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United Kingdom
Scottish Highlands Grand Tour: Castles, Lochs and Wild Landscapes
≈ 17
Days
925
Km
13
Stops
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
7 photos
Discover
1
Begin your Highland adventure in Inverness, the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands, where the River Ness flows through this vibrant city steeped in history. Climb to the top of Inverness Castle for the Castle Viewpoint, offering a spectacular 360-degree panorama over the surrounding mountains, lochs and the city below. This modern red sandstone castle serves as a gateway to understanding the dramatic landscape you're about to explore.
2
Stand on the haunting grounds of Culloden Battlefield, the site of the final Jacobite Rising in 1746 where Bonnie Prince Charlie's hopes of reclaiming the British throne were crushed in less than an hour. The visitor centre's interactive exhibition brings this pivotal moment in Scottish history vividly to life, while memorial stones mark the mass graves of the fallen Highland clans. Walking these windswept moors, you can almost hear the clash of swords and the cries of battle that changed Scotland forever.
3
Explore Fort George, one of the most outstanding artillery fortifications in Europe, built following the Jacobite defeat to ensure Highland rebellion could never rise again. Step onto the main rampart for commanding views across the Moray Firth, visit the grand magazine housing an impressive collection of weaponry, and discover the touching dog cemetery where officers' beloved pets were laid to rest. This massive military complex remains virtually unchanged since the 18th century.
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Stroll along the banks of the River Ness and cross the Victorian suspension bridges connecting the city center
Next stop
Distance:
45 km
Travel time:
50min
2
Day
3 photos
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1
Discover the legendary waters of Loch Ness, Scotland's most famous lake whose dark, peat-stained depths have fueled tales of a prehistoric monster since 565 CE. The 23-mile-long loch contains more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined, plunging to depths of over 230 meters where Nessie supposedly lurks. Whether you believe in the monster or not, the brooding atmosphere of this great glen surrounded by forested hillsides creates an undeniably mysterious setting.
2
Explore the atmospheric ruins of Urquhart Castle, dramatically positioned on a promontory jutting into Loch Ness with commanding views up and down the great glen. This 13th-century fortress witnessed 500 years of Scottish history, enduring sieges, battles and eventually deliberate destruction to prevent it falling into Jacobite hands. The Grant Tower offers spectacular views across the loch, and it's no surprise this is one of the prime Nessie-spotting locations.
3
Visit the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition to delve into the fascinating history of monster sightings, scientific expeditions and the enduring mystery that has captivated the world. Interactive displays examine the evidence, from grainy photographs to sonar readings, while exploring the geological and natural history of this remarkable body of water. The story of Marmaduke Wetherell's famous hoaxed footprints reminds visitors that not everything is as it seems in these mysterious waters.
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Take a boat cruise across the dark waters of Loch Ness, keeping your camera ready for any unusual disturbances
Next stop
Distance:
35 km
Travel time:
40min
3
Day
3 photos
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1
Enter the Cairngorms National Park, Britain's largest national park, where ancient Caledonian pine forests, wild mountains and crystal-clear lochs create landscapes of extraordinary natural beauty. This wilderness in the heart of the Scottish Highlands is home to red squirrels, red deer, golden eagles and the elusive Scottish wildcat. The range of outdoor activities available here, from gentle riverside walks to challenging mountain climbs, caters to every level of adventurer.
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Explore Aviemore, the adventure capital of the Cairngorms, where outdoor enthusiasts gather to pursue activities ranging from mountain biking and hiking to skiing and wildlife safaris. The town sits at the heart of the Spey Valley, surrounded by ancient forests, rushing rivers and majestic peaks. Companies offer everything from zip-lining and white water rafting to wildlife watching and wild swimming in the clear mountain waters.
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Ride the Strathspey Railway, a heritage steam train that chugs through beautiful Highland scenery from Aviemore to Broomhill. This nostalgic journey in Victorian carriages offers lunch or afternoon tea while passing through landscapes of forest, moorland and mountains. The gentle pace allows time to absorb the beauty of Speyside and watch for the abundant wildlife that makes this area special.
4
Walk around Loch an Eilein in the ancient Rothiemurchus Forest, one of the most beautiful lochs in Scotland with a ruined castle on its island. The circular walk through Caledonian pine forest, home to red squirrels and crested tits, offers constantly changing views of the loch and surrounding mountains. The Loch an Eilein art gallery showcases local artists' works inspired by this magical landscape.
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Visit the RZSS Highland Wildlife Park near Kingussie to see polar bears, Amur tigers and Scottish wildlife including wolves and wildcats
4
Day
3 photos
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1
Step into the medieval world of Cawdor Castle, forever linked to Shakespeare's Macbeth and still home to the Cawdor family after 600 years. The 14th-century tower house, built around a legendary holly tree, is surrounded by three magnificent gardens and extensive nature trails through ancient woodland. The castle's atmospheric rooms are filled with fascinating artifacts, family portraits and the accumulated treasures of centuries of aristocratic Scottish life.
2
Explore Brodie Castle, a Z-plan tower house that has been home to the Brodie clan for over 400 years, just 4 miles from Forres. The castle houses an impressive collection of paintings, French furniture and Chinese porcelain, while the Playful Garden delights families with its imaginative design. Special events throughout the year bring the castle and its extensive grounds to life with seasonal celebrations.
3
Discover the dramatic ruins of Ruthven Barracks near Kingussie, standing stark against the Highland sky as a reminder of the government's attempts to control the Highlands after the 1715 Jacobite Rising. These imposing barracks were captured and burned by Bonnie Prince Charlie's retreating army in 1746, and today the gaunt walls and empty windows create one of Scotland's most evocative historic sites. The views across Strathspey from this elevated position are spectacular.
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Walk through Cawdor Castle's three distinct gardens: the Walled Garden, Flower Garden and Wild Garden
Next stop
Distance:
100 km
Travel time:
1h30
5
Day
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1
Marvel at Dunrobin Castle, the largest house in the Scottish Highlands with 189 rooms connected by a maze of corridors and crowned with fairy-tale French-style turrets. This magnificent stately home, seat of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland since the 13th century, combines Scottish baronial architecture with the elegance of a Loire château. The formal gardens, modeled on Versailles, sweep down to the sea, and daily falconry displays showcase eagles, hawks and owls in flight.
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Explore the castle's opulent interiors, where grand reception rooms display fine furniture, paintings and hunting trophies accumulated over seven centuries of aristocratic occupation. The museum houses an eclectic collection including Pictish stones, natural history specimens and artifacts from around the world. The contrast between the fairy-tale exterior and the lived-in warmth of the interior reveals the continuing story of one of Scotland's great noble families.
3
Journey to John O'Groats, the most northerly settlement on mainland Britain, where a famous signpost marks the distance to Land's End 874 miles to the south. This iconic location at the tip of Scotland offers views across the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Islands, and serves as the departure point for ferries to these ancient Norse territories. The wild coastline and sense of having reached the edge of the world makes this a quintessential Scottish experience.
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Watch the spectacular falconry display in Dunrobin's gardens, featuring golden eagles and other birds of prey
Next stop
Distance:
150 km
Travel time:
3h
6
Day
3 photos
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1
Explore Ullapool, a picturesque fishing village established in 1788 as a herring port, whose whitewashed cottages line the shores of Loch Broom against a backdrop of towering mountains. This charming town serves as the gateway to the Summer Isles and the wild northwest coast, with ferries departing for the Outer Hebrides. The harbor bustles with fishing boats and pleasure craft, while the main street offers excellent seafood restaurants, craft shops and traditional pubs.
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Take a boat trip to the Summer Isles, an archipelago of uninhabited islands scattered across the mouth of Loch Broom. These emerald gems offer opportunities for seal watching, seabird spotting and landing on pristine beaches where you might be the only visitors. The views back to the mainland reveal the full majesty of the Assynt mountains rising from the coast.
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Drive the spectacular Drumbeg Road, one of the most scenic stretches of the North Coast 500, winding through a landscape of rocky knolls, hidden lochs and dramatic coastal views. This single-track road with passing places epitomizes the adventure of driving in the Scottish Highlands, where every bend reveals a new vista more stunning than the last. Keep your eyes open for Highland cattle, red deer and golden eagles along this unforgettable route.
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Sample fresh seafood at one of Ullapool's excellent waterfront restaurants overlooking the harbor
Next stop
Distance:
95 km
Travel time:
2h
7
Day
4 photos
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Enter the magical landscape of Assynt, one of the last great wildernesses of Europe where 'island mountains' rise dramatically from a crinkled carpet of lochs, heather and ancient rock. This remote corner of the Scottish Highlands, rarely visited by tourists, offers some of the most unique scenery in Britain. The Torridonian sandstone peaks, over 1 billion years old, create otherworldly silhouettes against the ever-changing Highland sky.
2
Hike to the summit of Stac Pollaidh, one of Assynt's most distinctive mountains, whose shattered sandstone pinnacles create a dramatic ridgeline above the surrounding moorland. The relatively short but steep climb rewards hikers with 360-degree views encompassing dozens of lochs, the Summer Isles in the distance, and neighboring peaks including Suilven and Cul Mor. This is landscape photography at its finest, with compositions that seem almost too dramatic to be real.
3
Discover the powder-white beaches of Assynt, where turquoise waters lap against sand so fine and white it rivals any Caribbean shore. Clachtoll and Achmelvich beaches offer stunning coastal scenery backed by craggy rocks and wildflower meadows, while the Summer Isles shimmer on the horizon. These hidden gems of the Scottish coast reward those who venture off the beaten path with unforgettable natural beauty.
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Visit the romantic ruins of Ardvreck Castle on the shores of Loch Assynt, once a stronghold of the MacLeod clan
Next stop
Distance:
85 km
Travel time:
1h40
8
Day
3 photos
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1
Fall in love with Plockton, often called the 'Jewel of the Highlands', a picture-perfect village where palm trees line the waterfront thanks to the warming influence of the Gulf Stream. This sheltered bay on Loch Carron is framed by breathtaking landscapes of coral beaches, tiny islands and castle-crowned hills stretching into the distance. The stone cottages lining the harbor, bobbing yachts and resident seals create scenes of timeless Scottish beauty.
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Kayak or take a boat trip from Plockton's harbor to spot the colony of grey seals that bask on the nearby rocks. The calm waters of the bay provide perfect conditions for paddling, while the surrounding mountains create a dramatic amphitheater of scenery. Evening light transforms the village into a photographer's paradise, with reflections shimmering across the still waters.
3
Drive the legendary Bealach na Bà near Applecross, one of the highest roads in Britain with gradients of up to 20% and hairpin bends that make it a legendary driving challenge. The views from the summit across to the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides are simply breathtaking on a clear day. This ancient cattle drovers' pass offers an authentic taste of Highland adventure that will have your heart racing.
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End the day in one of Plockton's atmospheric pubs, enjoying fresh fish and local ales with views across the bay
Next stop
Distance:
15 km
Travel time:
20min
9
Day
10 photos
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1
Photograph Scotland's most iconic castle, Eilean Donan, rising from a small tidal island where three sea lochs meet against a backdrop of misty mountains. This 13th-century fortress, completely restored in the early 20th century, has appeared in countless films and photographs, epitomizing the romance of the Scottish Highlands. The interior reveals grand banqueting halls, bedchambers and a fascinating collection of Jacobite memorabilia.
2
Cross the bridge to the Isle of Skye, an island of legendary beauty that has captivated visitors for centuries with its dramatic landscapes and mystical atmosphere. The Cuillin mountains, jagged peaks of black gabbro rock, dominate the skyline while sea cliffs, waterfalls and pristine beaches line the coast. Skye's combination of raw natural beauty and Gaelic culture creates an experience unlike anywhere else in Scotland.
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Arrive in Portree, Skye's charming capital, where brightly painted buildings line the harbor creating one of Scotland's most photographed scenes. This bustling little town serves as the perfect base for exploring the island, with excellent restaurants, traditional pubs and shops selling local crafts and tweeds. The harbor comes alive with fishing boats and tour vessels offering wildlife cruises around the island's dramatic coastline.
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Watch the sun set over the Cuillin mountains from Portree harbor, painting the sky in shades of gold and purple
Next stop
Distance:
40 km
Travel time:
50min
10
Day
10 photos
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1
Hike to the Old Man of Storr, Skye's most famous landmark, where a 50-meter pinnacle of rock rises from a tumbled landscape of ancient landslip. The walk through a forest of mossy trees emerges onto open hillside with views across to the mainland and the islands of Raasay and Rona. On a misty morning, the rock formations appear like giants frozen in stone, creating an atmosphere of Celtic mythology come to life.
2
Marvel at Kilt Rock, a dramatic sea cliff whose columnar basalt formations resemble the pleats of a Scottish kilt, with the Mealt Falls cascading 60 meters directly into the sea below. The viewing platform offers safe vantage points to appreciate this unique geological formation, created by ancient lava flows meeting the sea. The constant sound of the waterfall and the cries of seabirds nesting on the cliffs create a symphony of coastal Scotland.
3
Explore the Quiraing, an extraordinary landscape of pinnacles, cliffs and hidden plateaus formed by massive landslips on the Trotternish Ridge. The winding road to the Quiraing offers some of Skye's most dramatic views, while hiking trails lead through this otherworldly terrain to the hidden valley known as 'The Table.' This is Skye at its most mysterious and beautiful, a landscape that seems to belong to another world entirely.
4
Discover the enchanting Fairy Glen near Uig, a miniature landscape of conical hills, spiral paths and mysterious stone circles that legend attributes to the work of fairies. This quirky natural wonder, tucked away from the main tourist routes, offers a gentler taste of Skye's magic with easy walking and endless photographic possibilities. The strange symmetry of the hills and the sense of entering a secret world make this an unforgettable stop.
Activities
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Time your visit to the Old Man of Storr for sunrise when the light creates magical conditions for photography
Next stop
Distance:
50 km
Travel time:
1h
11
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Swim in the magical Fairy Pools, a series of crystal-clear waterfalls and pools at the foot of the Black Cuillins that have become one of Scotland's most beloved wild swimming spots. The turquoise waters, filtered through ancient rocks, are cold but invigorating, while the mountain backdrop creates scenes of extraordinary natural beauty. Even if you don't brave the water, the walk along the River Brittle through this enchanted landscape is unforgettable.
2
Visit Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years. The castle houses precious clan relics including the legendary Fairy Flag, believed to have magical powers to save the clan in times of peril. The beautiful gardens, boat trips to see the local seal colony, and fascinating family history make this a highlight of any Skye visit.
3
Tour the Talisker Distillery in Carbost, the oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye, producing a distinctive peaty single malt whisky since 1830. The distillery's remote location on the shores of Loch Harport, surrounded by the dramatic Cuillin mountains, contributes to the unique character of this beloved whisky. The new tasting room offers the chance to sample the full range and learn about the craft that has made Talisker famous worldwide.
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Take a seal-spotting boat trip from Dunvegan Castle to see the resident colony basking on the rocks
Next stop
Distance:
110 km
Travel time:
2h30
12
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Ride the legendary Jacobite Steam Train across the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous worldwide as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films. This 84-mile journey through some of the most dramatic scenery in the Scottish Highlands takes two hours each way, crossing 21 arches of the iconic viaduct and passing silvery beaches before reaching the deepest seawater loch in Europe. The vintage carriages and working steam locomotive create an authentic experience of golden-age rail travel.
2
Stand at the Glenfinnan Monument, commemorating the spot where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745 to begin the Jacobite Rising that would end in tragedy at Culloden. The tower, crowned by a kilted Highlander, stands at the head of Loch Shiel against a backdrop of mountains that have witnessed centuries of Scottish history. The visitor centre tells the story of the '45 and the Highland clans who rallied to the Stuart cause.
3
Pay respects at the Commando Memorial near Spean Bridge, a powerful bronze sculpture overlooking the training grounds where thousands of Allied commandos prepared for the most dangerous operations of World War II. The three commandos in full battle dress stand eternally vigilant, their gaze fixed on Ben Nevis, honoring those who trained here and the many who never returned. The panoramic views across the Great Glen add to the solemnity of this moving memorial.
Activities
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Hike to the Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint to photograph the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the iconic arches
Next stop
Distance:
15 km
Travel time:
20min
13
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Conquer Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles at 1,345 meters, whose misty summit has challenged and rewarded over 100,000 hikers every year. The Mountain Track (or Tourist Path) offers a relentless but achievable climb with spectacular views unfolding as you ascend above the clouds. Standing on the roof of Britain, with Scotland spread out beneath you, creates a sense of achievement that will stay with you forever.
2
For a gentler alternative, hike to the stunning Steall Waterfall in Glen Nevis, one of Scotland's highest waterfalls cascading 120 meters into a dramatic mountain amphitheater. The walk through the Nevis Gorge, following the rushing river beneath towering cliffs, is spectacular in its own right. A wire rope bridge adds a touch of adventure to the crossing for those brave enough to attempt it.
3
Explore Fort William, the 'Outdoor Capital of the UK', which serves as the gateway to some of Scotland's finest mountain landscapes and adventure activities. The town offers excellent shops for outdoor gear, traditional pubs serving hearty Highland fare, and the West Highland Museum with its fascinating collection of Jacobite artifacts. The views across Loch Linnhe to the mountains beyond remind visitors why this area has attracted adventurers for centuries.
Activities
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For experienced hikers, the CMD Arête offers a grade 1 scramble along a narrow ridge with views of Ben Nevis's north face
Next stop
Distance:
25 km
Travel time:
30min
14
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Drive through the dramatic Glen Coe, where magnificent mountains and deep valleys create possibly the most spectacular scenery in all of Scotland. The A82 connects one end to the other in just 20 minutes, but you could spend a whole day taking in the sights and hiking the trails of this legendary glen. The brooding atmosphere recalls the infamous Massacre of Glencoe in 1692, when members of Clan MacDonald were slaughtered by government troops.
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Stop at the Three Sisters Viewpoint for the classic photograph of Bidean nam Bian's dramatic peaks towering above the glen. The three great ridges plunging down to the valley floor create one of Scotland's most recognizable mountain scenes. Information boards explain the geology and history of this ancient landscape carved by ice and time.
3
Hike up to the Hidden Valley (Coire Gabhail), a secret hanging valley where the MacDonalds once hid their stolen cattle from raiding parties. The steep climb through a boulder-strewn gorge opens into a magical flat-bottomed valley surrounded by towering peaks, invisible from the glen below. This hidden world feels like discovering Scotland's best-kept secret, a place untouched by time.
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End the day at the Clachaig Inn, an atmospheric hikers' pub that has warmed weary travelers for over 300 years
Next stop
Distance:
60 km
Travel time:
1h10
15
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Photograph Kilchurn Castle from the shores of Loch Awe, one of Scotland's most romantic ruins jutting out on a promontory with heather-strewn slopes rising behind. On still days, the castle's reflection shimmers perfectly in the water, creating images that have graced countless calendars and postcards. Built in the 15th century by Sir Colin Campbell, the castle now stands as a picturesque reminder of the powerful clan that once controlled these lands.
2
Explore Inveraray, an interesting Georgian planned town on the edge of Loch Fyne whose uniform white-painted facades create a harmonious streetscape. The high street offers eclectic shops, galleries and cute cafes, including the famous Loch Fyne Whiskies with its extraordinary selection. The War Memorial provides a great spot to take in views across Loch Fyne to the hills beyond.
3
Visit Inveraray Castle, the fairy-tale home of the Duke and Duchess of Argyle, whose turrets and towers rise above magnificent landscaped grounds. This grand seat of Clan Campbell has welcomed visitors for generations with its impressive state rooms, extensive armory and beautiful gardens. The castle's combination of medieval romance and aristocratic elegance epitomizes the grand houses of the Scottish Highlands.
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Sample world-famous oysters and seafood at the Loch Fyne Oyster House at the head of the loch
Next stop
Distance:
100 km
Travel time:
2h10
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What weather should you expect?
Summer (June-August): Warmest weather, longest daylight, peak tourist season, highest prices, festival season, ideal for all regions.
Spring (April-May): Mild weather, blooming gardens, fewer crowds, moderate prices, excellent for countryside, comfortable temperatures.
Fall (September-October): Pleasant weather, autumn colors, fewer crowds, good value, comfortable for sightseeing, cozy pub atmosphere.
Winter (November-March): Cold temperatures, shortest days, Christmas markets, lowest prices, indoor attractions, cozy cultural experiences.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 14 and 20 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
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Rich history with royal heritage, diverse cultures, and iconic landmarks from London to Edinburgh. Experience pub culture, literary heritage, and beautiful countryside. The country offers excellent transportation with cultural depth and historical significance. United Kingdom provides cultural richness with historical importance and modern amenities in compact island nation.