9 Days & 8 Nights

4.3

Highlands, Skye & Edinburgh: Drive & Hike

A self-drive & hike tour exploring Skye, the Highlands, Perthshire & Edinburgh
Walk the Storr & Quiraing on Skye's Trotternish Ridge
Visit the famous Eilean Donan Castle on the west coast - a must-see!
Stop en route for a distillery tour or try Perthshire's charming bakeries
Overnight in Scotland's beautiful capital city, complete with castle of course!

Discover the best of the romantic Highlands, the mystical Isle of Skye and majesty of Edinburgh on this walking and discovery self-drive tour of Scotland. Deep brooding lochs, jagged peaks, imposing castles and freshly-caught seafood are just a few of the delights you can look forward to. Arriving in Glasgow, then head north through Glencoe and on to photogenic Eilean Donan Castle. Stay in delightful loch-side locations; Dornie and Portree. Cross to the Isle of Skye; a walker’s paradise with colourful harbour-side villages. Catch the ferry back to the mainland and follow the iconic Road to the Isles to Fort William, at the foot of Ben Nevis. You have a wonderful choice of walks to enjoy on this comprehensive drive-hike adventure.

From $1,645.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Glasgow

Arrive at either Edinburgh or Glasgow airport where you will collect your hire car and drive to your hotel in Glasgow.

Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland, has a vibrant cultural life, wonderful Victorian buildings and several great museums such as the Kelvingrove and Transport Museums.

Overnight Glasgow

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Abode Hotel | 4 Star | Hotel

This hotel reflects the city's own modern renaissance, combining striking traditional architecture with the most exciting contemporary design and high-tech facilities. Behind the superb exterior, the 59-bedroom townhouse has been designed with a sense of luxury and relaxation with a home-from-home feel so you can enjoy an ideal night's sleep, and wake up refreshed and rejuvenated.

Sandman Signature Hotel | 4 Star | Hotel

Situated in-between Glasgow City Centre andthe West End, the Sandman Signature Hotel is the perfect base to explore Glasgow's fabulous shopping, incredible food scene and vibrant events industry. History and culture are more your thing? Mere steps away you'll find Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow Necropolis and Kelvingrove Art Gallert and Museum to name a few.

Within the property itself, this modern 4* hotel boasts 179 stunning bedrooms and suits along with a fitness centre and a stunning onsite bar and restaurant, Chop Grill & Bar.

Carlton George Hotel

Carlton George is a 4 star boutique hotel in Glasgow city centre, next to Queen Street station. With a rooftop restaurant and wonderful views across Glasgow, the Hotel offers luxury rooms with complimentary minibars.

Day 2 Drive to Dornie and short optional walk 2.5 miles / 4 km

Leaving Glasgow you are soon immersed in the mountains and lochs of the Western Highlands and will pass Loch Lomond, Glencoe and Ben Nevis on your drive to Dornie (5h). En route you can enjoy a walk in dramatic Glencoe.

Lost Valley Walk: 4 km (2.5 miles); Ascent: 301m (988ft) / Descent: 301m (988ft)

Overnight Dornie

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Balmacara Mains | Guest House

Balmacara Mains is a family run Guest House located in the Highlands of Scotland, overlooking the Isle of Skye. They provide comfortable accommodation, offering relaxing, contemporary rooms, with stunning views. All rooms are individually decorated and have all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay.

Balmacara Hotel | Hotel

Welcome to the Balmacara Hotel, where the Isle of Skye beckons from the front windows, the glorious hills of Wester Ross from the back. The Balmacara Hotel is stunningly situated on the shores of Loch Alsh, approx. 3 miles from Kyle of Lochalsh, the Skye Bridge and Eilean Donan Castle. The Hotel enjoys an outstanding location for touring and provides an ideal leisure break destination. Most of the tastefully designed bedrooms have loch side views and the Isle of Skye can be viewed from our coffee lounge and restaurant. A family run hotel, an emphas is placed on high standards of personal service to ensure your stay will be a memorable one.

Dornie Hotel | Hotel

Nestling in the centre of the old fishing village of Dornie in magnificent Wester Ross, the Dornie Hotel occupies one of the most magnificent and scenic locations in the whole of the Highlands of Scotland. A family-run business under the daily care and management of the proprietors Paul & Suzanne Meikle, the Dornie Hotel has a long-established and hard-earned reputation for its warm Highland welcome and friendly, relaxing atmosphere, making the Dornie Hotel the ideal place to stay. The Hotel offers fine food, drink and Paul, Suzanne and the staff are always on hand to ensure that guests have an enjoyable visit.

Day 3 Falls of Glomach Walk 11 miles / 17 km

Although not the highest in Britain the Falls of Glomach are certainly the most dramatic plunging 113m in a single leap. A good path leads you through remote highland glens to the dramatic falls before you return by the same route. You must also make time to visit the romantic Eilean Donan Castle, probably Scotland’s most famous.

Falls of Glomach Walk: 17 km (11 miles); Ascent: 710m (2,329ft) / Descent: 710m (2,329ft)

Overnight Dornie

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Balmacara Mains | Guest House

Balmacara Hotel | Hotel

Dornie Hotel | Hotel

Nestling in the centre of the old fishing village of Dornie in magnificent Wester Ross, the Dornie Hotel occupies one of the most magnificent and scenic locations in the whole of the Highlands of Scotland. The Dornie Hotel has a long-established and hard-earned reputation for its warm Highland welcome and friendly, relaxing atmosphere, making the Dornie Hotel the ideal place to stay.

Day 4 Optional Walks in the Heart of Skye 10.5 miles / 17 km

Leaving the mainland via the Skye Bridge you reach the magical Misty Isle of Skye. An island of mists, myths and legends with the most extraordinary landscape. You have a choice of two walks today. The ruined coastal villages of Suisnish and Boreraig are a reminder of the Clearances, when highland crofters were forcibly evicted. This delightful walk along a remote coast is a reminder of the islands troubled history. Alternatively you can take a boat (not included) from Elgol to Loch Coruisk, right in the heart of the jagged black Cuillins. Loch Coruisk is surely the most dramatic of all Scotand’s freshwater lochs, surrounded on all sides by the jagged dark peaks of the Cuillins. On the return boat journey you should sea birds, eagles, seals and perhaps even otters or whales.

Ruined Coastal Villages of Suisnish and Boreraig Walk: 17 km (10.5 miles); Ascent: 260m (853ft) / Descent: 260m (853ft)

Overnight Portree

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Duirinish Guesthouse | Guest House

This B&B is located only a five-minute walk from the lively town centre, where there are parks, restaurants, pubs, shops and banks. All guest rooms are en-suite and have blackout curtains, complimentary toiletries and wifi.

Erisco B&B | Bed and breakfast

Erisco is a most relaxing accommodation on the Isle of Skye, very close to the town centre attractions of Portree. Recently refurbished and renovated, all rooms are en-suite, comfortably furnished and have all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay. Jessie and John will provide you with a very warm Skye welcome at this lovely property.

Portree Hotel | Hotel

The Portree Hotel has recently undergone extensive refurbishment, now offering 24 redesigned en-suite rooms, with all the expected facilities including 32” flat screen TVs, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryers and irons. The new Antlers Bar and Grill and West Highland Bar have also been tastefully refurbished, this includes wood burning stoves, which creates a cosy and comfortable atmosphere.

Day 5 Optional walks at Trotternish or the Quiraing 9 miles / 13 km

Stretching north from Portree the Trotternish Peninsula is an atmospheric land of dark brooding cliffs, bizarre rock formations, impossibly green pastures and views that go on forever. Again you can choose one of two walks. Either walk from Portree along the coast (keep your eyes peeled for the resident sea eagles) to the Storr. This needle of rock is one of the most dramatic formations on the Trotternish ridge and affords wonderful views over the island filled sea. Return to Portree by bus. Alternatively drive a little further north to the Quiraing with its wonderfully named features such as the prison, needle and table. A circular walk explores the best of this wonderful area and again rewards with the most wonderful views. Why not take the long way home via Talisker Distillery or Dunvegan Castle, the seat of the Macleods of Skye.

Quiraing Walk: 7 km (4 miles); Ascent: 308m (1,011ft) / Descent: 309m (1,014ft)

Portree to The Storr: 13 km (9 miles); Ascent: 580m (1,903ft) / Descent: 420m (1,378ft)

Overnight Portree

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Duirinish Guesthouse | Guest House

Erisco B&B | Bed and breakfast

Portree Hotel | Hotel

Day 6 Drive the "Road to the Isles" 6.5 miles / 11 km

Leaving Portree you head south to yet another, and completely different part of the Isle of Skye, the green Sleat Peninsula. In Armadale you can enjoy a walk through the beautiful gardens of the ruined Armadale Castle and visit the Clan Donald museum before you catch the ferry (included, 1 hour) to Mallaig on the mainland. From the busy fishing port of Mallaig you follow the Road to the Isles south along the white sandy beaches of the Sound of Arisaig and then east towards Fort William. Your walk today is to the deserted village of Peanmeanach, which sits on a sandy beach on an isolated peninsula. You can see where Bonnie Prince Charlie landed during the Jacobite rebellion and enjoy panoramic views of the blue waters of the Sound of Arisaig. Continuing on to Fort William you can visit the Glenfinnan Monument at the head of Loch Sheil, which was built to mark the spot where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard at the start of the 1745 Jacobite rebellion.

Peanmeanach Village and Beach Walk: 11 km (6.5 miles); Ascent: 294m (965ft) / Descent: 294m (945ft)

Overnight Fort William

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Myrtle Bank Guest House | Guest House

Dora welcomes you with open arms to her beautiful guest house - Myrtle Bank. Overlooking Loch Linnie and just a short stroll from the town centre Myrtle Bank is a wonderful place to relax at the end of the West Highland Way.

Guisachan House | Guest House

A warm welcome awaits you at Guisachan House, a family run private guest house. They are situated in an elevated position off the main road with views over Loch Linnhe and surrounding hills only 5 minutes walking distance from Fort William town centre. They have 17 bedrooms and a guest lounge and bar offering wine, beer, spirits and malt whiskey. Wireless Internet is available for the guests. There is some photography dotted around the guest house taken by Phil, one of the owners.

Fassfern Guesthouse | Guest House

Located in a prime residential area overlooking Loch Linnhe, the guest house is only 5 minutes walk from the shops and restaurants in Fort William town centre. You are assured a warm welcome at this splendid property and all rooms are en-suite with central heating, flat screen televisions and tea/coffee making facilities. There is free WiFi.

Day 7 Walk Steall Falls (Glen Nevis) or Ben Nevis 7 miles / 13 km

Today you will enjoy one of Scotland’s finest walks. Just outside Fort William the steep sided valley walls narrow to a steep gorge which cuts a narrow path to an isolated valley under the towering Ben Nevis. At the head of this green and tranquil glen the white curtains of Steall Falls plunge relentlessly down. This really is one of Scotland’s most precious places. Alternatively you may want to walk to the summit of Ben Nevis, which at 1344m is Scotland’s highest mountain. It is not a challenge to be underestimated but on a good day the views are endless.

Glen Nevis and Polldubh Falls: 13 km (7.5 miles); Ascent: 200m (276ft) / Descent: 84m (276ft)

Ben Nevis Summit Walk: 16 km (10 miles); Ascent: 1344m (4,350ft) / Descent: 1326m (4,350ft)

Overnight Fort William

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Myrtle Bank Guest House | Guest House

Guisachan House | Guest House

Fassfern Guesthouse | Guest House

Day 8 Drive south to Edinburgh through Perthshire

Your route takes you south past the mountains, lochs and rivers of the highlands to the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage City of Edinburgh. One of the world’s most romantic cities you can look forward to exploring the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and perhaps even the city’s catacombs on a ghost tour.

Overnight Edinburgh

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Six Brunton Place | Guest House

Located in the heart of Edinburgh, just a short walk from Waverley Train Station, this beautiful B&B has a variety of room types, access to free wifi and en suite rooms. Each room is thoughtfully decorated and with it's welcoming hosts and delicious breakfast options it's the perfect base from which to explore the city.

The Inn on the Mile | Hotel

A stylish boutique hotel on the most iconic street of Scotland's cosmopolitian capital - The Royal Mile. With just 9 rooms this small city centre hotel is the perfect modern haven from where to explore this historic city. Breakfast in their beautiful high-ceilinged bar is included. By night you can sample their tempting drinks list alongside locally-sourced Scottish cuisine.

Premier Inn - Edinburgh, Princes Street | Hotel

A fantastic location towards the west end of Edinburgh's world famous Princes Street which enjoys fabulous views on the very picturesque and historic Edinburgh Castle.

Day 9 Onward travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 10kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 10kg is equivalent to 18 lattes. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

Great walking, castles, lochs, whisky, Edinburgh and so much more. This is the trip for you if you want to discover the best of Scotland and enjoy some fabulous walking on the way.

Tour Type:

Discovery | Think of it as a ‘local’s guide’ to the best of the region. It includes a combination of activity and transportation to give you the freedom to explore and cover more ground at your own pace. We do all the research and organisation for you. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy!

Activity:

Drive and Hike | Exploration of picturesque and remarkable destinations by car combined with walks that highlight the best of a country or region.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

The minimum age for this tour is: 16 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Islands

National Parks

Accessible by Rail

Activity Level & Terrain

This route is graded moderate with a choice of easier and harder walks on most days so you can do as much or as little as you please. The walks vary in distance, from short and gentle 4km routes to more moderate routes of 17km that can be completed at your own pace and in your own time. Most of the walks follow good footpaths or tracks but occasionally the paths in more remote areas can be very boggy and indistinct. You should have sturdy waterproof footwear. Please note that the optional walk between the Storr and Portree on day 5 should not be attempted in bad weather.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

8 Nights in B&Bs, guesthouses and small hotels
8 Breakfasts
Ferry from Armadale to Mallaig (1 car and passengers per booking)
Detailed trip info and mapped tracks, via the Macs App
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office

Excluded

Travel to Glasgow / from Edinburgh
Car hire (if you require car hire let us know and we can arrange it for you)
Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
Personal equipment
Travel insurance (required)

Extras

Additional nights along the route
Car hire (if you require car hire let us know and we can arrange it for you)

When to go

When To Go

Please note that Skye is exceptionally popular throughout the Summer months. As a result it may be necessary to book upgraded accommodations and/or taxi transfers to accommodate your dates. Your specialist will inform you of this prior to confirming your booking and advise of any supplement payable.

This trip is best enjoyed between early April and the end of October. You can start on any day of the week. Both the Isle of Skye and Edinburgh are very popular, especially during the summer months (notably during the Edinburgh Tattoo and Fringe Festival), so it is best to book as far in advance as possible.

Weather and Climate

Scotland enjoys a temperate climate, meaning it's relatively mild all year, except in winter when temperatures occasionally dip below 0 degrees Celsius for short periods. The Highlands are renowned for variable weather so you should be prepared for everything; from 'dreich' days (a Scottish word for drizzly days that are a bit bleak) to days with beautiful blue skies and warmer weather. Whatever the weather it tends to be breezy so spare layers are always recommended.

From the end of April to October average daily temperatures vary from 9-15 degrees Celsius. Monthly rainfall varies from 10-16 mm per month on average. Generally, May to July is the driest and mildest months, but exploring later in the year from September to October is pleasant in cooler temperatures and the autumnal scenery is spectacular as the leaves begin to change colour.

During the shoulder season - March to early April and after mid-October - the Scottish weather tends to be more unpredictable and is often colder and rainier. It is worth keeping in mind that the driving conditions, particularly in the far north of Scotland, will also be more challenging at this time. Landslides can happen as a result of heavy and prolonged rainfall and we continuously monitor trail conditions throughout the season. Attractions and popular viewpoints will generally be quieter at this time of year, which may be preferred.

Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascent/ descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, and sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Ferries

If you have a preferred sailing time for your ferry journeys, please let us know at the time of booking. Once the ferry journeys are confirmed, we can't guarantee new amendments or changes to the sailing times.

Online Documents

At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.

On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.

Equipment

You will need a car for this trip and we would be happy to book a rental car for you if you require this. Otherwise, you can of course bring your own vehicle if travelling within the UK/Europe!

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of booking with us that you have suitable travel insurance to cover you for cancellation, curtailment, illness or injury.

What are the midges like? Frequently Asked Questions How fit do I need to be? Do I need to be able to Navigate? How far in advance do I need to book? What personal equipment do I need? When is the best time of year?

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