Wild Skye & Loch Ness Hunter

Itinerary Item 1

Name: DAY 1: EDINBURGH TO LOCH NESS

Short Description: We begin our Wild Skye & Loch Ness tour as we leave Edinburgh behind and cross the Forth Road Bridge on our way through to Dunkeld, a lovely riverside village. Later we’ll do a woodland walk before lunch in Pitlochry. Next up, attempt your own journey through the stones at Clava Cairns and learn the true story which inspired Outlander at Culloden Battlefield. Journeying on through Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, we follow the entire length of Loch Ness searching for a glimpse of the legendary beast. Our home for the night is the fantastically homely Morag’s Lodge, nestled on the shores of Loch Ness, which is famous for its legendary Highland hospitality and cosy bar. You can also choose to take an optional evening cruise on Loch Ness. (Overnight: Fort Augustus)

Description: We begin our Wild Skye & Loch Ness tour as we leave Edinburgh behind and cross the Forth Road Bridge on our way through to Dunkeld, a lovely riverside village. Later we’ll do a woodland walk before lunch in Pitlochry. Next up, attempt your own journey through the stones at Clava Cairns and learn the true story which inspired Outlander at Culloden Battlefield. Journeying on through Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, we follow the entire length of Loch Ness searching for a glimpse of the legendary beast. Our home for the night is the fantastically homely Morag’s Lodge, nestled on the shores of Loch Ness, which is famous for its legendary Highland hospitality and cosy bar. You can also choose to take an optional evening cruise on Loch Ness. (Overnight: Fort Augustus)

Highlights

• Forth Bridges (Bridge)
• The Hermitage (Hermitage)
• Picturesque Dunkeld(Dunkeld)
• Cairngorms National Park(Cairngorms)
• Culloden Battlefield(Culloden)
• Loch Ness(LN)
• Loch Ness Boat Cruise (Cruise)

Itinerary Item 2

Name: DAY 2: ISLE OF SKYE

Short Description: We start the day by journeying through mist-filled glens and towering mountains until we reach the west coast. We pass the most photographed castle in Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle, before it’s on to the star of the show, the Isle of Skye: a bucket list destination thanks to its heart-stopping scenery. This wee island is packed with ruined castles, breath-taking views and faerie stories. Home to the legendary MacLeod and MacDonald Clans, your guide will recount Celtic myths and Viking legends from the past millennia. We explore the windswept landscape, stunning coastline and dramatic mountain ranges including the jagged Cuillin Mountains. Make sure you have your sturdy shoes, for an adventure to the Fairy Pools. After a wander around Portree, we arrive back to Fort Augustus in the evening. (Overnight: Fort Augustus)

Description: We start the day by journeying through mist-filled glens and towering mountains until we reach the west coast. We pass the most photographed castle in Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle, before it’s on to the star of the show, the Isle of Skye: a bucket list destination thanks to its heart-stopping scenery. This wee island is packed with ruined castles, breath-taking views and faerie stories. Home to the legendary MacLeod and MacDonald Clans, your guide will recount Celtic myths and Viking legends from the past millennia. We explore the windswept landscape, stunning coastline and dramatic mountain ranges including the jagged Cuillin Mountains. Make sure you have your sturdy shoes, for an adventure to the Fairy Pools. After a wander around Portree, we arrive back to Fort Augustus in the evening. (Overnight: Fort Augustus)

Highlights

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

Itinerary Item 3

Name: DAY 3: LOCH NESS TO EDINBURGH

Short Description: Leaving the Great Glen, we pass under Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Our route south takes us through the stunning rugged landscape of Glen Coe, once used as a backdrop in Skyfall and the Harry Potter movies and the scene of 1692 massacre of the MacDonald Clan. Journey through one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe when we cross the Rannoch Moor, a vast stretch of land that will show you yet again another side of Scotland. Before we arrive back to Edinburgh we make a stop at the Kelpies, the world’s largest horse sculpture, designed by Scottish sculptor Andy Scott. After an epic three days, our Wild Skye & Loch Ness tour returns to Edinburgh in the early evening.

Description: Leaving the Great Glen, we pass under Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Our route south takes us through the stunning rugged landscape of Glen Coe, once used as a backdrop in Skyfall and the Harry Potter movies and the scene of 1692 massacre of the MacDonald Clan. Journey through one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe when we cross the Rannoch Moor, a vast stretch of land that will show you yet again another side of Scotland. Before we arrive back to Edinburgh we make a stop at the Kelpies, the world’s largest horse sculpture, designed by Scottish sculptor Andy Scott. After an epic three days, our Wild Skye & Loch Ness tour returns to Edinburgh in the early evening.

Highlights

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

Inclusions

Item 1: 2 Nights Guest House Accommodation

Item 2: Small Group Tour

Item 3: Your Legendary Local HAGGiS Guide

Item 4: All Transport

Highlight 1

Name: Small But Mighty

NameShort: Small But Mighty

Travelling in a wee group means more banter, more space, and plenty of laughs along the way. Cosy, right? Just a heads-up – while we usually travel in smaller vehicles, sometimes a larger bus might be used due to availability.

Travelling in a wee group means more banter, more space, and plenty of laughs along the way. Cosy, right? Just a heads-up – while we usually travel in smaller vehicles, sometimes a larger bus might be used due to availability.

Image Name: small group tours

Image Alt: small group tours

Highlight 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

Name: Isle of Skye

NameShort: Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is every bit as magical as it sounds. Our journey takes you around the coast and through the mists of time. In the shadow of the mighty mountains, we search for waterfalls, mischievous wee fairies, and remnants of a land long ago.

Skye is Scotland’s most popular isle, and you’ll quickly understand why. The iconic Skye Bridge transports you from the mainland into a whole new world of insane geology, beguiling mythology, and picturesque settlements; the colourful facades of pretty Portree make the perfect postcard. Rainbows plunge into peaty lochs, like waterfalls from the dramatic cliff tops. The Cuillin Mountains are an epic scale of awesome, carved by ancient volcanos and glaciers; for our viewing pleasure, of course. Skye has a rich cultural heritage, with a history coloured by rival clans, Viking settlers, and a fugitive Prince. Ruined castles hold secrets of the past, while Norse place names ensure that we don’t forget it. Even dinosaurs roamed the land, leaving footprints on the beach. Try a local beer or Talisker whisky, and don’t forget to toast the faeries! Skye is where the magic happens.

Image Name: The Isle of Skye

Image Alt: Isle of Skye tour

Highlight 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

Name: Cairngorms National Park

NameShort: Cairngorms National Park

Sit back as we blaze a trail through the UK’s largest National Park. Scotland is famed for its wildly beautiful scenery, and the Cairngorms National Park has it all; from forests and lochs, to mighty mountains and roaring rivers.

Sit back as we blaze a trail through the UK’s largest National Park. Scotland is famed for its wildly beautiful scenery, and the Cairngorms National Park has it all; from forests and lochs, to mighty mountains and roaring rivers.

Image Name: Cairngorms National Park

Image Alt: Cairngorms National Park

Highlight 14

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 15

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

Highlight 16

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 17

Name: Commando Memorial

NameShort: Commando Memorial

Looking out over the stunning Nevis Range is a bonnie bronze statue which pays tribute to the fallen British Commandos who fought in the Second World War, who and trained with live ammunition in the area near the memorial.

Looking out over the stunning Nevis Range is a bonnie bronze statue which pays tribute to the fallen British Commandos who fought in the Second World War, who and trained with live ammunition in the area near the memorial.

Image Name: Commando Memorial

Image Alt: Commando Memorial

Highlight 18

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 19

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