5 Days Ultimate Scottish Highlands Adventure Tour

3 days (approximately)
Offered in: English

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish Highlands on this 5-day tour, starting from Edinburgh. Experience the charm of Loch Ness, where you can keep an eye out for Nessie and even take a dip in its waters. Journey to the Isle of Skye to marvel at its rugged cliffs, hidden waterfalls, and ancient rock formations. Spend your nights in cozy accommodations, including a night by Loch Ness and two nights in the picturesque Kyleakin. Highlights include visiting Eilean Donan Castle, the vibrant town of Portree, and the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. This tour is ideal for adventure seekers aged 18-40 looking to uncover Scotland’s natural beauty and cultural treasures.

- 5-day guided tour departing from Edinburgh every Monday (April to October)
- Explore Loch Ness, Isle of Skye, and Glencoe with an expert local guide
- Accommodation options available for booking, with dormitory-style hostels or book your own.
- Experience Scottish culture with a ceilidh dance and breathtaking hikes

What's Included

Air-conditioned vehicle
Expert Scottish Guide
Food costs each day
Accommodation costs of £38 per night for tour guest house

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet inside Castle Rock Hostel at least 30 minutes before departure time to sign in for tour. Please report to reception to check in for the tour.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Edinburgh - Loch Ness

    6 stops
  • Edinburgh (Pass by)

    Depart from right under the shadow of Edinburgh Castle and learn all about the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of The Old Town and the New Town while heading north towards the Kingdom of Fife.

    Admission ticket free
  • Forth Bridge (Pass by)

    Cross the Firth of the Forth towards Fife across the Forth Bridge while learning about why the bridges are so important to Scotland

    Admission ticket free
  • 1
    Pitlochry

    After driving through the Kingdom of Fife, arrive in the town of Pitlochry. Pitlochry is a small town surrounded by incredible forests, looming mountains and incredible whisky. Our stop here will be for lunch and supplies for your night in Skye, plus the chance to explore the high street.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Travel through the Cairngorms National Park, the second national park in Scotland, and admire your first taste of the Highlands. Guides may stop at Highlands sign, Loch Morlich or elsewhere depending on conditions.

    Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Culloden Battlefield

    Learn the harrowing tale of the Jacobite Rebellion and see where the rebellion ended at the Culloden Battlefield. Choose to walk the grounds for free or enter the museum at a cost of £16 per person.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket not included
  • 3
    Loch Ness

    After a trip down the Great Glen, enjoy a stop on the mystical Loch Ness where you can choose to swim with Nessie or admire her waters from afar.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Day 2

    Exploring the Isle of Skye

    10 stops
  • 4
    Kyleakin

    Wake up early in Kyleakin for the included breakfast and admire the sunrise before hopping on the bus for your day of adventures

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Sligachan Old Bridge

    The beautiful Old Bridge at Sligachan is our first stop of the day as we get to admire the Black Cuillin range and, weather permitting, go for a hike up past the waterfalls. Take the chance to dip your face in this water to be granted eternal youth and to really wake yourself up for the day.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Portree

    Our lunch stop for the day is the largest town on Skye, Portree. Spend an hour here enjoying some of the local produce as well as buying supplies for the rest of your day/night. Make sure you check out the colorful harbour houses before you leave to get the full Portree experience.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 7
    The Old Man of Storr

    From Portree head north up the Trotternish Peninsula to our first hike of the day, The Old Man of Storr. Throw on your best shoes and something waterproof to climb up towards the basaltic column protruding from the land and get one the best views in all of Scotland.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Lealt Falls

    Stop off at Lealt Falls to walk to the base of a waterfall and enjoy some fantastic photographic opportunites

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Kilt Rock

    Stop off at the aptly named Kilt Rock to see a waterfall flowing directly into the sea along jagged cliff edges.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 10
    Quiraing

    Our second hike of the day (weather permitting) takes you to the top of the plateau where you can see incredible views along the landslip that they call the Quairang. One of the most magical places in all of Scotland.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 11
    Duntulm Castle

    If the Quiraing road is closed or weather is too severe, head to the most northern spot on Skye and see the ruins of Duntulm Castle. On a clear day you can even see the Isles of the Outer Hebrides on the horizon.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 12
    Uig

    A chance to visit the Skye Brewery in Uig and stretch your legs before our journey back to Kyleakin begins.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 13
    Kyleakin

    Return to the town of Kyleakin for the night and enjoy the hostel or go out in town with your fellow travellers.

    14 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 3

    Isle of Skye to Edinburgh

    6 stops
  • 14
    Kyleakin

    Wake up early to make the most of your day before boarding the bus to head back toward Edinburgh

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • Fort William (Pass by)

    Head through the Adventure Capital of the Highlands with views of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak.

    Admission ticket free
  • 15
    Glencoe

    Stop at the hautingly beautiful Glencoe. The sight of scenes that have caused a divide amongst clans for generations. Admire the beauty of the area on foot.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • Trossachs (Pass by)

    Head through the Trossachs with a stop off for lunch in Tyndrum before hitting the roads with tales of faeries and lost Roman legions in this incredible part of Scotland

    Admission ticket free
  • 16
    Stirlingshire

    Explore the history rich area of Stirlingshire with possible stops at the Wallace Monument or Doune Castle, weather and opening times permitting.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 17
    Edinburgh

    Return to Castle Rock Hostel in Edinburgh by 18:00

    1 hour Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by MacBackpackers Tours of Scotland

Tags

Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Historical Tours
Adventure Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Show more
from per person
Was {{formatPrice(summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount, currency, 2)}}