My Heart is in the Highlands: A Journey to Scotland 2025

Today we say farewell to Oban for now as we delve into the highlights of the Scottish Highlands. It was Scotland’s beloved poet Robert ‘Rabbie’ Burns who rightly put: ‘Wherever I wander, wherever I rove, the hills of the Highlands forever I’ll love.’ As we make our way north, you’ll start to realise why we love this landscape so much. Snapshots of mountain ranges perfectly silhouetted against a dusty grey sky, looming over rolling valleys and quiet lochs. Passing through wee villages and spotting Scotland’s wildlife hiding among the brush.

We arrive in the famous Scottish valley of Glen Coe. The sheer majesty of the surrounding mountain scenery will fill up your camera, and once we reach the Three Sister’s Viewpoint, you’ll feel certain that you’ve slipped into a dream. Whether it’s sunny or foggy, raining or snowing, this valley is as striking as they come. We carry on further north along some of Scotland’s beautiful coastline, past wee beaches, and through villages and towns alike, taking us closer to a site that’s become pretty famous here in Scotland. Glenfinnan Viaduct sits pretty with a view over Loch Shiel, and you’ll be able to see it yawning out ahead of you at our next stop.

The Glenfinnan Viaduct is known as the ‘Harry Potter bridge’, from the start of the second movie when Harry and Ron attempt to catch up to the Hogwarts Express. We can’t guarantee that the Jacobite Steam Train will pass over the bridge, but it remains a wonderful viewpoint and incredible feat of engineering. We head to Fort Augustus, situated on the banks of Loch Ness. Time to find Nessie for yourself? Here you’ll have time to grab a quick bite to eat and jump on an hour-long cruise on the loch, giving you plenty of time to ponder what (else) might lurk beneath the dark waters. Or, if you’d prefer, take a wee stroll to the loch and try to spot the monster from shore.

As we make our way back to Oban for another evening, we’ll see some more of Scotland’s most beautiful views, including the dramatic Castle Stalker situated on a wee tidal island. Your camera is sure to be bursting by now, and it’s only halfway through the trip. But that’s the thing about Scotland, there’s almost too much to see – but we’re here to guide you to the memorable spots.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Oban. (B)

We love starting our days off strong, and that’s why we head to Kilchurn Castle first thing this morning. This power base of the Campbells of Glenorchy looks out over the mystic Loch Awe. It’s all in the name really. It’s one of the most photographed castles in Scotland for a reason.

We continue through Scotland’s famous Highlands, making stops depending on the weather and the interests of the group. One thing is certain: you’ll need space on your camera. The Highlands cover nearly 10,000 square miles, and while we’ll only be seeing a tiny fraction of that today, you’ll quickly realise just how much there is to see. We arrive in the village of Killin, nestled in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. While a popular destination for salmon fishing and watersports, you’ll be visiting today for a wee explore and a bite to eat. Make sure to take in the serene beauty of the Falls of Dochart that run through the small town.

We’ll pass through the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, a luscious landscape of wooded hills and rugged mountains, even spotting the striking Loch Lubnaig. This wee freshwater loch is nestled between two striking mountains, also known as bens here – Ben Ledi and Ben Vorlich. In Gaelic, Lùbnaig means ‘crooked’, an apt description for this quirky little loch. Next, you’ll be visiting one of Scotland’s most famous castles, the ‘Key to Scotland’. Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s greatest stone castles, a 12th- century masterpiece that is a testament to the history and power of this region. Instead of exploring the castle, you could pop down the hill to the town of Stirling.

The rest of your new tour friends will be joining you down here eventually, since this is our overnight stop. Wander the cobbled streets of this lovely medieval town exploring the various shops and attractions like their Old Town Jail, before settling down at one of its many eateries for a good Scottish feed. Perhaps you’ll even make your own way up to the National Wallace Monument by foot, a 220 ft tower on the shoulder of the Abbey Craig dedicated to the famous Scottish warrior Sir William Wallace. Whatever you choose, you’ll sleep well tonight under the shadowed guard of Stirling’s impressive castle.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Stirling. (B)

We’ll be saying goodbye to Scotland today but not before popping in for a visit at Scotland’s capital, the magical city of Edinburgh. There’s just something about Edinburgh. Maybe it’s the sound of cars driving on cobblestone streets. Perhaps it’s the way Edinburgh Castle watches over the city in quiet contemplation. Maybe it’s the peaceful beauty of Dean Village. Or maybe it’s the history-infused alleyways of the Old Town.

Whichever part of Edinburgh you fall in love with, you’ll have several hours here to explore and grab a bite to eat. If you haven’t yet indulged in some of Scotland’s must-have foods, now is the time. But which will it be? Cullen Skink? Haggis? Something deep fried and naughty? Perhaps all of the above, if you’re so inclined. And all of it washes down well with a dram of whisky or two, since this afternoon the driving will be taken care of by someone else. Why not, we say? And since walking is good for digestion, why not walk it off with a wander up the Royal Mile or perhaps you’ll climb Arthur’s Seat for a jaw-dropping view over the city?

Now an important decision must be made: do you stay in Scotland or return to England? Because that part’s up to you. Perhaps you’ll leave the tour here and linger in Edinburgh a while, like many of its ghosts have done, and explore bonnie Scotland a wee bit further. Or perhaps you’ll join us on a journey back down south to the vibrant city of Manchester. England will step up this afternoon, reminding you why she’s just as beautiful as Scotland, and we’ll make several comfort stops along the way, passing once again through the Lake District.

And as you reminisce on the adventure you’ve just experienced, we’ll arrive in Manchester in the early evening. The city greets you with as much history and beauty as it does light and energy. A vibrant and diverse foodie scene awaits the hungry traveller, and though we say farewell to the end of this tour, it’s more a ‘until next time’ than it is goodbye. (B)