The Pictish Trail

8 to 9 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

We’ll explore the impact of the Picts on this majestic landscape. Known as ‘Picti’ by the Romans, meaning ‘Painted Ones’ in Latin, these northern tribes constituted the largest kingdom in Dark Age Scotland.

13th century Fortrose Cathedral with a brief stop at Chanonry Point to see if we can spot any dolphins.

Then on to Groam House Museum to learn about their collection of carved Pictish stones from the 8th century AD.

On to Cromarty. An enchanting wee town, perfect for a brief wander and a coffee before boarding the ferry and off to explore the Pictish sites and stones at Nigg, Shandwick and Hilton of Cadboll. Look at for random mermaids!! There’s a great lunch opportunity here before continuing on our journey to meet a Pictish Queen at The Tarbat Discovery Centre, Portmahomack, the epi-centre of the 8th century Pictish monastic estate.
We can take a quick diversion out to see Tarbat Ness lighthouse before taking in our final Pictish stone of the day, the Edderton Cross Slab.

What's Included

Private transportation
Bottled water
Cromarty - Nigg ferry fare
Lunch
Coffee and/or Tea
Groam House Museum; Free of charge, but a donation is requested
Tarbat Discovery Centre; Adults - £5; Concessions (16-17 years and 65+) – £4.00; under 16 Free

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Your driver/guide will carry a board displaying the lead traveler's name

Itinerary

Duration: 8 to 9 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    Great views over the Moray Firth; look out for dolphins, especially at low tide

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Fortrose Cathedral stands in a green square at the heart of Fortrose, edged by mature trees. Tradition holds that the diocese of Ross has existed since about AD 700. The oldest part of the present ruins at Fortrose date from the 1300s.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3

    See and learn about their collection of carved Pictish stones from the 8th century AD.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    An enchanting wee town, perfect for a brief wander and a coffee.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Once across the ferry from Cromarty....

    30 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Travel and transportation through our beautiful scenery is included in the total time duration of this tour
  • This tour IS available as a Shore Excursion for Cruise Ship Passengers at Invergordon Cruise Ship Port
Supplied by Grant Driving Tours; Scotland

Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Luxury Car Tours
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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