2 Day Tour - Loch Ness, Inverness and the Highlands. 

A fantastic tour of the Highlands travelling at our own relaxed pace as we drive through dramatic Mountain landscapes, haunting Glens stunning Lochs and fairytale Castles. 

Day 1   

Leaving your accommodation we head to the conservation village of Luss, nestling on the shores of Loch Lomond records show there’s been a settlement here since the 13th century, but in more recent times the village was rebuilt by the Clan Colquhoun to house workers for the nearby slate quarries. Take a stroll through the village on to the pier and marvel at the stunning views of Loch Lomond with Ben Lomond dominating the skyline.

From Luss, we leave the Lowlands and drive north to the Highlands where the scenery begins to take in a more rugged landscape.Passing through the busy village of Tyndrum our journey takes us along Glen Orchy where the mountains of Bienn Dorain and Bienn Dothaidh really start to impose on you. As we pass through the small village of Bridge of Orchy you start to get that real feeling of wilderness with the Blackmount just coming into view. Climbing to over 1,000ft we get our first view at the vast tundra of Rannoch Moor with an expanse of around 50 square miles and surrounded by mountains that rise to over 3,000ft this area of the Highlands is a designated National Heritage site. The moor is also notable for its wildlife, particularly wild Stags (the Monarch of the Glen) and Golden Eagles. As we pass through this dramatic landscape its little wonder why very few trees survive in this harsh environment.

Leaving Rannoch Moor we drive into one of the most spectacular and beautiful areas in Scotland, Glencoe, which is a designated scenic area! As we drive through the narrow Glen we make a stop to take in this stunning part Scotland. There’s a more sinister story to this part of the Glen. Government troops led by Captain Robert Campbell massacred 38 of the Clan MacDonald while they slept which was even more unforgivable as the Campbell’s had been enjoying some Highland hospitality at the time hence the name (Glen of the Weeping)

From Glencoe our journey takes us along the shores of Loch Linnhe to Fort William, the largest town in the Highlands. Ben Nevis (Britain’s Highest Mountain) dominating the skyline, we spend some time here for lunch and a chance to browse around the high street and its many gift shops.

Refreshed after lunch we continue north up the Great Glen, to Fort Augustus, Gateway to Loch Ness, one of the most famous Lochs in the World. There are regular cruises along the 23 mile Loch from here and a chance to do some Nessie spotting. From Fort Augustus we journey along the length of Loch Ness taking in the ruined Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness Monster Centre to your pre booked accommodation in Inverness the Capital of the Highlands. Once refreshed after your journey the rest of the evening is free for you to explore the Highland Capital.  

Day 2  

Our journey takes us south, visiting historic battlefields and whisky distillery’s as we drive through beautiful landscapes, view dramatic waterfalls and ancient Castles.  

After your traditional Scottish breakfast we leave the Highland Capital and our first attraction of the day, Culloden Moor, the site of the last Battle ever fought on Scottish soil. The battle of Culloden took place in April 1746 led by Bonnie Prince Charlie. The battle was a hammer blow to the Jacobite cause and the Highlanders were dealt with severely by the British Government. Sanctions that changed the Highland Clan system and outlaw Scottish tradition for years to come. There’s an excellent visitor centre from where you can learn the history of this historical battle.

Heading south we travel along the Western edge of the Monadhliath Mountains to Tomatin Distillery. Established in 1897 it is the largest distillery in the North of Scotland. Visitors are welcome to look around the gift shop and visitor centre and there are also regular tours around the distillery.

From here we drive to the resort of Aviemore, set in the Cairngorm National Park, the resort is a hub for the outdoor enthusiast and skiers in winter. We stop for lunch here and an opportunity to sample Aviemore’s excellent eateries.

After lunch our journey takes us to Kingussie and the old infantry Fort Ruthven Barracks. Built by Hanoverian troops in 1719 to protect the area after the Jacobite rising in 1715 the barracks now lie in ruin, although you can still walk round the old ruins and feel the atmosphere of the many battles that have taken place here over the centuries.

We leave Kingussie and drive over the wild landscape of the Drumochter Pass to the magnificent whitewashed Castle of Blair Atholl, one of Scotland’s finest settings in the heart of Highland Perthshire. The Castle’s history dates back over 700yrs and is still the private home of the Duke of Atholl. You can take a tour around the Castle and its grounds or just gather some memorable pictures for your photo album.

From Blair Atholl we drive along the back roads of Perthshire to Queen’s View, the viewpoint commemorates Queen Isabella wife of Robert the Bruce who ruled Scotland between 1306 and 1329. The stunning views across Loch Tummel and Schiehallion beyond are truly breathtaking.

Leaving Queens View our journey takes us to the Victorian town of Pitlochry, where we stop for coffee and an opportunity to browse around the towns many art and gift shops.

From Pitlochry we drive south to the impressive 13th century Dunkeld Cathedral situated on the north bank of the River Tay. Dunkeld played an important role in early Scottish history as the centre of Christianity. The Cathedral was plundered over the centuries but still remains as an impressive ruin where you can stroll around the grounds and take in the history of the Cathedral and the historic town of Dunkeld.