Glen Affric, Culloden & Clava Cairns

We depart from Inverness and step back in time at the ancient burial site of Clava Cairns, a remarkable Bronze Age cemetery that has stood for over 4,000 years. This atmospheric site is a perfect spot for photos, with its stone circles and burial mounds creating a mysterious, timeless setting. They say the stone circle here was the inspiration for the Craigh na Dun time portal in the Outlander books. While your driver-guide can’t promise any time travel, exploring this ancient site feels like a journey to the distant past, offering a rare glimpse into Scotland’s rich prehistoric heritage.

Next, you visit Culloden, one of the most significant sites in Scottish history. It was here that the 60-year series of Jacobite uprisings came to a devastating end in 1746, with the Battle of Culloden marking the final confrontation fought on British soil. At the visitor center, you can delve into the story of the battle and pay tribute to those who lost their lives. For Outlander fans, Culloden holds an extra layer of significance—it’s not far from the battlefield where Claire and Jamie shared their tearful farewell before Jamie joined the Jacobite army to fight for the Stuarts.

Following this, we journey to a more tranquil spot: Beauly. Here, you can explore the historic ruins of Beauly Priory, founded by French monks in the 13th century. Named ‘Beau Lieu’ (beautiful place), the serene site offers a glimpse into monastic life of the past and provides a peaceful atmosphere for reflection. You’ll have enough time to explore the village itself and have some lunch. Then we ramble along to Glen Affric and stop off for walks amongst the indigenous Caledonian pine trees. You get the chance to enjoy views over Loch Affric and the mountains beyond, and your driver-guide ensures you go to the best waterfalls and photo spots throughout the afternoon.

Your final journey takes you along the mysterious shores of Loch Ness and back to the centre of Inverness for the early evening.