Puffin Express
from Edinburgh
This 2 day tour is ideal if time is short and you want to discover the remoteness of Scotland’s far north, fabulous seascapes and, of course, those cheeky puffins!
Day One
Edinburgh to Inverness
Our journey starts with wonderful views of Stirling, with its Majestic Castle, then, after a short drive, we enter the Highlands. A climb up the "Black Mount” will bring us to the remote beauty of Rannoch Moor. This unspoilt landscape extends over 50 square miles! We will make a photo stop in haunting Glen Coe before making our way through Fort William and into the Great Glen. The highlight of our day together is undoubtedly a drive along the entire length of Loch Ness. There is a stop at Urquhart Castle were you can take a tour and a short cruise on the loch (optional). It’s a short drive to Inverness, where we will spend the night.
The stay in Inverness is unescorted
Day Two
John O’Groats and the Far North
After breakfast we travel over the Kessock Bridge and cross the Black Isle on our journey which offers beauty, solitude and a wealth of history. We make our way across the Cromarty and Dornoch Firths then travel through the little towns and villages that hug the coastline. Look out for the statue of the First Duke of Sutherland that sits high above the town of Golspie. The Duke is forever connected with the forced emigration of his tenants in a sad episode of our history called the Highland Clearances. After an "I was there” photograph at John O’Groats we make the short journey to Duncansby Head where we’ll see the stormswept cliffs and the lighthouse that looks out over the Pentland Firth. Here there is a wide variety of birdlife to enjoy. After an extended stop here w e turn southwards for Inverness. After a short comfort stop in Inverness board the train for your scenic rail journey to either Edinburgh or Glasgow*. Please note that the train journey is unescorted and part of the journey may be in darkness.
* If you wish to return to Glasgow please contact us before you make your reservation.
Tour Highlights: Bonnie Strathyre, Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe, Fort William, The Great Glen, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle and Cruise (optional), Inverness, The Black Isle, Helmsdale, John O’ Groats, wildlife and bird watching, Duncansby Head, Dornoch Firth and scenic rail journey