Highland Highlights
- Escape on a refreshing short break to the rugged Scottish Highlands
- Admire the jagged outcrops and magical fairy pools of Skye
- Celebrate the warm and welcoming Highland hospitality with a wee dram
- Drive up the magnificent Great Glen to the Highland capital Inverness
- Take in dramatic views over the Cairngorm mountain plateau
Gallery
![The "Harry Potter" Steam Train!](https://d1hirb55zrpywb.cloudfront.net/macs-adventure-tours/routes/DISCSHIOS/routeimagegallery/shutterstock-6783729671-rsz-09032021135028431.jpg "The "Harry Potter" Steam Train!")
Itinerary
Day 1 North to Fort William via the "bonnie banks of Loch Lomond"Your trip starts from Glasgow, and if you have the time we highly recommend adding on additional nights in this bustling, vibrant city to make the very most out of your time in Scotland.
Leaving Glasgow, one of the first places you will discover is the majestic Loch Lomond. As you head along the scenic A82 road, enjoy the lochside views and make sure you stop for a cup of tea at the pretty Loch Lomond village of Luss. Continue through the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, and watch the landscapes change and become ever more impressive as you head into the heart of the dramatic Highlands. Driving through the incredible Rannoch Moor, one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe, will be an unforgettable experience, before stopping to explore Glen Coe, the site of the infamous Massacre of Glencoe which took place in 1692. Overnight in Fort William, in its fantastic location at the foot of the mighty Ben Nevis.
Driving Time: Approx 2.5 hours
Dora welcomes you with open arms to her lovely guest house, Myrtle Bank. Overlooking Loch Linnhe and just a short stroll from the town centre and its selection of shops, pubs and restaurants, this is the perfect place to relax after a day of exploration.
Located in a prime residential area overlooking Loch Linnhe, the guest house is only 5 minutes walk from the shops and restaurants in Fort William town centre. You are assured a warm welcome at this splendid property and all rooms are en-suite with central heating, flat screen televisions and tea/coffee making facilities. There is free WiFi.
A warm highland welcome awaits you at Gowan Brae which was built at the turn of the 20th century and is situated on the hillside above the town overlooking Loch Linnhe and the Treislaig Hills.
Enjoy a beautiful drive this morning on the "road to the isles" to reach the Glenfinnan Monument. Situated at the head of Loch Sheil, this is the place where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard at the start of the Jacobite rebellion. Nearby is also the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct - where the "Harry Potter" steam train passes over daily. Passing by the white sandy beaches of the Arisaig Sound, you soon arrive at Mallaig, and hop on the car ferry over to the Isle of Skye. Depending on availability you may overnight in either Portree or Broadford whilst in Skye.
Driving Time: Approx 1.5 hours
This B&B is located only a five-minute walk from the lively town centre, where there are parks, restaurants, pubs, shops and banks. All guest rooms are en-suite and have blackout curtains, complimentary toiletries and wifi.
Erisco is a most relaxing accommodation on the Isle of Skye, very close to the town centre attractions of Portree. Recently refurbished and renovated, all rooms are en-suite, comfortably furnished and have all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay. Jessie and John will provide you with a very warm Skye welcome at this lovely property.
Jonathan and Pauline extend a warm welcome to all visitors, their accommodation is situated on the outskirts of Portree, overlooking the harbour. They have 2 en-suite bedrooms with tv, tea & coffee facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Quite rightly one of Scotland's most popular islands, there are lots of places to explore on Skye, and in fact, if you have time, we highly recommend adding some extra nights if you can. Some highlights include the dramatic Nest Point lighthouse, the fairy pools below the jagged Cuillin Ridge, and the dramatic landscapes of the Trotternish Peninsula, including the Quiraing and Old Man of Storr. We will provide details of a couple of optional walks you can do, or take it easy and explore other highlights including Dunvegan Castle and the colourful town of Portree.
This B&B is located only a five-minute walk from the lively town centre, where there are parks, restaurants, pubs, shops and banks. All guest rooms are en-suite and have blackout curtains, complimentary toiletries and wifi.
Erisco is a most relaxing accommodation on the Isle of Skye, very close to the town centre attractions of Portree. Recently refurbished and renovated, all rooms are en-suite, comfortably furnished and have all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay. Jessie and John will provide you with a very warm Skye welcome at this lovely property.
Meadowbank lies in a quiet location close to Loch Portree and with extensive views of Ben Tianevaig. All rooms are en-suite with complimentary tea and coffee and all other facilities also available.
You have time this morning to further explore Skye if you wish, before leaving the island by road and driving over the Skye Bridge to the Kyle of Lochalsh. It is here you will find the 13th century Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland's most photographed castle and a true icon of the country. Once you have filled your own camera, we recommend a scenic route on the A82 alongside the banks of Loch Ness, and up the Great Glen towards Inverness. Stop at Fort Augustus on the southern tip of Loch Ness and at the top of the Caledonian Canal, where you can enjoy lunch as you watch canal boats navigate the locks. Just before arriving in Inverness, visit the grand ruins of Urquhart Castle, with its impressive location right on Loch Ness. In the evening, enjoy some refreshments in one of the cities lively pubs, taking in some of that famous Highland hospitality!
Driving Time: Approx 3 hours
Ballifeary Guest House is an impressive Victorian Villa with many original features. It is ideally located only a matter of yards from Eden Court Theatre and a short walk from the River Ness where you can find many restaurants, Inverness Castle and the cathedral. Rooms have been refurbished to a high standard offering every comfort you would expect.
Built in 1842, your accommodation is a well-appointed Victorian villa with stunning views over the River Ness and Cavell Gardens. All rooms have TV, hospitality tray, hairdryers and free wireless Internet. They also have available on request bathrobes, slippers, toothbrushes and toothpaste, iron and ironing board and DVD player.
This guesthouse features accommodations with a front garden, free car parking, motorcycle and bicycles parking garage, super speed Wifi guaranteed, and a true locally sourced Highland breakfast, along with a la carte Chef menu that includes vegetarian and vegan options too.
All rooms come with en-suite bathrooms.
Your final day will take you through Scotland's largest National Park – The Cairngorms. Stop off at the Ruthven Barracks near Aviemore for a picturesque photo opportunity. The barracks, built in the early 1700s to try and quell the Jacobean uprising, occupy an imposing hilltop lookout affording excellent views of the Cairngorm Mountain Plateau to the east. Continue south to Highland Perthshire, surrounded by quintessential Scottish scenery. Explore the Victorian spa town of Pitlochry and wander the beautiful gardens and grounds of Blair Castle, a 13th-century castle and ancestral home to the Clan Murray. Alternatively, if a distillery visit and a couple of drams feels like the thing to do today then we recommend visiting either Blair Atholl or Edradour distillery – the smallest traditional distillery in Scotland. Continue south to Edinburgh, Scotland's historic capital city, where we highly recommend adding on some additional extra nights to complete your journey.
Driving Time: Approx 3.5 hours
Other Information
Is it for me?Perfect if you have a few days to re-charge the batteries and want to enjoy some beautiful Scottish countryside - you will discover some of the highlights of the Scottish Highlands in just four short days in a carefully planned itinerary.
Discovery | Think of it as a ‘local’s guide’ to the best of the region. It includes a combination of activity and transportation to give you the freedom to explore and cover more ground at your own pace. We do all the research and organisation for you. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy!
Self Drive | Take the wheel and explore an area at your own pace taking in places and highlights that our travel experts recommend.
Solo Travellers
As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveller this holiday would be suitable for is: 5 Years
You will stay overnight in hand-picked small hotels, B&B's and guesthouses, all of which have been chosen to ensure you experience warm Scottish hospitality at its best! We regularly use the properties listed on the website but may accommodate you elsewhere if these are unavailable.
Single Rooms
This holiday is available to solo travellers but as all our tours are priced per person based on two sharing there is a single supplement payable to cover the additional costs. If you require single rooms within your party we will, of course, try to accommodate your request subject to availability.
Meals
Breakfast is included each morning and normally consists of a continental buffet with tea and coffee, fresh fruits, yoghurt, cereals, eggs and bread with jams. Often also on the menu are cooked options like freshly made porridge, a traditional cooked Scottish breakfast and smoked fish with scrambled eggs.
We don't include lunch and dinner so you are free to choose from the available options. Your information pack includes details and recommendations of convenient lunch stops, cosy cafes and restaurants along the way. A couple of decades ago the food scene in Scotland was somewhat lacking, but now you'll find a range of high quality, varied options with everything from award-winning fish and chips to intimate Michelin-listed dining experiences, and casual restaurant menus showcasing delicious locally-sourced produce.
Additional Nights
You can add additional nights wherever you please on the route. Of course we highly recommend additional nights in the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh at the start/end of your trip!
Your information pack will include a day-by-day itinerary, with recommended driving routes between overnight stops, as well as recommended detours and must-see sights and attractions. You can use Google maps to navigate the route on your phone, or your car's sat-nav. If you are hiring a car we recommend adding on a sat-nav as internet signal in the Highlands isn't always reliable.
- Overnight in 3 and 4* B&B's, guesthouses and small hotels
- Breakfasts
- Ferry crossings as per your itinerary
- Detailed information pack brimming with our local knowledge
- Our daily recommendations for places to see and visit
- Our daily recommendations for top places to eat and drink
- 24/7 Emergency support from our UK office
- Car hire (available as an optional extra)
- Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
- Travel Insurance
- Personal equipment
- Accommodation in Edinburgh or Glasgow
- Entrance Fees
- Car hire
- Additional nights
You can start this tour on any day of the week from March to October, subject to availability. The busiest times of the year are around Easter and May when accommodations fill up quickly, so book as early as possible if you are planning to travel then. If you travel before Easter, and after mid-October it is worth noting that some attractions may either be closed, have limited access (i.e. castle interiors may be closed but the gardens open), or may open later and close a little earlier in the day. We always recommend checking the links in our information pack for up-to-date opening times to avoid disappointment.
During the shoulder season - March to early April and after mid-October - the Scottish weather tends to be more unpredictable and is often colder and rainier. It is worth keeping in mind that the driving conditions can also be more challenging at this time. However, attractions and popular viewpoints will generally be quieter.
Scotland enjoys a temperate climate, meaning it's relatively mild all year, except in winter when temperatures occasionally dip below 0 degrees Celsius for short periods. The Highlands are renowned for variable weather so you should be prepared for everything; from 'dreich' days (a Scottish word for drizzly days that are a bit bleak) to days with beautiful blue skies and warmer weather. Whatever the weather it tends to be breezy so spare layers are always recommended.
From the end of April to October average daily temperatures vary from 9-15 degrees Celsius. Monthly rainfall varies from 10-16 mm per month on average. Generally, May to July is the driest and mildest months, but exploring later in the year from September to October is pleasant in cooler temperatures and the autumnal scenery is spectacular as the leaves begin to change colour.
Your trip begins in the well-connected city of Glasgow. If traveling in your own car from across the UK, or western Europe via the Channel Tunnel, you'll find the city is easily accessible and well-connected by the M8, M74, M80 and M77 motorways. If you are driving or traveling from further afield we recommend and extra night in Glasgow at the start of your trip so you can make the most of your first day of sight-seeing.
By Road: Glasgow is served by an excellent motorway network. It's a 1hr 15 min drive from Glasgow to Edinburgh on the east coast. Manchester is approx a 3.5 hour drive or Newcastle on the east coast is approx 3 hours.
If dropping off a rental car and continuing your onward journey by public transport we recommend breaking the journey by adding an extra night in Glasgow or Edinburgh. For specific information regarding public transport in Scotland, please see the excellent Traveline Scotland website for timetables and fares.
By Air: Located 8 miles west of Glasgow, the international airport is served by routes from around Britain and the world. A regular shuttle bus service runs from the city centre to the airport. Or if you wish to drop your car off in Glasgow and enjoy some time there before heading back to Edinburgh, regular bus and train services link the two cities, taking approx 1 hour.
For further information regarding public transport in Scotland, please see the excellent Traveline Scotland website for timetables and fares.
By Rail: Glasgow is also connected to central Scotland and England by good rail links. See the Scot Rail website for Scottish locations and National Rail for UK-wide locations.
By Bus: Services from UK destinations are operated by National Express. Services from Scottish destinations are operated by Scottish Citylink.
By Road:
Edinburgh is served by an excellent motorway network. It's a 1h 15m drive from Glasgow on the west coast to Edinburgh on the M8 motorway. Newcastle is approximately a 2.5 hour drive from Edinburgh, and Manchester and Birmingham, 4 and 6 hours respectively.
By Air:
Located 8 miles east of the city of Edinburgh, the international airport is served by routes from around the UK and the world. From the city centre, there are regular shuttle bus and tram services running to the airport, with a journey time of around 30 minutes.
For further information regarding public transport in Scotland, please see the excellent Traveline Scotland website for timetables and fares.
By Coach:
Services from UK destinations are operated by National Express. Services from Scottish destinations are operated by Scottish Citylink.
On confirmation of your booking, you will receive a personalised itinerary and comprehensive information pack. This carefully curated pack, designed with our extensive local knowledge and expertise, will include recommended driving routes, personal recommendations for places and attractions to stop at en route, and our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink.
Car Rental
We don't include car rental in the cost of our discovery tours to keep things flexible as we realise many people may wish to use their own car. If you decide to arrange car rental through us, we have a partnership with Europcar and can arrange this easily for you. As standard we book an Economy category car (suitable for up to 4 people) with included comprehensive insurance, prices are on a request basis. Please just let us know if you would like to upgrade your car.
Ferries
If you have a preferred sailing time for your ferry journeys, please let us know at the time of booking. Once the ferry journeys are confirmed, we can't guarantee new amendments or changes to the sailing times.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
Your information pack will include a day-by-day itinerary, with recommended driving routes between overnight stops, as well as recommended detours and must-see sights and attractions. You can use Google maps to navigate the route on your phone, or your car's sat-nav. If you are hiring a car we recommend adding on a sat-nav as internet signal in the Highlands isn't always reliable.
WHY MACS?
The Biggest Choice
Around Since 2003
21,000+ Customer Reviews
Positive Impact
At Macs, we don’t do tour buses, groups, or guides. Instead, we give you the freedom and confidence to have your own self-guided walking or cycling adventure.
This is active travel led by you.
You choose your departure date and who you travel with, we do the rest.
We sort accommodation and luggage transfers and provide your route in an easy-to-use app.
We give you everything you need to travel independently but we're here 24/7 if you need us.
Getting from A to B under your own steam is intensely rewarding. With Macs, you'll see the world, and yourself, differently.
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