Highlands, Skye & Edinburgh: Drive & Hike
- A relaxed self-drive & hike tour exploring Skye, the Highlands, Perthshire & Edinburgh
- Walk the Storr & Quiraing on Skye's Trotternish Ridge
- Visit the famous Eilean Donan Castle on the west coast - a must-see!
- Stop en route for a distillery tour or try Perthshire's charming bakeries
- Overnight in Scotland's beautiful capital city, complete with castle of course!
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in GlasgowArrive in Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, with an eclectic vibe and vibrant foodie scene. A compact city centre of wide streets lined with Victorian buildings and a small underground railway connecting the centre with the old University quarter (the West End) mean it's easy to explore the city before you begin your journey north. Stroll through leafy Kelvingrove park in summer followed by a visit to the Botanic Gardens before enjoying some of Scotland's best Asian food, there's plenty of choose from - Indian, Vietnamese or Chinese. Alternatively, sample the local cuisine at one of the city's many award-winning restaurants.
If you choose to hire a car you can collect it from the airport on arrival, or we can arrange for it to be delivered to your hotel.
This hotel reflects the city's own modern renaissance, combining striking traditional architecture with the most exciting contemporary design and high-tech facilities. Behind the superb exterior, the 59-bedroom townhouse has been designed with a sense of luxury and relaxation with a home-from-home feel so you can enjoy an ideal night's sleep, and wake up refreshed and rejuvenated.
Situated in-between Glasgow City Centre andthe West End, the Sandman Signature Hotel is the perfect base to explore Glasgow's fabulous shopping, incredible food scene and vibrant events industry. Mere steps away you'll also find Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow Necropolis and Kelvingrove Art Gallert and Museum to name a few. Within the property itself, this modern 4* hotel boasts 179 stunning bedrooms and suits along with a fitness centre and a stunning onsite bar and restaurant, Chop Grill & Bar.
Carlton George is a 4 star boutique hotel in Glasgow city centre, next to Queen Street station. With a rooftop restaurant and wonderful views across Glasgow, the Hotel offers luxury rooms with complimentary minibars.
Leave bustling Glasgow behind for a scenic drive north to Dornie. Follow the road along the shores of Loch Lomond and into the Western Highlands, around the remote Rannoch Moor and through Glencoe, perhaps Scotland's most famous glen, to reach the coast. Hug the coast as you drive north through Fort William, at the foot of Ben Nevis, towards Dornie. En route you can enjoy a short walk in Glencoe's "Lost Valley".
Lost Valley Walk: 4 km (2.5 miles); Ascent: 301m (988ft) / Descent: 301m (988ft)
Balmacara Mains is a family run Guest House located in the Highlands of Scotland, overlooking the Isle of Skye. They provide comfortable accommodation, offering relaxing, contemporary rooms, with stunning views. All rooms are individually decorated and have all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay.
Welcome to the family run Balmacara Hotel, where the Isle of Skye beckons from the front windows, the glorious hills of Wester Ross from the back. The Balmacara Hotel is stunningly situated on the shores of Loch Alsh, approx. 3 miles from Kyle of Lochalsh, the Skye Bridge and Eilean Donan Castle. Most of the tastefully designed bedrooms have loch side views and the Isle of Skye can be viewed from the coffee lounge and restaurant.
Nestling in the centre of the old fishing village of Dornie in magnificent Wester Ross, the Dornie Hotel occupies one of the most magnificent and scenic locations in the whole of the Highlands of Scotland. The Dornie Hotel has a long-established and hard-earned reputation for its warm Highland welcome and friendly, relaxing atmosphere, making the Dornie Hotel the ideal place to stay.
Although not the highest in Britain the Falls of Glomach are certainly the most dramatic plunging 113m in a single leap. A good path leads you through remote highland glens to the dramatic falls before you return by the same route. Make sure you allow time to visit the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, probably Scotland’s most famous, as you drive passed!
Falls of Glomach Walk: 17 km (11 miles); Ascent: 710m (2,329ft) / Descent: 710m (2,329ft)
Balmacara Mains is a family run Guest House located in the Highlands of Scotland, overlooking the Isle of Skye. They provide comfortable accommodation, offering relaxing, contemporary rooms, with stunning views. All rooms are individually decorated and have all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay.
Welcome to the family run Balmacara Hotel, where the Isle of Skye beckons from the front windows, the glorious hills of Wester Ross from the back. The Balmacara Hotel is stunningly situated on the shores of Loch Alsh, approx. 3 miles from Kyle of Lochalsh, the Skye Bridge and Eilean Donan Castle. Most of the tastefully designed bedrooms have loch side views and the Isle of Skye can be viewed from the coffee lounge and restaurant.
Nestling in the centre of the old fishing village of Dornie in magnificent Wester Ross, the Dornie Hotel occupies one of the most magnificent and scenic locations in the whole of the Highlands of Scotland. The Dornie Hotel has a long-established and hard-earned reputation for its warm Highland welcome and friendly, relaxing atmosphere, making the Dornie Hotel the ideal place to stay.
Leave the mainland behind and head for the "misty isle" (the Isle of Skye) - an island of mists, myths, legends and extraordinary landscapes.
Today you have the choice between a loop walk from Broadford and a day of sight-seeing. The loop walk takes takes you past the ruined coastal villages of Suisnish and Boreraig, reminders of the islands troubled history, along the remote and beautiful coastline. Finish in Broadford in time for coffee and cake at a local cafe before making your way to the bustling, and colourful harbour town of Portree - the island's capital.
If you opt for an easier day, or the weather dictates it, we recommend short walks at the must-see spots of dramatic Neist Point Lighthouse (the island's most westerly point), the Fairly Pools along Glenbrittle (situated below the jagged Cuillin Ridge), and the Fairy Glen north of Uig.
Ruined Coastal Villages of Suisnish and Boreraig Walk: 17 km (10.5 miles); Ascent: 260m (853ft) / Descent: 260m (853ft)
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.
The Portree Hotel has recently undergone extensive refurbishment, now offering 24 redesigned en-suite rooms, with all the expected facilities including 32” flat screen TVs, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryers and irons. The new Antlers Bar and Grill and West Highland Bar have also been tastefully refurbished, this includes wood burning stoves, which creates a cosy and comfortable atmosphere.
Stretching north from Portree the Trotternish Peninsula is an atmospheric land of dark brooding cliffs, bizarre rock formations, impossibly green pastures and views that go on forever. Again you can choose one of two walks. Either take the bus from Portree to The Storr and walk back tp Portree along the coast keeping your eyes peeled for resident sea eagles. The Storr is a dramatic needle of rock that dominates the Trotternish ridge, from where you'll be treated to wonderful views over the island.
Alternatively, drive a little further north to the Quiraing with its wonderfully named features such as the prison, needle and table. A circular walk explores the best of this wonderful area and rewards with yet more dramatic scenery. Why not take the long way home via Talisker Distillery or Dunvegan Castle, the seat of the Macleods of Skye?
Quiraing Walk: 7 km (4 miles); Ascent: 308m (1,011ft) / Descent: 309m (1,014ft)
Portree to The Storr: 13 km (9 miles); Ascent: 580m (1,903ft) / Descent: 420m (1,378ft)
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.
The Portree Hotel has recently undergone extensive refurbishment, now offering 24 redesigned en-suite rooms, with all the expected facilities including 32” flat screen TVs, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryers and irons. The new Antlers Bar and Grill and West Highland Bar have also been tastefully refurbished, this includes wood burning stoves, which creates a cosy and comfortable atmosphere.
Leaving Portree drive south to yet another, contrasting part of Skye, the green Sleat Peninsula. In Armadale enjoy a walk through the beautiful gardens of the ruined Armadale Castle and visit the Clan Donald museum before taking the ferry (1 hour) to Mallaig on the mainland.
From the fishing port of Mallaig follow the "Road to the Isles" south along the white sandy beaches of Arisaig Sound towards Fort William. Your walk today is to the deserted village of Peanmeanach, which sits on a sandy beach on an isolated peninsula. Here you'll see where Bonnie Prince Charlie landed during the Jacobite rebellion, and enjoy panoramic views of the Sound of Arisaig. Continue on to Fort William where you can visit the Glenfinnan Monument at the head of Loch Sheil - built to mark the spot where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard at the start of the 1745 Jacobite rebellion.
Peanmeanach Village and Beach Walk: 11 km (6.5 miles); Ascent: 294m (965ft) / Descent: 294m (945ft)
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.
A warm welcome awaits you at Guisachan House, a family run private guest house. They are situated in an elevated position off the main road with views over Loch Linnhe and surrounding hills only 5 minutes walking distance from Fort William town centre. They have 17 bedrooms and a guest lounge and bar offering wine, beer, spirits and malt whiskey. Wireless Internet is available for the guests. There is some photography dotted around the guest house taken by Phil, one of the owners.
Located in a prime residential area overlooking Loch Linnhe, the guest house is only a 5-minute walk from the shops and restaurants in Fort William town centre. You are assured a warm welcome at this splendid property with ensuite bedrooms.
Today you can choose from a couple of walking options; a walk along the beautiful Glen Nevis to Steall Falls, or you can hike to th summit of Ben Nevis (1344m).
Just outside Fort William the steep sided valley walls narrow to a steep gorge, which cuts a narrow path to an isolated valley under towering Ben Nevis. At the head of this green and tranquil glen the white curtains of Steall Falls plunge relentlessly downwards. This really is one of Scotland’s most precious places. Alternatively, take on Ben Nevis, which at 1344m is the UK's highest mountain, and not a challenge to be underestimated. However, on a good day the views are endless.
Glen Nevis and Polldubh Falls: 13 km (7.5 miles); Ascent: 200m (276ft) / Descent: 84m (276ft)
Ben Nevis Summit Walk: 16 km (10 miles); Ascent: 1326m (4,350ft) / Descent: 1326m (4,350ft)
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.
A warm welcome awaits you at Guisachan House, a family run private guest house. They are situated in an elevated position off the main road with views over Loch Linnhe and surrounding hills only 5 minutes walking distance from Fort William town centre. They have 17 bedrooms and a guest lounge and bar offering wine, beer, spirits and malt whiskey. Wireless Internet is available for the guests. There is some photography dotted around the guest house taken by Phil, one of the owners.
Located in a prime residential area overlooking Loch Linnhe, the guest house is only a 5-minute walk from the shops and restaurants in Fort William town centre. You are assured a warm welcome at this splendid property with ensuite bedrooms.
Today, you can either make the drive south to Edinburgh early in the day to maximise on your time in this city if you only have one night here. Alternatively, you can choose to make the journey leisurely, stopping en route to visit Blair Atholl a charming little village surrounding a castle (with Scotland's only remaining private army), and Dunkeld a quaint village brimming with cafes and welcoming Perthshire pubs. You'll also drive past Scone Palace, where Scotland's kings (including MacBeth and Robert the Bruce) were once crowned.
Your route will take you past mountains, lochs and rivers to reach the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage City of Edinburgh, Scotland's capital. A romantic city, where the old town is a maze of winding streets that converge on the Royal Mile - leading to the castle which towers over the city from the top of an ancient volcanic plug. Why not leave the hustle and bustle of the city centre behind and walk along the river towards the Dean Village or the quieter streets of Stockbridge boasting an array of local boutiques, gift shops, and cafes.
This charming B&B is located in the heart of Edinburgh, just a short walk from Waverley Train Station. The various rooms have been thoughtfully decorated and equipped with modern facilities. With its welcoming hosts and delicious breakfast options, this is the perfect base from which to explore the city.
A stylish boutique hotel on the most iconic street of Scotland's cosmopolitian capital - The Royal Mile. With just 9 rooms this small city centre hotel is the perfect modern haven from where to explore this historic city. Breakfast in their beautiful high-ceilinged bar is included. By night you can sample their tempting drinks list alongside locally-sourced Scottish cuisine.
A fantastic location towards the west end of Edinburgh's world famous Princes Street which enjoys fabulous views on the very picturesque and historic Edinburgh Castle.
After breakfast your Highland drive and hike adventure comes to a close and you bid farewell to Edinburgh to make your onward journey home.
This trip has a carbon score of 10kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 10kg is equivalent to 18 lattes. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?Great walking, castles, lochs, whisky, Edinburgh and so much more. This is the trip for you if you want to discover the best of Scotland and enjoy some fabulous walking on the way.
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!
Drive and Hike | Exploration of picturesque and remarkable destinations by car combined with walks that highlight the best of a country or region.
Solo Travellers
The minimum age for this tour is: 16 Years
This route is graded moderate with a choice of easier and harder walks on most days so you can do as much or as little as you please. The walks vary in distance, from short and gentle 4km routes to more moderate routes of 17km that can be completed at your own pace and in your own time. Most of the walks follow good footpaths or tracks but occasionally the paths in more remote areas can be very boggy and indistinct. You should have sturdy waterproof footwear. Please note that the optional walk between the Storr and Portree on day 5 should not be attempted in bad weather.
This tour includes 8 nights in family run B&B’s, guesthouses and small hotels of 3 or 4 standard. We hand pick each one of our hotels so that you enjoy every minute of your stay. All offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food.
Solo Walkers & Single Rooms
This trip is available to solo walkers. Single rooms are available, subject to availability and a supplement applies.
Meals
Breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Most of your accommodations will more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival. Alternatively you can pick up a picnic from a local shop. Dinner is available at your accommodation or nearby pubs and restaurants.
We supply detailed route notes and a comprehensive information pack so you should have no problem following the walking routes. Additionally navigation is straightforward using the Macs Adventure App which has maps, GPS tracks and daily route information. Simply download the GPS tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation on this tour will be made simple. You will find more information on downloading the app in your Macs Adventure Account.
Recommended Reading
If you would like more information on the route please see our recommendation below:
- Lonely Planet Scotland
- Philip's Navigator Scotland Atlas (Road Maps of Scotland)
- Harvey Skye Trail Map*
* A copy will be mailed to you if tour is confirmed within postage cut off dates.
- 8 Nights in B&Bs, guesthouses and small hotels
- 8 Breakfasts
- Ferry from Armadale to Mallaig (1 car and passengers per booking)
- Detailed trip info and mapped tracks, via the Macs App
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office
- Travel to Glasgow / from Edinburgh
- Car hire (if you require car hire let us know and we can arrange it for you)
- Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
- Personal equipment
- Travel insurance (required)
- Additional nights along the route
- Car hire (if you require car hire let us know and we can arrange it for you)
Please note that Skye is exceptionally popular throughout the Summer months. As a result it may be necessary to book upgraded accommodations and/or taxi transfers to accommodate your dates. Your specialist will inform you of this prior to confirming your booking and advise of any supplement payable.
This trip is best enjoyed between early April and the end of October. You can start on any day of the week. Both the Isle of Skye and Edinburgh are very popular, especially during the summer months (notably during the Edinburgh Tattoo and Fringe Festival), so it is best to book as far in advance as possible.
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.
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, particularly in the far north of Scotland, will also be more challenging at this time. Landslides can happen as a result of heavy and prolonged rainfall and we continuously monitor trail conditions throughout the season. Attractions and popular viewpoints will generally be quieter at this time of year, which may be preferred.
Glasgow Airport: Located 8 miles west of the city, the airport is served by numerous domestic and international airlines. A regular Citylink bus service operates between the airport and the city centre. Alternatively, you can also book taxis at a fixed rate from the airport to your accommodation in Glasgow, or to Glasgow Central train station in Glasgow city centre.
Prestwick Airport: Located 30 miles south of Glasgow, Prestwick is primarily served by the budget airline Ryanair. A train service operates from Prestwick to Glasgow city centre, taking approx. 50 mins.
Edinburgh Airport: Located 45 miles east of Glasgow, Edinburgh Airport is served by numerous domestic and international airlines. A regular Citylink bus service operates between the airport and Glasgow's Buchanan Street Bus Station in the city centre (approx. 60 mins). Alternatively, you could take the tram towards Edinburgh city centre and connect with the train from Edinburgh Haymarket train station to Glasgow Queen Street station.
If you choose to hire a car you can collect it from the airport on arrival, or we can arrange for it to be delivered to your hotel.
This trip does not include luggage transport, as you carry your luggage with you in the car.
The distances and ascent/ descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, and sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
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.
Online Documents
At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.
On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.
You will need a car for this trip and we would be happy to book a rental car for you if you require this. Otherwise, you can of course bring your own vehicle if travelling within the UK/Europe!
It is a condition of booking with us that you have suitable travel insurance to cover you for cancellation, curtailment, illness or injury.
We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us or perhaps visit our walking forum for more advice from our clients and team.
As you will be walking on varied terrain and for up to 18km per day a moderate level of fitness is required.
We supply detailed route notes, maps and a comprehensive information pack so you should have no problem following the walking routes although you should be happy reading maps and using a compass.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as this trip can become popular over the summer months.
You will need good walking boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc. You can download a full equipment list from our website here:
Traditionally April/May has always been the most popular time of year because the theory goes that the weather is better and the midges have not yet appeared. Although having walked in the summer I believe any time between March and October offers a wonderful experience.
Midges are small biting insects (much like north American gnats or blackfly) which are prevalent in the summer months. They are particularly bad on still, overcast days but do not bother you if you are moving, the wind is blowing, sun is shining, it’s raining, or you are inside so as long as you carry repellent for the odd occasion you may need it they shouldn’t have any impact on your experience.
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