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Grampian Mountains

Grampian Mountains: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Edinburgh: 3-Day Isle of Skye, Highlands & Loch Ness

1. From Edinburgh: 3-Day Isle of Skye, Highlands & Loch Ness

Embark on a 3-day guided trip to the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh. See the Glencoe Valley and the Eilean Donan Castle. Admire the rolling pastures of the Isle of Skye and visit lake Loch Ness. Day 1 From Edinburgh, you will head west where your first stop will be at the picturesque conservation village of Luss, on the ‘Bonny, Bonny’ banks of Loch Lomond. Traveling north via Tyndrum you will pass over the atmospheric Rannoch Moor before enjoying time to walk and admire the dramatic Glencoe valley, site of the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald Clan. After lunch in the Fort William area, your tour will pause for photos at Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, then stop to admire Glen Garry and the stunning Five Sisters of Kintail mountain range. Your first day ends in the charming village of Portree, on the Isle of Skye. Day 2 After breakfast, your will depart Portree for a full day’s touring - options include Dunvegan Castle, a trip to Uig, and a visit to Flora MacDonald’s grave and the unique Black Houses, ancient dwellings of the Scottish Highlanders. Other options include viewing Duntulum Castle, enjoying breathtaking views of Kilt Rock, or perhaps a bracing walk at the Lealt Falls. The day will end with the opportunity to admire the Old Man of Storr, before returning to Portree. Day 3 You will commence your final day of the tour via the much-admired Eilean Donan Castle, the backdrop for the movie, ‘Highlander’; (interior closed in winter) then move on to the pretty lochside village of Fort Augustus for lunch and views of Loch Ness. The tour continues south over Laggan and the Grampian mountains with the last stop, for refreshments, in the Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, before returning to Edinburgh, where the tour will end.

From Edinburgh: Isle of Skye 3-Day Tour with Accommodation

2. From Edinburgh: Isle of Skye 3-Day Tour with Accommodation

Enjoy a full 3 days exploring the dramatic scenery of the Scottish Highlands and the romance of the island of Skye in a small group tour. Dhoose your accommodation to suit your own budget and you will get an exclusive discount card to receive discounts at local restaurants and shops. Day 1: Depart Edinburgh by luxury Mercedes minibus at and travel west, passing Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Continue towards Stirling with its imposing castle and views of the Wallace Monument. You will pass Doune Castle, movie location for scenes from Monty Python's infamous "Holy Grail," before stopping at the edge of the Highlands for refreshments. As you drive into the Highlands you will pass Loch Luibnaig, Loch Earn, Crianlarich and Tyndrum, stopping for lunch along the way. Drive north through Glencoe, scene of the great massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. Continue to Fort William and up to the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, offering magnificent views over Ben Nevis. Next you will take the "Road to the Isles," through the splendor of the 5 Sisters of Kintail, the mountains that guard the pass to the Isle of Skye. Stop to visit the famous Eilean Donan Castle, used in the film "Highlander" and located at the junction of 3 lochs as protection against Viking raiders. Crossing over the bridge to Skye, you head north to Portree where you will be dropped off at your accommodation. Enjoy an evening and dinner at leisure, exploring the town’s Gaelic attractions and harborside. Day 2: You will spend the day on the Isle of Skye with flexible arrangements. There are many possibilities, depending on the weather, and the dynamics of your group. Your driver/ guide's local knowledge will come to the fore to arrange the best day for everyone. You could travel north to explore the Trotternish Peninsula with its stunning Quiraing mountain pass and some of Skye's extraordinary geological scenery. Or head to Kilt Rock, composed of basalt columns that are reminiscent of the pleats in a kilt. Enjoy the magic of the waterfall, cascading over cliffs and down into the sea below. Take a short break for lunch, before continuing to explore this most dramatic of islands. Head in a westerly direction to Dunvegan castle, the ancestral home of Clan Macleod, or enjoy spectacular views at Neist Point, the most westerly point of Skye. Return you to your accommodation in Portree in the early evening to enjoy dinner and the rest of the evening at leisure. Day 3: Your driver will collect you from your accommodation and head south through the Cuillin Hills, back over to the mainland for stunning views over Loch Duich and the 5 Sisters of Kintail. Move on to Loch Ness for lunch. Look out for "Nessie," the mysterious monster that has haunted and confounded visitors since the 1950s. Head south through the Grampian Mountains along Loch Laggan, famous as the location for the TV miniseries "Monarch of the Glen," before passing Dalwhinnie, home to Scotland's highest whisky distillery. You will pause for refreshments at Blair Castle, before heading back to Edinburgh via Perth and over the extraordinary Forth Road Bridge.

From Glasgow: Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Tour

3. From Glasgow: Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Tour

Embark on a full-day guided bus tour of the Scottish Highlands from Glasgow. Marvel at the wild beauty of the Scottish countryside and visit highlights, including Loch Lomond and Loch Ness. Head north towards the Highlands and admire the lush pastures of the Scottish countryside from an air-conditioned bus. Stop for a cup of tea or coffee at a café on the shores of Loch Lomond before ascending into the Highlands. Traverse the desolate landscape of Rannoch Moor and the Black Mount to Glencoe, the site of the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan. Learn about the events and history of the area from your guide. After lunch in the Fort William area, pass beneath Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and into the Great Glen. At Loch Ness, opt for a sightseeing cruise on the loch or choose to admire the views from the shore. On your way back to Glasgow, cross the Grampian Mountains and admire the woodland scenery of Perthshire, including the Forest of Atholl.

From Edinburgh: Loch Ness and Highlands Tour in Spanish

4. From Edinburgh: Loch Ness and Highlands Tour in Spanish

Discover the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands on this guided day trip from Edinburgh. Depart from Edinburgh's city center and head towards the Scottish Highlands. Pass by Stirling and catch a glimpse of the incredible Stirling Castle. Travel through Trossachs National Park and stop in Callander, where you can buy a drink and a light snack. Continue up to Glen Coe and take as many photos as you want. Journey past the village of Fort William and arrive at Fort Augustus. Explore the area with free time to take an optional boat cruise on Loch Ness, grab lunch, or just relax in the village. Stop at the Commando Memorial and listen to stories of the Second World War. From there, catch a glimpse of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. Finish your tour at the town of Pitlochry and relax with a drink in one of its pubs. Return to your meeting point in Edinburgh at the conclusion of your tour.

Isle of Skye and West Highlands: 4-Day Tour from Edinburgh

5. Isle of Skye and West Highlands: 4-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Embark on a breathtaking 4-day journey through the Scottish countryside, enjoying the grandeur of the Scottish glens, mountains and coastlines at a relaxed pace. Spend some time exploring the beautiful Isle of Skye and stop to take in the dramatic views of untouched nature as you pass the dramatic Glencoe and Glenfinnan. Day 1: Edinburgh - The Kelpies - Glencoe - Fort William Depart Edinburgh at 9:15 AM and travel northwest to visit the Kelpies, the largest pair of horse sculptures in the world and one of Scotland's most fascinating modern marvels. For lunch, stop in either of the small towns of Killin or Callander, passing through beautiful lochs and castles. After enjoying beautiful views of rivers, lochs, and forests, cross the wild and remote Rannoch Moor, a beautiful location for photographers and nature lovers. You then travel to Glencoe, one of Scotland's most famous landscapes, before heading towards Fort William, where the tour stays for the first night. Day 2: Fort William - Mallaig – Skye After breakfast, get picked up from your accommodation and travel by Glenfinnan Viaduct. It's one of the most spectacular railway bends in Britain and featured in the Harry Potter movies. There is also an iconic monument that commemorates the Jacobites who fought for Scottish independence. After arriving in Mallaig, take the ferry with your group to the southern area of the Isle of Skye. Spend your afternoon exploring the incredible landscapes of the Sleat Peninsula, with potential stops at the waterfalls of Glenbrittle or Cuillin Mountains in Elgol. The tour then heads towards the Lochalsh/Skye area, the base for the next two nights. Day 3: Travel through Skye's most iconic scenery Today the tour offers great opportunities to enjoy some of the most famous wonders of Skye, such as Quiraing, Old Man of Storr, Neist Point, etc. This day's itinerary is quite flexible, depending on the weather and the group's interests. Your experienced guide will choose a unique itinerary and will ensure you get a chance to get off the beaten track and discover what the Isle of Skye has to offer. Day 4: Skye - Dunkeld - Edinburgh This morning you say farewell to Skye and travel south through Glen Shiel towards the Central Highlands. Stop at the historic village of Dunkeld, and have the opportunity to visit the ruins of the old cathedral. The tour then heads through the Lowlands, over the Firth of Forth, and gets back to Edinburgh at approximately 6:30 PM.

From Edinburgh: Loch Ness and Scottish Highlands Day Tour

6. From Edinburgh: Loch Ness and Scottish Highlands Day Tour

Start your full-day tour of the Scottish Highlands by passing Linlithgow Palace—the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots—and arriving at the National Wallace Monument. Here, your guide will reveal the story of Scottish hero William Wallace, whose victory against the English was adapted for Braveheart. Take a glimpse of Doune Castle, a medieval stronghold that fans of Monty Python, Game of Thrones, and Outlander will recognize. After a morning coffee stop in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, the tour continues to either the Highland gateway village of Callander or Loch Lubnaig.  Marvel at the fantastic views from Loch Tulla then travel across the wilderness of Rannoch Moor to Glen Coe. This magical setting may look familiar, as it was a set location in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. A lunch stop is next up on the itinerary before heading to Loch Ness for some monster spotting. A boat trip on the lake is available as a tour option. Enjoy views of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain, and return to Edinburgh via the Grampian Mountains and Highland Perthshire.

Outer Hebrides & Isle of Skye: 6-Day Guided Tour

7. Outer Hebrides & Isle of Skye: 6-Day Guided Tour

Head to the Outer Hebrides and the Isle of Skye on a 6-day excursion to experience pre-historic sites, remote sandy beaches, stunning seascapes, dramatic landscapes, and picturesque villages. Travel in comfort with a small group, enjoying personalized attention and accommodation in guesthouses and B&Bs. Detailed Itinerary Day 1 Travel north into the Scottish highlands, stopping at the historic village of Dunkeld for a short walk through the forest to some waterfalls. Continue north through the Grampian Mountains to the Spey Valley, where you’ll have lunch. In the afternoon you’ll see world-famous Loch Ness and stop in Inverness. Visit the impressive waterfalls at Corrieshalloch Gorge before arriving in the fishing port of Ullapool for your overnight stay. Day 2 Catch the morning ferry for a 2-hour sail along Loch Broom, past the Summer Isles and then out across the Minch to Stornoway, the main town on Lewis and the capital of the Outer Hebrides. Keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and seabirds during the crossing. In the afternoon you’ll explore the north-west coast from Arnol, through traditional crofting townships to the Port of Ness and the very northern tip of the island. Overnight in Stornoway. Day 3 Spend the day exploring some of the prehistoric remains on the island and visit its finest beaches. The fascinating circular stone fort, or Broch, at Carloway will be your first stop, followed by more traditional crofting communities such as Gearrannan and Shawbost. Then it’s on to Callanish with its mysterious ancient stone circle. In the afternoon you’ll head to the remote district of Uig with its fine sandy beaches at Bhaltos, and dramatic sea cliffs and rugged hills. Overnight in Stornoway. Day 4 Travel south from the wild moorlands of Lewis to the more mountainous Harris, which is almost, but not quite, an island on its own. Famous for the locally produced cloth, Harris Tweed, it is also home to the highest mountains in the Outer Hebrides and the stunning white sands of Luskentyre. After a morning of exploring South Harris you’ll stop for lunch in the small port of Tarbet. Catch the late afternoon ferry to Skye and continue on to the picturesque village of Plockton for your overnight stay. Day 5 This is your day to explore the Isle of Skye. There are many possibilities depending on the weather and your driver/guide will decide on the best day out for the group. You might head west to Dunvegan Castle, the 13th-century home of the Clan Macleod, to the emerald green valley of Glendale, or to the dramatic sea-cliffs and lonely lighthouse at Neist Point. In the afternoon the tour may concentrate on the south of the island. Spend time at Elgol to admire the seascapes and views of the Cuillin, or Talisker and its beautiful bay or Glenbrittle and its famed waterfalls. Overnight in Plockton. Day 6 The return journey to Edinburgh has many highlights, including the Eilean Donan Castle, Fort William, and the dramatic scenery and dark history of Glencoe. The last stop of the day will be in Killin, beside the Falls of Dochart, before arriving in Edinburgh.

Other Sightseeing Options in Grampian Mountains

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What people are saying about Grampian Mountains

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 1,793 reviews

Wonderful, well planned tour. There aren't any stops to visit the inside of castles along the way, but it makes up for it by taking you to breathtaking sights of the isle of Skye, loch Ness, 5 sisters of Kintail, and so much more. This trip is a great way to familiarize yourself with what the beautiful country of Scotland has to offer, especially if you have no private transportation. You will be put up in a cozy little B&B for the 2 nights where you get to explore the local town. Our guide, Robert, was accommodating, enthusiastic, kind, and eager to show off his home. He had so much information and so many stories to tell. We had a marvelous time and half of it was attributable to the proficiency of our guide and the other half to the wonders of nature that is Scotland. We will definitely be back!

My tour guide Doug was amazing! He was funny, knowledgeable and very accommodating. We didn’t get to see a few places in the itinerary because of the icy roads, which was very unfortunate. But still managed to visit a places and see beautiful sceneries across Isle of Skye. Highly recommended, and will definitely give it a go again.

The tour was incredibly well organised with clear timings and good communication from the company with booking accomodation on a multiple day tour. Our bus driver (Jim) was an amazing driver and felt incredibly safe when driving along one lane roads.

Trip was very worth it. Our guide Andrew was funny and friendly. He was also very flexible with the itinerary based on our interests. The accommodation booked by the tour provider was very comfortable.

Jim was our driver-guide, he was experienced with Scotland's histories, fun facts and the weather in Isle of Skye.