Itinerary
- Day 1
Dunkeld to Ullapool
Head north across the Firth of Forth toward Dunkeld, then drive into Cairngorms National Park where you'll walk through the ancient pine forests on the Rothiemurchus estate. After grabbing lunch, the route takes you to Loch Ness for those panoramic views and a stop at Dores if you want to try your luck spotting Nessie. Later you'll reach Ullapool on Loch Broom's shores, where you're staying for two nights.
Included Activities
- Explore Cairngorms National Park and Rothiemurchus estate ancient pine forests
- Panoramic views of Loch Ness from travel route
- Nessie spotting at Dores
Landmarks/POIs Firth of Forth Dunkeld Cairngorms National Park Rothiemurchus Estate Loch Ness Dores Loch Broom Ullapool - Day 2
Ullapool
This day focuses on the far northwest Highlands and the mountains around Assynt, a region known for being the first crofting area purchased by local crofters through the Assynt Crofters' Trust. You'll see the 15th century ruins of Ardvreck Castle, once a MacLeod stronghold, and check out the white sand beach at Achmelvich Bay. The traditional fishing village of Lochinver and views of Europe's oldest landscapes round out the tour before heading back to Ullapool for the night.
Included Activities
- Explore Assynt mountains and region
- Visit Ardvreck Castle ruins
- View Achmelvich Bay white sand beach
- Explore traditional fishing village of Lochinver
Landmarks/POIs Assynt Mountains Assynt Crofters' Trust Ardvreck Castle Achmelvich Bay Lochinver - Day 3
Ullapool to Portree
Starting south, you'll see where the River Droma drops 60 meters into Corrieshalloch Gorge. The drive continues past Beinn Eighe nature reserve and along Loch Torridon's coastline. After lunch in Applecross, you take Bealach na Ba, one of Scotland's highest and most exhilarating roads. A stop in Plockton lets you see palm trees growing beside Loch Carron before crossing to Skye and arriving at the harbour town of Portree.
Included Activities
- View River Droma's 60m plunge into Corrieshalloch Gorge
- Travel past Beinn Eighe nature reserve
- Journey along Loch Torridon coastline
- Experience Bealach na Ba mountain pass
- Visit Plockton and Loch Carron
Landmarks/POIs River Droma Corrieshalloch Gorge Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve Loch Torridon Applecross Bealach na Ba Plockton Loch Carron Isle of Skye Portree - Day 4
Portree
Your day on Skye is flexible, with your driver-guide choosing the route based on weather, local happenings, and what interests your group. Optionally head north to Trotternish Ridge for geological features like Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock, or go to 13th-century Dunvegan Castle to learn about Clan MacLeod history and legends. You'll return to Portree by evening.
Included Activities
- Flexible exploration of Skye tailored to weather and group interests
Optional Activities
- Visit Trotternish Ridge with views of Old Man of Storr
- View Kilt Rock geological formation
- Explore the Quiraing mountain pass
- Tour Dunvegan Castle and learn about Clan MacLeod history
Landmarks/POIs Isle of Skye Trotternish Ridge Old Man of Storr Kilt Rock Quiraing Dunvegan Castle Portree - Day 5
Portree to Edinburgh
Travel south from Skye to Eilean Donan Castle, a famous stronghold you'll see en route. From there, drive east through Kintail's rugged mountains and down Glen Garry past Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Lunch happens in Fort William, then the afternoon takes you through Glencoe, the site of the 1692 Clan Macdonald massacre. After that, you begin your journey back toward Edinburgh.
Included Activities
- Visit Eilean Donan Castle
- Travel through Kintail mountains
- View Ben Nevis
- Explore Glencoe
Landmarks/POIs Isle of Skye Eilean Donan Castle Kintail Mountains Glen Garry Ben Nevis Fort William Glencoe Edinburgh
