North Coast Highland Whisky Tour

Experience the spirit of Scotland’s Far North with our exclusive North Coast Highland Whisky Tour, crafted for travellers exploring the northeast Highlands and the more rural reaches of the North Coast 500.

This bespoke tour is designed for guests staying along the scenic route between Dornoch and Bettyhill, including Golspie, Brora, Helmsdale, Lybster, Dunbeath, Wick, Thurso, and nearby areas. It offers a rare opportunity to explore the rich whisky heritage of Caithness in comfort and style.

With privileged access and local expertise, we guide you through a handpicked selection of northern distilleries. Highlights include the maritime character of Old Pulteney in Wick, the northern craftsmanship of Wolfburn, the contemporary edge of 8 Doors, and the bold spirit of North Point Distillery. Each visit reveals a unique flavour of the north’s whisky tradition, set against the dramatic landscapes of Scotland’s coastal Highlands.

There is time for up to five thoughtfully planned experiences in a day, including distilleries, scenic stops, and hidden local gems. Your itinerary will be tailored to your preferences, your pace, and your base location.

Alongside our standard 8-hour North Highland Whisky Tour, we also offer a 6-hour, cruise-ship-friendly whisky experience specifically designed for guests arriving into Scrabster Harbour. These Scrabster Whisky Tours are timed to fit comfortably within typical shore-excursion schedules and can be selected by choosing the “cruise ship shore excursion” option when booking.

Each potential stop on our North Coast Highland Whisky Tour offers a unique glimpse into the spirit, innovation, and resilience of Scotland’s Far North whisky scene.

At Old Pulteney in Wick, you'll encounter one of the most iconic coastal distilleries in Scotland, where sea spray and maritime air shape a truly distinctive spirit.

Wolfburn, located in Thurso and now the northernmost mainland whisky distillery in Scotland, brings tradition and craftsmanship to the edge of the Atlantic.

At 8 Doors Distillery in John O’Groats, innovation meets authenticity at one of the newest and most northerly distilleries in the UK.

North Point Distillery, located near Forss on the rugged north coast, produces not only whisky but also award-winning rum and gin - all with sustainability and community at their heart.

With each carefully chosen destination, you’ll experience a new chapter in the story of northern Highland whisky - from legacy distilleries to bold new ventures. As always, we tailor each tour to your preferences, ensuring a perfectly paced day filled with character, flavour, and unforgettable Highland hospitality.

While whisky is at the heart of this tour, the North Coast offers so much more. If you're looking to diversify your experience, we can include a range of exceptional alternative stops, including craft gin distilleries, scenic wonders, and historic landmarks - all tailored to your pace and preferences.

Dunnet Bay Distillers, creators of the award-winning Rock Rose Gin, offer a premium gin tasting experience on the north coast near Dunnet Head.

For guests interested in history, photography, or simply soaking in the northern atmosphere, we’re happy to include a number of remarkable cultural and natural points of interest along the route.

• Whaligoe Steps: A dramatic man-made stairway of over 330 steps carved into a steep cliffside, once used by fisherwomen hauling catches from the harbour below. The view from the top is simply unforgettable.
• Castle Sinclair Girnigoe: Perched on a windswept cliff near Wick, this ruined 15th-century stronghold offers a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into Scotland’s turbulent clan history, with breathtaking views over Sinclair Bay.
• Iron Age Brochs and Cairns: The region is scattered with ancient sites, where you can walk among the remnants of prehistoric life and absorb the deep time of the Highland landscape.

These stops can be built into your itinerary as desired - whether for a moment of scenic reflection between tastings or as a central focus of your day. As always, we design every tour to reflect your interests, allowing you to experience the full richness of the North Coast Highland journey.