Isle of Skye and the Highlands 5-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Day 1 You head north over the Firth of Forth to the charming highland village of Dunkeld. From here, you head into the Cairngorms National Park and the ancient pine forests of the Rothiemurchus estate. After lunch, you enjoy panoramic views of Loch Ness as you travel down to the banks of the famous loch, and the village of Dores where you can do some “Nessie” spotting Then it’s onto the shores of Loch Broom where you spend two nights at Ullapool. Day 2 Today, you explore the far northwest Highlands and the mountains of Assynt. This area is famous as being the first crofting area to be bought by the local crofters, the Assynt Crofters’ Trust. You’re immersed in the history of the area and visit the 15th century ruins of Ardvreck Castle, once the stronghold of the MacLeods of Assynt. The day is full of amazing views of some of Europe’s oldest landscapes, the stunning white sand beach at Achmelvich Bay, and the traditional fishing village of Lochinver. You spend the night in the picturesque fishing village of Ullapool. Day 3 You head south to take in the drama of the River Droma’s 60m plunge into the Corrieshalloch Gorge. From here, you travel past the mountains of the Beinn Eighe nature reserve and along the picturesque coastline of Loch Torridon. After your lunch stop in Applecross, you take one of the highest and most exhilarating roads in Scotland, Bealach na Ba. In the afternoon, you stop in “tropical” Plockton, where you can see palm trees growing alongside Loch Carron and take time to enjoy its sheltered serenity. Then it’s over the sea to Skye and the delightful harbour town of Portree. Day 4 Today is a flexible day on Skye; and your driver-guide ensures you take a unique route that suits the weather, the local events, and your group's interests. You can travel north to the Trotternish Ridge and beyond. Here you find the geological wonders like Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the stunning mountain pass of the Quiraing. Or your guide may take you back in time and teach you about the legends and clan culture surrounding the 13th-century home of the Clan MacLeod, Dunvegan Castle. You return from to Portree in the evening. Day 5 Travel south from Skye and visit the famous stronghold, Eilean Donan Castle. Continuing east through the rugged mountains of Kintail, you drive down through Glen Garry past Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and onto Fort William for lunch. In the afternoon, you explore spectacular Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. You then start your journey towards Edinburgh.

Not suitable for

• Children under 5 years

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes
• Waterproof shoes
• Weather-appropriate clothing

Know before you go

• Accommodation: Small, locally owned guesthouses and B&Bs. All rooms are en suite. B&Bs are typically located on the outskirts of towns, so be prepared for a 20–30 minute walk to local facilities such as pubs and restaurants. If you have difficulty with stairs, please let us know, as lifts are not available in these types of properties.
• On Day 5, you will return at approximately 19:00
• We don’t carry children under the age of 5. Children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult.
• You are restricted to 20 kilograms (44 lbs) of luggage per person on the tours. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus a small bag for onboard personal items