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 Style:

Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent tour.

Activity:

Drive & Hike | Enjoy the best of a large region by car and on foot. Day hikes in the best places. Itinerary usually inn to inn, with mapping provided. No bag transfer. Car hire offered as an option or included.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travelers, Multi-Generational

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Wine, Whiskey & More...
Wildlife
Coastal & Island

Inspiration:

Classic

Activity Level & Terrain

This route is graded easy to moderate. Daily walks are between 3 and 7 hours and you have a choice of easier and harder walks on most days so you can do as much or as little as you please. 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.

Time of Year

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 we believe any time between March and October offers a wonderful experience.

Getting to the Start

Edinburgh, Glasgow and Glasgow Prestwick are the most convenient airports and are served by airlines from throughout Europe.

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, 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.

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

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 | 3 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.

Hotel Indigo | Hotel

With a stylish restaurant and bar, Hotel Indigo Glasgow offers boutique rooms with free Wi-Fi and luxury bathrooms. In Glasgow centre, the hotel is just 550 yards from Glasgow Central Station. The lovely bedrooms have a flat-screen TV and quality Egyptian linens. Rooms also feature a minibar and air conditioning, and the impressive bathrooms have fluffy robes and free toiletries. It is set in a grand Victorian building.

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

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 | Guest House

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.

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.

Quiraing Guest House | Guest House

The Quiraing is a comfortable, family run guest house a few minutes’ walk from the centre of Portree. All bedrooms are en-suite and have a small fridge and all the amenities you require for a comfortable overnight stay. There is also a guest lounge where you can relax and unwind in the evening

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 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 | Guest House

Erisco B&B | Bed and breakfast

Quiraing Guest House | Guest House

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

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 | 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 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 | Guest House

Ardblair B&B | Bed and breakfast

Guisachan House | Guest House

Day 8 Drive south to Edinburgh through Perthshire

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.

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