3 Day Isle of Skye Eilean Donan Castle and Loch Ness Tour

Day 1 Travelling to Skye

1. 1

   Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

   30 min

   Departing your hotel, we’ll head northwest towards the Scottish Highlands and The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. We’ll stop for tea/coffee and a short walk to let you breathe in the clear highland air before moving on.

2. 2

   Glencoe

   20 min

   We’ll continue deeper into the highlands, travelling over one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe, Rannoch Moor, before stopping off in Glencoe — a place world-renowned for its beauty and history. Here you’ll take in the stunning landscapes, including the Three Sisters (the three mountains that sit together) and Loch Achtriochtan, and learn about the infamous Massacre of the MacDonalds at the hands of Clan Campbell in 1692

3. 3

   Fort William

   1 hour

   After Glencoe, we’ll stop for lunch in the Fort William area, before travelling through the Great Glen and pushing out towards the Isle of Skye.

4. 4

   Commando Monument

   10 min

   We'll pause here on our journey for a view of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK.

5. 5

   Dornie

   15 min

   We’ll take a short break near the highland village of Dornie, before heading over the Skye bridge then onto Portree, Skye’s largest settlement, where you’ll check into your accommodation.

Day 2 Exploring Skye

1. 1

   Isle of Skye

   2 hours

   Head towards the very north of the island following the Trotternish Ridge, where you’ll take in the dramatic and rugged landscape.

2. 2

   The Old Man of Storr

   15 min

   View the impressive Old Man of Storr, one the the islands most iconic geological formations

3. 3

   Lealt Falls

   30 min

   Take a stunning coastal cliffside walk at Lealt Falls. On a clear day you'll see towards the Island of Rona, its lighthouse and mainland Scotland beyond.
   Be on the lookout here from the remains of a 100 year old mine.

4. 4

   Kilt Rock

   10 min

   Kilt Rock itself is made up of Volcanic Basalt, the columns closely resemble the pleats of a Kilt - hence the name!
   From this viewpoint you can see out into the Atlantic Ocean, with a waterfall just beside you.

5. 5

   Quiraing

   45 min

   Venture up the Quiraing, to take in the cinematic landscape.
   This is one of the best views on the island!

6. 6

   Isle of Skye

   4 hours

   Day two is your day to explore the incredible Isle of Skye. Please discuss with your guide at morning pick up.
   The itinerary is flexible and will include a choice of the following:
   • Visit a local whisky distillery (£) (subject to availability).
   • Delve into the history of Skye and the Clan MacLeod at Dunvegan Castle and Gardens. (£)
   • Hike to the iconic Fairy Pools (approx. 2.5 mile/4km hike).

Day 3 Travelling from Skye

1. 1

   Eilean Donan Castle

   1 hour 15 min Admission ticket not included

   We’ll depart Skye first thing and make our way off the island towards our first stop – Eilean Donan Castle.(£)
   This 13th Century castle sits on its own island, which is how it gets its name! Eilean Donan means “Island of Donan” and refers to St Donan, who lived on the island at the beginning of the seventh century when Christianity was first introduced to the Western Isles. Located at the confluence point of three sea lochs, it was constructed originally to help fortify the coastline against the Vikings.
   The Castle has also featured in movies like Highlander, Entrapment, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, and the James Bond film The World is Not Enough.

2. 2

   Loch Ness

   1 hour 15 min

   From the castle we’ll head inland towards the infamous Loch Ness.

3. 3

   Fort Augustus

   1 hour 30 min

   Fort Augustus sits at the south end of the loch and features a section of the Caledonian Canal, which connects the east coast of Scotland with the west coast. You’ll have some free time here to explore and get some lunch.

4. 4

   Cairngorms National Park

   1 hour 30 min

   Leaving the famous waters behind we’ll travel eastward again through The Cairngorms National Park, Scotland’s largest National Park.

5. 5

   Pitlochry

   45 min

   Our route will meander into the eastern highlands towards the Victorian town of Pitlochry, nestled amidst the Perthshire hills. The town was once a very popular destination for those venturing north via the railways.
   This will be our final stop before driving south, exiting the Scottish Highlands and saying goodbye to you after an action packed three days.