Winter Highlands & The Isle of Skye

Name: DAY 1: Edinburgh - Isle of Skye

Short Description: Leaving Edinburgh in the morning, we travel west, making our first stop at the impressive Kelpies, renowned as the largest equine sculptures on the globe. We travel further north through the Trossachs and over the wintry expanse of the wild Rannoch Moor. Marvel at the atmospheric Glen Coe, a true showstopper of a landscape during this time of year, before stopping at the Highland town of Fort William for lunch. The journey continues through the mountains to the mystical Isle of Skye past spectacular Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most famous icons. Our home for the night is the beautiful harbour town of Portree, the capital of the Isle of Skye. (Overnight: Portree)

Description: Leaving Edinburgh in the morning, we travel west, making our first stop at the impressive Kelpies, renowned as the largest equine sculptures on the globe. We travel further north through the Trossachs and over the wintry expanse of the wild Rannoch Moor. Marvel at the atmospheric Glen Coe, a true showstopper of a landscape during this time of year, before stopping at the Highland town of Fort William for lunch. The journey continues through the mountains to the mystical Isle of Skye past spectacular Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most famous icons. Our home for the night is the beautiful harbour town of Portree, the capital of the Isle of Skye. (Overnight: Portree)

Highlights

• Kelpies (Kelpies)
• Rannoch Moor(RannochM)
• Glen Coe(WinterGlenCoe)
• Portree(Portree)

Name: DAY 2: Isle of Skye

Short Description: We set off early and make the most of the winter daylight to explore the magical Isle of Skye. Highlights include the jagged Cuillin Mountains, the mysterious rock formation of the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock with its cascading waterfall. Hear tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s escape from the mainland while taking in Isle of Skye’s rugged winter highland wonderland. We arrive back in Portree with time to relax with a warming dram before dinner. (Overnight: Portree)

Description: We set off early and make the most of the winter daylight to explore the magical Isle of Skye. Highlights include the jagged Cuillin Mountains, the mysterious rock formation of the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock with its cascading waterfall. Hear tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s escape from the mainland while taking in Isle of Skye’s rugged winter highland wonderland. We arrive back in Portree with time to relax with a warming dram before dinner. (Overnight: Portree)

Highlights

• Old Man of Storr (OldManWinter)
• Sligachan(SligachanWinter)
• Cuillins(Cuillins)
• Kilt Rock(Kilt)
• Lealt Falls(Lealt)

Name: DAY 3: Isle of Skye - Edinburgh

Short Description: We head south via the Skye Bridge and continue through majestic Glen Shiel to the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre*, located in the heart of the Highlands. Here, we learn about the charity Trees for Life and their inspiring mission to restore Scotland’s ancient native woodlands. Our journey then takes us to the shores of monstrous Loch Ness, where we’ll stop in the charming village of Fort Augustus. Explore the lochside and then find a cosy inn for lunch. We travel further south, where quiet roads give way to serene Highland winter landscapes of the Great Glen. Our next stop is the quaint village of Dunkeld. Grab a warming tea and scone from the local bakery before taking a stroll by the village’s beautiful River Tay. Before our winter tour concludes, we cross the River Forth and marvel at the engineering wonders that are the three Forth Bridges.

Description: We head south via the Skye Bridge and continue through majestic Glen Shiel to the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre*, located in the heart of the Highlands. Here, we learn about the charity Trees for Life and their inspiring mission to restore Scotland’s ancient native woodlands. Our journey then takes us to the shores of monstrous Loch Ness, where we’ll stop in the charming village of Fort Augustus. Explore the lochside and then find a cosy inn for lunch. We travel further south, where quiet roads give way to serene Highland winter landscapes of the Great Glen. Our next stop is the quaint village of Dunkeld. Grab a warming tea and scone from the local bakery before taking a stroll by the village’s beautiful River Tay. Before our winter tour concludes, we cross the River Forth and marvel at the engineering wonders that are the three Forth Bridges.

Highlights

• Dundreggan Rewilding Centre(DundregganHEX)
• Loch Ness (Ness)
• Fort Augustus (Augustus)
• Dunkeld(WinterDunkeld)

Inclusions

Item 1: Small Group Tour

Item 2: Passionate Local Guide

Item 3: Live Commentary & Storytelling in English

Item 4: Two-Night Stay at The Skye Inn (Shared Hostel Option Available)

Item 5: Complimentary Breakfast on Day 2 and 3 (B&B Only)

Item 6: Visit at the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

Name: Old Man of Storr

NameShort: Old Man of Storr

The Old Man of Storr is a striking pinnacle of rock, perched high upon Skye’s otherworldly landscape. This geological wonder is one of the island’s most iconic sights - it looks even more impressive on a misty day.

The Old Man of Storr is a striking pinnacle of rock, perched high upon Skye’s otherworldly landscape. This geological wonder is one of the island’s most iconic sights - it looks even more impressive on a misty day.

Image Name: Old Man of Storr

Image Alt: Old Man of Storr

Name: Glen Coe

NameShort: Glen Coe

This jaw-dropping landscape is the most atmospheric and evocative place in Scotland. Glen Coe translates as the ‘weeping glen’, and the name reflects the sad history of the area, as well as the many waterfalls which cascade from misty peaks.

This jaw-dropping landscape is the most atmospheric and evocative place in Scotland. Glen Coe translates as the ‘weeping glen’, and the name reflects the sad history of the area, as well as the many waterfalls which cascade from misty peaks.

Image Name: Glen Coe

Image Alt: Glen Coe

Name: Eilean Donan Castle

NameShort: Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle is perfectly formed and instantly recognisable. A charming stone bridge leads out to the island, which is surrounded by three lochs and a backdrop of mountains. The castle is one of the most photographed sights in Scotland.

Eilean Donan Castle is perfectly formed and instantly recognisable. A charming stone bridge leads out to the island, which is surrounded by three lochs and a backdrop of mountains. The castle is one of the most photographed sights in Scotland.

Image Name: Eilean Donan Castle

Image Alt: Eilean Donan Castle

Name: Small Group Tour

NameShort: Small Group Tour

Small groups, big adventures! Our small group tours offer an intimate, relaxed way to explore while you soak up Scotland's magic. Please note that, due to vehicle availability, there may be instances where this tour operates on a larger bus.

Small groups, big adventures! Our small group tours offer an intimate, relaxed way to explore while you soak up Scotland's magic. Please note that, due to vehicle availability, there may be instances where this tour operates on a larger bus.

Image Name:

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Name: Loch Ness

NameShort: Loch Ness

Loch Ness is the most well-known loch in Scotland, thanks to tales of the Loch Ness Monster. Glaciers carved the deep cavity of the loch, which holds more water than all the lakes in England and Wales.

Loch Ness is the most well-known loch in Scotland, thanks to tales of the Loch Ness Monster. Glaciers carved the deep cavity of the loch, which holds more water than all the lakes in England and Wales...

Image Name: Loch Ness

Image Alt: Loch Ness

Name: Sligachan

NameShort: Sligachan

Sligachan is a tiny settlement in one of the Isle of Skye's most breath-taking locations. The views are truly stunning, from the beautiful old bridge and enchanting river, to the dramatic backdrop of red and black Cuillin mountains.

Sligachan is a tiny settlement in one of the Isle of Skye's most breath-taking locations. The views are truly stunning, from the beautiful old bridge and enchanting river, to the dramatic backdrop of red and black Cuillin mountains.

Image Name: Sligachan

Image Alt: Sligachan

Name: Isle of Skye

NameShort: Isle of Skye

Skye is Scotland’s most popular isle, and you’ll quickly understand why. Skye exudes magic from every mountain, waterfall and rainbow, while its unique geology and beguiling mythology are unlike anywhere else in Scotland. Skye is an ancient and truly enchanting island.

Skye is Scotland’s most popular isle, and you’ll quickly understand why. Skye exudes magic from every mountain, waterfall and rainbow, while its unique geology and beguiling mythology are unlike anywhere else in Scotland. Skye is an ancient and truly enchanting island.

Image Name: Isle of Skye

Image Alt: Isle of Skye

Name: Dunkeld

NameShort: Dunkeld

Dunkeld is a charming riverside town 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 picturesque riverside town 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. Explore the town's local cafes or wander along the peaceful shores of River Tay.

Image Name: Dunkeld

Image Alt: Dunkeld

Name: Fort Augustus 

NameShort: Fort Augustus 

The village of Fort Augustus sits at the southern tip of Loch Ness. Wander along one of the most picturesque sections of the Caledonian Canal and look down the length of the loch from the Loch Ness Viewpoint.

The village of Fort Augustus sits at the southern tip of Loch Ness. Wander along one of the most picturesque sections of the Caledonian Canal and look down the length of the loch from the Loch Ness Viewpoint.

Image Name: Fort Augustus 

Image Alt: Fort Augustus 

Name: Portree

NameShort: Portree

Portree is Skye’s central hub and most populated town, with numerous shops and places to eat. The main square is a hive of activity, while the quaint harbour with its brightly coloured facades is lifted straight from a postcard.

Portree is Skye’s central hub and most populated town, with numerous shops and places to eat. The main square is a hive of activity, while the quaint harbour with its brightly coloured facades is lifted straight from a postcard.

Image Name: Portree

Image Alt: Portree

Name: Cuillins

NameShort: Cuillins

The Cuillin mountains are a breath-taking geological wonder, which form the centrepiece of Skye’s otherworldly landscape. The striking red and black peaks have been around for millions of years, through volcanic eruptions and glaciation. A truly captivating sight.

The Cuillin mountains are a breath-taking geological wonder, which form the centrepiece of Skye’s otherworldly landscape. The striking red and black peaks have been around for millions of years, through volcanic eruptions and glaciation. A truly captivating sight.

Image Name: Cuillin Mountains

Image Alt: Cuillin Mountains

Name: Kilt Rock

NameShort: Kilt Rock

Kilt Rock is a breath-taking sight on Skye’s dramatic coastline. Marvel at the magic of Mealt Falls, as it cascades down the striking cliff face - which is said to be shaped by a mythical giant’s kilt.

Kilt Rock is a breath-taking sight on Skye’s dramatic coastline. Marvel at the magic of Mealt Falls, as it cascades down the striking cliff face - which is said to be shaped by a mythical giant’s kilt.

Image Name: Kilt Rock

Image Alt: Kilt Rock

Name: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

NameShort: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

Did you know that today, only 1% of Scotland's native forests remain? At Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, you'll learn about Trees for Life's inspiring mission to rewild the Scottish Highlands. You'll not only meet lively experts who talk you through the secrets of the forest, but also witness their rewilding success during a scenic woodland walk. (© Ashley Coombes)

Did you know that today, only 1% of Scotland's native forests remain? At Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, you'll learn about Trees for Life's inspiring mission to rewild the Scottish Highlands. You'll not only meet lively experts who talk you through the secrets of the forest, but also witness their rewilding success during a scenic woodland walk. (© Ashley Coombes)

Image Name: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

Image Alt: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

Name: Commando Memorial

NameShort: Commando Memorial

The Commando Memorial pays tribute to the elite Commando unit who bravely fought in World War II. The statue looks out across the stunning Nevis Range, and the area where the Commandos trained with live ammunition.

The Commando Memorial pays tribute to the elite Commando unit who bravely fought in World War II. The statue looks out across the stunning Nevis Range, and the area where the Commandos trained with live ammunition.

Image Name: Commando Memorial

Image Alt: Commando Memorial

Name: Views of Ben Nevis

NameShort: Views of Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis is the UK’s highest peak. This majestic mountain rises up from the landscape at 1345 meters above sea level. On a clear day the summit can be seen from the area around Fort William.

Ben Nevis is the UK’s highest peak. This majestic mountain rises up from the landscape at 1345 meters above sea level. On a clear day the summit can be seen from the area around Fort William.

Image Name: Views of Ben Nevis

Image Alt: Views of Ben Nevis

Name: Lealt Falls

NameShort: Lealt Falls

Lealt Falls runs through a deep gorge, past the ruins of an old diatomite mine, and out to the sea. Soak up scenic views of the waterfall and rocky shoreline from the elevated viewing platforms.

Lealt Falls runs through a deep gorge, past the ruins of an old diatomite mine, and out to the sea. Soak up scenic views of the waterfall and rocky shoreline from the elevated viewing platforms.

Image Name: Lealt Falls

Image Alt: Lealt Falls