Escape to the Hebrides - 5 Days

Edinburgh - Glen Coe - Loch Ness - Inverness. We begin our journey north into the Scottish Highlands, where the scenery quickly becomes more dramatic. One of our key stops is Glen Coe – a glen steeped in history and known for its haunting beauty. Here, you’ll hear the tragic tale of the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan and have time to admire the striking landscape and its ‘weeping’ waterfalls. We’ll also stop here for lunch, so it’s a good opportunity to grab a bite before continuing.

Our journey then takes us past Fort William, a Highland town at the end of the West Highland Way – one of Scotland’s most famous long-distance walking routes. Look out for the statue of a resting hiker gazing across Loch Linnhe towards Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK, affectionately known as “the Ben”. Later, we’ll enjoy a short stop at the legendary Loch Ness before arriving in Inverness for our overnight stay. Meeting point: Caffe Nero: 1 Parliament Sq, Royal Mile, EH1 1RE, besides St Giles Cathedral at 08:15.

Inverness - Ullapool - Stornoway. We head west from Inverness, travelling through remote Highland landscapes en route to the ferry at Ullapool – a charming harbour town on the shores of Loch Broom. Known as a gateway to the Northern Highlands, Ullapool is surrounded by some of the most unspoilt scenery in the UK. Onboard the ferry to the Outer Hebrides, you’ll find good lunch options available as we sail past the Summer Isles towards the Isle of Lewis and Harris. On arrival, there's an optional visit to the Anrol Blackhouse, a traditional fully furnished thatched house. We end the day in Stornoway, the largest town in the Western Isles and our base for the next two nights.

Today we explore the Isle of Lewis and Harris. We begin with a visit to Carloway Broch, an exceptionally well-preserved Iron Age structure overlooking Loch an Duin. We then stop at the ancient Callanish Standing Stones, a powerful and iconic site where we’ll break for lunch.

In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to walk along the white sands of Luskentyre – often described as one of Harris’ most beautiful beaches. We continue to Rodel Church, a historic site and resting place of the MacLeod clan, before taking the scenic Golden Road back to Stornoway.

Please Note: Due to closures, we will not stop at Callanish Standing Stones but will pass by and, where possible, offer a short drop-off.

Stornoway - Inverness. This morning we travel to the northern tip of Lewis to visit the Butt of Lewis lighthouse – officially the windiest spot in the UK. After returning to Stornoway for lunch, it’s time to say farewell to the Outer Hebrides as we catch the ferry back to the mainland. Once ashore, we return to Inverness for the night.

Inverness - Culloden - Pitlochry - Edinburgh. Our first stop today is Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last pitched battle on British soil. On 16 April 1746, the Jacobites made a final, doomed stand against government troops. The excellent visitor centre (optional, not included) and interactive displays offer a detailed account of the battle and its aftermath. You’ll also have the chance to walk across the battlefield itself.

We then visit a local distillery to sample a dram of whisky before journeying south through the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park – home to five of the UK’s highest peaks. Our final stop is the Victorian town of Pitlochry, a historic gateway to the Highlands. After time to explore, we return to Edinburgh city centre.

Drop Off Point: Caffe Nero: 1 Parliament Sq, Royal Mile, EH1 1RE, besides St Giles Cathedral at 19:00.