Outer Hebrides & the Scottish Highlands

You depart the cosmopolitan city of Edinburgh, journey past the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Forth Rail Bridge, and travel into the Highlands. 

Your first stop of the day is in the village of Dunkeld. You get time here to stretch your legs and admire the cathedral’s unusual mixture of architectural styles.

You then venture through the shadows of the great and gorgeous Grampian Mountains and stop for lunch at a Highland town in the Spey Valley. Perhaps it’s time for you to try haggis.

After you’ve satisfied your taste buds, you head to Loch Ness. Your driver-guide helps you attempt to catch a glimpse of Scotland’s most famous mythical monster.

Corrieshalloch Gorge is a lesser-known Scottish sight, but it’s one that you’ll love. It’s a short walk under forest canopies with a lovely view of a waterfall.

Then you’re off to Ullapool for a short visit before you jump on the ferry. This two and a half-hour boat trip takes you through the Summer Isles to Stornoway, the main town of the Western Isles, where you will be spending the night.

Overnight - Stornoway

After your breakfast, head off to the Butt of Lewis, the most northerly point of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Hold onto your beanies, as this headland spot is known as one of the windiest locations in the United Kingdom.

You’ll continue to explore the island as your driver-guide makes the most of what weather you’ve been blessed with, taking you through traditional crofting towns and seaside ports. Beach fans will love walking the beach at Port of Ness, and history buffs will adore Arnol Blackhouse. Here, you can experience what traditional farming life was like in these remote reaches without getting your hands too dirty.

After lunch in Stornoway, you’ll explore the west side of Lewis out to Uig Bay, before returning to Stornoway for the night. Don’t forget this port town is home to Scotland’s most delicious black pudding – so why not give it a try?  

Overnight - Stornoway

It’s time for something a little more dramatic. It’s time to enter the region of Harris.

Harris boasts the highest mountains in the Outer Hebrides and one of the most beautiful white-sandy beaches in Britain, Luskentyre.
The area is also famous for Harris Tweed and myths that are as strange as they are poignant.

After a morning of exploring the dramatic landscapes, you stop for lunch. Depending on the weather, we may even go for a picnic on the beach – so don’t forget to pack your sunglasses.

You head back to Stornoway in the late afternoon.

Overnight - Stornoway

First up today is a visit to the Callanish Stone Circle, so prepare yourselves for the possibility of time travel. This prehistoric sight still mystifies archeologists today.

Continue your exploration with Dun Carloway Broch – these unique ruins sit atop a mound of rock on the Isle of Lewis.

Following lunch in Stornoway, you’ll jump back on the ferry to the mainland. We head straight for Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands and our final overnight stop.

Overnight - Inverness
 

This morning we leave Inverness and head for Tominoul, the highest village in the Highlands. Sitting on north side of the Cairngorm National Park, with its central square and 18th century buildings, Tomintoul is a fine example of a planned village.

Next we head into Royal Deeside, the great valley of the River Dee that runs all the way from the sweeping mountains to the Aberdeenshire coast. 

It’s time to relax over a leisurely lunch in the charming village of Braemar in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. This beautiful and remote village feels like the Highlands of a bygone era. Set amongst majestic mountains, peat coloured rivers and cool dark forests, it’s easy to see why the British Royal Family have made this area their favourite summer retreat.

From here the route south passes over Scotland’s highest mountain pass, through Highland Perthshire before stopping at Scone Palace, the home of Scotland’s legendary Coronation Stone, better known as the Stone of Destiny.

From here it’s a short journey back to Edinburgh.