Oban, Isle of Skye, St Andrews and the North West Highlands

Day 2 - Oban - Glen Coe - Portree

From Oban, we will make the short drive to scenic Loch Etive. Look out for the Falls of Lora as we travel over the Connel Bridge and head into Benderloch and Appin.

We take time to enjoy the haunting beauty of Glen Coe, probably Scotland’s most famous glen. It was here in 1692 that 40 of the resident MacDonald clan were murdered by troops of the Clan Campbell.

Fort William is next. “The Fort”, as it’s known locally, makes the most of its stunning location on the banks of Loch Linnhe and is a popular spot with outdoor sports enthusiasts. Here, you can visit Ben Nevis Distillery to discover how Scotland’s national drink is lovingly produced or explore historic Inverlochy Castle.

Later, we head along the scenic “Road to the Isles” to see the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, which famously featured in the Harry Potter movies. After taking in the scene, we drive northwards through the Great Glen to legendary Loch Ness.

As we travel through remote Glen Shiel, we look out for the towering mountain range known as “The Five Sisters of Kintail".

Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland’s best-known icons. It has appeared as the backdrop to many popular movies and is one of the most unmistakable Scottish scenes. The castle stands on an islet in Loch Duich connected by a little bridge to the shore.

Our scenic adventure continues when we cross the Skye Bridge and travel through the island to reach Portree, the island’s main town.

Overnight: Portree

Day 3 - Portree - Plockton - Inverness

As well as being the largest of the Inner Hebrides, the Isle of Skye is a land rich in mystery and mythology, so a traditional breakfast is essential to prepare us for the day of discovery ahead.

Our day of exploration starts with the famous sights of the Trotternish Peninsula.

This wild prehistoric landscape is home to some of Scotland’s most celebrated natural wonders, including the Old Man of Storr, a dramatic tower of rock thrusting 200ft upwards. A stone’s throw away is the equally impressive Kilt Rock, where you’ll soon see how it got its name, courtesy of the many distinctive folds of coloured basalt. 

The history of the Skye is closely interwoven with that of Bonnie Prince Charlie, so we will also make a pilgrimage to the final resting place of Flora Macdonald, who helped him flee disguised as a maid after his disastrous defeat at Culloden in 1746.

The brooding Cuillin Hills, a towering range of rock, dominates the island. We’ll have plenty of time to admire the dramatic granite slabs of the Red Cuillins and darker crags known as the Black Cuillins as we make our way back to the mainland.

The picturesque village of Plockton hugs the shoreline of Loch Carron. If you travel between April and October, you can take a boat ride out onto the loch to meet the friendly resident seal colony.

The final part of today’s journey takes us to the remote village of Achnasheen and onwards to the Highland Capital of Inverness, our base for the next two nights.

Overnight: Inverness (2 nights)

Day 4 - North West Highlands Excursion

After enjoying breakfast, we leave Inverness behind and start our journey along the famous North Coast 500 route to explore Corrieshalloch Gorge. This dramatic ravine was carved during the Ice Age, where the River Droma plunges over the thunderous 45-metre Falls of Measach.

Our drive continues to the ruins of 15th-century Ardvreck Castle on the shores of Loch Assynt. This was once a stronghold of the MacLeod clan and is famed for the legend of the “Mermaid of Assynt”. You’ll be spellbound when you hear the tale!

Awe-inspiring scenery surrounds us as we travel through the North West Highlands, the last great European wilderness. This part of Scotland forms part of the Assynt Geopark, a land of stunning mountain ranges, deep lochs and ancient communities that can trace their roots to the beginning of time. We can learn more when we visit the Knockan Crag Visitor Centre.

Later, we stop in the attractive fishing town of Ullapool, which sits on the banks of Loch Broom, for a lunch break.

During our visit to Rogie Falls, you might be lucky to spot salmon leaping as they make their way on the arduous journey from the North Sea to spawn in the tumbling waters of the Black Water.

The last stop of the day is the picturesque town of Beauly, believed to be named “Beau Lieu” (Beautiful Place) by French monks. They built a Priory here in the 13th century, which Mary, Queen of Scots, visited in 1564. The Priory still stands, surrounded by trees in the town centre.

Day 5 - Inverness - St Andrews - Edinburgh

Our final day starts with a visit to Clava Cairns, where you’ll explore ancient standing stones and burial chambers dating back 4,000 years.

Next, we reach Culloden Moor, where, in 1746, Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was routed by the British army in the last battle ever fought on British soil. The battle’s tragic outcome changed life in the Highlands of Scotland forever.

Travel through the dramatic scenery of the Cairngorms National Park, then across  the Tay Bridge to reach St Andrews, the “Home of Golf” and site of Scotland’s oldest university.

During your visit, see the famous Old Course and the attractive ruins of St Andrews Castle and Cathedral. Enjoy some time on your own to browse the many souvenir stores or take a bracing walk along the beach.

As the day comes to an end, we’ll wind our way through the picturesque fishing villages of Fife, cross the Forth Road Bridge, and return to Edinburgh.