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Culloden, Scottish HighlandsNational parks

Our most recommended Culloden, Scottish Highlands National parks

From Inverness: Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns Tour

1. From Inverness: Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns Tour

Leave Inverness in the morning and begin your full-day tour with a trip to the ancient burial site of Clava Cairns. This Bronze-Age graveyard has survived 4 millennia and is a great spot to take photos.  Afterward, you’ll head to Culloden, one of the most important sites in Scottish history. It was here that a 60-year series of uprisings finally ended in a tumultuous battle in 1745.  Explore the visitor center and pay tribute to those who lost their lives at the last ever battle fought on British soil. Continue to Glen Affric and stop to walk among the indigenous Caledonian pine trees. Enjoy views over Loch Affric and the mountains beyond, with your expert guide taking you to the best waterfalls and photo spots.  Afterward, explore the historic ruins of Beauly Priory, a monastery dating back to the 13th century. To cap things off, you’ll head to the shores of Loch Ness, before ending up back in the center of Inverness in the early evening.

4-Day Outlander Trail From Edinburgh

2. 4-Day Outlander Trail From Edinburgh

Leave Edinburgh and begin following the trail of the best-known film locations featured in the Outlander TV Series. Your first stop is the charming village of Culross. You continue to the small town of Falkland to relive the first scenes of the show, where Falkland substitutes for 1940s Inverness. In the early afternoon you stop at the Newtonmore Highland Folk Museum, which houses replicas of 18th century turf-roofed Highland crofts. These were used as a setting in the first episode of the show. You then pass Aviemore, where you may recognise the stunning hilly and wooded area of Tulloch Ghru. You arrive in Inverness later that afternoon, which will be your base for the next two nights.  Day 2 starts by visiting Culloden, which plays an important role in Scottish history and the Outlander books. It’s at the Culloden Battlefield where Claire and Jamie said their tearful goodbyes, before Jamie joined the Jacobite army to fight for the Stuarts. You have the opportunity to explore the visitor center and site, and pay tribute to those who lost their lives at the last battle fought on British soil. You then take a short drive to the ancient standing stones at Clava Cairns. After lunch, head continue to Castle Leod, “home of the Clan MacKenzie”, where you can enjoy a relaxing walk. The castle resembles the way that Diana Gabaldon described Castle Leoch, though she had never heard of this building prior to writing Outlander. A short drive takes you to Beauly, the site of Beauly Priory and the tomb of Lord Lovat in the heart of Clan Fraser lands. Beauly priory is a beautiful 13th-century ruin and where the Lovat Frasers are buried in Diana Gabaldon’s book. In the afternoon, you can sample ‘The Water of Life’ with a whisky distillery tour and tasting. Afterwards, return to Inverness with time to explore the town and enjoy the city for another evening. Day 3 starts with a visit to the majestic Glen Affric. Lochs, mountains and pine forests: this is one of Scotland’s most glorious glens. You then continue along the entire length of Loch Ness and through the Great Glen before heading to Glenfinnan. It stands framed by typically spectacular Highland scenery and bedside a section of the Jacobite Steam Train railway line famously used as the Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter. Your overnight stop is in Fort William underneath the shadow of Britain’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis. Day 4 begins with a magnificent drive through Glencoe, across the rugged Trossachs area onto Doune Castle. The castle is an extensive ruin that represents Castle Leoch in the TV program. Later, you have a photo stop at Blackness Castle on the banks of the Firth of Forth. This was used as the set for Fort William in the show and appears in many other movies because of its beautiful setting and thickly fortified walls. After your medieval adventure, you'll return to Edinburgh in the early evening.

From Edinburgh: Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye 5-Day Tour

3. From Edinburgh: Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye 5-Day Tour

Travel across the highlands of Scotland and discover some of the country’s major attractions. On this 5-day excursion you’ll stay in B&B accommodation and travel with an English-speaking guide. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Through the Trossachs to Oban This wide-ranging tour starts by heading west through the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to Kilmartin Glen. Here you’ll explore Scotland’s ancient past. With over 5,000 years of history laid out before you, you’ll be able to walk in the footsteps of the first Scots at Dunadd Hill Fort and the Temple Wood Stone Circle. Then it’s on to the picturesque seaside town of Oban. Overnight in Oban. Day 2: A Day of high hills and history The second day takes you to the haunting landscape of Glen Coe, which was the scene of the terrible massacre of the MacDonald Clan. You’ll continue on past Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest peak and stop at Fort William. We will drive part of the route of one of the most fantastic train journeys in the entire world. On departures between May and September, board the Jacobite Train, or "Hogwarts Express" in Fort William for the next section of your journey. Travel across the Glenfinnan Viaduct and enjoy stunning views as you make your way through the west coast town of Mallaig. In April and October you will continue west from Fort William on board your bus, making a stop to view the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films and hopefully get a chance to see the steam train cross it. We will also be able to see Glenfinnan Monument - and the gorgeous scenery that surrounds it! Overnight in Skye. Day 3: A whole day to explore Skye You'll have the whole of the third day to explore Skye's mysteries and landscape. Here the mountains and beaches beckon, so lose yourself in the spectacular scenery of the Cuillin Mountains, the slanting hills of Quiraing, and the incredible Trotternish Peninsula. Overnight in Skye. Day 4: Castles, mountains, and on to Loch Ness Once you leave Skye your first stop will be to visit the stunningly beautiful Eilean Donan Castle (this is an optional extra ). You’ll then continue your journey onwards to the fabled shores of Loch Ness. Here you have the option to visit Urquhart Castle and take a cruise on the loch (extra charge), before ending the day in the capital of the Highlands: Inverness. Stay overnight in Inverness. Day 5: Historic battlefields and back to Edinburgh You’ll start your journey south and have the chance to visit the battlefield of Culloden (an optional extra), the site of the defeat of the Jacobite forces. Then you’ll pass the stunning Cairngorm Mountains and have time to explore the picturesque town of Pitlochry, before arriving back in Edinburgh.

From Edinburgh: Orkney and The Far North 5-Day Tour

4. From Edinburgh: Orkney and The Far North 5-Day Tour

The 5-day tour from Edinburgh takes you on a discovery of the Scottish Highlands and the Orkney Islands. Heading north from Scotland’s capital city, you can admire the breathtaking scenery of the Scottish Highlands and explore the history of the Orkney Islands. On day 1, travel north to Loch Ness. The spectacular tour starts by heading west through the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The route then takes you through the haunting landscape of Glen Coe, the scene of the terrible massacre of the MacDonald Clan, and on through Fort William and the Great Glen to arrive at the fabled shores of Loch Ness. Stay overnight in Inverness. On day 2, head north via Inverness and the spectacular coastal scenery of the Moray and Cromarty Firths. Then, board the ferry for a memorable trip to the mysterious and magical Orkney Islands. Once you arrive, take in the stunning scenery and start exploring. Visit the beautiful Italian Chapel, which was built by Italian prisoners of war, as well as the famous Churchill Barriers – causeways that were constructed to protect the British naval fleet from submarines. Stay overnight at Kirkwall. On day 3, explore the ancient history of the islands. From your base in Kirkwall, which boasts many craft and gift shops to explore, spend the whole day exploring the islands. This is a land full of ancient history and you will be able to take in prehistoric marvels such as the Maeshowe chambered cairn, the world-famous Neolithic village of Skara Brae, and the brooding stone circles of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar. The day will finish with a visit to the beautiful St Magnus Cathedral. Stay overnight at Kirkwall. On day 4, start with a ferry ride back to the mainland. Then you will get the chance to take in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Stay overnight in Inverness. On day 5, head back to Edinburgh. On the way, visit the battlefield of Culloden, the site of the defeat of the Jacobite forces. You will also pass the stunning Cairngorm Mountains and explore the picturesque town of Pitlochry.

From Edinburgh: 2-Day Loch Ness, Inverness & Highlands Tour

5. From Edinburgh: 2-Day Loch Ness, Inverness & Highlands Tour

Day 1 Travel north to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and the lovely village of Luss on the western banks of Loch Lomond, best known as a haven for wildlife and stunning flowers. Stroll along the shore and walk past pretty cottages during your time here. Travel further into the Highlands and visit Glen Coe, one of the most beautiful valleys in the world. Feel the past come to life as your guide tells you about the terrible massacre of the MacDonald clan. Depart Glen Coe via the Great Glen, another one of Scotland's majestic valleys which stretches 62 miles from Inverness all the way to Fort William. This is the second largest town in the Highlands and lies in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain's tallest mountain. Continue west to Glenfinnan, made famous by the Harry Potter films, which feature the iconic Viaduct. In the summer months, you may catch a glimpse of this magical train crossing the Viaduct. This landmark is surrounded by spectacular Highland scenery at the head of Loch Shiel. Stay overnight in accommodation near Loch Ness. Day 2 After a delicious Scottish breakfast, you have time to explore Loch Ness, Britain's largest body of water by volume. Then, visit Culloden, the last stand of the Jacobites against the British government forces. A visit to the battlefield is a poignant experience. Walk on the grounds where the battle took place and see the headstones that mark the graves of hundreds of clansmen. Travel south and enjoy the stunning scenery as you pass through the unique wilderness of the Cairngorms, Scotland's largest National Park. Its mountain range has five of the UK's highest mountains within its limits. Before returning to Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, make one last stop at a beautiful Highland town chosen by your driver-guide.

From Aberdeen: Scottish Highlands & Inverness

6. From Aberdeen: Scottish Highlands & Inverness

The Cairngorms The day starts with a winding drive through the Aberdeenshire countryside and the Cairngorms, the UK's largest National Park. With stunning hills and mountains you will see dramatic views and wildlife on our way to our first stop. Corgarff Four specially commissioned sculptural seats by John Kennedy on the infamous Lecht Road offer spectacular views towards Corgarff Castle. There is an existing standing stone sculpture 'A Moment in Time' by Louise Gardiner which was designed to frame telescopic views of the Castle. Pack-horse Bridge The village of Carrbridge is famous for its 18th century pack-horse bridge, the river Dulnain snakes its way through this picturesque village before emptying into the River Spey. Not only is The Old Packhorse Bridge iconic within Carrbridge itself, but it is also one of the most recognisable landmarks in the whole of Cairngorms National Park, so grabbing a photograph or two is an absolute must. Capital City of the Highlands The city of Inverness has plenty to discover. Inverness city centre lies on the east bank of the river and some of the historic civic buildings are found in the centre including the Townhouse, Inverness Castle and several prominent churches. There are staircases and closes which take you into the residential parts of town, the Victorian Shopping Centre as well as East Gate Shopping Centre. You'll find a number of small cafes, pubs and restaurants for you to try. You'll have a some of free time to wander through the city and explore. As part of this tour you will have access to our Self-Guided audio tour of the Highlights of Inverness. This walking tour can be downloaded from our app and you will be sent details and voucher code before your trip. One of the worlds best known Lochs At 56 km2 , Loch Ness is the second-largest Scottish loch by surface area after Loch Lomond. Its deepest point is 230 metres. Loch Ness is famous for the sightings of "Nessie", the Loch Ness Monster. Discover one of Scotland’s most evocative prehistoric sites The Clava Cairns are about 4,000 years old and were built to house the dead. This is a sacred place in the landscape for millennia, and provides many clues to the beliefs of Bronze Age society. Two parts of the complex, Balnuaran of Clava and Milton of Clava, are open to the public. Culloden Viaduct Designed by Chief Engineer Murdoch Paterson and built by the Highland railway the impressive 29 arches of the Culloden viaduct that stretch over the valley and River Nairn really is a great sight to see on your highland travels. Historic Battle Field On 16 April 1746, the final Jacobite Rising came to a brutal head in one of the most harrowing battles in British history. Visit the battle field and the memorial to the men who lost their lives during this battle. The grounds are also the burial ground for many, you will see clan markers on the field to commemorate the clans who were present on the day.

From Glasgow: Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle Private Day Tour

7. From Glasgow: Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle Private Day Tour

Join us for an unforgettable private tour of Loch Ness departing from Glasgow. Our experienced guide will take you on a journey through the stunning Scottish Highlands, where you’ll discover the natural beauty and rich history of this iconic region. Our tour begins with a scenic drive through the picturesque landscapes of the Trossachs National Park, passing by charming villages and shimmering lochs. Then, we’ll make our way to the legendary Loch Ness, where you’ll have the chance to spot the famous monster or take a relaxing boat trip on the tranquil waters. Next, we’ll visit the magnificent ruins of Urquhart Castle, a historic fortress that offers breathtaking views of the loch and surrounding countryside. Here, you’ll learn about the castle’s fascinating past and its strategic importance in Scottish history. After exploring the castle, we’ll head to the charming village of Fort Augustus, nestled on the banks of the Caledonian Canal. You can relax and take in the stunning views of Loch Ness or stroll along the canal and watch the boats pass through the locks. Our tour ends with a leisurely drive back to Glasgow, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or a central location of your choice. Join us on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure and discover the beauty and mystery of Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands.

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What people are saying about Culloden, Scottish Highlands

This tour is amazing from start to finish! not only did I get to see some of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen in my life, but I also got to learn more about the history and Highland culture of the past by visiting the clava cairns and the culloden battlefield. my tour guide, Gregor, was wonderful! he was friendly, knowledgeable, and always checked on everyone throughout the tour to make sure we were all good. can't recommend enough!

Fantastic trip, tour guide Willie was fabulous, full of wonderful stories about the areas and scottish history. Unfortunately the Culloden visitor centre was closed but Willie took us to Rogie Falls which was diffinately one of the trips highlights. Highly recommend it's included in future tours.

It was one of the best tour that I had in the Highlands. Every activity is so great and fantastic to do plus our tour guide James was so knowledgeable and good to us he was really great and fab.

Helen our tour guide MADE the trip!!!! Helens knowledge and wit brought every historical site alive!!! The sites were amazing!!! I will book again, hopefully Helen will be the tour guide

Highly recommend Rabbits tours and there great drivers