The Highlanders Trail

We begin our journey in Edinburgh, a city rich in history dating back to the 11th century. The imposing Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland’s crown jewels, overlooks the vibrant Old Town, steeped in culture and heritage. Our adventure unfolds as we travel along the M9 to Stirling, making a picturesque stop at the Kelpies—majestic sculptures that celebrate Scotland’s working horses. In Stirling, we delve into history at the towering Wallace Monument and the storied Stirling Castle, exploring its grand halls after a delightful lunch.

Continuing to Glencoe, we are enveloped by breathtaking landscapes, famed for their dramatic beauty and the notorious Glencoe massacre. After passing through charming villages, we check into the Kingshouse Hotel, where we’ll enjoy the stunning surroundings for a couple of nights. Here, we embark on scenic walks along the West Highland Way, surrounded by wildlife and stunning views, culminating in a rewarding trek back to our hotel for an exquisite dinner.

Next, we travel to the enchanting Isle of Skye, stopping at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle before reaching Portree, where we settle into the Skeabost House Hotel for a four-night stay. Our exploration continues with visits to the magical Fairy Pools, where clear blue waters and cascading waterfalls beckon. After lunch at the Oyster Shed, we venture to Neist Point lighthouse, renowned for its seabirds and dramatic cliffs.

We hike to the striking Old Man of Storr and enjoy some free time in Portree to soak in the local atmosphere. The dramatic landscapes continue to unfold as we explore the Quiraing and the Fairy Glen, known for their unique beauty. Departing Skye, we travel the scenic North Coast 500, stopping at Corrieshalloch Gorge and Ullapool for lunch, followed by a visit to the intriguing Bone Caves, rich in geological history.

Our journey leads us to Sandwood Bay, a pristine beach accessible only by foot, where we relax and enjoy a picnic before continuing along the North Coast 500. We traverse remote landscapes to reach Colbackie Beach, pausing in Durness to explore one of Britain’s largest limestone caves. As we navigate around Loch Eriboll, framed by the impressive Ben Hope, we visit the Castle and Gardens of Mey, once a holiday retreat for the Queen Mother, before boarding an evening ferry to Stromness in Orkney. Here, we settle into our apartments in Kirkwall.

In Kirkwall, we immerse ourselves in the rich history of this Viking settlement, visiting the stunning St Magnus Cathedral and the esteemed Highland Park Whisky Distillery. Our exploration includes a ferry to Hoy, where rugged hills and dramatic coastal cliffs lead us to the iconic Old Man of Hoy, followed by a scenic walk and a relaxing stop at Emily Café.

We marvel at the ancient village of Skara Brae, over 5,000 years old, and the prehistoric Ring of Brodgar, before returning to Kirkwall for a free evening. Crossing back to the mainland, we explore Dunrobin Castle, the ancestral home of the Earls of Sutherland, and experience an exciting falconry demonstration. Our travels take us south to Perthshire, where we settle into a picturesque hotel.

We walk through the haunting forests of Glenshee, encountering Highland cows and wild deer, and ascend a nearby Munro for panoramic views. After a well-deserved dinner, we enjoy a free morning at Dalmunzie Castle, with options for golf or a visit to the nearby Persie Gin Distillery for a tasting. Our journey culminates with a visit to Scone Palace, the historic coronation site of Scottish kings, before returning to Edinburgh, where our adventure concludes. For those wishing to extend their experience, options for an autumn photo walk with photographer Tim Perceval are available.