Highlands & Skye Trail

Itinerary Item 1

Name: Edinburgh to Loch Ness

Short Description: Wave goodbye to Edinburgh as we head north to Perthshire. Your first stop is the postcard-perfect village of Dunkeld, beside the River Tay, where there is time for a leg stretch and a wander. Next up you head to The Hermitage, to take a forest walk beneath towering trees and finishes at a dramatic waterfall. Next up is Pitlochry, a buzzing Highland town and a great spot to grab lunch, explore the shops, or simply soak up the atmosphere. As the day rolls on, the scenery starts to feel wilder and more remote. You will visit Clava Cairns, an atmospheric prehistoric burial site with standing stones, before heading to nearby Culloden Battlefield. Here, you will learn the story of the 1746 Jacobite Rising, and explore the battlefield. From Culloden, the road runs alongside Loch Ness - keep your eyes peeled for Nessie! You will have the option to join an evening cruise on the loch, a laid-back way to finish the day. (Overnight: Fort Augustus)

Description: Wave goodbye to Edinburgh as we head north to Perthshire. Your first stop is the postcard-perfect village of Dunkeld, beside the River Tay, where there is time for a leg stretch and a wander. Next up you head to The Hermitage, to take a forest walk beneath towering trees and finishes at a dramatic waterfall. Next up is Pitlochry, a buzzing Highland town and a great spot to grab lunch, explore the shops, or simply soak up the atmosphere. As the day rolls on, the scenery starts to feel wilder and more remote. You will visit Clava Cairns, an atmospheric prehistoric burial site with standing stones, before heading to nearby Culloden Battlefield. Here, you will learn the story of the 1746 Jacobite Rising, and explore the battlefield. From Culloden, the road runs alongside Loch Ness - keep your eyes peeled for Nessie! You will have the option to join an evening cruise on the loch, a laid-back way to finish the day. (Overnight: Fort Augustus)

Highlights

• Forth Bridges (Bridge)
• The Hermitage (Hermitage)
• Dunkeld Cathedral (Dunkeld)
• Picturesque Dunkeld(Dunkeld)
• Clava Cairns (CC)
• Culloden Battlefield(Culloden)
• Loch Ness(LN)
• Loch Ness Boat Cruise (Cruise)

Itinerary Item 2

Name: Loch Ness to Skye

Short Description: Today we journey towards the Isle of Skye. On our way, you’ll stop at a viewpoint looking out over Eilean Donan Castle, perfectly placed where three sea lochs meet. Once you cross the Skye Bridge, the epic scenery continues. You travel beneath the mighty Cuillin Mountains before pulling on your walking shoes for a visit to the famous Fairy Pools. The route follows a rugged trail beside crystal-clear pools and tumbling waterfalls - solid footwear is a must. From there, you will head to Portree, Skye’s lively harbour town, with time to grab lunch, wander the waterfront, and soak up island life. The afternoon delivers even more Skye icons. You will visit the Old Man of Storr, a towering rock formation, then finish the day at Kilt Rock, where a waterfall plunges straight down into the sea. (Overnight: Portree)

Description: Today we journey towards the Isle of Skye. On our way, you’ll stop at a viewpoint looking out over Eilean Donan Castle, perfectly placed where three sea lochs meet. Once you cross the Skye Bridge, the epic scenery continues. You travel beneath the mighty Cuillin Mountains before pulling on your walking shoes for a visit to the famous Fairy Pools. The route follows a rugged trail beside crystal-clear pools and tumbling waterfalls - solid footwear is a must. From there, you will head to Portree, Skye’s lively harbour town, with time to grab lunch, wander the waterfront, and soak up island life. The afternoon delivers even more Skye icons. You will visit the Old Man of Storr, a towering rock formation, then finish the day at Kilt Rock, where a waterfall plunges straight down into the sea. (Overnight: Portree)

Highlights

• Fairy Pools(Fairy)
• Eilean Donan Castle(Eilean)
• Cuillin Mountains(Cuillin)
• Portree(Portee)
• Kilt Rock(Kilt)
• Old Man of Storr(Storr)

Itinerary Item 3

Name: Skye to Edinburgh

Short Description: Leaving Skye, we make our way through the legendary Great Glen, with a stop at the iconic Commando Memorial. This powerful spot looks straight out over the mountains and pays tribute to the elite soldiers who trained here during WWII. If the weather’s playing nice, you might even spot Ben Nevis lurking in the distance – the tallest mountain in the UK. Next up: Glen Coe. With towering mountains, twisting roads, and a history as wild as the landscape itself, this is one of Scotland’s most jaw-dropping spots. You’ll journey across the vast, open wilderness of Rannoch Moor, before winding your way through the forests, lochs, and postcard-worthy scenery of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Our last stop is The Kelpies – two colossal steel horse head sculptures rising from the ground. An unforgettable finale to an epic Highland adventure.

Description: Leaving Skye, we make our way through the legendary Great Glen, with a stop at the iconic Commando Memorial. This powerful spot looks straight out over the mountains and pays tribute to the elite soldiers who trained here during WWII. If the weather’s playing nice, you might even spot Ben Nevis lurking in the distance – the tallest mountain in the UK. Next up: Glen Coe. With towering mountains, twisting roads, and a history as wild as the landscape itself, this is one of Scotland’s most jaw-dropping spots. You’ll journey across the vast, open wilderness of Rannoch Moor, before winding your way through the forests, lochs, and postcard-worthy scenery of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Our last stop is The Kelpies – two colossal steel horse head sculptures rising from the ground. An unforgettable finale to an epic Highland adventure.

Highlights

• Ben Nevis(Nevis)
• Commando Memorial(Commando)
• Glen Coe(GC)
• Rannoch Moor (Rannoch)
• Kelpies (Kelpies)

Inclusions

Item 1: Small Group Tour

Item 2: Legendary Local HAGGiS Guide

Item 3: Live Commentary & Storytelling in English

Item 4: Two-Night Stay at B&B Accommodation

Item 5: Complimentary Breakfast on Day 2 and 3

Item 6: Foreign Language Audio Guide Available

Item 7: Audio guide links will be provided after booking. Please download over WiFi and bring your own headphones

Highlight 1

Name: Forth Bridges

NameShort: Forth Bridges

Three bonnie bridges over the Forth, each from a different century. The Queensferry Crossing opened in 2017, but the iconic railway bridge is our favourite. The Forth Bridge is an epic feat of engineering, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Three bonnie bridges over the Forth, each from a different century. The Queensferry Crossing opened in 2017, but the iconic railway bridge is our favourite. The Forth Bridge is an epic feat of engineering, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Image Name: Forth Bridges

Image Alt: Forth Bridges

Highlight 2

Name: The Hermitage

NameShort: The Hermitage

There’s nothing like a good stretch of the legs in Perthshire’s enchanting woodland, to inhale the fresh forest air, and look up at some of Scotland’s tallest trees. Get your camera ready, your shoes muddy, and prepare to be sprayed and amazed by the epic waterfall.

The Hermitage is a magical forest walk, that will capture your heart at any time of year. It may look like a masterpiece by Mother Nature alone, but the woodland was created as a leisure escape for the 3rd Duke of Atholl. The Duke is said to have helped with the tree planting, by firing seeds out of a canon. Clever! Meander along the leafy path, amidst the towering trees, and listen to the relaxing sound of the River Braan. The view of Black Linn Falls from the wee bridge will blow your socks off, and your photos will be too good not to share on social media. You can get even closer by venturing into Ossian’s Hall. Built in the 18th century, the mirrored interior leads out to balcony over the waterfall. You might even be lucky enough to see a leaping salmon.

Image Name: The Hermitage

Image Alt: The Hermitage Forest

Highlight 3

Name: Dunkeld Cathedral

NameShort: Dunkeld Cathedral

Dunkeld Cathedral is absolutely beautifully, from the peaceful, countryside setting to the impressive, arched ruins. Look inside the main building for the cursed tomb of the wicked ‘Wolf of Babenoch’, and wander down to the banks of the fast-flowing River Tay to soak up the surroundings.

Dunkeld is a pretty Perthshire town at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Rows of super-cute 18th century houses lead towards Dunkeld Cathedral, which has been a centre of religion worship for hundreds of years. Work began on the cathedral in the 13th century, and they clearly weren’t in a hurry, as it took nearly 250 years to finish. Part of the cathedral is a ruin, which we think is the most beautiful part. The setting is pretty-damn bonnie too, with a perfect view of the Dunkeld Bridge over the River Tay. Inside the main cathedral is the effigy of Alexander Stuart, Earl of Buchan, also known as the ‘Wolf of Badenoch’; a notorious and villainous character in Scottish history. His favourite hobbies were terrorising people and setting fire to things, so it’s hardly surprising his tomb is said to be cursed. You have been warned!

Image Name: Dunkeld Cathedral

Image Alt: Dunkeld Cathedral

Highlight 4

Name: Picturesque Dunkeld

NameShort: Picturesque Dunkeld

Dunkeld is a wee charmer! This pretty Perthshire town sits on the River Tay at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Rows of quaint 18th century houses lead towards Dunkeld Cathedral; a striking partial ruin with a history spanning hundreds of years.

Dunkeld is a wee charmer! This pretty Perthshire town sits on the River Tay at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Rows of quaint 18th century houses lead towards Dunkeld Cathedral; a striking partial ruin with a history spanning hundreds of years.

Image Name: Dunkeld

Image Alt: Dunkeld

Highlight 5

Name: Clava Cairns

NameShort: Clava Cairns

Clava Cairns is a mysterious and atmospheric Bronze Age burial site which is aligned with the stars. Outlander fans can attempt their own journey through the standing stones, while a wander into the well-preserved passage cairns will you imagining the people who built them, in a time so long ago.

There is something very special about Clava Cairns, from the peaceful setting to the arrangement of ancient stones. The prehistoric structures include a kerb ring cairn, two passage graves, a central ring cairn and standing stones. The exact purpose of Clava Cairns is a mystery, though it’s believed it was a place of ritual and burial. Knowing that it was used over 4000 years ago is reason alone for the mind to boggle. No complete human skeletons have been unearthed during excavations of the site, so it is thought that each cairn was used to bury just one person. Given their size, these must have been very important people! The passageways into the cairns were built in alignment with the winter solstice, illuminating the chambers as the sun sets. The free-standing stones reflect the position of the stars, and are perfect for staging your very own Outlander-inspired photo.

Image Name: Clava Cairns

Image Alt: Clava Cairns

Highlight 6

Name: Culloden Battlefield

NameShort: Culloden Battlefield

Culloden was the last battle fought on British soil, and the real-life story which inspired the hit series Outlander. Visiting the battlefield is an evocative experience, as you learn about the Jacobite defeat against the Hanoverian army, and the destruction of the highland clan culture in the aftermath.

On the 16th April 1746, the Jacobite and Hanoverian armies met on Culloden Moor, in what would be their final confrontation. The Jacobite forces were led by Bonnie Prince Charlie, who aimed to reclaim the British throne for his family, the House of Stuart. After decades of rebellion against the British government, the battle was over in 45 minutes, the Jacobite cause lost forever. Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series was inspired by this bloody and brutal period in Scotland’s history. Visitors now come from across to visit the battlefield, and pay tribute to the fallen clans. Outlander is a fictional tale of romance and time-travel, but the history is very real. Those who have fallen in love with the story of Jamie and Claire can visit the grave of Clan Fraser on the battlefield.

Image Name: Culloden Battlefield

Image Alt: Culloden Battlefield

Highlight 7

Name: Loch Ness

NameShort: Loch Ness

It’s time to tick Loch Ness off your Scotland bucket list, as we go in search of the infamous Loch Ness Monster. We promise you’ll get cool photos of Loch Ness and the surrounding scenery. A glimpse of ‘Nessie’ in the background is just an extra bonus!

Loch Ness is not the biggest or the deepest loch in Scotland, but it is definitely the most well-known. For this, we can thank the legend of the Loch Ness Monster. The first sighting of ‘Nessie’ was in 565AD by St Columba, when the monster reared its ugly head and launched an attack on his man servant. Much later, the ‘Surgeons Photograph’ from 1934 was considered the best and most famous capture of the beast, until it was later revealed to be a fake.! Of all Scotland’s lochs, Loch Ness has the highest volume of water. Glaciers carved the crazy-deep cavity of the loch, which holds more water than all the lakes in England and Wales. The water is so full of peat from the surrounding hills, its depths are almost pitch-black. Perfect hiding place for a monster if you ask us!

Image Name: Loch Ness

Image Alt: Loch Ness tour

Highlight 8

Name: Loch Ness Boat Cruise

NameShort: Loch Ness Boat Cruise

Don’t just look at the loch, get on it! Loop around the southern end of Loch Ness on this water-based adventure, taking in the scenery, history and legends of the Loch Ness Monster. Will you be convinced ‘Nessie’ lurks beneath?

Don’t just look at the loch, get on it! Loop around the southern end of Loch Ness on this water-based adventure, taking in the scenery, history and legends of the Loch Ness Monster. Will you be convinced ‘Nessie’ lurks beneath?

Image Name: Loch Ness Boat Cruise

Image Alt: Loch Ness Boat Cruise

Highlight 9

Name: Fairy Pools

NameShort: Fairy Pools

Visit the legendary Fairy Pools of Skye. Admire their beauty and lose yourself in your imagination as you hear the local myths and tales about the wee people.

Visit the legendary Fairy Pools of Skye. Admire their beauty and lose yourself in your imagination as you hear the local myths and tales about the wee people.

Image Name: Fairy Pools

Image Alt: Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye

Highlight 10

Name: Eilean Donan Castle

NameShort: Eilean Donan Castle

Don’t believe in love at first sight? Eilean Donan Castle will soon change that. A picturesque stone bridge winds out to the stunning structure. Set upon a wee tidal island, against a backdrop of mountains and lochs, it is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and romantic sights in Scotland.

Eilean Donan Castle is perfectly formed and instantly recognisable. From every angle the castle boasts a bonnie backdrop, from misty or snow-sprinkled peaks, to glassy-still lochs which mirror the sun and clouds. The castle sits in a unique position, at a point where three sea lochs meet. This was a deliberate defence strategy to protect the area from Viking raids, when the castle was fortified in the 13th century. Later in history, the castle was used as a garrison for Spanish troops, who supported the Jacobite cause during the 1719 uprising. They arrived with over 300 barrels of gunpowder, which they never got the chance to use. Instead, their military opponents gained access to the castle, and used the gunpowder to blow it up from the inside-out. Oh, the irony! The castle lay as a romantic ruin until it was restored to its former glory and reopened in 1932.

Link to Highlight resource:

Eilean Donan Castle)

Image Name: Eilean Donan Castle

Image Alt: Eilean Donan Castle

Highlight 11

Name: Cuillin Mountains

NameShort: Cuillin Mountains

The Cuillin mountains are millions of years old, and they look damn fine for their age. The epic ruggedness of the red and black rock dominates the otherworldly landscape on Skye, and will be sure to block your wee socks off!

The Cuillin mountains are millions of years old, and they look damn fine for their age. The epic ruggedness of the red and black rock dominates the otherworldly landscape on Skye, and will be sure to block your wee socks off!

Image Name: Cuillin Mountains Isle of Skye

Image Alt: Cuillin Mountains Isle of Skye

Highlight 12

Name: Portree

NameShort: Portree

Pretty Portree is Skye’s main settlement and tourist town. The picturesque harbour with its colourful facades is where Bonnie Prince Charlie finally escaped on a French ship after the Battle of Culloden; never to return to Scotland.

Pretty Portree is Skye’s main settlement and tourist town. The picturesque harbour with its colourful facades is where Bonnie Prince Charlie finally escaped on a French ship after the Battle of Culloden; never to return to Scotland.

Image Name: Portree Skye

Image Alt: Portree Skye

Highlight 13

Name: Kilt Rock

NameShort: Kilt Rock

Absolutely nothing to see here, it’s just a crinkle-cut sea cliff and an epic waterfall. No filters are required to make Kilt Rock look cool. Learn about how this insane coastline was formed. Geology or giants? You decide!

Absolutely nothing to see here, it’s just a crinkle-cut sea cliff and an epic waterfall. No filters are required to make Kilt Rock look cool. Learn about how this insane coastline was formed. Geology or giants? You decide!

Image Name: Kilt Rock

Image Alt: Kilt Rock

Highlight 14

Name: Old Man of Storr

NameShort: Old Man of Storr

When it comes to cool geology, this natural wonder is the absolute pinnacle. Standing tall on Skye’s ancient landslip, the Old Man of Storr is such a poser. Sometimes hidden by mist, this is a popular hangout for mischievous fairies!

When it comes to cool geology, this natural wonder is the absolute pinnacle. Standing tall on Skye’s ancient landslip, the Old Man of Storr is such a poser. Sometimes hidden by mist, this is a popular hangout for mischievous fairies!

Image Name: Old Man of Storr

Image Alt: Old Man of Storr

Highlight 15

Name: Ben Nevis

NameShort: Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK, towering a mighty 1345 meters above sea level. The elusive summit is often hiding under a cloak of mist. Will you be lucky enough to see it?

Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK, towering a mighty 1345 meters above sea level. The elusive summit is often hiding under a cloak of mist. Will you be lucky enough to see it?

Image Name: Ben Nevis

Image Alt: Ben Nevis

Highlight 16

Name: Glen Coe

NameShort: Glen Coe

As far as Scottish scenery goes, you don’t get more dramatic than the mighty Glencoe. ‘Glen’ is Gaelic for valley, and this jaw-dropper was deeply carved into the landscape during the Ice Age. From the sprawling peaks to crystal-clear rivers, Glencoe is guaranteed to blow your wee socks off.

Glencoe translates as the ‘weeping glen’, and it certainly lives up to its name. Waterfalls run from misty peaks through the glen’s gorges and creases, and are particularly dramatic after a downpour of “liquid sunshine”. Glencoe’s name also reflects the sad history of the clan who once lived there. In 1692, the government redcoats murdered Clan MacDonald in their beds, as punishment for their Jacobite allegiance. This bloody and brutal betrayal of Highland hospitality is remembered in history as the Massacre of Glencoe. Glencoe is dominated by majestic mountains which completely contrast the vast and flat expanse of its neighbouring Rannoch Moor. Buachaille Etive Mòr, which overlooks the moor, is a bonnie brute of a mountain, and a fond favourite with photographers. We think that Glencoe is the most photogenic when the weather is moody and atmospheric.

Image Name: Glen Coe

Image Alt: Glen Coe

Highlight 17

Name: Rannoch Moor

NameShort: Rannoch Moor

Rannoch Moor is 50 square miles of wildly gorgeous nothingness. Uninhabited wilderness is difficult to come by, and the Rannoch Moor is one of very few left in Europe. Road access is limited, so our adventure is on foot. Rannoch Moor is boggy, beautiful and completely off-the-beaten-track.

Rannoch Moor is vast and expansive. Witness spotlights of sunshine on one side, while the dark haze of a downpour dominates the sky in the distance. The wild landscape is scattered with lochans, peaty bogs, and heather patches. Rannoch Moor is uninhabitable thanks to the remote and unforgiving terrain, yet makes the perfect home for wee birds and creatures, including Roe deer. Road-trippers skirt the west of the moor, with Buachaille Etive Mòr and Glencoe nearby. On the other side, the West Highland Line passes through the isolated Rannoch Station; it was used as the filming location for Ewan McGregor’s hilarious rant in the Scottish cult classic Trainspotting. We get right in amongst it, as we trail the Old Military Road through the wilderness, and onwards to the mighty Glencoe. The Rannoch Moor is where we quite literally ‘get away from it all’.

Image Name: Rannoch Moor

Image Alt: Rannoch Moor

Highlight 18

Name: Kelpies

NameShort: Kelpies

The Kelpies are a stunning spectacle of modern engineering, designed by Scottish artist Andy Scott. Kelpies are mythological beasts in Scottish folklore, and this epic equine landmark is the largest of its kind in the world, “neighing” at a height of 30 meters and weighing a mighty 300 tonnes.

The Kelpies are a stunning spectacle of modern engineering, designed by Scottish artist Andy Scott. Kelpies are mythological beasts in Scottish folklore, and this epic equine landmark is the largest of its kind in the world, “neighing” at a height of 30 meters and weighing a mighty 300 tonnes.

Image Name: Kelpies

Image Alt: Kelpies