Hebridean Escape

As we journey north into the Scottish Highlands, watch in awe as the landscape becomes more and more dramatic. Glen Coe is one of the most incredible places to see and visit in Scotland. Learn the brutal story of the MacDonald Clan massacre and take in the weeping waterfalls that inhabit this incredible glen. Glen Coe will also be your lunch stop for today, so make sure to grab a bit to eat before we head to our next stop.

As we drive through Glen Coe, we’ll make our way through the Highland town of Fort William. This town marks the end of Scotland’s oldest and most popular long-distance walks, The West Highland Way. There is a resting hiker statue looking out over Loch Linnhe, where you can take in views of Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest peak. Standing at 1,345 metres above sea level, it is often known to both locals and visitors as simply "the Ben”. From here, we’ll then head to the fabled shores of Loch Ness, our overnight stop for this night, where you can do an evening boat cruise. 

 

Day two takes you further north, first to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, to meet the rest of your group and then to Dunrobin Castle* the most northerly of Scotland's great houses and home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland.  Here you can also enjoy a falconry display (when available) and a walk through its beautiful gardens. Then you will discover Knockan Crag Nature National Reserve and learn about one of the oldest landscapes in Europe. Your journey through the Sutherland area will then take you on to the beautiful seaside town of Ullapool, where you catch the ferry to the Isle of Lewis and Harris. 

 

Stornoway is the largest settlement in the Western Isles and your base for exploring the Isle of Lewis and Harris. On your first day on the island you will visit Arnol Black Houses, a traditional tweed weaver to find out more about Harris Tweed cloth. You'll then be able to explore Carloway Broch, an exceptionally well-preserved Iron Age structure located above  Loch an Duin. The day also features visits to the ancient Callanish Standing Stones, one of the most iconic places on the island where we'll enjoy lunch. In the afternoon you can stroll along what is arguably Harris' most beautiful beach, Lusekentyre, we'll then continue down to the most southerly point of the island and Rodel Church, the ancient burial ground of the MacLeod family. Then it's time for an exciting trip around the Golden Road before returning to Stornoway.

 

On your second day on the island, you'll head to the far north of the island to visit the Butt of Lewis lighthouse (the windiest place in the UK) before returning to Stornoway for lunch and to wave goodbye to the island and take the ferry back to the mainland. Once back on the mainland, we’ll make our way to Inverness, our overnight stay. 

 

As we leave Inverness behind, our first stop of the day is at Culloden Battlefield*, site of the last stand of the Jacobites against the British government forces on 16 April 1746. It was one of the most harrowing battles in British history. Jacobite supporters, seeking to re-establish the Stuart monarchy to the British thrones, joined together to fight the Duke of Cumberland’s government troops. It was the final pitched battle on British soil and, in less than an hour, around 1,600 men were slain – 1,500 of them Jacobites. You can experience everything about the events leading up to, during and after the battle in the impressive visitor centre and interactive exhibition, as well as having the chance to wander the land where the battle itself took place.

We’ll begin our journey south by heading to a local distillery for a wee dram. From here, we’ll then enjoy the stunning scenery as you travel through the spectacular and unique wilderness of the Cairngorms National Park, the largest National Park in Scotland. This large mountain range has five of the highest mountains in the UK within its limits. Sit back, relax and enjoy the views before we arrive into the picturesque town of Pitlochry, the gateway to the highlands. Pitlochry has been a tourist centre since 1860s thanks to Queen Victoria and Sir Walter Scott, who popularised the Highlands that boomed with the railways of the 1870s. Explore this quaint town before we head back to Edinburgh’s city centre.