5 Days Ultimate Scottish Highlands Adventure Tour

5 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
Optional Accommodation -on-site payment-

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: 5 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

    Loch Ness to Skye

    5 stops
  • 4
    Rogie Falls

    Today we journey west through some of the most remote and beautiful landscapes in the Highlands. Our first stop is Rogie Falls, where a short woodland walk leads to a dramatic waterfall tumbling through a narrow gorge.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve

    From here we continue north to the spectacular Corrieshalloch Gorge, a deep canyon carved by glacial meltwater. Crossing the Victorian suspension bridge gives breathtaking views down to the Falls of Measach far below.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • Torridon (Pass by)

    Travelling through the ancient mountains of Wester Ross, we pass through the wild scenery of Kinlochewe and Torridon — a landscape shaped by some of the oldest rocks in Europe.

  • 6
    Eilean Donan Castle

    Turning south toward the coast, we stop at one of Scotland’s most iconic castles. Eilean Donan Castle stands proudly where three sea lochs meet and is one of the most photographed castles in the country.

    30 minutes Admission ticket not included
  • 7
    Kyleakin

    Finally we cross the Skye Bridge and arrive on the Isle of Skye, where we’ll spend the night in the colourful harbour village of Kyleakin.

    12 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 3

    Explore Isle of Skye

    6 stops
  • 8
    Sligachan Old Bridge

    Day 3 is dedicated to exploring the dramatic landscapes of the Isle of Skye — an island famous for its rugged mountains, ancient legends and unforgettable scenery. We begin our adventure at Sligachan, where sweeping views of the Black Cuillin mountains create one of the island’s most iconic landscapes.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Portree

    Continuing north, we visit the colourful harbour town of Portree before heading out to explore some of Skye’s most spectacular natural landmarks.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 10
    The Old Man of Storr

    At the Old Man of Storr, a towering rock pinnacle rises dramatically above the surrounding cliffs and sea. Nearby, Kilt Rock reveals sheer basalt cliffs and a waterfall plunging straight into the ocean below.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • 11
    Quiraing

    We then travel through the incredible landslip landscape of the Quiraing on the Trotternish Peninsula — a surreal landscape of cliffs, pinnacles and hidden plateaus that feels almost otherworldly.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • 12
    Kilt Rock

    Throughout the day there are plenty of opportunities to step off the bus, take short walks, and truly experience the wild beauty that makes Skye so special. Kilt Rock is one example, a stunning natural waterfall that overhangs the sea.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 13
    Kyleakin

    Stay overnight on Skye for a second night.

    12 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 4

    Skye to Oban

    6 stops
  • Armadale (Pass by)

    After breakfast we leave Skye behind, travelling by ferry from Armadale back to the mainland.

  • 14
    Mallaig

    Landing at Mallaig, we follow the stunning Road to the Isles, passing the silver sands of Morar — often considered some of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 15
    Glenfinnan Viaduct

    Soon we reach the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct overlooking Loch Shiel. This sweeping railway bridge is known around the world as the route of the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 16
    Fort William

    Continuing east, we pass through Fort William beneath the shadow of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 17
    Glencoe

    Our journey then leads us into the dramatic valley of Glen Coe — one of Scotland’s most iconic and haunting landscapes. Towering mountains surround this glen, which is also the site of the infamous 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 18
    Oban

    From here we continue south through the Highlands to the lively coastal town of Oban, where we spend the night by the sea.

    12 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 5

    Oban to Edinburgh

    6 stops
  • Trossachs (Pass by)

    On our final day we travel through the scenic landscapes of Argyll and the beautiful Trossachs National Park.

  • 19
    St Conan's Kirk

    We stop to visit the unique St Conan’s Kirk, one of Scotland’s most unusual churches, filled with fascinating architectural details and stories.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 20
    Kilchurn Castle

    Nearby we also visit the ruins of Kilchurn Castle (summer months only), dramatically situated on the shores of Loch Awe and surrounded by mountain scenery.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 21
    Callander

    Continuing east through the Trossachs, we pass through the town of Callander — a gateway to the Highlands where you may even spot one of Scotland’s famous hairy Highland cows.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • National Wallace Monument (Pass by)

    As we travel south you’ll hear stories of Scotland’s struggle for independence, including the legendary tales of William Wallace.

  • 22
    Edinburgh

    Finally we return to Edinburgh in the early evening, where your Highland adventure comes to an end — though the memories will last a lifetime.

    12 hours 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
Additional fees
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.

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