Scotland: Highlands Isle of Skye & Edinburgh Driving and Hiking Tour

The Highlands, Isle of Skye & Edinburgh

9 Days & 8 Nights 4.2 Read 13 reviews

A relaxed drive and hike tour exploring Skye, the Highlands, Perthshire and Edinburgh
Walk the Storr and 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!

Discover the best of the romantic Highlands, the mystical Isle of Skye and majesty of Edinburgh on this walking and discovery self-drive tour of Scotland. Deep brooding lochs, jagged peaks, imposing castles and freshly-caught seafood are just a few of the delights you can look forward to. Arriving in Glasgow, then head north through Glencoe and on to photogenic Eilean Donan Castle. Stay in delightful loch-side locations; Dornie and Portree. Cross to the Isle of Skye; a walker’s paradise with colourful harbour-side villages. Catch the ferry back to the mainland and follow the iconic Road to the Isles to Fort William, at the foot of Ben Nevis. You have a wonderful choice of walks to enjoy on this comprehensive drive-hike adventure.

What To Expect

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

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.

Tour Type:

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!

Activity:

Drive and Hike | Exploration of picturesque and remarkable destinations by car combined with walks that highlight the best of a country or region.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Islands
National Parks
Accessible by Rail

Activity Level & Terrain

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.

Navigation

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.

Accommodations

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.

Included

8 Nights in B&B's, guesthouses and small hotels
8 Breakfasts
Ferry from Armadale to Mallaig (1 car and passengers per booking)
Information pack and route notes with maps (including a road map)
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office

Excluded

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)

Extras

Additional nights along the route
Car hire (if you require car hire let us know and we can arrange it for you)

When To Go

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.

Weather and Climate

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.

Getting to the Start

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.

General Information

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.

Equipment

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!

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of booking with us that you have suitable travel insurance to cover you for cancellation, curtailment, illness or injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fit do I need to be?

Do I need to be able to Navigate?

How far in advance do I need to book?

What personal equipment do I need?

When is the best time of year?

What are the midges like?

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Glasgow Day 2 Drive to Dornie and short optional walk 2.5 miles / 4 km Day 3 Falls of Glomach Walk 11 miles / 17.5 km Day 4 Optional Walks in the Heart of Skye 10 miles / 16.5 km Day 5 Optional walks at Trotternish or the Quiraing 8 miles / 13 km

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 walk from Portree along the coast (keep your eyes peeled for the resident sea eagles) to the Storr. This needle of rock is one of the most dramatic formations on the Trotternish ridge and affords wonderful views over the island filled sea. Return to Portree by bus. 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 again rewards with the most wonderful views. Why not take the long way home via Talisker Distillery or Dunvegan Castle, the seat of the Macleods of Skye.

Storr walk: 13km, 510m ascent/descent, 5 hours

Quiraing walk: 10km, 340m ascent/descent, 4 - 5 hours

Overnight Portree

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Duirinish Guesthouse | Guest House

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 B&B | Bed and breakfast

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.

Portree Guest House | Guest House

Portree Guest House is run by Fiona and Robbie Weir who shall provide you with a very warm welcome into their home. Portree Guest House offers B&B accommodation in a quiet position overlooking the sea on the main road into Portree. Just a few minutes from the centre of Portree you are within easy reach of most shopping and amenities.

The rooms are simply furnished and have all the amenities you require for a lovely overnight stay.

Day 6 Drive the "Road to the Isles" 7 miles / 11 km

Leaving Portree you head south to yet another, and completely different part of the Isle of Skye, the green Sleat Peninsula. In Armadale you can enjoy a walk through the beautiful gardens of the ruined Armadale Castle and visit the Clan Donald museum before you catch the ferry (included, 1 hour) to Mallaig on the mainland. From the busy fishing port of Mallaig you follow the Road to the Isles south along the white sandy beaches of the Sound of Arisaig and then east towards Fort William. Your walk today is to the deserted village of Peanmeanach, which sits on a sandy beach on an isolated peninsula. You can see where Bonnie Prince Charlie landed during the Jacobite rebellion and enjoy panoramic views of the blue waters of the Sound of Arisaig. Continuing on to Fort William you can visit the Glenfinnan Monument at the head of Loch Sheil, which was built to mark the spot where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard at the start of the 1745 Jacobite rebellion.

Overnight Fort William

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Myrtle Bank Guest House | Guest House

Dora welcomes you with open arms to her beautiful guest house - Myrtle Bank. Overlooking Loch Linnie and just a short stroll from the town centre Myrtle Bank is a wonderful place to relax at the end of the West Highland Way.

Ardblair B&B | Bed and breakfast

Ardblair is in a stunning location overlooking Loch Linnhe and the attention to detail throughout the house is what gives this Fort William B&B its edge. All rooms are en-suite and have all the amenities you require for a comfortable night’s stay. There is WiFi access in all the rooms.

Guisachan House | Guest House

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.

Day 7 Walk Steall Falls (Glen Nevis) or Ben Nevis 8 miles / 13 km

Today you will enjoy one of Scotland’s finest walks. Just outside Fort William the steep sided valley walls narrow to a steep gorge which cuts a narrow path to an isolated valley under the towering Ben Nevis. At the head of this green and tranquil glen the white curtains of Steall Falls plunge relentlessly down. This really is one of Scotland’s most precious places. Alternatively you may want to walk to the summit of Ben Nevis, which at 1344m is Scotland’s highest mountain. It is not a challenge to be underestimated but on a good day the views are endless.

Glen Nevis Walk: 13km, 200m ascent/descent, 4-5 hours

Ben Nevis Walk: 16km, 1344 ascent/descent, 7– 9 hours

Overnight Fort William

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Myrtle Bank Guest House | Guest House

Ardblair B&B | Bed and breakfast

Guisachan House | Guest House

Day 8 Drive south to Edinburgh through Perthshire

Your route takes you south past the mountains, lochs and rivers of the highlands to the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage City of Edinburgh. One of the world’s most romantic cities you can look forward to exploring the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and perhaps even the city’s catacombs on a ghost tour.

Overnight Edinburgh

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Six Brunton Place

Located in the heart of Edinburgh, just a short walk from Waverley Train Station, this beautiful B&B has a variety of room types, access to free wifi and en suite rooms. Each room is thoughtfully decorated and with it's welcoming hosts and delicious breakfast options it's the perfect base from which to explore the city.

Broughton Hotel | Hotel

In the heart of Edinburgh's city centre, this Georgian town house hotel offers free Wi-Fi and free parking. Waverley Rail Station, the tram stop to the airport and the shops of Princes Street are only 0.5 miles’ walk away. Modern rooms at the Broughton Hotel - B&B each have a satellite LCD TV and a sleek private shower room with a power shower. Free tea and coffee and unlimited shortbread biscuits are also provided.

The Broughton is 150 metres from famous Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, the Joint Visa Application Center and the Prometric Services: Testing and Assessment Centre. Guests have convenient 24-hour access to the hotel, and are just over a mile from the historic Castle. A tram service to the airport operates from a stop just 350 metres from the hotel.

The Lairg Guest House | Guest House

The Lairg provides charming Georgian town house accommodation, friendly service and free Wi-Fi. Surrounded by Haymarket’s bars and restaurants, Haymarket Rail Station is a 2-minute walk away. The Lairg Hotel offers 20 spacious bedrooms each with an individual private bathroom, with some rooms featuring a four-poster bed.

Day 9 Onward travel