread your journey over 2-3 days, as we have suggested below. 

Perth is a great first stop and the Kinnoull Hill walk is simply idyllic, whilst the River Tay Public Art Trail fascinates visitors, so too the Perth Museum and Art Gallery and Black Watch Castle and Museum, located in the historic Balhousie Castle Museum and dating back to 12th Century. 

Back on the coach and Crainlarich is a lovely place for an overnight stay and has amazing scenery. There’s fabulous accommodation here and the nearby Glen Fallon provides walkers with several steep-sided hills to address!

Glencoe is the next great place to visit. There’s a Chairlift there and a trip on it provides a taste and glimpse of the mid and upper mountain. The chairlift, which is in the Glencoe Mountain Resort, runs throughout the year and takes you from the valley floor up to 2200ft in just 12 minutes with spectacular views of waterfalls, Ranoch Moor and towards the Buchaille Etive Mor. The Eagles Rest, directly off of the chairlift provides a fantastic viewpoint with no need for any hiking. If you are feeling a little more adventurous there is another viewpoint on the Summit of Creag Dhubb; this is just a brisk 3/4 mile walk from the top of the chair and gives beautiful views down Glen Etive.

The Glencoe Visitor Centre which is also well worth a visit and is nestled in a woodland glade. There’s useful information on walks, weather and wildlife, including a cinema, showing a short film ‘The Glen Revealed’ which takes folk on a journey through millions of years. There’s also the ‘Pioneers of the Peaks’ exhibition which shines a spotlight on those who have pushed the limits of climbing in Glencoe’s mountains.

Take in the panoramic views and refuel in the Highland Coo Café or visits the fabulous shop where every penny spent contributes towards conservation work in this amazing landscape.

Exhilaration abounds here at the Glencoe Mountain Resort with snow tubbing is available in the winter and sledging in summer.