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Scotland

From the Lowlands to the Highlands & Islands, Scotland is a wild and majestic land full of soaring peaks, beautiful lochs, stunning castles and rich traditions – paradise for anyone who appreciates the magic of the great outdoors.

Drama, Romance and Excitement

Scotland is synonymous with wild, dramatic scenery, the ancient romance of the clan system and their castles and tartans, and we blend that together with our unrivalled local knowledge to create adventurous and inspiring travel experiences that, in some cases, will transform lives.  

Hike, bike, paddle or sail on the rewarding journeys we create through majestic landscapes, that over time, appear to have inherited the perfect proportions of mountain, forest, loch and sea. Learn new skills from local artisans and craftspeople, join in a musical ceilidh, taste the fresh cuisine in our favourite hidden foodie spots, and soak up the ancient history and legends at one of the many fairytale castles, crumbling forts, and ancient monuments.

We invite you to work with us to build purposeful and enriching travel experiences to some of the UK’s most magical regions, from remote islands to quaint villages and wild backcountry.

Whatever the motivation for travelling, Scotland provides the ideal playground for active, experiential, cultural and nature-based travel experiences.

Learn more about Scotland’s regions and the iconic locations that have made it a must-visit destination for many travellers.

Regions of Scotland

Scotland hosts great mountain ranges and dramatic glens, wild coastlines and a vast network of islands, as well as sleepy village and rolling farmland dotted with sheep. Read on to see a more detailed description of the regions of Scotland.

The exact boundary of the Scottish Highlands changes depending on who you speak to but one thing everyone can agree on is the incredible diversity of landscapes, wildlife and history it contains. Occupying the northwestern upland regions of Scotland, the Highlands are home to some of the highest mountains and great open spaces in Britain.

At the heart of Scottish Highlands, the Cairngorms National Park is filled with stunning glens, forests and lochs, interlinked by forest trails that are a walker or mountain bikers dream. From the Great Glen to Speyside and Loch Ness, the central Highlands offer fantastic walking trails, stunning lakes, and plenty of Scottish whiskies. The northwest Highlands are a canvas of dramatic peaks made of Torridonian sandstone, wooded glens and intricate lochs. Recognised for their wild natural beauty, the North West Highlands are UNESCO-endorsed and enjoy European Geopark status in recognition of their outstanding geology and landscape.

The western Highlands are a huge playground of mountains, valleys and coastlines that are a walkers paradise. The turquoise waters are just right for sea kayaking, and the landscape and coastline combine to form the perfect home for Scotland’s most iconic wildlife species. Regardless of whether visitors are looking to discover the wild landscapes on foot, by bike, or paddling, the Highlands have it all.

Scotland’s coasts are home to a complex system of islands big and small. As varied as they are beautiful, the islands of Scotland are often broken down into a few groups. The Inner Hebrides, which includes the famous Isle of Skye, as well as Eigg, Rum and Mull, offer stunning landscapes and rich local communities proud of their island heritage. Looking to visit more than one island? Islay, Jura, Gigha, Mull and Iona are perfect for island hopping.

Further away from the mainland lie the Outer Hebrides and the Isles of Lewis and Harris, as well as a number of smaller less-visited islands. Here, find ancient archaeology (like the Callanish Standing Stones which actually pre-date Stonehenge), clifftop lighthouses and stunning turquoise beaches like that of Luskentyre Beach.

The Orkney Islands are also a fascinating place to visit, home to a wealth of Neolithic Era monuments, including the ancient village of Skara Brae. Want something truly unique? The far-flung St. Kilda (the UK’s only dual UNESCO World Heritage Site) is an eerie, teacup-sized evacuated in 1930 due to its remote location.

True to its name, the Scottish Lowlands are flatter and more fertile than the Highlands, meaning that this region has traditionally been more populous. This is where you’ll find two of Scotland’s major cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Dotted with quaint villages, fields of sheep and stunning castles, the Lowlands and the Scottish Borders have a subtle beauty from rolling hills and lush glens to winding rivers and a beautiful coastline.

The quiet country roads, fewer visitors, little-explored corners and low hills of the Lowlands make this an ideal region in which to explore by bike. A journey through the Lowlands is also easy to combine with a trip across the border to northern England.

Biking isn’t the only activity here though – walking in the Lowlands is also great, and there is plenty of history in which to get immersed. There are a multitude of activities available, such as canoeing, fishing, boat trips, and horse riding. For visitors interested in culture, there are plenty of castles, historical monuments and even some Roman sites. And of course, nothing beats a stroll along the shining cobblestones of Edinburgh’s beautiful streets or a visit to the impressive castle above the city.

Icons of Scotland

Most destinations will of course have their icons and must sees. Learn more about some of Scotland’s most beloved corners – and see how we go beyond the beaten track to visit these amazing places in a unique manner.

North Coast 500

The North Coast 500, often described as Scotland’s Route 66, takes in some of the country’s most impressive wild places, from the mountains and lochs of Wester Ross and Assynt to the rugged sea cliffs of Sutherland. This is an epic route, offering ever-changing scenery, a plethora of cultural sites, and a chance to take in the untamed beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

Starting and ending in the Highland Capital of Inverness, the 500 mi/800 km route around Scotland’s North Coast offers an unforgettable trip of a lifetime. There are many options to take in the North Coast 500. One option is of course to drive the route, allowing for more flexibility and ease to detour to sites of interest along the way. Those looking for a bit more of a challenge can choose to slow things down and bike the North Coast 500 through this spectacular landscape.

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Loch Ness

Loch Ness is a long, deep 23-mile-long lake tucked into the Highlands. Just a short distance from Inverness, this wild loch is famous for its mythical resident – the enigmatic Loch Ness Monster. Every year, a handful of sightings of Nessie are reported in the dark waters. Rumour has it that Nessie resides in a sub-aqua cave beneath Urquhart Castle, the ruins of a magnificent medieval fortress on the banks of Loch Ness.

While most people only see the loch from its shores, the best way to experience the loch (and try to spot Nessie) is by water, such as an exhilarating zodiac RIB trip to the castle. You might like to meet up with a local Nessie expert along the way, or for those who prefer something a little more adventurous, there are options to paddle the area, such as a canoe trip down the Caledonian Canal onto Loch Ness.

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Isle of Skye

From gentle bays to wave-ravaged peninsulas, elegant glens and wild rock formations, the Isle of Skye is possibly Scotland’s most beloved island. Though popular, this large island has plenty of quiet corners. Of course, the unforgettable landscape of the Quiraing is a must see for many. But Skye offers much more beyond this.

Taking visitors off the well-trodden path, how about exploring lesser-known peninsulas, or learning about the Highland Clearances while walking through the ruined villages? Or take a small boat out to a remote and pristine loch with the chance to spot seals, sea birds and perhaps even deer. Island hop to the little-visited Isle of Raasay for gentle hiking and a chance to taste the local whisky.

Clients will enjoy some of the best island scenery in Britain while our expert guides interpret the landscapes with the stories, myths and legends passed down through generations that make the island so magical and mysterious.

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Glencoe

In the dark and dramatic mountains and glens of Glencoe, there is incredible hiking to be found as well as tragic history. While the hiking can be challenging, it is worth the effort as this is one of the most wild and dramatic places in Britain. Used as a location in many films, the landscape comes to life with images of fierce battles that were fought amongst the dramatic beauty of the heather-covered slopes.

Glencoe is undoubtedly one of the most jaw-dropping places in Scotland. Depending on the time of year, the purple heather can be so vibrant it can take your breath away, and in autumn, the eerie roar of the rutting stags echoes through the glen on misty mornings.

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Edinburgh

Edinburgh often feels like a fairytale. From old cobblestone streets to Victorian facades and the majestic ever-watchful castle overlooking the city, Edinburgh is the epitome of the beautiful European capital. The capital of Scotland is lively too, by both day and night. The city is famous for the Hogmanay festival on New Year’s Eve, but no matter when you visit Edinburgh, it is an amazing city to wander. Edinburgh plays host to many festivals each year, from Hogmanay to the summertime Fringe Festival, hosts several museums, many shops and restaurants.

Easily accessible by flight or by train (including the Caledonian Sleeper train from London), Edinburgh is a great starting point for any Scotland itinerary. Our network of comfortable and elegant accommodation, great walking guides, delicious foodie hangouts and lesser-known experiences will make a trip to Edinburgh magical.

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Our Tours to Scotland

Self-Drive and Hiking in the Highlands


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This ready to book, self-drive itinerary explores the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye, combining privately guided activities with the freedom to journey at your own pace. Take a boat trip on Loch Ness, visit history-filled castles, and enjoy privately guided hikes as you discover the history, landscapes and culture of the Scottish Highlands. Finish each day in special locations, relaxing in comfort in 4 star boutique hotels, with options for fine dining or relaxed gastro-pub meals in each location.

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Our Tours to Scotland

Family Adventure in the Scottish Highlands


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Take an enthralling family adventure as you travel through the Scottish Highlands, experiencing the highlights and picking your favourite activities to make this a truly personalised experience. Get up close and personal with local wildlife, relive history as you explore ancient castles, and set-jet as you visit locations used in Harry Potter movies and Outlander! Along the way you’ll seek out the Loch Ness Monster, visit the mystical Isle of Skye, and take on a range of outdoor activities, led by expert guides.

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Our Tours to Scotland

Insider’s Experience


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This itinerary is designed so that the best elements of the journey are included for all travellers, but there are also several days when guests can choose how they would like to spend their time, personalising the itinerary to match their interests.

It’s a journey through the Scottish Highlands which allows you to experience Scotland from the cold side of the window, getting out into nature and meeting real Scots – rather than just observing the scenery as it passes by. Stay in a castle, ride on a steam train and experience the majesty of Loch Lomond, Glencoe and Cairngorms National Park.

And in each location, choose the experiences which will make this the perfect trip for you. It’s our Scotland, experienced your way.

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