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Hebrides, Scottish Highlands
Nature & adventure

Nature & adventure

Our most recommended Hebrides, Scottish Highlands Nature & adventure

From Edinburgh: 3-Day Isle of Skye, Highlands & Loch Ness

1. From Edinburgh: 3-Day Isle of Skye, Highlands & Loch Ness

Embark on a 3-day guided trip to the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh. See the Glencoe Valley and the Eilean Donan Castle. Admire the rolling pastures of the Isle of Skye and visit lake Loch Ness. Day 1 From Edinburgh, you will head west where your first stop will be at the picturesque conservation village of Luss, on the ‘Bonny, Bonny’ banks of Loch Lomond. Traveling north via Tyndrum you will pass over the atmospheric Rannoch Moor before enjoying time to walk and admire the dramatic Glencoe valley, site of the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald Clan. After lunch in the Fort William area, your tour will pause for photos at Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, then stop to admire Glen Garry and the stunning Five Sisters of Kintail mountain range. Your first day ends in the charming village of Portree, on the Isle of Skye. Day 2 After breakfast, your will depart Portree for a full day’s touring - options include Dunvegan Castle, a trip to Uig, and a visit to Flora MacDonald’s grave and the unique Black Houses, ancient dwellings of the Scottish Highlanders. Other options include viewing Duntulum Castle, enjoying breathtaking views of Kilt Rock, or perhaps a bracing walk at the Lealt Falls. The day will end with the opportunity to admire the Old Man of Storr, before returning to Portree. Day 3 You will commence your final day of the tour via the much-admired Eilean Donan Castle, the backdrop for the movie, ‘Highlander’; (interior closed in winter) then move on to the pretty lochside village of Fort Augustus for lunch and views of Loch Ness. The tour continues south over Laggan and the Grampian mountains with the last stop, for refreshments, in the Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, before returning to Edinburgh, where the tour will end.

From Inverness: Loch Ness Day Trip

2. From Inverness: Loch Ness Day Trip

This short day tour lets you discover all the marvellous views and secrets of Loch Ness. You leave Inverness and follow the Caledonian Canal to the source of the River Ness. Your guide takes you down the road less travelled to Dores, on the eastern side of the loch. This tiny village boasts a beach with the most striking vista of Loch Ness and the Great Glen rift valley. Get your camera ready for your first photos of the mysterious waters and potential monster sightings before you continue your journey. Just a short drive away is your next stop, the forest community of Foyers. Here, you can walk downhill through native pine trees to see the hidden-away Falls of Foyers. This stunning waterfall was a favourite spot for Robert Burns, and if you’re lucky, you may spot a dashing red squirrel. Invigorated after a visit to the falls, you continue south. Driving on single-track roads and using passing places is a typical Highland experience. After a twisty drive through forested landscape, you arrive at Fort Augustus, the furthermost point of the tour. Here you can have your lunch and take a picture of the boats coming in through the Caledonian Canal. Next, you venture to Invermoriston, where you can take a short walk to an old summerhouse with views of the river Moriston. Whether you believe the legends or not, keep your eyes peeled for the monster or breath-taking vistas as we continue along the banks of Loch Ness. If you want to discover more of the beauty and mystery of the loch, embark on a one-hour cruise* and sail past Urquhart Castle. Then, we continue along Loch Ness and return to Inverness in the early evening. *The Loch Ness boat cruise is weather dependent and may be cancelled without notice. *The Loch Ness marathon is taking place on Sunday 1st October. If you travel on this date, please note the route of the tour will need to be reversed to accommodate for this. *The Loch Ness Centre is hosting an event called The Quest Weekend (26th and 27th August 2023), when they will partner with Loch Ness Exploration (LNE) to search the famous waters of Loch Ness to hunt for Nessie. This search is the biggest of its kind since 1972. If you are visiting Loch Ness on this weekend, keep your eyes peeled for the surverying team! *The Loch Ness boat cruise will be closed for winter between 8th January 2024 up to and including 15th January 2024. They will open again on Tuesday 16th January *If your tour departs after 1st April 2024, you'll have a chance to visit Urquhart Castle as well.

Inverness: 2-day Isle of Skye, Fairy Pools & Castles Tour

3. Inverness: 2-day Isle of Skye, Fairy Pools & Castles Tour

Experience the Scottish Highlands on a tour from Inverness. Visit the Isle of Skye, Dunvegan Castle, The Fairy Pools, and many more highlights on a tour escorted by a driver guide. Depart from Inverness and journey towards the Isle of Skye. Stop at Achnasheen for a quick break. Head to Loch Carron for a quick photo stop and then take a short break at Kyle of Lochalsh. Head to the 13th-century Dunvegan Castle, operated by the same family for over 800 years. Explore the castle or head into Dunvegan village to grab some lunch and explore the village. Then, it’s off to the imposing and dramatic Quiraing Mountain Range. See 3 more of Skye’s most iconic landmarks, Kilt Rock, Lealt Falls, and the Old Man of Storr, and head to Portree for an overnight stay. Enjoy breakfast in the morning and head to one of the most magical places in Scotland, the Fairy Pools. Stop at Sligachan and Sconser and head to Broadford to enjoy lunch. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including otters, seals, and even killer whales. Visit Eilean Donan, situated on its own island at the head of Loch Duich. Return to Inverness via the scenic town of Fort Augustus at the foot of Loch Ness. Enjoy views of the massive loch, home to Nessie, before arriving back at the meeting point in the evening.

From Edinburgh: Isle of Skye 3-Day Tour with Accommodation

4. From Edinburgh: Isle of Skye 3-Day Tour with Accommodation

Enjoy a full 3 days exploring the dramatic scenery of the Scottish Highlands and the romance of the island of Skye in a small group tour. Dhoose your accommodation to suit your own budget and you will get an exclusive discount card to receive discounts at local restaurants and shops. Day 1: Depart Edinburgh by luxury Mercedes minibus at and travel west, passing Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Continue towards Stirling with its imposing castle and views of the Wallace Monument. You will pass Doune Castle, movie location for scenes from Monty Python's infamous "Holy Grail," before stopping at the edge of the Highlands for refreshments. As you drive into the Highlands you will pass Loch Luibnaig, Loch Earn, Crianlarich and Tyndrum, stopping for lunch along the way. Drive north through Glencoe, scene of the great massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. Continue to Fort William and up to the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, offering magnificent views over Ben Nevis. Next you will take the "Road to the Isles," through the splendor of the 5 Sisters of Kintail, the mountains that guard the pass to the Isle of Skye. Stop to visit the famous Eilean Donan Castle, used in the film "Highlander" and located at the junction of 3 lochs as protection against Viking raiders. Crossing over the bridge to Skye, you head north to Portree where you will be dropped off at your accommodation. Enjoy an evening and dinner at leisure, exploring the town’s Gaelic attractions and harborside. Day 2: You will spend the day on the Isle of Skye with flexible arrangements. There are many possibilities, depending on the weather, and the dynamics of your group. Your driver/ guide's local knowledge will come to the fore to arrange the best day for everyone. You could travel north to explore the Trotternish Peninsula with its stunning Quiraing mountain pass and some of Skye's extraordinary geological scenery. Or head to Kilt Rock, composed of basalt columns that are reminiscent of the pleats in a kilt. Enjoy the magic of the waterfall, cascading over cliffs and down into the sea below. Take a short break for lunch, before continuing to explore this most dramatic of islands. Head in a westerly direction to Dunvegan castle, the ancestral home of Clan Macleod, or enjoy spectacular views at Neist Point, the most westerly point of Skye. Return you to your accommodation in Portree in the early evening to enjoy dinner and the rest of the evening at leisure. Day 3: Your driver will collect you from your accommodation and head south through the Cuillin Hills, back over to the mainland for stunning views over Loch Duich and the 5 Sisters of Kintail. Move on to Loch Ness for lunch. Look out for "Nessie," the mysterious monster that has haunted and confounded visitors since the 1950s. Head south through the Grampian Mountains along Loch Laggan, famous as the location for the TV miniseries "Monarch of the Glen," before passing Dalwhinnie, home to Scotland's highest whisky distillery. You will pause for refreshments at Blair Castle, before heading back to Edinburgh via Perth and over the extraordinary Forth Road Bridge.

Inverness: John O'Groats and the Far North Tour

5. Inverness: John O'Groats and the Far North Tour

Your tour departs Inverness before traveling north, up to Loch Fleet to the village of Golspie. The village, situated on the north sea coast is nestled next to Ben Bhraggie and is an attractive little seaside resort complete with long sandy beaches. You will be able to spend time here for refreshments, before continuing on to Dunrobin Castle. A stately home in Sutherland, Dunrobin Castle is the family seat of Clan Sutherland. It resembles a French chateau with it’s towering spires, and overlooks the Moray Firth. You will spend time here exploring the beautiful stately home whilst enjoying some refreshments. You will then continue north through the Helmsdale Clearance to the Highland town of Wick for your lunch break. A former Viking settlement, Wick is the principal town in the far north of mainland Scotland. You can spend time exploring the town and taking in the views across Wick Bay whilst you enjoy your lunch. From Wick, you will then travel to John O’Groats; the most northerly point on British mainland. Here you’ll be able to stroll along the cliff path, take iconic photos at the signpost, and enjoy dramatic coastal views, perhaps even seeing some local wildlife! From John O’Groats, you will begin to make your way back to Inverness. You will travel to Dunbeath Harbor for photos, and to Brora, famous for its golf courses and magnificent coastal scenery.

From Inverness: Torridon, Applecross, & Eilean Donan Castle

6. From Inverness: Torridon, Applecross, & Eilean Donan Castle

This tour focuses on the most beautiful and varied landscapes of the Highlands. You leave Inverness and head north over the Beauly Firth towards the dramatic landscapes of the northern Highlands. You may stop for views and photos before arriving at the exceptionally beautiful viewpoint for Loch Maree. You head down towards the Loch to Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve Visitor Centre for a short break. From here, you take the single-track road through one of Scotland’s National Nature Reserves. Your driver-guide tells you about the woodland regeneration in the area and may give you a chance to get a view over the area and enjoy a close look at the native pine trees. You now travel through the imperious landscape and dramatic geology of the Torridon mountains. As you reach the west coast, the road ascends and gives you incredible views across the Torridon Range, down over the Loch, and out to sea. In the scenically situated town of Sheildaig, you have a refreshment before taking on one of the most beautifully twisting roads in Scotland. This road may be the most photographed road on the famous North Coast 500 route. In Applecross, there’s plenty of time for a relaxing lunch and maybe a little walk along the waterfront. You take the shorter but even more dramatic road out of Applecross, the famous Bealach na Bà (Pass of the Cattle), and if the weather allows, you stop for viewpoints at the top and bottom of this dramatic road. At Loch Duich, you find Eilean Donan Castle*, situated on a small island accessed by bridge. You can visit the castle or simply enjoy the view from the visitor centre, which has a café, shop, and toilets. The journey back to Inverness passes the Five Sisters of Kintail Mountain range, historic Glenshiel, Loch Ness, and the Great Glen. You arrive in Inverness in the early evening. *Please note that Eilean Donan Castle has reduced opening hours between 1st October and 22nd December, which may affect some tours. If your tour departs between 29th October and 22nd December, you will be unable to visit inside the castle but will be able to stop for photos of the exterior. The castle is fully closed from 22nd December 2023 until 1st February 2024 (opening date TBC). The castle will also be closed due to weddings on the following dates: November 1st, 4th, 9th, 10th, 11th & 18th, and December 1st & 7th.

Applecross, Loch Carron & Wild Highlands Tour from Inverness

7. Applecross, Loch Carron & Wild Highlands Tour from Inverness

Depart Inverness early in the morning and begin your tour crossing the beautifully scenic Black Isle and stopping in the village of Lochcarron. Enjoy the views across Loch Carron and perhaps pick up a bite to eat, before you continue on to Achintraid. The small village enjoys views over Loch Kishorn and a breathtaking mountain range on the opposite shore. Continue your journey, climbing upwards through dramatic landscape over the Bealach na Ba (Gaelic for Pass of the Cattle). Pause for photos at the summit of the third highest road in Britain at over 2000 feet, so be ready for those breathtaking views across Raasay and the Isle of Skye. Begin your descent to Applecross village, located on a beautiful bay and full of natural wildlife, perfect for nature lovers. Look out for otters, red kites, deer and perhaps pine martens. Stop here and enjoy plenty of time to explore the village. Begin your return journey to Inverness, driving along the banks of Loch Torridon, through the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve. This nature reserve is one of the oldest in Britain and is home to plenty of wildlife; you may even spot a golden eagle. Travel on through Shieldaig and Kinlochewe and homeward bound to Inverness.

Isle of Skye 3-Day Small Group Tour from Glasgow

8. Isle of Skye 3-Day Small Group Tour from Glasgow

Spend 3 days exploring some of the most dramatic and beautiful places in the Highlands and the romantic island of Skye. Highlights also include Glencoe, Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle and the 5 Sisters of Kintail. Itinerary Day 1: Depart Glasgow at 9.00 AM and travel north towards the Highlands along the “bonnie, bonnie” banks of Loch Lomond. This is Scotland's largest loch and it takes its name from the mountain Ben Lomond on the eastern shore. Crossing the ancient natural fault line that runs across Scotland, you travel into the majestic Highlands where the scenery changes quickly and dramatically - the flat fertile plains of the Lowlands give way to shimmering lochs, rugged mountain tops and forest-filled glens. From Loch Lomond the tour travels north over the wild and remote Rannoch Moor into Glencoe. This haunting glen was the scene of a great massacre in 1692 that left many of the Clan Macdonald slaughtered. The tour stops at this imposing mountain pass so you can enjoy the spectacular views. From here you travel past Fort William and up to the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge with great views over Ben Nevis. On the "Road to the Isles" you will pass through the splendor of the Five Sisters of Kintail, the mountains guarding the pass on the way to the Isle of Skye. Stop to visit the famous Eilean Donan Castle. Featured in the film "Highlander," the castle is set at the junction of 3 lochs and once provided protection against Viking raiders. Crossing over the bridge to Skye, the tour heads north to Portree. You are dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening where you are free to go out and explore the town. Day 2: This is a very flexible day on Skye. There are many possibilities depending on the weather and the wants of the group. Your driver/ guide's knowledge will come to the fore in arranging the best day for everyone. For example: Travel north to explore the Trotternish peninsula with its stunning Quiraing mountain pass and some of Skye's extraordinary geological scenery. See Kilt Rock, composed of basalt columns (reminiscent of the pleats in a kilt) with its waterfall cascading over the cliffs and down into the sea below. Take a short break for lunch before continuing to enjoy this most dramatic of islands. Heading in a westerly direction you will find Dunvegan castle, the ancestral home of Clan Macleod. You could also enjoy spectacular views at Neist Point, the westernmost point on Skye. You return you to your accommodation in Portree in the early evening and enjoy a free night in Portree. Day 3: You will be collected from your accommodation and will travel south through the Cuillin Hills and back over to the mainland for stunning views over Loch Duich and the 5 Sisters of Kintail. Head to Loch Ness for lunch and the possibility of spotting "Nessie." Continue south through the Grampian Mountains along Loch Laggan, famous now as "Monarch of the Glen Country" before passing Dalwhinnie, home to Scotland's highest whisky Distillery. The tour then proceeds past Blair Castle stopping for refreshments before heading back to Glasgow. Arrive back in Glascow at approximately 7:30 PM.

Edinburgh: Isle of Skye and Loch Ness 5-Day Highlands Tour

9. Edinburgh: Isle of Skye and Loch Ness 5-Day Highlands Tour

Make the most of your time in Scotland with a 5-day tour of the best of Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye. Ride on the Fort William viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies, sample Scotch whiskey, and sail along the waters of Loch Ness. Accommodation and breakfast are included. Day 1:Leave Edinburgh and head to the iconic Kelpies. Travel north to Stirling and the towering Wallace Monument, taking in stunning views of the Castle along the way. Enter the Highlands heading through wild Rannoch Moor and Glencoe and on to the fishing port of Oban, where you'll stay overnight. Day 2: Take the steam train from Fort William, crossing the viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies, where a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s campaign now stands. Take the ferry to Skye where you can explore striking cliffs and mountains, before driving north to your overnight destination. Stay overnight in the Isle of Skye. Day 3:Explore more of the mysterious island that's full of awe-inspiring mountains, myths, and legends before returning to the mainland to view Eilean Donan Castle and wind your way along the Great Glen to the infamous Loch Ness. Stay overnight in Inverness. Day 4:Hunt for the elusive monster with a cruise on Loch Ness before turning northward and the stunning beauty of the northwest Highlands. Take in the beautiful town of Beauly with its Priory dating back to 1230. The day ends with a visit to Culloden Battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites were defeated in 1746. Stay overnight in Inverness. Day 5:Leaving Inverness, visit the Highland Folk Museum to get a real taste of Highland life from the past centuries. Next, head to a local Whisky Tasting of the so-called 'Water of Life'. For the final stop of the tour, visit Dunkeld and take a walk through the quaint village. Stroll along the River Tay and see the cathedral. Return back to Edinburgh in the evening.

Edinburgh: 5-Day Outer Hebrides and Highlands Tour

10. Edinburgh: 5-Day Outer Hebrides and Highlands Tour

Day 1: Your tour will begin as you depart the cosmopolitan city of Edinburgh and travel into the Highlands. Your first stop of the day is in the village of Dunkeld. There you can stretch your legs and admire the cathedral’s unusual mixture of architectural styles, before you venture through the shadows of the great and gorgeous Grampian Mountains and stop for lunch at a Highland town in the Spey Valley. After lunch, head to Loch Ness where your driver/guide will help you attempt to catch a glimpse of Scotland’s most famous mythical monster. Corrieshalloch Gorge is a lesser-known Scottish sight, but it’s sure to be one that you’ll also love. In the early evening, you will arrive in the scenic fishing port of Ullapool for your overnight stay. Day 2: First on your second day's agenda is a ferry journey across the sea. This 2.5-hour boat trip takes you through the Summer Isles to Stornoway, the main town of the Western Isles. Once you’ve arrived on Lewis and Harris, you will head to the north-west coast. Your driver/guide will make the most of what weather you’ve been blessed with, taking you through traditional crofting towns and seaside ports. You will later spend the evening in Stornoway; a bustling port town and the home of Scotland’s most delicious black pudding. Day 3: On your third day, it will be time to enter the region of Harris. Harris boasts the highest mountains in the Outer Hebrides and is home to one of the most beautiful white-sandy beaches in Britain, Luskentyre. After a morning of exploring the dramatic landscapes, you will stop for lunch. Depending on the weather, you may even go for a picnic on the beach. Back onto the Isle of Lewis, you will visit the Callanish Stone Circle, a prehistoric sight which still mystifies archeologists today. A little down the road, you will visit the stone fort of Dun Carloway, before heading back to Stornoway in the late afternoon. Day 4: On your fourth day, you will travel through a landscape littered with crofting villages to Arnol Blackhouse. There you can experience what traditional farming life was like in these remote reaches, without getting your hands too dirty. Following lunch, you will head back to Stornoway where you will take a ferry back to the mainland. You will then head straight for Inverness, the capital of the Highlands and your final overnight stop. Day 5: On your final day, you will leave Inverness and head for Tominoul, the highest village in the Highlands. You will then head into Royal Deeside where you will pay a visit to the Royal Lochnagar Whisky Distillery. There you can witness the craftsmanship of the distillers who make one of Scotland’s finest 12 year old single malts. Following the distillery visit, it will be time for lunch in the charming village of Braemar in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. From there the route south passes over Scotland’s highest mountain pass, Highland Perthshire, before stopping at Scone Palace, the home of Scotland’s legendary Coronation Stone (also known as the "Stone of Destiny"). From there, it will be a short journey back to Edinburgh.

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Hebrides, Scottish Highlands

Hebrides, Scottish Highlands

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What people are saying about Hebrides, Scottish Highlands

I have never been on a guided tour before so I was slightly apprehensive on what to expect. This tour went above and beyond what I thought. It was so carefully planned, Gregor our tour guide gave us mountains of information and was friendly and helpful. He had an abundance of stories and there was never an ‘awkward silence’ on the bus. He took us to some incredible places on our tour, and often pulled over so we could see some breathtaking views. I 100% recommend this tour and specifically, our tour guide. Having never been to Scotland, I feel like I’ve now seen the true beauty of it.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND this tour for anyone wishing to visit Scotland and enjoy the magical nature of the Highlands and Isle of Skye. Our guide, Jim, was the best! He was extremely knowledgeable, funny, a fantastic driver, and taught us so much about Scotland's remarkable culture and history. Three days was the perfect amount of time and we really enjoyed being based in Portree at our lovely accommodation, the Springfield Guest House. We also enjoyed being in a couch van instead of a big bus. Overall, I think Timberbush is the best choice for a tour of the Scottish highlands.

The tour was incredibly well organised with clear timings and good communication from the company with booking accomodation on a multiple day tour. Our bus driver (Jim) was an amazing driver and felt incredibly safe when driving along one lane roads.

Trip was very worth it. Our guide Andrew was funny and friendly. He was also very flexible with the itinerary based on our interests. The accommodation booked by the tour provider was very comfortable.

Jim was our driver-guide, he was experienced with Scotland's histories, fun facts and the weather in Isle of Skye.