Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Inverness: 5 Day Highlands Tour

Summary

From Edinburgh to Skye and Inverness with whisky, castles and Highland stories

You’ll trace wild coasts from Edinburgh to Isle of Skye and Inverness, pausing for whisky tastings at Blair Athol Distillery and stories at Culloden Battlefield. Wander castle ruins, spot waterfalls tumbling into sea cliffs, and share laughs with your guide over steaming mugs or local seafood dinners. It’s not just scenery—it’s weather on your face, history underfoot, and moments that stick long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to be face-to-face with two giant horse heads before my first coffee, but there we were—The Kelpies looming out of the mist as our little group shuffled off the bus. Our guide, Jamie (who wore his tartan scarf like a badge), told us how these sculptures are a nod to old water spirits. I could smell damp grass and diesel as we climbed back in. Later, Stirling Castle rose up out of nowhere—almost cartoonish against the grey sky—and I remember thinking I should’ve brought gloves. Scotland’s cold sneaks up on you.

The drive north was all moody hills and sudden sunbursts. Jamie played some folk music that sounded like it belonged to the land itself. By the time we reached Glencoe, the air was sharp enough to wake you up for days. We stopped for photos but honestly, I just stood there letting the wind slap my cheeks. Oban that night felt like a reward—seafood chowder in a tiny pub, salt still on my lips from the walk by the harbour.

The next morning we caught sight of the Glenfinnan Viaduct (yes, the Harry Potter one) just as a train crossed it—everyone scrambled for their phones but mine died at that exact moment. Typical. Eilean Donan Castle looked even older than I’d imagined; mossy stones, a kind of silence that made you lower your voice without thinking. Crossing to Isle of Skye felt like stepping into another world—Portree’s pastel houses huddled around the harbour and our B&B host handed us tea before we’d even set down our bags.

I keep thinking about Kilt Rock—the way Mealt Falls just drops straight into the sea while gulls circle below—or walking near Old Man of Storr with rain stinging sideways and Jamie joking about “proper Highland weather.” In Inverness we wandered old streets and found ourselves at Culloden Battlefield where everything felt heavy with memory; even if you don’t know much history, you feel it in your chest somehow.

On our last day, Blair Athol Distillery smelled like toasted barley and something sweet I couldn’t quite place. The whisky burned going down but left this warmth that lasted all afternoon. We learned about rewilding at Dundreggan too—felt hopeful seeing young trees pushing through peat soil. By Dunkeld Cathedral I was tired but happy; I think Scotland gets under your skin slowly. So yeah—I’d do this five-day trip again in a heartbeat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Edinburgh to Oban

• Visit the Kelpies statues
• Drive past Stirling Castle
• See Wallace Monument
• Drive through Rannoch Moor
• Stop at Glencoe
• Arrive in Oban for overnight

Day 2 — Oban to Isle of Skye

• View Glenfinnan Viaduct
• Stop at Eilean Donan Castle
• Cross Skye Bridge to Isle of Skye
• Explore Portree and harbour

Day 3 — Isle of Skye to Inverness

• Visit Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
• See Old Man of Storr
• Learn at Dundreggan rewilding centre
• Explore Inverness city

Day 4 — Inverness

• Visit Beauly village
• Explore Beauly Priory ruins
• Drive to Culloden Battlefield
• Visit Clava Cairns
• Optional Loch Ness cruise

Day 5 — Inverness to Edinburgh

• Tour Blair Athol whisky distillery
• Visit Highland Folk Museum
• Walk through Dunkeld and cathedral
• Return to Edinburgh

Top questions

How long is the Isle of Skye & Loch Ness tour from Edinburgh?

The tour lasts 5 days with 4 nights’ accommodation included.

Is accommodation included on this Scottish Highlands trip?

Yes, 4 nights in 3-star B&Bs are included—Oban (1), Portree (1), Inverness (2).

Does this tour include whisky tasting?

Yes, there’s a visit to Blair Athol Distillery with tasting included.

Are entry fees or meals included?

The distillery tour is included; other entry fees or meals are not unless specified locally.

Is pickup provided for this tour?

No hotel pickup; you meet at the departure point in Edinburgh—arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Can children join this tour?

No children under 5 years old are permitted on this trip.

What are some key stops on this itinerary?

Kelpies statues, Stirling Castle, Glencoe, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Eilean Donan Castle, Isle of Skye (Portree), Kilt Rock, Old Man of Storr, Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transport options are available near the departure point in Edinburgh.

What’s included

Your five-day adventure covers comfortable travel by air-conditioned vehicle from Edinburgh through Oban, Isle of Skye and Inverness—with four nights’ stay in welcoming 3-star B&Bs along the route. You’ll get a guided whisky distillery tour with tasting at Blair Athol Distillery plus visits to Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns. A local English-speaking guide leads every step; just bring your bag (under 15kg) and let Scotland do its thing.