8 Day Grand Outer Hebrides, Isle of Skye and Highlands Private Tour

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––Day 1 — Edinburgh to InvernessDeparting from Edinburgh we travel north towards the village of Dunkeld and the ruins of its historic cathedral followed by visit to the Falls of Bruar. The afternoon takes us into the Cairngorms National Park where we drive up towards Cairngorm Mountain. If the weather is clear we take the funicular railway to near the summit or alternatively, we enjoy a meandering walk at the nearby Loch an Eilein with its island castle ruin. The day ends with a short drive to Inverness where we will overnight for the next two days.

Day 2 — InvernessDeparting from Inverness, we head to Culloden Battlefield where we take a battlefield walk and and explore the exihibition. We then visit the nearby Clava Cairns and Standing Stones, dating back over four thousand years. The afternoon is spent exploring Cawdor Castle whose origins date back to the late fourteenth century. For those who prefer a taste of the 'water of life' we can substitute the afternoon visit to Cawdor Castle with a private tour and tasting at Benromach Speyside Whisky Distillery.

Day 3 — Inverness to Isle of LewisAn early start from Inverness to the coastal village of Ullapool where we board the ferry for a 2¾ hour journey across the Minch to the Isle of Lewis (my native island) and its main town of Stornoway. From there we spend the afternoon exploring the magnificent Neolithic Calanais Standing Stones, the 2000 year old Dun Carloway Broch and a traditional Hebridean blackhouse. We finish the day at the beautiful beach at Dalbeg before our return to Stornoway for our overnight stay.

Day 4 — Isle of HarrisDeparting from Stornoway we head south to the Isle of Harris. The drive along the Atlantic coastline of Harris includes the stunning beaches at Seilebost and Nisabost. We visit Rodel to explore the medieval St Clement’s church, home to one of Scotland's most remarkable 16th century tombs. The late afternoon takes us back to Tarbert before we return north to Stornoway for our overnight stay.

Day 5 — Isle of Lewis, Harris and SkyeDeparting from Stornoway we head north to the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly point in the Hebrides) for the dramatic views of the cliffs and the North Atlantic. We return to Stornoway where we explore Museum nan Eilean in Lews Castle and visit their collection of Lewis Chessmen. The afternoon takes us south to Tarbert where we take a 1¾ hour ferry across to the Isle of Skye before our slightly later arrival in Portree (approx. 7pm) for our overnight stay.

Day 6 — Isle of SkyeA full day in the Isle of Skye begins with a tour around the stunning Trotternish Peninsula including the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the magnificent views from the Quiraing. The afternoon takes us across to Dunvegan Castle, home of the clan Macleod, one of the Hebrides most powerful clans. We end the day at the old bridge at Sligachan with its great view of the peaks of the Black Cuillin before our return to Portree for our overnight stay.

Day 7 — Isle of Skye to Fort WilliamBegins from Portree heading south to the wonderful Sleat Peninsula. One of the less explored areas of Skye, the Sleat Peninsula is home to a stunning coastline, heather-clad hills and opportunities to get off the beaten path and away from the crowds. We stop at Isleornsay with its stunning views across to the Knoydart peninsula. From Armadale we catch the ferry (30–40 minutes) across the Sound of Sleat to Mallaig on the Scottish mainland. We then follow the 'road to the Isles' to Glenfinnan to explore the Jacobite monument, museum and viaduct before our arrival in Fort William for our overnight stay.

Day 8 — Fort William to EdinburghBegins from Fort William with a drive south to explore the dramatic landscape and the breath-taking views around Glencoe and Rannoch Moor, including a short tour down Glen Etive for even more amazing scenery. The afternoon takes us on a beautiful journey by the Trossachs on our our return to Edinburgh.