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!
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.
MealsÂ
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.
- 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
- 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)
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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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.Â
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 Day 6 Drive the "Road to the Isles" 7 miles / 11 km Day 7 Walk Steall Falls (Glen Nevis) or Ben Nevis 8 miles / 13 km Day 8 Drive south to Edinburgh through Perthshire Day 9 Onward travelThe Macs Way
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