Skye High

Itinerary Item 1

Name: DAY 1: EDINBURGH TO PORTREE

Short Description: On leaving Edinburgh, brace yourself for the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Moving northward, we explore the Highland village of Dunkeld and its historic riverside cathedral. A visit to the Commando Memorial treats us to mighty views of Britain's tallest peak, Ben Nevis, then it’s time for a wee monster hunt! Loch Ness awaits, where we pause to spot the elusive Nessie while exploring Fort Augustus. 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. Prepare to be smitten by the enchanting Eilean Donan Castle, arguably Scotland’s most romantic snapshot. Then, we cross the Skye Bridge and arrive on the Isle of Skye, where you’ll have time to explore colourful Portee in the evening.

Description: On leaving Edinburgh, brace yourself for the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Moving northward, we explore the Highland village of Dunkeld and its historic riverside cathedral. A visit to the Commando Memorial treats us to mighty views of Britain's tallest peak, Ben Nevis, then it’s time for a wee monster hunt! Loch Ness awaits, where we pause to spot the elusive Nessie while exploring Fort Augustus. 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. Prepare to be smitten by the enchanting Eilean Donan Castle, arguably Scotland’s most romantic snapshot. Then, we cross the Skye Bridge and arrive on the Isle of Skye, where you’ll have time to explore colourful Portee in the evening.

Highlights

• Eilean Donan Castle(Eilean)
• Dundreggan Rewilding Centre(Dundreggan)
• Loch Ness(LN)
• Commando Memorial(Commando)
• Picturesque Dunkeld(Dunkeld)
• Forth Bridges (Bridge)

Itinerary Item 2

Name: DAY 2: ISLE OF SKYE

Short Description: Today we explore the Isle of Skye, also known as the ‘Misty Isle’: 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. Our Isle of Skye tour takes us to windswept landscapes, stunning coastlines and dramatic mountain ranges. The afternoon is spent exploring Dunvegan Castle*, ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod before returning to Portree. *Summer only (April – October). Check out our 3-Day Winter Skye High Tour if you’re looking to travel between November and March.

Description: Today we explore the Isle of Skye, also known as the ‘Misty Isle’: 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. Our Isle of Skye tour takes us to windswept landscapes, stunning coastlines and dramatic mountain ranges. The afternoon is spent exploring Dunvegan Castle*, ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod before returning to Portree. *Summer only (April – October). Check out our 3-Day Winter Skye High Tour if you’re looking to travel between November and March.

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: We leave Portree and sail over to Mallaig, where those who’ve reserved a ticket at the time of booking can jump aboard the legendary Jacobite Steam Train*. This is Hogwarts Express territory, and as you chug across the epic Glenfinnan Viaduct, you’ll see exactly why this railway is world famous. If you’re not on the train, no stress – you’ll stick with your guide and follow the same stunning route by coach, soaking up the views along the way before meeting back up with the train crew in Fort William. Then it’s all back together for the rest of the adventure. We roll into the jaw-dropping scenery of Glen Coe, where steep mountains loom and the views just keep coming. Next up – big skies and empty roads as we cross Rannoch Moor, one of the wildest stretches of land in Britain. We round things off with a relaxed stop in Tyndrum, then cruise past Stirling Castle standing proud on its rocky perch, before heading back to Edinburgh in the evening. *We’ve now reached capacity for the Jacobite Steam Train this season, so it won’t appear as an add-on when making a new booking. If you’d still like to experience the route of the Hogwarts Express, take a look at the '3-Day Isle of Skye & the Train Route to Hogwarts' tour, which follows the same railway using Scotland’s national train.

Description: We leave Portree and sail over to Mallaig, where those who’ve reserved a ticket at the time of booking can jump aboard the legendary Jacobite Steam Train*. This is Hogwarts Express territory, and as you chug across the epic Glenfinnan Viaduct, you’ll see exactly why this railway is world famous. If you’re not on the train, no stress – you’ll stick with your guide and follow the same stunning route by coach, soaking up the views along the way before meeting back up with the train crew in Fort William. Then it’s all back together for the rest of the adventure. We roll into the jaw-dropping scenery of Glen Coe, where steep mountains loom and the views just keep coming. Next up – big skies and empty roads as we cross Rannoch Moor, one of the wildest stretches of land in Britain. We round things off with a relaxed stop in Tyndrum, then cruise past Stirling Castle standing proud on its rocky perch, before heading back to Edinburgh in the evening. *We’ve now reached capacity for the Jacobite Steam Train this season, so it won’t appear as an add-on when making a new booking. If you’d still like to experience the route of the Hogwarts Express, take a look at the '3-Day Isle of Skye & the Train Route to Hogwarts' tour, which follows the same railway using Scotland’s national train.

Highlights

• Rannoch Moor (Rannoch)
• Glen Coe(GC)
• Hogwarts Express (Jacobite)
• Glenfinnan Viaduct(Viaduct)

Inclusions

Item 1: Your Legendary Local HAGGiS Guide

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

Item 3: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre (Make Travel Matter® Experience)

Item 4: All Transport and Ferries

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: 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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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

Highlight 14

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 thrilling 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 lovely woodland walk.

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 thrilling 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 lovely woodland walk.

Image Name: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

Image Alt: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre