5-Day Ultimate Highland Adventure

Edinburgh to Inverness, over to Skye, down through Oban and the Trossachs, and back to Edinburgh, with hostel stays the whole way. The most-reviewed multi-day package on this site: 1,026 reviews at 4.9 stars.

Overview

MacBackpackers runs this five-day loop out of Edinburgh, and the shape of it is simple: north to Inverness, across to Skye, then back down the west coast to Oban before returning through the Trossachs. Check-in happens at Castle Rock Hostel on Johnston Terrace from 8.30, with the coach leaving at 9am. The tour ends back at the same address between 17:00 and 18:00 on day five.

Along the way the guide drives and talks, and the included stops range from a guided tour across the Forth Bridges to a forest walk, a possible swim in Loch Ness, the gorge crossing at Corrieshalloch, and a hike to one of Skye's distinctive rock formations. Day four brings the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and day five threads through Argyll and the Trossachs with tales of William Wallace and the wars of independence.

Plenty of famous sights, among them Eilean Donan Castle, the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing and Glen Coe, sit on the optional list, so entry fees and some visits cost extra. Accommodation and meals are not included either, which means more planning on your side. With a group of 4 to 27 and an 18-plus age rule, this is a tour for adults who are happy arranging their own lodging and choosing which paid attractions to visit.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check in, EdinburghCheck in at Castle Rock Hostel, 15 Johnston Terrace, from 8.30 for a 9am departure.
2. Edinburgh to InvernessCoach north with a guided tour of the Forth Bridges, a forest walk, and a swim in Loch Ness included. Culloden and Clava Cairns are optional paid entries depending on availability.
3. Inverness to SkyeIncluded walk over Corrieshalloch Gorge, then the ferry crossing to Skye. Rogie Falls, Kinlochewe and Eilean Donan Castle are optional stops at extra cost.
4. Full day on SkyeA hike to one of Skye's distinctive rock formations and a guided tour with local folklore are included. The Old Man of Storr, Quiraing, Kilt Rock, the Faerie Pools, Portree and Sligachan are optional extras.
5. Skye to ObanFerry off the island and an included visit to the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Glen Coe, the Sands of Morar and the Bonnie Prince Charlie monument are optional stops.
6. Trossachs to EdinburghCoach from Oban via St. Conan's Kirk and through Argyll and the Trossachs National Park, with commentary on William Wallace country. Kilchurn Castle is summer only, and Doune Castle, the Wallace Monument and Bannockburn all carry entrance fees. The tour ends at 15 Johnston Terrace between 17:00 and 18:00.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape whether this tour suits you, and most come straight from how the itinerary is structured.

• Budget for extras. Only the guide and transport are included. Accommodation, meals and any attraction entries you choose are paid separately, so bring a card or cash for castles and optional stops along the way.
• Book hostels early. Since lodging is not part of the package, you arrange it yourself. The route overnight is Inverness, Skye and Oban, so plan those nights yourself rather than expecting the operator to place you.
• Pack for walking. The included activities list a forest walk, the Corrieshalloch Gorge walk and a hike to one of Skye's rock formations. Comfortable walking shoes will do the most work in your bag.
• Bring a swimsuit. A swim in Loch Ness is on the included list for day one. If the idea appeals, pack something to swim in and a towel.
• Adults only. The tour is restricted to ages 18 or above and runs with between 4 and 27 travellers. The listing states no more than that about the group, so expect company rather than solitude.
• English guided. Commentary is in English only. The listed activities include Skye folklore and William Wallace history on the final day, so it helps to be comfortable following spoken English.

Common issues. The main friction points are structural rather than accidental. Accommodation and meals are excluded, and many of the headline sights, such as Eilean Donan Castle, the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing and Glen Coe, sit on the optional list at extra cost. Kilchurn Castle is summer only. The listing also states the group can run as large as 27 people, and the itinerary covers a lot of ground in five days.

Questions Before You Book