Winter Skye High

Name: Edinburgh to Isle of Skye

Short Description: Leaving Edinburgh, we 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 winter highland scenery like 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: Leaving Edinburgh, we 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 winter highland scenery like 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

• Portree(Portee)
• Kelpies (Kelpies)
• Rannoch Moor (Rannoch)
• Glen Coe(GC)

Name: Isle of Skye

Short Description: We kick off bright and early, making the most of the winter highland daylight to venture through the Isle of Skye’s dramatic landscape. Get ready for jaw-dropping sights like the rugged Cuillin Mountains, the striking Old Man of Storr rock formation, and Kilt Rock waterfall with a whopping 55-metre free drop into the sea. We make our way back to Portree in the early evening, where we have free time to chill out in one of the town’s colourful locales, sipping on a wee dram before dinner. (Overnight: Portree)

Description: We kick off bright and early, making the most of the winter highland daylight to venture through the Isle of Skye’s dramatic landscape. Get ready for jaw-dropping sights like the rugged Cuillin Mountains, the striking Old Man of Storr rock formation, and Kilt Rock waterfall with a whopping 55-metre free drop into the sea. We make our way back to Portree in the early evening, where we have free time to chill out in one of the town’s colourful locales, sipping on a wee dram before dinner. (Overnight: Portree)

Highlights

• Kilt Rock(Kilt)
• Old Man of Storr(Storr)
• Cuillin Mountains(Cuillin)

Name: Portree to Edinburgh

Short Description: Crossing the Skye Bridge, we 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: Crossing the Skye Bridge, we 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

• Loch Ness(LN)
• Fort Augustus (Augustus)
• Picturesque Dunkeld(Dunkeld)
• Forth Bridges (Bridge)
• Dundreggan Rewilding Centre(Dundreggan)

Inclusions

Item 1: 2 Nights Hostel Mixed-Gender Multi-Share Dorm Accommodation

Item 2: Small Group Tour

Item 3: Your Legendary Local HAGGiS Guide

Item 4: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre (Make Travel Matter® Experience)

Item 5: All Transport

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

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

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

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

Name: Fort Augustus

NameShort: Fort Augustus

On the southern tip of Loch Ness sits the pretty village of Fort Augustus, and one of the most impressive sections of the Caledonian Canal. Go in search of our famous monster with Cruise Loch Ness, or pose for a perfect picture at the Loch Ness Viewpoint.

Fort Augustus was named after the Duke of Cumberland – William Augustus – who led the government army into the Battle of Culloden in 1746. The village is a hotspot for tourists looking to get up close and personal with Scotland’s most famous loch. Fort Augustus marks the midway point between Inverness and Fort William on the Great Glen Way; a popular route for walking, cycling and sailing. The Caledonian Canal is an epic feat of engineering, and a picturesque picnic spot for watching boats pass through the lock system. Venture to the Loch Ness Viewpoint at the end of the canal to look lovingly down the length of the loch, and maybe even catch a glimpse of the notorious ‘Nessie’. ‘Woven Sounds’ is super-cool viewpoint which winds through the forest, and extends over the edge of the pool, facing directly towards the falls. Pretty pictures are guaranteed! This modern, steel walkway allows for an up-close and immersive experience of the falls, which can be heard before they come into sight.

Image Name: Fort Augustus

Image Alt: Fort Augustus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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