Winter Isle of Skye & Loch Ness

Name: Inverness to Portree

Short Description: We set off from Inverness and trace the misty shores of Loch Ness. Look out for ‘Nessie’ as we stop at the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Urquhart Castle, overlooking the deep, dark waters. We continue to the charming village of Fort Augustus at the southern tip of Loch Ness. Head south through dramatic glens before visiting the historic Commando Memorial and view Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, from afar. Next, we make our way to the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct – famed for its appearance in the Harry Potter films – where you can take in views of the Glenfinnan Monument standing proudly at the head of Loch Shiel. We then journey through the rugged terrain of Glen Shiel, surrounded by towering peaks and tales of Jacobite history. Crossing the Skye Bridge to the Isle of Skye, we continue through the marvellous Cuillin Mountains before reaching our overnight destination in Portree.

Description: We set off from Inverness and trace the misty shores of Loch Ness. Look out for ‘Nessie’ as we stop at the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Urquhart Castle, overlooking the deep, dark waters. We continue to the charming village of Fort Augustus at the southern tip of Loch Ness. Head south through dramatic glens before visiting the historic Commando Memorial and view Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, from afar. Next, we make our way to the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct – famed for its appearance in the Harry Potter films – where you can take in views of the Glenfinnan Monument standing proudly at the head of Loch Shiel. We then journey through the rugged terrain of Glen Shiel, surrounded by towering peaks and tales of Jacobite history. Crossing the Skye Bridge to the Isle of Skye, we continue through the marvellous Cuillin Mountains before reaching our overnight destination in Portree.

Highlights

• Commando Memorial (Commando)
• Glenfinnan Viaduct(Glenfinnan)
• Loch Ness (Ness)

Name: Isle of Skye

Short Description: We start our morning with a refreshing walk to the Fairy Pools*. At this time of year, the dark basalt rock and rushing waters of the River Brittle take on a truly magical, moody feel. Along the way, you’ll hear tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s daring escape after the Jacobite uprising, before we reach the village of Dunvegan for lunch time. Our Isle of Skye tour continues to the haunting landscapes of the Quiraing – a mountainous terrain shaped by ancient landslips steeped in folklore. The road north brings us to the striking cliffs of Kilt Rock and the windswept viewpoint of the Old Man of Storr. We return to Portree in the late afternoon, with free time to enjoy the peaceful harbour and local shops before dinner. *Due to its remote location, our visit to the Fairy Pools may be subject to weather and road conditions.

Description: We start our morning with a refreshing walk to the Fairy Pools*. At this time of year, the dark basalt rock and rushing waters of the River Brittle take on a truly magical, moody feel. Along the way, you’ll hear tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s daring escape after the Jacobite uprising, before we reach the village of Dunvegan for lunch time. Our Isle of Skye tour continues to the haunting landscapes of the Quiraing – a mountainous terrain shaped by ancient landslips steeped in folklore. The road north brings us to the striking cliffs of Kilt Rock and the windswept viewpoint of the Old Man of Storr. We return to Portree in the late afternoon, with free time to enjoy the peaceful harbour and local shops before dinner. *Due to its remote location, our visit to the Fairy Pools may be subject to weather and road conditions.

Highlights

• Isle of Skye (Skye)
• The Fairy Pools(Fairy)
• Old Man of Storr (OldManWinter)
• Kilt Rock(Kilt)

Name: Portree to Inverness

Short Description: We depart the Isle of Skye and make our way to the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, set on a small island in a sea loch. Continuing south-west, we soak in the sweeping winter landscapes before pausing for lunch in the charming village of Beauly. Refreshed, we visit a Highland whisky distillery to enjoy a warming dram and discover the craft behind Scotland’s beloved ‘water of life’. Next, we explore Culloden Battlefield, the site of the final Jacobite rising – a powerful stop with deep roots in Scotland’s past. Our journey finishes with a visit to the ancient standing stones of Clava Cairns, familiar to many as the inspiration behind the TV series Outlander. We then cross back to Inverness in the early evening, concluding our winter Isle of Skye tour.

Description: We depart the Isle of Skye and make our way to the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, set on a small island in a sea loch. Continuing south-west, we soak in the sweeping winter landscapes before pausing for lunch in the charming village of Beauly. Refreshed, we visit a Highland whisky distillery to enjoy a warming dram and discover the craft behind Scotland’s beloved ‘water of life’. Next, we explore Culloden Battlefield, the site of the final Jacobite rising – a powerful stop with deep roots in Scotland’s past. Our journey finishes with a visit to the ancient standing stones of Clava Cairns, familiar to many as the inspiration behind the TV series Outlander. We then cross back to Inverness in the early evening, concluding our winter Isle of Skye tour.

Highlights

• Whisky Distillery(Whisky)
• Culloden Battlefield (Culloden)
• Clava Cairns(ClavaCairnsWinter)
• Eilean Donan Castle(EileanDonanWinter)

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 The Skye Inn

Item 5: Complimentary Breakfast on Day 2 and 3

Name: The Fairy Pools

NameShort: The Fairy Pools

The Fairy Pools are a series of small waterfalls and turquoise pools, famed for their natural beauty and magical charm. Set against the stunning Cuillin mountains, they offer a truly enchanting and unforgettable sight.

The Fairy Pools are a series of small waterfalls and turquoise pools, famed for their natural beauty and magical charm. Set against the stunning Cuillin mountains, they offer a truly enchanting and unforgettable sight.

Image Name: The Fairy Pools

Image Alt: The Fairy Pools

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: 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: 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: 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: Glenfinnan Viaduct

NameShort: Glenfinnan Viaduct

The Glenfinnan Viaduct is known to many as the ‘Harry Potter Bridge’ after featuring in two of the famous films. The iconic bridge has twenty-one arches which curve around the dramatic Highland landscape, with views over the stunning Loch Shiel.

The Glenfinnan Viaduct is known to many as the ‘Harry Potter Bridge’ after featuring in two of the famous films. The iconic bridge has twenty-one arches which curve around the dramatic Highland landscape, with views over the stunning Loch Shiel.

Image Name: Glenfinnan Viaduct

Image Alt: Glenfinnan Viaduct

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: Whisky Distillery

NameShort: Whisky Distillery

Our national drink is enjoyed around the world, but there’s nowhere better to try whisky than in Scotland itself. Learn about whisky production, and sample the ‘water of life’ straight from the source at a whisky distillery.

Our national drink is enjoyed around the world, but there’s nowhere better to try whisky than in Scotland itself. Learn about whisky production, and sample the ‘water of life’ straight from the source at a whisky distillery.

Image Name: Whisky Distillery

Image Alt: Whisky Distillery

Name: Culloden Battlefield

NameShort: Culloden Battlefield

Culloden was the last battle fought on British soil in 1746. The Jacobite defeat against the Hanoverian army inspired the Outlander story, and was a pivotal point in Scottish history. Learn about the conflict, and visit the graves of the fallen clan.

Culloden was the last battle fought on British soil in 1746. The Jacobite defeat against the Hanoverian army inspired the Outlander story, and was a pivotal point in Scottish history. Learn about the conflict, and visit the graves of the fallen clan.

Image Name: Culloden Battlefield

Image Alt: Culloden Battlefield

Name: Clava Cairns

NameShort: Clava Cairns

Clava Cairns is a special place, from the peaceful setting to the arrangement of 4000 year old stones. The prehistoric structures include ring cairns, passage graves, and standing stones; perfect for staging your very own Outlander-inspired photo!

Clava Cairns is a special place, from the peaceful setting to the arrangement of 4000 year old stones. The prehistoric structures include ring cairns, passage graves, and standing stones; perfect for staging your very own Outlander-inspired photo!

Image Name: Clava Cairns

Image Alt: Clava Cairns

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