Highland Explorer: Skye & Far North 2023/2024

Today, you explore the far northwest Highlands and the mountains of Assynt. This area is famous as being the first crofting area to be bought by the local crofters, the Assynt Crofters’ Trust.

You’re immersed in the history of the area and visit the 15th century ruins of Ardvreck Castle, once the stronghold of the MacLeods of Assynt.

The day is full of amazing views of some of Europe’s oldest landscapes, the stunning white sand beach at Achmelvich Bay, and the traditional fishing village of Lochinver.

You spend the night in the picturesque fishing village of Ullapool. (B)

You head south to take in the drama of the River Droma’s 60m plunge into the Corrieshalloch Gorge.

From here, you travel past the mountains of the Beinn Eighe nature reserve and along the picturesque coastline of Loch Torridon.

After your lunch stop in Applecross, you take one of the highest and most exhilarating roads in Scotland, Bealach na Ba.

In the afternoon, you stop in “tropical” Plockton, where you can see palm trees growing alongside Loch Carron and take time to enjoy its sheltered serenity. Then it’s over the sea to Skye and the delightful harbour town of Portree. (B)

Today is a flexible day on Skye; and your driver-guide ensures you take a unique route that suits the weather, the local events, and your group’s interests.

You can travel north to the Trotternish Ridge and beyond. Here you find the geological wonders like Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the stunning mountain pass of the Quiraing. Or your guide may take you back in time and teach you about the legends and clan culture surrounding the 13th-century home of the Clan MacLeod, Dunvegan Castle.

You return to Portree in the evening. (B)

Travel south from Skye and visit the famous stronghold, Eilean Donan Castle.

Continuing east through the rugged mountains of Kintail, you drive down through Glen Garry past Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and onto Fort William for lunch.

In the afternoon, you explore spectacular Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692.

You then start your journey towards Edinburgh. (B)