Outer Hebrides & Isle of Skye: 6-Day Highlands Tour with Jacobite Train

Summary

Scotland’s wild coasts, ancient tales and a ride on the Hogwarts train

You’ll feel Scotland’s wildness up close: ferry rides through misty seas, stories echoing at Glencoe and Dun Carloway broch, a dram at Harris Distillery. Ride the famous Jacobite Steam Train (if you choose), explore ancient castles and rugged beaches on this 6-day adventure—ending each night warm in a Highland B&B.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it — I booked this Outer Hebrides & Isle of Skye tour mostly for the Jacobite Steam Train. I mean, who wouldn’t want to ride the real “Hogwarts Express”? But what actually stuck with me was how every day felt like wandering into a different story. Our guide, Jamie, had this way of pausing just before sharing some old Highland legend — you could almost hear the wind waiting too. The first time we stopped at Glencoe, it was so quiet except for sheep somewhere out in the mist. He told us about the massacre there and I swear the place felt heavier, like history wasn’t finished yet.

Somewhere between Loch Ness (no monster sightings, but plenty of cold air and laughter) and that ferry out to Stornoway, I started noticing little things — peat smoke drifting from cottages on Lewis, sea spray sharp on my face near Butt of Lewis Lighthouse. We’d pile off the coach to stretch our legs or chase a view; sometimes we’d just stand there in silence until someone broke it with a joke about midges or whisky. The Harris Distillery stop was a highlight for me (I tried to say “slàinte mhath” properly — Jamie laughed and said points for effort). Lunches were always casual but hearty; one day in Ullapool I had soup so thick my spoon nearly stood up straight.

The Isle of Skye was all moody light and sudden sunbursts over mountains. Fairy tales everywhere — literally, our guide pointed out a Fairy Bridge and told us not to cross it at midnight unless we wanted trouble. Eilean Donan Castle looked unreal against the water; even with tourists around you could find your own quiet spot if you wandered off a bit. The Jacobite Steam Train itself? It really does chug across that Glenfinnan Viaduct like in the movies — windows open, soot in your hair, everyone craning for photos but also just grinning at each other because… well, you’re there.

I still think about those evenings in tiny B&Bs: tea that tasted faintly salty from sea air, tired legs after long days, swapping stories with people I’d never met before this week. If you’re looking for something polished or predictable, this isn’t it — but if you want six days where Scotland gets under your skin (in good ways), this Outer Hebrides & Isle of Skye tour is probably worth every damp sock.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel from Edinburgh to Inverness

• Travel north from Edinburgh
• Stop at The Kelpies sculptures
• Lunch in a Highland town
• Visit Glencoe and hear massacre tale
• Learn about Loch Ness monster
• Arrive in Inverness

Day 2 — Inverness to Stornoway via ferry

• Visit Corrieshalloch Gorge
• Explore Ullapool town
• Ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway
• Stop at Isle of Harris distillery

Day 3 — Explore Isle of Lewis

• Visit Dun Carloway broch
• Tour Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
• Visit Butt of Lewis lighthouse

Day 4 — Stornoway to Isle of Skye

• Visit Hebridean beach on West Harris
• Ferry to Isle of Skye

Day 5 — Explore Isle of Skye

• Explore Isle of Skye island
• Visit Fairy Bridges and Sligachan River
• Drive to Eilean Donan Castle

Day 6 — Isle of Skye to Edinburgh return

• Ferry from Armadale to Mallaig
• Lunch in Mallaig
• Ride Jacobite Steam Train or drive similar route
• Stop in Pitlochry village
• Return to Edinburgh

Top questions

How long is the Outer Hebrides & Isle of Skye tour?

The tour lasts 6 days and includes 5 nights’ accommodation in local B&Bs.

Does this tour include riding the Jacobite Steam Train?

Yes, if you select that option when booking; otherwise you'll travel by road along a similar route.

Are meals included on this Highlands tour?

Breakfast is included at each B&B; lunches and dinners are at your own expense during stops in towns or villages.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay in comfortable 3-star bed & breakfasts throughout the trip.

Is pickup included for this Scotland Highlands tour?

No hotel pickup; you meet at a central departure point in Edinburgh—arrive early for check-in.

Can children join this multi-day Scotland tour?

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

Is there luggage restriction on this Highlands coach tour?

Yes—one suitcase up to 15kg (33lbs) plus one carry-on bag per traveler.

Are ferries included between islands?

All necessary ferry crossings between Ullapool–Stornoway and Harris–Skye are included in your booking.

Will there be a local guide during the trip?

A knowledgeable English-speaking guide leads throughout; they share stories and handle logistics along the way.

What’s included

Your six-day journey covers all transport by air-conditioned midi-coach across Scotland’s Highlands and islands; ferry tickets between Ullapool–Stornoway and Harris–Skye; entry to Gearrannan Blackhouse Village; a whisky tasting at Harris Distillery; five nights’ stay in welcoming 3-star B&Bs (with breakfast); plus an optional ticket for the Jacobite Steam Train if selected when booking—all guided by an experienced local storyteller who keeps things lively from start to finish.