Skye High

Itinerary Item 1

Name: DAY 1: EDINBURGH TO PORTREE

Short Description: During the summer, from April to October, we drive past Stirling Castle, perching majestically atop its rocky throne. We enjoy a wee break in the charming Highland village of Callander before diving headfirst into the untamed Rannoch Moor—a peat-covered plateau hailed as the last remaining wilderness in Britain. Next on our list is one of the most famous glens of the Scottish Highlands: Glen Coe, with its rugged peaks that stand guard over the glen and its winding streams. Our day continues with a scenic ferry trip* to the renowned Isle of Skye, where you’ll hear about ancient tales of faerie folk. Your home for the next two of nights is the vibrant town of Portree, where you can take your time to wander its pretty harbour or have a toast with your fellow travellers at a local bar. *During April and October, the ferry ride take place on day 3. During winter, from November to March, we leave Edinburgh and first head west to see the stunning Kelpies, the world's largest horse sculptures. Then, we journey north through the picturesque Trossachs and the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor. Take in the awe-inspiring Glen Coe before a lunch stop in Fort William. Our adventure continues through the mountains to the enchanting Isle of Skye, passing the iconic Eilean Donan Castle. Rest for the night at your hostel accommodation in Portree, or get to know your fellow travellers over a hot drink at a traditional local pub. (Overnight: Portree)

Description: During the summer, from April to October, we drive past Stirling Castle, perching majestically atop its rocky throne. We enjoy a wee break in the charming Highland village of Callander before diving headfirst into the untamed Rannoch Moor—a peat-covered plateau hailed as the last remaining wilderness in Britain. Next on our list is one of the most famous glens of the Scottish Highlands: Glen Coe, with its rugged peaks that stand guard over the glen and its winding streams. Our day continues with a scenic ferry trip* to the renowned Isle of Skye, where you’ll hear about ancient tales of faerie folk. Your home for the next two of nights is the vibrant town of Portree, where you can take your time to wander its pretty harbour or have a toast with your fellow travellers at a local bar. *During April and October, the ferry ride take place on day 3. During winter, from November to March, we leave Edinburgh and first head west to see the stunning Kelpies, the world's largest horse sculptures. Then, we journey north through the picturesque Trossachs and the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor. Take in the awe-inspiring Glen Coe before a lunch stop in Fort William. Our adventure continues through the mountains to the enchanting Isle of Skye, passing the iconic Eilean Donan Castle. Rest for the night at your hostel accommodation in Portree, or get to know your fellow travellers over a hot drink at a traditional local pub. (Overnight: Portree)

Highlights

• Dunkeld Cathedral (Dunkeld)
• Loch Ness(LN)
• Eilean Donan Castle(Eilean)

Itinerary Item 2

Name: ISLE OF SKYE

Short Description: During the summer, from April to October, prepare to be smitten by the enchanting Eilean Donan Castle, arguably Scotland’s most romantic snapshot. Our adventure leads us to the heart of the Highlands, the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre. Here, we learn about the remarkable efforts of Trees for Life and their awesome mission to restore Scotland's ancient Caledonian Pine Forest. Time for a wee monster hunt! Loch Ness awaits, where we pause to spot the elusive Nessie while exploring Fort Augustus. A visit to the Commando Memorial treats us to mighty views of Britain's tallest peak, Ben Nevis. Moving southward, we explore the Highland village of Dunkeld and its historic riverside cathedral. As we make our way back to Edinburgh, brace yourself for one last spectacle: the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We return to the capital in the early evening. In the winter months, from November to March, we cross the Skye Bridge and journey through the heart-stopping landscapes of Glen Shiel to reach the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre. Here, we learn all about the inspiring mission of the charity Trees for Life, dedicated to restoring Scotland's wild ancient woodlands. Our adventure continues with a stop at the shores of Loch Ness, with time to explore the Highland village of Fort Augustus. We make our way to the pretty riverside town of Dunkeld, the perfect spot to grab a hearty bite or take a wee stroll along the River Tay with a warm drink in hand. We catch a final awesome view of the mighty Forth Bridges as we cross the River Forth, arriving in Edinburgh in the early evening.

Description: During the summer, from April to October, prepare to be smitten by the enchanting Eilean Donan Castle, arguably Scotland’s most romantic snapshot. Our adventure leads us to the heart of the Highlands, the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre. Here, we learn about the remarkable efforts of Trees for Life and their awesome mission to restore Scotland's ancient Caledonian Pine Forest. Time for a wee monster hunt! Loch Ness awaits, where we pause to spot the elusive Nessie while exploring Fort Augustus. A visit to the Commando Memorial treats us to mighty views of Britain's tallest peak, Ben Nevis. Moving southward, we explore the Highland village of Dunkeld and its historic riverside cathedral. As we make our way back to Edinburgh, brace yourself for one last spectacle: the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We return to the capital in the early evening. In the winter months, from November to March, we cross the Skye Bridge and journey through the heart-stopping landscapes of Glen Shiel to reach the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre. Here, we learn all about the inspiring mission of the charity Trees for Life, dedicated to restoring Scotland's wild ancient woodlands. Our adventure continues with a stop at the shores of Loch Ness, with time to explore the Highland village of Fort Augustus. We make our way to the pretty riverside town of Dunkeld, the perfect spot to grab a hearty bite or take a wee stroll along the River Tay with a warm drink in hand. We catch a final awesome view of the mighty Forth Bridges as we cross the River Forth, arriving in Edinburgh in the early evening.

Highlights

• Portree(Portee)
• Cuillin Mountains(Cuillin)
• Isle of Skye(Skye)
• Old Man of Storr(Storr)
• Dunvegan Castle (Dunvegan)

Itinerary Item 3

Name: DAY 3: ISLE OF SKYE TO EDINBURGH

Short Description: 2023 WINTER ITINERARY (until 31st March 2024): From November to March, our route south takes us through the stunning rugged landscape of Glen Coe, once used as a backdrop in the James Bond - Skyfall movie 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. We head past Stirling, the scene of some of Scotland’s most famous and bloody battles in the Wars of Independence. Hear of local legends such as William Wallace and Robert the Bruce before the Highlands change back to the Lowlands. After an epic three days, we return to Edinburgh in the early evening. (The winter itinerary order may change. Please contact us for details.) 2024 SUMMER ITINERARY (from 1st April - 23rd October 2024): On our summer route, from April to October, prepare to be smitten by the enchanting Eilean Donan Castle, arguably Scotland’s most romantic snapshot. Our adventure leads us to the heart of the Highlands, the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre. Here, we learn about the remarkable efforts of Trees for Life and their awesome mission to restore Scotland's ancient Caledonian Pine Forest. Time for a wee monster hunt! Loch Ness awaits, where we pause to spot the elusive Nessie while exploring Fort Augustus. A visit to the Commando Memorial treats us to mighty views of Britain's tallest peak, Ben Nevis. Moving southward, we explore the Highland village of Dunkeld and its historic riverside cathedral. As we make our way back to Edinburgh, brace yourself for one last spectacle: the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We return to the capital in the early evening.

Description: 2023 WINTER ITINERARY (until 31st March 2024): From November to March, our route south takes us through the stunning rugged landscape of Glen Coe, once used as a backdrop in the James Bond - Skyfall movie 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. We head past Stirling, the scene of some of Scotland’s most famous and bloody battles in the Wars of Independence. Hear of local legends such as William Wallace and Robert the Bruce before the Highlands change back to the Lowlands. After an epic three days, we return to Edinburgh in the early evening. (The winter itinerary order may change. Please contact us for details.) 2024 SUMMER ITINERARY (from 1st April - 23rd October 2024): On our summer route, from April to October, prepare to be smitten by the enchanting Eilean Donan Castle, arguably Scotland’s most romantic snapshot. Our adventure leads us to the heart of the Highlands, the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre. Here, we learn about the remarkable efforts of Trees for Life and their awesome mission to restore Scotland's ancient Caledonian Pine Forest. Time for a wee monster hunt! Loch Ness awaits, where we pause to spot the elusive Nessie while exploring Fort Augustus. A visit to the Commando Memorial treats us to mighty views of Britain's tallest peak, Ben Nevis. Moving southward, we explore the Highland village of Dunkeld and its historic riverside cathedral. As we make our way back to Edinburgh, brace yourself for one last spectacle: the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We return to the capital in the early evening.

Highlights

• Ben Nevis(Nevis)
• Glen Coe(GC)
• Rannoch Moor (Rannoch)
• Hogwarts Express (Jacobite)

Inclusions

Item 1: Legendary Local Guide

Item 2: 2 Nights Mixed-Gender Multi-Share Hostel Accommodation

Item 3: All Transport and Ferries

Item 4: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

Highlight 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 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: 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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

Name: Hogwarts Express

NameShort: Hogwarts Express

All aboard the Hogwarts Express! The Jacobite Steam Train between Fort William and Mallaig is said to be the greatest rail journey in the world. The train crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, and sweeps along the west coast, offering bonnie views of distant isles and white sand beaches.

All aboard the Hogwarts Express! The Jacobite Steam Train between Fort William and Mallaig is said to be the greatest rail journey in the world. The train crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, and sweeps along the west coast, offering bonnie views of distant isles and white sand beaches.

Image Name: Jacobite Steam Train

Image Alt: Jacobite Steam Train

Highlight 12

Name: Dunvegan Castle

NameShort: Dunvegan Castle

A visit to the Isle of Skye is incomplete without learning the fascinating history and clan legend of Dunvegan Castle. Built during 13th and 14th centuries this Hebridean stronghold is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for the past 800 years.

A visit to the Isle of Skye is incomplete without learning the fascinating history and clan legend of Dunvegan Castle. Built during 13th and 14th centuries this Hebridean stronghold is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for the past 800 years.

Image Name: Dunvegan Castle

Image Alt: Dunvegan Castle