Isle of Skye & Highlands: 3-Day Backpacker Tour from Edinburgh

Summary

Highland myths, hostel nights, and Skye’s wild coastlines

You’ll cross misty moors from Edinburgh to Skye, share stories with fellow travelers in Portree’s hostels, hike windswept trails like Old Man of Storr, and taste Highland life in cozy pubs. Expect muddy boots, wild views, local legends — and maybe a pine cone or two to remember it by.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly missed the bus that first morning in Edinburgh — classic me, fumbling with my backpack straps while a drizzle started up. Our guide Jamie just grinned and waved me over, “No worries, we’re all half-awake.” That set the tone: relaxed, slightly chaotic, everyone just rolling with it. Crossing the Forth Bridge felt like leaving regular life behind. The windows fogged up as we hit Rannoch Moor; someone in the back tried to pronounce “Glencoe” properly and got a round of laughter. I’d seen photos before but the real thing — those mountains just sitting there under low clouds — made me weirdly quiet for a bit.

Portree on the Isle of Skye was brighter than I’d pictured, all pastel houses and gulls yelling at each other. Our hostel dorm was basic but honestly, after hours on the road, even bunk beds felt like luxury. We ended up at a local pub where Jamie told us about faeries and clan feuds; I only half-followed (the accent plus my tired brain) but the locals at the next table kept nodding along so it must’ve been legit. Next morning’s hike to the Old Man of Storr — cold wind stinging my cheeks and sheep everywhere — was way harder than I thought. My boots squelched through mud but when we reached Kilt Rock later, sea spray in the air and cliffs dropping off into blue-grey nothing, nobody said much. Just stood there breathing it in.

I didn’t expect to care about rewilding projects but our stop at Dundreggan made me think about old forests differently. The guide there handed me a pine cone and said something about hope for future Scots pines — I still have it somewhere in my bag. On the way back to Edinburgh we did quick stops: Eilean Donan Castle looking like something out of a movie (it probably is), then Fort Augustus where I bought shortbread from a lady who called me “hen.” Never saw Nessie but Loch Ness had this calmness that stuck with me anyway. By Dunkeld I was mostly thinking about sleep but also how much you can cram into three days if you let go of needing everything to be perfect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel from Edinburgh to Isle of Skye

• Cross Forth Bridge to Fife
• Visit Callander town briefly
• Stop for photos at Glen Coe
• Explore Highland town and shops
• Travel to Isle of Skye via ferry or bridge
• Arrive and settle in Portree

Day 2 — Explore Isle of Skye landscapes

• Walk at The Old Man of Storr
• View Kilt Rock coastal formations
• Tour Dunvegan Castle and learn legends
• Visit Sligachan Bridge and hear myths
• Return to Portree harbor town

Day 3 — Return from Skye to Edinburgh

• Photo stop at Eilean Donan Castle
• Walk ancient pine forest at rewilding centre
• Visit Fort Augustus and Loch Ness
• Photo stop at Commando Memorial
• Stroll Dunkeld cathedral town

Top questions

How long is the 3-day Isle of Skye & Highlands tour?

The tour lasts three days and two nights, starting and ending in Edinburgh.

Is accommodation included on this backpacker tour?

Yes, two nights in mixed-gender multi-share hostel dorms in Portree are included.

Does this tour include transport from Edinburgh?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle transport is provided throughout the trip.

Are meals or lunches included?

No meals are included; you can buy food at local shops or pubs during stops.

Is there a minimum age for joining this tour?

You must be at least 18 years old to stay in the hostel accommodation.

What are some highlights on this day trip from Edinburgh?

The tour visits Glencoe, Isle of Skye sights like Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock, Eilean Donan Castle, Fort Augustus by Loch Ness, and Dunkeld.

Can I take the Jacobite Steam Train during this trip?

The Jacobite Steam Train operates between April and October; contact the team for details about adding it to your itinerary.

Are there any physical fitness requirements?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking/hiking activities.

What’s included

Your three days include round-trip transport from Edinburgh by air-conditioned vehicle, two nights’ accommodation in mixed-gender hostel dorms in Portree on Isle of Skye, guidance from an English-speaking local guide who’ll share stories along the way, entry to Dundreggan Rewilding Centre for a walk among ancient pine forests—and plenty of scenic stops for photos or short walks through Highland towns before heading back to Edinburgh.