"Windswept moors, dramatic coastlines, jagged mountain peaks, white sandy beaches, colorful culture, fascinating history and delicious whisky - welcome to 'Wild & Sexy' Scotland". Laura Mickleson, USA
The Western Isles, Isle of Skye and Loch Ness
An unforgettable journey of the far north west and the region’s most famous islands, the Outer Hebrides and the Isle of Skye. Small villages, long sandy beaches and dramatic mountain scenery made all the more stunning by its remoteness. You will also discover the Gaelic culture, hear traditional music, as well as get the chance to enjoy the fantastic local seafood. And the sunsets are legendary!
> Stay in a Highland castle* with its own art collection and ghost!
> See a traditional Hebridean blackhouse and visit Harris tweed makers
> Mysterious Callanish Standing Stones, predating Stonehenge!
> White sandy beaches on Harris
> A free day at Loch Ness to go monster spotting
> The mystical and awe-inspiring Isle of Skye
> Look out for dolphins and whales on the ferry trips – included in the price!
> What's Included: An unforgettable adventure with like-minded travellers, transport, FREE Highland Clan show, all ferries and a legendary HAGGiS tour Guide!
> Go monster spotting on a Loch Ness cruise
> FREE Highland Clan show. Hear the bloody history of the clans, try on traditional Highland dress and see their weapons.
> Hire bikes for the day and discover Loch Ness or get onto the forest trails
> Tasty haggis or Stornoway black pudding
> Explore the area around Loch Ness by bike or have a game of golf
> A wee dram of whisky after seeing how it is made at a Highland distillery
> Accommodation is guaranteed on all trips - we reserve the beds and you pay as you go. The price is between £15 and £20 per person per night in shared dorm accommodation. For more information and upgrade options click here.
* N.B. Another hostel may be substituted for Carbisdale Castle as an overnight stop.
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Day 1: Edinburgh to Carbisdale Castle
Heading north from Edinburgh, we pass through Perthshire - surrounded by mountains, forests and salmon packed rivers. First stop is at Dunkeld where you will hear tales of the Wolf of Badenoch at Dunkeld Cathedral . Lunch is in the small village of Kingussie, made famous by the 'Monarch of the Glen' TV show. Then it's off to lonely Culloden Battlefield, scene of the last major battle in Britain. Then world famous Loch Ness for a wee bit of monster spotting before heading for our lavish evening accommodation in a Haunted Highland Castle*!
Day 2: Carbisdale Castle to Loch Ness
We’ll depart for our journey north over Bonar Bridge. On the way take in the views of Dornoch Firth and Dornoch town's picturesque Cathedral. Frolic on the amazing sandy beaches at Dingwall and then make a stop at Glen Ord Distillery. We take a wee walk at Glen Affric, home to one of the largest remnants of the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest before passing through Drumnadrochit and back to Fort Augustus (on the banks of Loch Ness) for the night.
Day 3: Free Day Loch Ness
Get amongst some spectacular Highland scenery and do your own thing. Hire bikes, take a boat trip on Scotland’s most famous loch, play a round (of golf!) or chill out in Morag’s Lodge with a nice local beer.
Day 4: Loch Ness to Stornoway
This morning we take the 'Road to the Isles' with a stop at the Corrieshalloch Gorge, a breathtaking mile long gorge set amoungst the trees before arriving in the wee fishing village of Ullapool. This evening we take a ferry to the Western Isles.
Day 5: Lewis & Harris
Today we visit the stunning Callanish Standing Stones, Neolithic in age and dating back more than 4000 years. Less busy than Stonehenge, these are said to be some of the most impressive and inspiring of any of the ancient stones in Britain. These Hebridean islands are predominantly Gaelic speaking and have an unbroken culture dating back thousands of years.
Day 6: Harris to Skye
In the morning we explore the amazing beaches of Harris, famous for its clear blue waters, magnificent mountain backdrop and traditional crofting culture. These islands are home to the Clan MacLeod who lived here for over 1200 years. After exploring the wonders of Harris, we leave the MacLeod homeland and cross by ferry to the 'winged island', the Isle of Skye. We explore the magical isle with its awesome scenery - the Quiraing, Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the Cuillin plus its legends and faerie stories.
Day 7: Skye to Edinburgh
Back on the mainland, we stop at Eilean Donan Castle and explore the Great Glen before passing Fort William and Ben Nevis - Britain's highest mountain. Discover 'The Weeping Glen', Glencoe, where we hear about the infamous massacre of the MacDonalds. Over the wilds of Rannoch Moor, we then pass Stirling with its famous Wallace Monument, where the true story of Braveheart is told, before returning to the capital City of Edinburgh!
