Remote & Rugged: Scottish Highlands Adventure
1 day tour
New for 2025 - Pies, mermaids, beaches, and castles; truly experience the remote and rugged Highlands of Scotland on this adventurous day from Inverness.
Tour map
Tour Highlights
Places you explore
Corrieshalloch Gorge -Marvel at true natural beauty from a suspended view at this spectacular spot
Ardvreck Castle - Dramatic ruins and a mysterious loch with a legend of its own, we know you’ll love this historic spot
Lochinver -Beautiful views and famous pies, this wee town is as delightful as it sounds
Achmelvish Beach - Don't be fooled, this isn’t the Caribbean... but we understand your mistake
NC500 Route - Scotland’s ‘Route 66’ draws visitors every year, and now it’s your turn to explore a part of it and some of its highlights
Your journey
This is what we call an all-rounder. Clan history, striking landscapes, mysterious legends, pristine beaches, that feeling of utter remoteness... this day-trip from Inverness will take you through some of the most rugged and remote parts of the beloved Scottish Highlands and a section of the famous NC500 Route.
And we invite you to embark on this adventure with us.
An adventure that takes you into one of Britain’s most marveled gorges, to a ruined castle and loch with a monster of its own, and to a beach so utterly idyllic, you’ll think you’re somewhere other than misty Scotland.
Tour Details
Check-in closes at 08:30 (tour departs at 08:45) - Inverness Pick Up, Bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS
18:45 - Inverness Drop Off, Bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)
- Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
- Attraction tickets may need to be purchased in advance. More information is provided in your booking confirmation e-mail
- Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Entry fees to visitor attractions
Itinerary
They call Inverness the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’ for a reason. After welcoming you on board, we head North towards some of Scotland’s most stunningly rugged and remote regions. Are you prepared? Got your camera? Scarf? Walking shoes?
Because today we’re even traversing along some of Scotland’s famous NC500 Route.
Our first host is someone (or thing) far from shy. She’ll thunderously greet you, ready to entertain and marvel, to show you why she’s beloved. Situated on the aptly named Black Water river, Rogie Falls is waiting to impress you. Enjoy a view worthy of your camera on the new suspension bridge and breathe in the fresh forest air that surrounds you.
Speaking of impressive... we continue North to our next destination which is sure to both thrill and inspire you.
Ever wondered how glacial meltwater can affect a landscape, creating deep gorges? Us too. Corrieshalloch is one of the most spectacular gorges in Britain. Make sure you have good walking shoes for the short (yet steep) walk to a Victorian suspension bridge.
All the better so you can have yet another incredible view over crashing waterfalls below. Designated a National Nature Reserve, be on the lookout for the rare species of cranefly or the species of ferns that grow in the microclimate of the gorge.
Time for something a little different but equally as lovely – we stop in the village of Ullapool, known as the ‘Gateway to the Outer Hebrides’. With a strong fishing heritage, why not grab a quick snack of locally sourced seafood? Or maybe perusing the craft shops is more your thing. But don’t get too comfortable because the Highlands are calling you out again
After a quick visit, we’re off to Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve.
Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve is where the rocks come to life... or it seems that way. From stunning sculptures to poetry carved into rockfaces, it's a breathtaking spot to be sure.
No visit to Scotland is complete without a ruinous castle. As you explore the quiet history of our next stop, Ardvreck Castle, try to imagine what it might have been like for the MacLeods clan living there in the 15th century, overlooking the mysterious Loch Assynt. As you gaze out over the loch, keep an eye out for the missing daughter of the MacLeod’s, Eimhir, also known as the ‘mermaid of Assynt’. The legend goes that instead of marrying the brute to whom she was betrothed, Eimhir plunged into the caverns of the loch and made a new home beneath the water’s surface.
It’s time for a wee break so we head to the small fishing port and resort of Lochinver on the west coast of Scotland. Enjoy the beautiful mountain views and white sandy beaches as you perhaps munch on one of their legendary pies for lunch.
I bet you weren’t prepared for a trip to the Caribbean while visiting Scotland? That’s how stepping onto Achmelvich Beach feels. Water as clear and blue as a crystal, sand as fine and white as snow. Enjoy a wee stroll, because no matter the weather this is a beautiful spot.
Mermaids, pies, beaches, castles... it’s been a day to remember as we head back to Inverness that evening.
FAQs
Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?
The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.
Is there parking close to the departure point?
We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.
When should I get to the departure point?
Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.
What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?
If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.
What are your cancellation policies?
Your cancellation terms depend on which tour you've booked.
For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure
For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure
For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure
For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.
If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.
To cancel your booking, email tours@rabbies.com as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.
Click here to view terms and conditions
Can Itineraries change?
Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.
Can I pre-book a specific seat?
Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.
Are there toilets on the bus?
Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.
How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?
We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.
Do you take children on your tours?
We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.
You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.
How much time do I get off the bus?
We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
Why do you exclude visitor attractions?
We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.
Do we need to bring our own lunch?
You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
Should I tip the driver-guide?
Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
What about travel insurance?
We advise you take out travel insurance.
What is ABTOT?
You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com , or check out our full FAQs .
Restrictions
We regret we dont carry children under the age of 5 years old on our scheduled tours.
If your child is less that 1.35m tall, you should let us know and we will provide a suitable booster seat.
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.