6 Day Guided Tour of The Scottish Highlands - What to Know
Journey Through the Scottish Highlands: Everything You Need To Know Before Your Guided Tour
Review by Laura Bryan
Imagine the sun peeking over mist-shrouded mountains, shimmering across glassy lochs, and illuminating hidden ruins deep in the trees. This is the Scottish Highlands – a place of legend, history, and rugged beauty. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning adventurer, Scotland’s Highlands never fail to impress.
A guided tour with Rabbie’s offers the perfect way to uncover secrets in this untamed part of the world. Join me as I take you through our trip highlights, plus everything you need to know before embarking on a journey through the Highlands.
What Makes The Scottish Highlands So Special?
The Scottish Highlands are a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Be ready to immerse yourself in the magic and mystery of the Highlands.
A Deep History
From castles perched on cliffs to famous battlefields that have shaped the course of British history, the Highlands are steeped in stories. You’ll find ruins from medieval times, monuments to fallen warriors, and reminders of the powerful clans that ruled these lands for centuries.
A Landscape Unlike Any Other
The Highlands are famed for their dramatic landscapes. As you drive through this remote region, you’ll pass waterfalls cascading down towering mountains, diverse flora dotting the moorlands, and rugged coastlines giving way to hidden beaches. The scenery changes with every turn, revealing a new vista more stunning than the last.
Outer Hebrides & Skye Adventure Trip Highlights
I joined Rabbie’s for their 6-Day Outer Hebrides & Skye Adventure tour. As a digital nomad living in Edinburgh, I wanted to explore the Highlands before winter set in. When I’m living abroad, I love immersing myself in a place and taking my time to explore every region of the country.
Rabbie’s caught my attention because of their intimate group sizes and knowledgeable guides. Our guide, Mark, was a walking textbook of Scottish history, keeping us entertained with folklore and the complicated relationship between the Scots and the English. He taught us some essential Scottish terminology to help us sound like a local. Here are a few words that you should know:
Bonnie - Beautiful
Dreich - Dull, rainy weather (you’ll hear this one a lot)
Glen - Valley
Ben - Mountain
Loch - Lake
Bothy - A small hut or shelter
You’ll learn even more Scottish phrases by listening to the carefully curated playlists the guides have queued up to reflect the locations you drive by.
Ullapool
Our first night was spent in the quaint fishing village of Ullapool, set on the shores of Loch Broom. If you arrive early enough, climb Ullapool Hill for a panoramic view of the loch and surrounding hills. Also, swing by Highland Stoneware to pick up a handmade souvenir glazed with iconic Scottish landscapes.
Isle of Lewis and Harris
Next, we ventured over to the Isle of Lewis and Harris, where the world-famous Harris Tweed fabric is crafted. We got the chance to see the traditional weaving process in action. It’s incredible to think that each piece of tweed is still made by hand, using techniques that have been passed down for generations. The colours of the tweed reflect the island’s nature – deep greens, heather purples, stormy blues, and brilliant reds.
If you’re like me, you have one thing on your mind when traveling through Scotland: Highland Cows! These adorable, shaggy creatures are a symbol of Scotland, and you’ll see them grazing in fields all over the islands. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to snap a photo of the cows, but be mindful that these are farm animals, not pets. Take a look but don’t get too close. If you want the chance to pet a Highland cow, I recommend stopping at one of the many tourist attractions in Edinburgh offering an up-close experience.
Driving around the islands, we visited a variety of fascinating sites including traditional stone dwellings to windswept lighthouses. Embrace the magical side of the Highlands with a stop at St. Moluag's Church. It is said that if you circle the church seven times in a counter-clockwise direction you’ll be cured of any mental illness. It was pouring rain, but I gave it a go anyway – better safe than sorry!
Want to discover what else makes the Outer Hebrides a special place in the highlands? Read more here.
Stornoway
The bustling port town of Stornoway was our next stop. As a fishing village, expect plenty of fresh fish for dinner. Surprisingly, Stornoway also offers a variety of highly reviewed international dining options. I recommend La Balena to anyone looking for a warm bowl of Italian pasta. Be sure to take a stroll through the Lews Castle grounds, where you’ll find gardens, woodland trails, and whimsical fairy houses.
If you’re looking for accommodation in Stornoway, check out Dunroamin Bed and Breakfast. Run by the hilarious Donnie, you’ll be treated to a hearty Scottish breakfast and plenty of entertaining stories from his days roaming the world.
Luskentyre Beach
Often described as the most beautiful part of the highlands, Luskentyre’s white sand beaches rival the Maldives. This tropical-looking paradise is a surprising find in the northernmost parts of Scotland. Surrounded by rolling dunes, it’s the perfect spot for a peaceful walk.
Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is my favorite destination in all of Scotland! It feels like a place where fantasy comes to life. With so much to discover, your guide will pick the best places based on the weather and time of year. Some must-see spots include the Fairy Pools, Fairy Glen, Old Man of Storr, and the Quiraing. Whether you believe in fairies or not, there’s something undeniably magical about these locations.
One of my favorite moments on this trip was our stop at the Old Sligachan Bridge. Legend has it that if you submerge your face in the water under the bridge for seven seconds, you’ll be blessed with eternal beauty. So despite the 3°C air temp and sideways rain, you better believe I was under that bridge!
If you’re keeping track, that’s now mental clarity and eternal beauty I’ve locked in.
Learn more about the wonders of Skye here.
Portree
Portree, the picturesque harbour town nestled on the shores of Loch Portree, is the largest town on Skye. Rise early and watch a breathtaking sunrise over the harbor, then take a short walk to the Meall to climb the hidden Apothecary Tower for a panoramic view of the town. If you're lucky, you’ll spot the Old Man of Storr towering in the distance.
For a quick lunch spot in town, head to Birch for a soup and sandwich. If you’re in need of a coffee stop as you’re leaving Skye, pull into Lean to Coffee for what might be the best matcha latte in the world. Also, try their TikTok famous cinnamon rolls that fully live up to the hype.
Commuting To and From Edinburgh
The tour to the Highlands begins and ends in Edinburgh, making it super convenient for anyone starting their trip in the city. While it’s a long drive up and back, you’ll stop at iconic spots like Loch Ness (Nessie hunting anyone?), Eilean Donan Castle, Glencoe, and Ben Nevis. Each stop is beautiful, so keep your camera ready!
Getting Around The Scottish Highlands
Navigating the Highlands on your own can be challenging. Narrow, winding roads, sudden weather changes, and the occasional herd of sheep blocking your path make driving an adventure. If facing an opposing car on a narrow, single-lane mountain road spikes your heart rate, leave the driving to the experts at Rabbie’s. A minibus is small enough to access all the same places a car can while offering a stress-free ride.
Best Time of Year to Visit The Scottish Highlands
Timing your trip to the Highlands can make a difference in your experience. Most attractions, restaurants, and accommodations are only open from April to October. Each season has its own unique charm and challenges, so let’s break it down:
May/June
Spring is one of the most popular times to visit. Long daylight hours let you pack in as much exploring as possible. The weather is generally mild, and nature is in full bloom. However, expect crowds, especially at key attractions and restaurants.
August
If you’re looking for the best chance of sunshine, this is your month! The Highlands feel alive in the summer but be prepared to fight off swarms of midges. These tiny, biting insects thrive in the warmer months and can be a minor nuisance to travelers, but with a good insect repellent or a trusty midge net, you can enjoy the outdoors without noticing them.
October
My personal favorite time to visit. As the season winds down, there are fewer tourists and the landscape is painted in rich reds, oranges, and yellows. That said, the weather is unpredictable at this time of year – expect rain, wind, mist, fog, and possibly even ferry cancellations because of it. Flexibility is key in late autumn but the reward is a quieter, more intimate experience of the Highlands’ raw beauty.
Packing For Your Trip
Regardless of when you visit, it will rain. I’ll say it again. It. Will. Rain. Even if the forecast calls for a week of blue skies and sunshine, trust me, it will still rain. Welcome to Scotland!
But don’t worry – rain means rainbows! The Highlands are famous for them. On my trip, we saw nine massive rainbows in six days.
To be prepared for whatever Scotland throws your way, be sure to pack:
Rain Jacket: A waterproof, windproof jacket is non-negotiable.
Waterproof Hiking Boots: Make sure they can withstand mud. The western Highlands are one of the wettest places on earth, so trails rarely have a chance to dry up even on a sunny day.
Hat: The Outer Hebrides can be windy so a good hat will keep your head warm.
Layers: Even summer temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day. Layering is your best strategy to stay comfortable.
Daypack: A small daypack for your essentials is key. You can leave it on the bus during short stops.
Water Bottle & Snacks: Parts of the Highlands are remote. You won’t find a Starbucks on every corner. Your guide will give you a chance to stock up on snacks at the start of the trip so that you are prepared for those long, beautiful stretches of wilderness.
Cash: Archaic, I know, but some places in the Highlands are cash-only. You’ll also need small coins for public toilets.
Food and Drinks
You can expect a mix of classic British and international cuisine on this tour. Tuck into a full English breakfast, try haggis, indulge in traditional fish and chips, or opt for one of the many great Italian, Chinese, or Indian restaurants hidden in the Highlands.
For whisky and gin lovers, the Highlands are home to renowned local distilleries, where you can try Scotland’s finest spirits. If you’re looking to hydrate after an afternoon whisky sampling, tap water in the highlands is tasty and safe to drink.
Book Your Highlands Trip Today
A journey through the Scottish Highlands is nothing short of magical. From the beauty of Skye to the serenity of Lewis and Harris, the Highlands will leave you captivated and dreaming of fantasy. Book a tour with Rabbie’s to see for yourself why the Highlands will forever be a favorite destination of mine. Pack your bags, practice your Scottish slang, and get ready for an unforgettable trip!
Why not jump on a Rabbie’s small-group tour? We’re proud to say we’re a B Corp Certified Travel Company, with tours led by knowledgeable driver-guides in comfortable mini-coaches. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter for your portion of inspiration and to be one of the first to know about new destinations we’re going to explore.