Edinburgh - Oban

The Kelpies & The Helix - Leaving Edinburgh, the journey heads west to the magnificent Kelpies, 30-foot-tall metal horse sculptures, located at the entrance to the Forth and Clyde Canals. These sculptures honor Central Scotland’s industrial heritage. The Kelpies are quickly becoming one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, making them an ideal spot for photos.

Luss Pier - Crossing the Kingston Bridge over the River Clyde, the tour proceeds north to the village of Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond. Now in the Highlands, visitors can catch their first sight of Ben Lomond, the southernmost of Scotland’s 282 Munros (mountains over 3000 feet).

Rest and be Thankful - Continuing north to Arrochar, nestled on the edge of Loch Long at the base of the Arrochar Alps, the tour ascends the steep pass of Rest and be Thankful for a lunch stop in Inveraray. This village, home to the Clan Campbell and Dukes of Argyll, is renowned for its oysters and seafood, with Loch Fyne’s sea waters lapping at its shores.

Dunadd Fort - After lunch, the route follows Loch Fyne to Lochgilphead, then turns north to Dunadd Iron Age Fort. This was the coronation site for the kings and queens of Dalriada, the ancient Gaelic-speaking kingdom spanning Ulster in northeast Ireland and Argyll. The site is significant today as the people of Dalriada eventually formed the nation known as Scotland. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of royalty by taking the short, steep path to the hill’s summit and placing their bare foot on the same rock as the Dalriadic monarchs during their coronation.

Kilmartin Museum - From the summit of Dunadd, the views extend north to Kilmartin Glen, one of Europe’s richest Neolithic sites. The Glen is home to numerous ancient standing stones, rock carvings, and burial chambers. The final stop of the day is at Kilmartin Museum, where visitors can learn about the history of the people who lived and worshipped in this area for the last six thousand years. There is also time to explore some nearby standing stones and burial chambers.

Oban - Arrival in Oban is at approximately 6:30 PM at the central drop-off point - 1 Station Rd, Oban, PA34 4NU. The evening is free to explore the city or meet fellow travelers for a meal in a local restaurant or traditional pub.

Accommodation in Oban must be booked independently, but assistance is available if needed!

Oban - Portree

Glencoe Visitor Centre - Departing Oban, the tour travels alongside Loch Linnhe through the Great Glen to the first stop of the day in Glencoe. Considered by many as Scotland’s most impressive glen, the towering peaks witnessed the infamous Massacre of Glencoe in 1692. The driver guide will explain the details of this event and its significance in Highland history, fueling the Jacobite Rebellions for years. There will be time for a short hike and many photographs in Glencoe before heading to the next location – Glenfinnan Monument and Viaduct.

Glenfinnan Viaduct - Glenfinnan offers something for everyone. Set on the edge of the fjord-like Loch Shiel, it is one of Scotland’s prettiest spots. It is also where, on August 17, 1745, Bonnie Prince Charlie raised the Royal Stuart Standard, initiating the last Jacobite Rebellion, which nearly changed history but ended in defeat at the Battle of Culloden seven months later. In recent times, Glenfinnan Viaduct has gained fame among Harry Potter fans as the railway bridge crossed by the Hogwarts Express. Climb the hill for the best views of the Monument to the 1745 Rebellion and the Viaduct.

Ben Nevis Distillery - The tour then travels to Fort William, where there are two options:

Option 1 – Take a tour of Ben Nevis Whisky Distillery to see the entire process of how Scotland’s most famous export is made and matured. The tour concludes with a taste of Ben Nevis single malt whisky – the true “water of life.” (£5.00 per adult, £2.50 for children.)

This stop is currently unavailable due to operational restrictions caused by Covid-19.

Option 2 – Explore the ruins of the late 13th-century Inverlochy Castle (free). Then, check out Neptune’s Staircase, the starting point of the Caledonian Canal, opened in 1826 and designed by Thomas Telford to link the Atlantic Ocean on Scotland’s west side and the North Sea on its east.

Lunch is in Fort William, the second-largest town in the Highlands (after Inverness), where the ruined fort was destroyed by Jacobite forces at the start of the 1745 Rebellion.

Commando Monument - The next stop is at the impressive Commando Memorial statue, honoring commandos who trained nearby during World War II. Erected in 1951, the statue is a fitting tribute to these brave young men, offering fantastic views of the surrounding mountains, including Ben Nevis, the tallest in Scotland and the UK. From the Commando Memorial, it’s a short drive to the charming village of Fort Augustus.

Loch Ness - In Fort Augustus, visitors may take a leisurely stroll along part of the Caledonian Canal. However, most are drawn to the other side of the village to view Scotland’s most famous loch and perhaps spot a monster emerging from the deep, dark waters of Loch Ness. Fort Augustus sits at the southern tip of Loch Ness, offering a view of the entire 24-mile (38km) length of the loch – the perfect place for Nessie spotting.

Eilean Donan Castle - The route now leads into some of the Highlands’ most spectacular scenery. Passing through Glenshiel and the iconic Five Sisters of Kintail, the tour reaches the meeting point of three sea lochs – Loch Duich, Loch Long, and Loch Alsh – the stunning setting for Eilean Donan Castle. Seat of the Clan MacRae, Eilean Donan is possibly the most photographed structure in Scotland and has appeared in films such as Highlander, Entrapment, Rob Roy, The World Is Not Enough, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, and Made of Honor. There is time for an audio-guided tour of the castle (£9 per adult) before the final leg of the day’s tour, crossing the Skye Bridge over the sea to Skye for an overnight stay in Portree.

Portree - Arrival in Portree is at approximately 6:30 PM at the central drop-off point - Somerled Square, Portree, IV51 9BS. The evening is free to explore the area or meet fellow travelers for a meal in a local seafood restaurant or traditional pub. Portree is very busy, so advance bookings for evening activities are strongly recommended.

Accommodation in Portree must be booked independently, but assistance is available if needed. Portree is the most expensive location on the tour for accommodation, so early booking and direct contact with suppliers for the best rates are advised.

Portree - Inverness

Quiraing - Is there any better feeling than waking up to a hearty Scottish breakfast on the Isle of Skye? Once visitors see the beauty of the Misty Isle, they will likely agree. Heading north from Portree to explore the Trotternish Peninsula, guests can relax and enjoy as the guide takes them to the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing. While geological explanations exist for these stunning landscapes, local folklore involving Fairies, Fishermen, and Giants is more intriguing, and the guide will share these tales.

Skye Museum of Island Life - In the far north of Skye, in Kilmuir, sits the Museum of Island Life (available April-October). Housed within ancient, stone-built thatched-roof cottages known as Black Houses, the museum is filled with domestic, farming, and fishing artifacts, offering a glimpse into how islanders lived and worked on Skye a century ago. Visitors should listen for the lilting sound of Gaelic (pronounced Gallick), the ancient language of the Highlands and Islands, spoken fluently by the museum’s keepers.

Portree Harbour - As the tour loops around north Skye, on a clear day, visitors can enjoy magnificent views across the sea, east to the Torridon Mountains and west to the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. The tour returns to Portree for lunch and perhaps some shopping in the town’s many craft and local gift shops.

Sligachan Old Bridge - The Sligachan River flows majestically from the Black Cuillin Mountains, a truly magical location for the guide to introduce local folklore about the island’s Faeries and Giants.

Plockton Harbour - After lunch, the tour heads south over the Cuillin Mountains, bidding farewell to Skye as it travels through Kyle of Lochalsh to Loch Carron and the picturesque village of Plockton.

During the summer season (April-October), there is an option for a one-hour cruise with Calum’s Seal Tours. Calum, a local legend, guarantees seal sightings with a 100% money-back promise if not. Along with seal sightings and Calum’s unique commentary, lucky visitors might see Golden Eagles, White Tailed Sea Eagles, or even Sea Otters.

The cruise is currently unavailable due to operational restrictions caused by Covid-19.

For those preferring to stay on land, there is an option for a short hike through nearby woodland or simply exploring Plockton until it’s time to depart.

Inverness - Arrival in Inverness is at approximately 6:30 PM at the city-center drop-off point - 26 Queensgate, Inverness IV1 1DJ. The evening is free to explore the city or meet fellow travelers for a meal in a local restaurant or traditional Highland pub. Inverness offers a wide variety of establishments, whether visitors want to try the national dish of Haggis, Neeps & Tatties, accompanied by a dram of Scotch Whisky or a Local Organic Beer (try the Black Isle Brewery Bar!). During peak season, booking a table in advance is advisable for larger groups. After dinner, the world-famous Hootenanny bar is recommended, featuring traditional Scottish musicians every night.

Accommodation in Inverness must be booked independently, but assistance is available if needed!

Inverness - North West Highlands

Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve - Crossing the Moray Firth via the Kessock Bridge, the tour heads north and west, focusing on the wild and mountainous North West Highlands. This area is arguably Europe’s most rugged landscape, with some of the oldest mountains on earth.

The first stop is at Corrieshalloch Gorge, offering a beautiful walk through native Caledonian Forest around Scotland’s deepest gorge. For those with a good head for heights, Sir John Fowler’s suspension footbridge provides a breathtaking view (not for the faint-hearted). The journey follows part of the legendary North Coast 500 Route, heading to Assynt, past the towering peaks of Suilven, Canisp, and Stac Polaidh, to the ancient ruin of Ardvreck Castle, once a stronghold of the Clan MacKenzie and a reminder of more turbulent times in the Highlands.

Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve - After this fascinating slice of Scottish history, the tour heads to the remarkable Knockan Crag. Here, visitors can learn about the area’s incredible geology and, if feeling energetic, take a high-level hike through hundreds of millions of years of history. The path is steep and narrow in places, suitable only for serious adventurers with sturdy footwear. For those not keen on hiking, there is plenty to explore at Knockan Crag, including information about the beautiful surrounding landscape and the geologists who have studied it for the last two centuries.

Rogie Falls - After lunch, the next stop is at Rogie Falls, where, in addition to the frothing water cascading down the falls, there are gentle trails through the forest. This land was once a commercially planted forest, but over time, the Forestry Commission is removing non-native species and restoring the area to native Caledonian Forest. This creates the perfect environment for native flora and fauna, and at different times of the year, many rare species of wildflower, fungi, lichens, and mosses can be seen. In late summer and autumn, there is always the chance of spotting Atlantic Salmon leaping the falls – capturing this spectacle in a photograph requires a keen eye.

Beauly Priory - From Rogie Falls, it’s a short drive to the town of Beauly. Once a favorite of Mary Queen of Scots, the town is home to a 13th-century Priory, funded by French monks and an important burial site for local Clans Fraser and MacKenzie. The name Beauly is thought to derive from the French Beau Lieu – beautiful place, and it truly is a beautiful village.

Urquhart Castle - There’s time for one more stop before returning to Inverness – a fantastic photo opportunity from a vantage point high above Urquhart Castle. This is the only castle on the banks of Loch Ness and has been an important stronghold and lookout post for around a thousand years. The tour then follows the course of the River Ness back to the capital of the Highlands for the last night together – Saturday night in Inverness.

Inverness - Arrival in Inverness for the second evening is at approximately 6:00 PM at the city-center drop-off point - 26 Queensgate, Inverness IV1 1DJ.

Inverness - St Andrews - Edinburgh

Clava Cairns - Departing Inverness, the tour delves into ancient history at Clava Cairns. These standing stones and burial chambers date back at least 4000 years. Their exact purpose remains a mystery, but many believe they inspired Diana Gabaldon when writing about Craigh na Dun in her Outlander novels.

Culloden Battlefield - The next stop is a key location in Outlander and a significant site in the history of the Highlands, Scotland, Britain, and the British Empire. Culloden Battlefield is where, on April 16, 1746, Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite Army was defeated by a larger, better-equipped Redcoat Army. This was the last battle fought on British soil, marking a turning point in history, ending the traditional Highland way of life, and initiating changes still felt today. The Battlefield is a moving place, sensitively maintained by the National Trust For Scotland.

Pitlochry VisitScotland iCentre - From Culloden, the tour heads south through the Cairngorms National Park for a quick comfort break in the Highland village of Pitlochry, then on to the final stop of the tour at the ancient east Fife town of St Andrews. With so much to see and do in St Andrews, visitors may want to grab a quick lunch to maximize their time in the town.

St Andrews Cathedral - St Andrews is known as The Home of Golf, with four courses, including the famous Old Course, which has hosted more British Open tournaments than any other. No golf is played on Sundays, allowing visitors to walk across the course, check out the 1st tee, the 18th green, and even pose for a photo on the world-famous Swilken Bridge – just be careful not to fall in the burn. Serious golf enthusiasts might visit the British Golf Museum, located behind the Old Course Clubhouse.

St Andrews offers more than golf. This medieval walled town is home to St Andrews University, the oldest in Scotland and the third oldest in the English-speaking world (most Scots do speak English, honestly). Visitors can wander the university buildings and imagine when Prince William met his future wife, Kate Middleton, as students here in the early 2000s.

The Scottish Protestant Reformation began in the 1540s at the University’s St Leonard’s College, significantly impacting Scotland and damaging St Andrews Cathedral. Despite the damage, enough remains to appreciate the beauty of this nearly 1400-year-old building and its importance to Scotland before the Reformation.

Entry to the Cathedral grounds is free, but those interested in Medieval Religious Architecture (or seeking the best view of St Andrews and enjoying climbing tall towers) can visit the Cathedral Museum and climb St Rule’s Tower – both are worthwhile (£5 per adult, £9 per adult joint ticket with Castle).

St Andrews also features a partially ruined castle. St Andrews Castle sits by the sea, and visitors can see the Bottleneck Dungeon, filled with freezing salty sea water at high tide, to understand the harshness of prison life 500 years ago. Another fascinating feature is the subterranean mine and counter mine, carved from the base rock during the siege of 1546-47. These dark passages are not suitable for claustrophobics but are great fun for all ages (£5 per adult, £9 per adult joint ticket with Cathedral Museum and St Rule’s Tower).

Leaving St Andrews is always difficult, but in the early evening, the tour winds through the fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife, across the Forth Road Bridge, with views of the 1890 Railway Bridge and the 2017 Queensferry Crossing.

Edinburgh Old Town - The tour concludes in Edinburgh around 6:00 PM.

• Regular Comfort Breaks
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• All fees and taxes included
• Live commentary and storytelling by an experienced ‘Hairy Coo’ driver-guide

• Food & Drinks
• Gratuities
• Accommodation in Edinburgh, Oban, Portree or Inverness
• Optional Extras, such as the Distillery Tour which is purchasable on tour.
• On-board restrooms
• On-board WiFi

Breathtaking scenery, beautiful Highland lochs, mountains and glens, ancient castles and historical sites, large vibrant cities and stunning locations. In 5 days we’ll show you all of these plus more of this wee country than any other tour of its length. All lead by your The Hairy Coo Guide.

Be amazed by the landscapes on this tour. From the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and ancient standing stones of Kilmartin to Oban. We will take you to beautiful Glencoe, Glenfinnan and the Great Glen. Tour a Scotch whisky distillery, ancient castles, Loch Ness and spend a night on the Isle of Skye. Take a seal spotting cruise on Loch Carron, and step back millions of years among the geological wonders of Scotland’s far North West Highlands.

Delve into the Jacobite Rebellions at Culloden Battlefield and locations from Outlander, Harry Potter and James Bond. Stroll across the world famous links of St Andrews Old Course and wander among the buildings of Scotland’s oldest University.

• Minimum age to travel is 7 years old. Photo ID, such as a passport, may be required. Children (8-17) must be accompanied by an adult.
• This is an active tour designed for the young at heart as there is active walking involved up to 1 hour at a couple of our stops, so it is recommended to bring suitable clothing and footwear.
• This tour in an air-conditioned mini-coach, hosted by a local Scottish guide, rated 5-stars by the official Scottish Tourist Board
• No toilets on the bus
• No WIFI
• If you would like to research other places to stay, we would kindly ask that you use our city/town centre drop-off/pick-up points to check how far away your choice will be. Oban – Station Road, PA34 4LN Portree - Somerled Square, IV51 9BS Inverness - Inverness Cathedral on Ardross Street, IV3 5NN We are more than happy to help with recommendations for accommodation please contact us directly for this. We recommend you do this urgently as accommodation does get booked up quickly. We strongly recommend that you make a dinner reservation in Portree if you would like to dine in a pub or restaurant as it can be very busy (you will arrive in Portree at approximately 18.30pm).
• Luggage limit: 1x small bag and 1x medium suitcase weighing max 15kg (33 lbs) per passenger
• Please note: there may be seasonal changes to the route and optional extras from November to March.
• For insurance purposes, passengers must not be unaccompanied on our buses during tour stops. Drivers take legally required breaks and cannot stay with the vehicle.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.