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

Arrive 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.

Overnight Glasgow

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.

Abode Hotel | 4 Star | 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.

Argyll Western | 4 Star | Hotel

This small, friendly Glasgow Hotel offers lovely B&B accommodation. The hotel has a perfect location near to Botanic Gardens and to the many dining options of Byres Road in the West End of Glasgow.

Premier Inn - Glasgow, Buchanan Galleries | 4 Star | Hotel

Ideally located in Glasgow City Centre, within walking distance of the key city centre attractions. This hotel has everything you'd expect, incredibly comfy beds in every room and all the amenities you require for a comfortable overnight stay. They also have the Thyme restaurant which serves a mix of traditional and contemporary dishes.

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".

Overnight Dornie

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.

Balmacara Mains

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.

Balmacara Mains

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.

Dornie Hotel

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. A family-run business under the daily care and management of the proprietors Paul & Suzanne Meikle, 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. The Hotel offers fine food, drink and Paul, Suzanne and the staff are always on hand to ensure that guests have an enjoyable visit.

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 past!

Overnight Dornie

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.

Balmacara Mains

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.

Balmacara Mains

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.

Dornie Hotel

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. A family-run business under the daily care and management of the proprietors Paul & Suzanne Meikle, 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. The Hotel offers fine food, drink and Paul, Suzanne and the staff are always on hand to ensure that guests have an enjoyable visit.

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.

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

The owners would like to welcome you to Duirinish Guest House B&B, Portree, the Isle of Skye's largest town. The B&B is located on Viewfield Road and 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, Freeview TV and WIFI.

Duirinish Guesthouse

The owners would like to welcome you to Duirinish Guest House B&B, Portree, the Isle of Skye's largest town. The B&B is located on Viewfield Road and 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, Freeview TV and WIFI.

Highfield B&B

Highfield is a relaxing haven on the isle of Skye. It boasts stunning views of the Cuillins and over the sea and is only a 5 minute walk to the centre of Portree. All rooms are en-suite, comfortably furnished and have all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay. There is also free WIFI throughout the house. In the evening you can relax in the guest lounge, where you can find a selection of books, music, sky TV and DVD’s.

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?

The Old Man of Storr walk: 13 km, 510m ascent/descent

Quiraing walk: 10 km, 340m ascent/descent

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

The owners would like to welcome you to Duirinish Guest House B&B, Portree, the Isle of Skye's largest town. The B&B is located on Viewfield Road and 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, Freeview TV and WIFI.

Duirinish Guesthouse

The owners would like to welcome you to Duirinish Guest House B&B, Portree, the Isle of Skye's largest town. The B&B is located on Viewfield Road and 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, Freeview TV and WIFI.

Highfield B&B

Highfield is a relaxing haven on the isle of Skye. It boasts stunning views of the Cuillins and over the sea and is only a 5 minute walk to the centre of Portree. All rooms are en-suite, comfortably furnished and have all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay. There is also free WIFI throughout the house. In the evening you can relax in the guest lounge, where you can find a selection of books, music, sky TV and DVD’s.

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.

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

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.

Myrtle Bank 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

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.

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 walk: 13 km, 200m ascent/descent

Ben Nevis walk: 16 km, 1344m ascent/descent

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

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.

Myrtle Bank 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

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.

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.

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.

Broughton 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.

Premier Inn - Edinburgh, Princes Street

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.

Premier Inn – Edinburgh, Royal Mile

Located on one of the most prestigious and historic streets in Scotland, Premier Inn Edinburgh Royal Mile hotel has new-generation bedrooms each featuring an impressive 40" flat screen TV, bright, modern bathroom with a large shower head and slumber-inducing, king-size Hypnos beds. You can even indulge in contemporary dining at Thyme, their on-site restaurant. Edinburgh Old Town tops the charts when it comes to tourist and historical attractions. It's where you'll find the famous Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyrood house, the Scottish Parliament building and much more.

After breakfast your Highland drive and hike adventure comes to a close and you bid farewell to Edinburgh to make your onward journey home.