Day 1 - DEPARTING EDINBURGH
Leaving Edinburgh we head north over the Forth Road bridge, across Fife towards the beautiful Highlands. Our first stop is at the tranquil waterfalls of the Hermitage for a very relaxing walk, and then what better than a heart warming dram (whisky) and tour at Scotland’s smallest whisky distillery. Next we journey to the lands of Atholl and the pass of Killicrankie where our tales of a rebellious Scotland begin, with our first bloody battle tale. As the desolate Grampian Mountains take over the woodlands of Atholl, our next stop is at the commanding ruins of Ruthven, an 18thc-government fortress built to control the lawless Highlanders. Before arriving in Inverness we take time to visit the emotional Drumossie Moore, scene of the Highlanders last stand, on the battlefields of Culloden. Its then in to Inverness the capital of the Highlands our base for the next 2 nights.
Day 2 - LOCH NESS DAY TOUR
It’s up early and down to the dark and mysterious shores of Loch Ness. We start with the north shores, taking in the small village of Drumdadrochit and the ruins of Urquart Castle. Taking a break from the Loch we then head up to Scotland’s ancient forests of Glen Affric for a wee walk and a spot of energising tree hugging. We are now ready to head back to the loch shores. The loch is part of a mighty fault line, and at the village of Fort Augustus, we see some amazing engineering of the 19thc. An amazing chain of canal locks part of the amazing Caledonian Canal, lifting boats from the Ness to the next loch. It is now time for the untouched natural scenery of the south shores. Driving through the deer clad Monilith Mountains, and down to the Falls of Foyers a, we finish the day on the shores of this vast body of water for a quick dip, a great way to find out if the monster really does exist. Our day has now come to an end, and we head back in to town in time for a pint, and a bit of swinging that kilt at a local Ceildh, a chance for you to try your skills at Scottish dancing.
Day 3 - NORTHERN WILDS
It is now time to pack up and leave Inverness, and head to the west to the Island of Skye. Heading over the Kessock bridge and on to the Black Isle, we take in the luscious forests and falls of Rogie where hopefully if the season is right the salmon leap. After our enchanting walk,it is back on the bus and time to explore one of Europes last unspoiled wilderness, We head up to the wilds of Wester Ross, where we head through the heart of the Torridon mountain range, the oldest exposed rock in world, and then down towards our final destination, the mystical magical Isle of Skye, where the village of Kyleakin, and our homeliest of all hostels will be our home for the next 2 nights.
Day 4 - ISLE OF SKYE
Yes it is day number 4 on the Macbackpackers bus, and our adventure begins for this breathtaking day ,exploring one of Scotlands most famous islands. Before heading to its northern tip, we pass through the mighty Cuillin mountains on to Portree, the islands capital, where we stop for supplies and also a wee look around this close nit community of a town, with its quaint little harbour. The Troternish peninsula is the focus for the rest of the day, stopping at amazing waterfalls and the seriously haunted ruined Macdonald stronghold, perched on top of a sea cliff. We scramble up one of the island amazing rock formation, a small mild hike to suit all, so leave your high heels at home. It is now time to bring it down for a little chill time and pay our respects to the “little people” at the enchanting Faerie Glen, before heading back to Kyleakin for the night.
Day 5 - WEST COAST
It is time now to wave goodbye to the island, and back over the bridge to the mainland.Our first stop of the day is at the very scenic Eilean Donan Castle as seen in the movie Highlander. We then travel through the lands of Kintail, where every mountain has a story of romance, adventure and betrayel, so have those hankerchiefs at the ready. Gliding through the plethora of colour that blesses Glen Shiel and Glen Garry, we head down to Fort William the home of Britains highest mountain, the powerfull Ben Nevis. Our next stop is in the haunting Glen Coe, the scene of a terrible massacre that took place between the Macdonald’s and the Campbell’s, and while hearing the tales of this glens past, we also enjoy a small walk, a chance to absorb its amazing atmosphere. Jumping back on the bus, we take Arglye’s coastal path down towards Oban, passing on the way the very famous castle Stalker, arriving in Oban the quaint little Victorian harbour village, in time for you guys to enjoy some fish and chips in front of hopefully an amazing west coast sunset.
Day 6 - ANCIENT SCOTLAND
Today is a day of going back in time, to a time before the Pyramids were built, and to also Scotlands beginning. We head to Kilmartin Glen, one of Europe’s biggest archaeological sites. The glen is packed with Neolithic standing stones, obelisks and tombs dating back 2000 years. Also south of Oban we explore the remains of the dark age hill fort of Dunadd, one of the many possible sites of King Arthur’s Camelot….Mmmmmm was he Scottish!!!!!. Time to jump back in to our time machine of a bus, and going forward now in time we head to Carnasserie a 16thc castle and then on to Seil Island once the heart of the Scottish slate industry, before heading back to Oban for the night.
Day 7 - BACK TO EDINBURGH:
Our last day has arrived, but of course we still have one last full day of adventure. On leaving Oban we head through Glen Lonan the burial procession route for many a king, in search of the Hairy Coo. After our Hairy Coo safari, it is now down to the shores of Loch Awe and to the Campbell stronghold, Kilchurn Castle. Our next adventure takes us in to the land of the roguish Macgreggor clan, the most famouse one being Rob Roy Macgreggor, with many a tale to tell of this Highland hero, we take you to the Drovers Inn for a pub lunch. This pub is one of Scotlands oldest, and also maybe frequented by Rob Roy himself. As we say goodbye to the Highlands, with a tear in our eye, we have one last story to tell. Heading to the city of Stirling we visit the Wallace Monument, where we fill you in on what really happened to Mr Wallace way back in 1297. From Stirling it is then a short drive back to the Scottish Capital for you guys to go off enjoy the cities amazing nightlife…Hopefully with your new found tour friends!
*Please Note…Tours may alter from this itinerary due to weather, road works etc.
Departure?
Departs on Sundays
Monthly during winter - please enquire for dates.
Winter Itinerary
2 Nights Inverness
2 Nights Isle of Skye
2 Nights Oban
How much?
£175
GBP-
BOOK
NOW
Telephone Booking Reference BAC MAC 7DLS
Please
note that this tour does not include accommodation.
Accommodation is reserved for you at Scotland's
Top Hostels priced £10 - £12
per person per night.
