Loch Ness (Pass By)

After departing from Inverness we will drive along the shores of Loch Ness (keep an eye out for the famous beastie!). As the road winds between majestic hills, past dark lochans and through windswept glens your guide will fill you in on the tragic history of this area, and how this history led to the desolate landscapes of the Scottish Highlands that you see before you today. After passing the 5 Sisters of Kintail we will soon see Loch Duich which welcomes us, after 2 hours driving, to Scotland’s wonderful west coast.

Eilean Donan Castle

Our first stop is at one of the world's most photographed castles and we are here (you guessed it!) to snap a photo, from an iconic viewpoint. We will spend around 10 minutes admiring the castle in its coastal location and, from here, we are just a few minutes' drive to the Skye Bridge. Please note that there is not enough time to go into the castle.

10 minutes

Skye Bridge (Pass By)

From Eilean Donan Castle we will wind our way along the coast to the iconic Skye Bridge. After crossing the bridge, and hearing all about its fascinating history, we arrive on Skye. We will head first to the Cuillin Mountains (approx. 40 minutes from the bridge).

Sligachan Old Bridge

This is your first opportunity to get out and revel in the world-class scenery you have travelled so far to experience! You will immediately be treated to wonderful views of the Black Cuillin Mountains, and may wish to start off by taking a stroll over to the picture-postcard stone bridge, which dates back to 1810. Nearby there is also an impressive bronze memorial to two mountaineering pioneers, who made many first ascents of the surrounding mountains. Many visitors to this roadside location don’t venture any further than these two noteworthy sights. However, on our quest to take you off-the-beaten-path, you will now have the opportunity to join your guide for a one mile walk, to really enable you to experience the splendid isolation of this stunning island. There is also an alternative walk here, to see some stunning crystal clear pools and waterfalls. Your guide can fill you in. We will spend around one hour here, enough to whet your appetite for the scenery to come!

1 hour

Portree

Skye’s main town of Portree enjoys an enviable setting, with its colourful harbour being surrounded by picturesque cliffs and hills. At the start of the tour you will have had the opportunity to pre-order your lunch from a wonderful bakery on Skye, who offer their tasty baked goods exclusively for our guests. If you took this option then your guide will collect your lunch in Portree, and deliver it to you, in order to give you more time to explore this cute coastal town. For those who would like to take a walk, we’d recommend heading down to the harbour, where the highlight is the striking row of pastel-coloured houses which line the harbour-front and overlook the pretty bay (your guide will be happy to direct you to the best photo spot!). For those looking for a Skye souvenir you have your pick of craft shops, independent boutiques and galleries in Portree. As all are situated in the town’s compact centre, they are easy to explore during your 45 minutes here.

40 minutes

Fairy Glen

The Fairy Glen is an intriguing, enchanting and other-worldy sight! Some say this landscape was formed by fairies. Others say it was formed by post-glacier landslides. Whichever version you choose to believe, the result is a bizarre yet delightful landscape of grassy, conical hills, craggy outcrops and windswept lochans. The focal point of this ethereal landscape is referred to as Castle Ewen, a natural stone outcrop, which has the appearance of a fortified tower. If you wish you can take a walk up to the top, where you will be rewarded with a birds-eye view of this unique glen.

30 minutes

Quiraing

The Quiraing is a series of landslips, which have combined to form awe-inspiring scenery. It is another of Skye’s scenic highlights, and is instantly recognisable from films such as Stardust, Prometheus, BFG and many others. We will spend around 40 - 60 minutes here, and you won't have to venture far from the mini-coach to find your very own slice of Skye wilderness. You can either explore at your own pace, or join your guide on a short hike. This hike will take you up closer to the impressive mountain ridge of the Quiraing, where you can enjoy panoramic views over the Trotternish Peninsula. From here, it is time to head back down the coast as we begin our journey back to Inverness. The tour is far from over though, as your guide has plenty more stories to keep you entertained as you sit back, relax and soak in the scenery for a final couple of hours!

40 minutes

The Old Man of Storr

As we drive north the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic - these are the awesome landscapes that draw visitors from all over the world to this tiny isle. Our next hike is to the base of the mighty Old Man of Storr, a jagged basalt rock which is said to be a giant's thumb! From the base of the Old Man of Storr there are fantastic views of the surrounding rock pinnacles. On a clear day you will also be rewarded with the striking outlines of the Red and Black Cuillins, and views out over the Sound of Raasay to the isles of Raasay and Rona. We will hike from the carpark up to the base of the Old Man of Storr. This hike is approximately 3 miles (5km) in total, with a fairly steep ascent of 1105ft (340m). It should take around 45 minutes to one hour to reach the top, and 30 – 40 minutes to get down. There is a good path all of the way, with stone steps at the top, and it is well-marked and easy-to-follow. It’s definitely worth coming on this tour just for this hike alone!

1 hour 30 minutes