Scotland's Far North
Embark on a captivating 10-day journey to the edge of Scotland. Departing from Edinburgh, search for 'Nessie' at Loch Ness and immerse yourself in the rugged beauty and ancient history of Orkney and the Outer Hebrides. Explore Neolithic wonders, stroll along pristine beaches, and uncover the secrets of remote islands. With an expert guide leading the way, this adventure promises an unforgettable exploration of Scotland's wild and enchanting far north.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 The Highlands, Loch Ness and Inverness
Day 1 The Highlands, Loch Ness and Inverness
Edinburgh - Glencoe - Loch Ness - Inverness. Departing from Edinburgh, we journey westward past Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument, with a stop at Doune Castle before reaching Callander for a short break. Crossing into the Highlands, we marvel at the beauty of Loch Lubnaig, Loch Earn, Glen Ogle, and Glen Dochart.
Moving on to Glencoe we admire stunning views and hear captivating tales before continuing north along the Great Glen to the enigmatic Loch Ness. With its 23-mile length, there's ample opportunity to try your luck at spotting the legendary monster.
We then complete our journey to Inverness, travelling up the entire 23-mile length of the Great Glen.
Please note: Check-in closes at 08:15 (tour departs at 08:30) - Edinburgh Bus Station Pick Up, Gate J and Gate K, inside Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ
Accommodation: Dalmore, Pine Guest House, Aye Stay or similar
Day 2 John o'Groats & Kirkwall, capital of Orkney
Day 2 John o'Groats & Kirkwall, capital of Orkney
Inverness - John o'Groats - Kirkwall. Departing Inverness early, we head past Dunrobin Castle and along the coastline of the northeast Highlands, taking in some of Scotland's most dramatic scenery. If the ferry timetables allow, we will enjoy a stop at John o'Groats, on the north-eastern tip of Great Britain. Arriving in Gills Bay, we board the ferry to Orkney, crossing Pentland Firth. Landing on the archipelago, we stop for a visit to the colourful Italian Chapel before arriving in the former Viking stronghold of Kirkwall, capital of the Orkney Islands. The evening is free, we recommend paying a visit to the magnificent Viking Cathedral of St Magnus, dating back to the 12th Century.
Accommodation: Bellavista Guest House, Heatherlea B&B, Hildeval B&B or similar
Day 3 Exploring Orkney
Day 3 Exploring Orkney
Today we explore Orkney, taking in the stunning nature of green pastures and windswept sandy beaches alongside Orkney's past. We take in the 5,000-year old village of Skara Brae, A Neolithic settlement older even than the Pyramids of Giza or Stonehenge! We also take in the prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar and the Druidic standing stones at Stenness. Each of these sites is UNESCO-listed as part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.
We also visit Maeshowe, home to a number of well-preserved Viking runic inscriptions, dating back to the 12th century. We then return to Kirkwall for the night.
Accommodation: Bellavista Guest House, Heatherlea B&B, Hildeval B&B or similar
Day 4 Back to the mainland
Day 4 Back to the mainland
Kirkwall - Ullapool. This morning after breakfast, it is time to depart Orkney, as we take the return ferry back to the mainland. We then take a spectacular drive along the northern coast of Scotland, taking in the stunning Ben Loyal and Ben hope mountains and a picturesque coastline. We stop to admire Ardvreck Castle in the far north-west mountains of Assynt before reaching Ullapool, a pretty whitewashed fishing village located at the mouth of Loch Broom where we spend two nights.
Accommodation: Foinaven, Ullaviews, The Sheiling Guest House or similar
Day 5 Exploring Ullapool
Day 5 Exploring Ullapool
We have a free day in Ullapool before joining our new driver-guide and companions. This picturesque town, surrounded by stunning mountains, is a wildlife lover's paradise. We can spot seals, dolphins, porpoises, and sea birds on a cruise around the Summer Isles, or take a two-hour walk up Claypool hill for Loch Broom views. Ullapool offers relaxation and Highland charm with craft boutiques, whisky tasting, and top-quality seafood. Enjoy live music and mingling with locals before the next leg of our journey.
Accommodation: Foinaven, Ullaviews, The Sheiling Guest House or similar
Day 6 The Summer Isles to Stornoway
Day 6 The Summer Isles to Stornoway
Ullapool - Stornoway. Today we wake up to breakfast overlooking Loch Broom's sparkling waters. We start with a ferry journey across the sea, a 2.5-hour trip through the Summer Isles to Stornoway, the main town of the Western Isles.
Keep your eyes peeled during the crossing; dolphins and whales may grace our journey. Upon arrival on Lewis and Harris, we head to the North West coast. Our driver-guide will showcase traditional crofting towns and seaside ports, including the iconic Butt of Lewis with its sweeping views towards America.
We cap off the day in bustling Stornoway, known for Scotland's tastiest black puddings.
Accommodation: Dunroamin, Hebridean Guest House, Twenty Seven or similar
Day 7 Discovering Lewis and Harris
Day 7 Discovering Lewis and Harris
Today we discover the history and beauty of Lewis and Harris Island. Starting in Arnol Blackhouse we experience traditional farming life on this island without having to get our hands too dirty. Following this we head to the fort of Dun Carloway. Built in 100AD it has a rich history for us to discover. We then travel to the Calanais Stone Circle, one of the most famous sites on the island. Late in the afternoon we head back to Stornoway to spend the night.
*Please note the Calanais Standing stone site will be closed between 1st September 2024 and 31st March 2025 and we will be unable to visit the site during these dates. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Accommodation: Dunroamin, Hebridean Guest House, Twenty Seven or similar
Day 8 Mountains, Beaches and the Isle of Skye
Day 8 Mountains, Beaches and the Isle of Skye
Stornoway - Luskentyre - Portree. Prepare for the dramatic as we venture into the realm of Harris. With its towering peaks and stunning white-sand beaches such as Luskentyre, Harris showcases nature's grandeur at its finest. The region is steeped in history, from the renowned Harris Tweed to its captivating myths and legends.
After a morning of exploring these dramatic landscapes, we pause for lunch. If weather permits, a beach picnic awaits, so sunglasses are a must-pack item. Our journey continues with a ferry ride over the sea to Portree, the largest town in Skye, where we'll be based for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Caledonian, Duirinish, Dunborrodale or similar
Day 9 The Isle of Skye
Day 9 The Isle of Skye
Having arrived on the Isle of Skye our driver-guide maximizes our time amidst this marvel-filled landscape.
We can trek to the Quiraing mountain pass for a breathtaking walk, witness the majestic Kilt Rock and its towering waterfall, or embark on a boat excursion to the hidden gem of Loch Coruisk.
Having soaked in the sights of Skye, we conclude our day with a final evening in Portree. We can indulge in the fabulous seafood restaurants, celebrating a day well spent exploring.
Accommodation: Caledonian, Duirinish, Dunborrodale or similar
Day 10 Return to Edinburgh
Day 10 Return to Edinburgh
Portree - Ben Nevis - Glencoe - Edinburgh. As our journey comes to an end, take heart in the remarkable sights awaiting us on the return trip to Edinburgh. After crossing the Skye Bridge, we're greeted by the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, a quintessentially Scottish sight perched atop a loch. Don't forget to capture this classic view with your camera.
Following this we pass beneath the cloud-shrouded peak of Ben Nevis, Britain's tallest mountain. On to the valley of Glencoe which carries profound historical weight, marked by a tragic massacre and framed by awe-inspiring mountains—a landscape etched with both beauty and sorrow.
As we journey onward through the Lowlands, the rolling hills give way to flatter terrain, leading us back to Edinburgh by early evening.
Please note: This tour ends at 19:00 - Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, Gate J and Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ
Tour Highlights
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Prices & Dates
Accommodation
On this tour, you will stay in bed and breakfast properties (B&Bs). These are usually smaller residential properties, with just a handful of guest rooms. You’ll have a bedroom, bathroom and often, access to a communal dining room for breakfast. Rooms will always be clean and comfortable, with a private bathroom. Bathrooms are usually en-suite, but on rare occasions, access may be via a communal hallway. This means that the bathroom will still be private and only for your personal use, but it is not en-suite (located in the room). You will need to leave the room to use the bathroom.
Dalmore Lodge Guest House is conveniently located along a main bus route with direct links to Edinburgh city centre and the airport. Opposite Edinburgh Zoo, this Victorian terraced villa is just over 5 km from central Edinburgh and a 10-minute drive from Edinburgh Airport. Murrayfield Rugby Stadium is a 20-minute walk away, and the Edinburgh Corn Exchange is 3.2 km away. The rooms feature flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee making facilities, and en suite shower rooms with complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer. Free WiFi is available throughout the house, and guests can check themselves in between 2pm and 10pm. Additional amenities include free parking, free high-speed internet, breakfast, a bar/lounge, and private check-in/check-out. Non-smoking rooms are available.
Situated in Kirkwall, just 17 km from Maeshowe, Bellavista Guest House offers accommodation with garden views and free Wi-Fi. The property features a garden, shared lounge, and family rooms, and is conveniently located 19 km from both the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre in Burray, as well as 20 km from the Ring of Brodgar. Ness of Brodgar is also 19 km away, and Kirkwall Airport is 6 km from the guest house. Rooms are equipped with a wardrobe, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, bed linen, and towels, with some offering views of a quiet street and all including a kettle and heating facilities.
This bed and breakfast is situated in the secluded area of Morefield in Ullapool, just a short walk from the village. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the Highlands of Scotland or simply relaxing and enjoying the local banter. Ullapool offers a range of facilities and is popular with hill walkers.
Dunroamin is a small, family-run bed and breakfast, centrally located in the heart of Stornoway, set around a bustling and picturesque harbour. All rooms are equipped with central heating, colour TVs, radio alarms, hairdryers, and tea and coffee-making facilities, along with free Wi-Fi access.
Situated in the heart of Portree, this unpretentious, family-run hotel is just a 3-minute walk from the harbour and 28 kilometres from the Talisker Distillery. The modest rooms feature en suite shower facilities and are equipped with flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee making equipment, and Wi-Fi. A full Scottish breakfast is served in a cosy, country-style dining area.
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