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Things to do in Ullapool

Our most recommended things to do in Ullapool

Lewis, Harris, and Outer Hebrides Tour from Inverness

1. Lewis, Harris, and Outer Hebrides Tour from Inverness

Day one: Depart early from Inverness and head north-west to Ullapool to catch the ferry. This stunning sea-trip takes you along Loch Broom, past the Summer Isles, and out to Stornoway, which is the capital of the Outer Hebrides. Once you have arrived on Lewis, your first stop is the ancient past. Travel to the North West of the island to visit the blackhouse at Arnol. Dive into this traditional abode and discover how the Highland crofting families lived their day-to-day lives. After this, go through more crofting communities and venture to the northernmost tip of the island, the Butt of Lewis. The lighthouse here boasts epic views of waves crashing against sea cliffs. Head back to Stornoway for your overnight stay.  Day two: Head south to Harris, where the first thing that you notice are the mountains. As you weave through the towering marvels, your guide will tell you about the traditions and tales from this part of Scotland. After you have had your fill of unspoilt beaches and landscapes, make stop in one of the very few towns, the small port of Leverburgh, for lunch. Now it is time for one of the great Hebridean highlights, Luskentyre beach. On a good day, the sea turns turquoise and the sands look pristine white. After enjoying all these natural wonders, it is time to head back to Stornoway and perhaps try the famous black pudding for dinner.  Day three: Today, you’re delving back to the ancient past and come face to face with the Callanish standing stones. These 5,000-year-old megaliths are said to be petrified giants who wouldn’t convert to Christianity. You may not believe this myth, but that doesn’t mean this site isn’t magnificent. You leave the echoes of the past and explore the far west of Lewis; this part boasts some areas of outstanding natural beauty. Your driver-guide ensures you take a unique route that suits the weather and your group's interests. After an eventful morning, you travel to Stornoway and get a ferry to the mainland. Cast your last glance at the island, and ponder over its rich Gaelic heritage as you make your way across the Minch. Once on the mainland, you continue to Inverness, where you arrive in the evening.

Outer Hebrides & Isle of Skye: 6-Day Guided Tour

2. Outer Hebrides & Isle of Skye: 6-Day Guided Tour

Head to the Outer Hebrides and the Isle of Skye on a 6-day excursion to experience pre-historic sites, remote sandy beaches, stunning seascapes, dramatic landscapes, and picturesque villages. Travel in comfort with a small group, enjoying personalized attention and accommodation in guesthouses and B&Bs. Detailed Itinerary Day 1 Travel north into the Scottish highlands, stopping at the historic village of Dunkeld for a short walk through the forest to some waterfalls. Continue north through the Grampian Mountains to the Spey Valley, where you’ll have lunch. In the afternoon you’ll see world-famous Loch Ness and stop in Inverness. Visit the impressive waterfalls at Corrieshalloch Gorge before arriving in the fishing port of Ullapool for your overnight stay. Day 2 Catch the morning ferry for a 2-hour sail along Loch Broom, past the Summer Isles and then out across the Minch to Stornoway, the main town on Lewis and the capital of the Outer Hebrides. Keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and seabirds during the crossing. In the afternoon you’ll explore the north-west coast from Arnol, through traditional crofting townships to the Port of Ness and the very northern tip of the island. Overnight in Stornoway. Day 3 Spend the day exploring some of the prehistoric remains on the island and visit its finest beaches. The fascinating circular stone fort, or Broch, at Carloway will be your first stop, followed by more traditional crofting communities such as Gearrannan and Shawbost. Then it’s on to Callanish with its mysterious ancient stone circle. In the afternoon you’ll head to the remote district of Uig with its fine sandy beaches at Bhaltos, and dramatic sea cliffs and rugged hills. Overnight in Stornoway. Day 4 Travel south from the wild moorlands of Lewis to the more mountainous Harris, which is almost, but not quite, an island on its own. Famous for the locally produced cloth, Harris Tweed, it is also home to the highest mountains in the Outer Hebrides and the stunning white sands of Luskentyre. After a morning of exploring South Harris you’ll stop for lunch in the small port of Tarbet. Catch the late afternoon ferry to Skye and continue on to the picturesque village of Plockton for your overnight stay. Day 5 This is your day to explore the Isle of Skye. There are many possibilities depending on the weather and your driver/guide will decide on the best day out for the group. You might head west to Dunvegan Castle, the 13th-century home of the Clan Macleod, to the emerald green valley of Glendale, or to the dramatic sea-cliffs and lonely lighthouse at Neist Point. In the afternoon the tour may concentrate on the south of the island. Spend time at Elgol to admire the seascapes and views of the Cuillin, or Talisker and its beautiful bay or Glenbrittle and its famed waterfalls. Overnight in Plockton. Day 6 The return journey to Edinburgh has many highlights, including the Eilean Donan Castle, Fort William, and the dramatic scenery and dark history of Glencoe. The last stop of the day will be in Killin, beside the Falls of Dochart, before arriving in Edinburgh.

Scotland: Orkney and Northern Coast 5-Day Tour

3. Scotland: Orkney and Northern Coast 5-Day Tour

Drive to the top of Scotland on a scenic 5-day tour, and learn the history of the Highlands at sites such as the battlefield of the Macdonald clan massacre, and Stirling Castle. Spend the day on the Orkney Isles, and travel the northenmost coast of mainland Scotland. The tour is by luxury 16-seat Mercedes minibus for a more intimate experience, while bed and breakfast accommodation is provided in Inverness, the lovely town of Kirkwall, and the whitewashed fishing village of Ullapool at the mouth of Loch Broom. Day 1: Depart Edinburgh, heading west towards Stirling. Pass Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument, and continue to Doune Castle, used for location shoots in Monty Python’s “Holy Grail.” Stop in the small town of Callander for refreshments. Then, marvel at the splendor of Loch Luibnaig, Loch Earn, Glen Ogle, and Glen Dochart on a scenic drive over the wild and remote Rannoch Moor. The views of the extinct volcano will take your breath away, and were also the scene of the infamous Clan Macdonald massacre of 1692. Continue north up the Great Glen to mysterious Loch Ness, with plenty of time to try and spot “Nessie” the Loch Ness Monster. The evening will be spent in Inverness, with free time to explore the “Capital of the Highlands.” Day 2: Depart Inverness early to cross over the Black Isle and past Andrew Carnegie’s Skibo Castle. From here, drive the northeast coastline, traveling into some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery. Enjoy the views of some of Europe’s oldest landscapes, and the chance to spot wildlife such as golden eagle and red deer. Close to Scotland’s most northerly mainland village, John O’ Groats, board the ferry to cross the Pentland Firth to the Orkney archipelago. It is a short drive on arrival to the famous Italian Chapel, where you will stop for a quick visit before continuing to the Viking stronghold of Kirkwall, your home for the next 2 nights. Look inside Kirkwall’s magnificent Viking cathedral, and wander the winding streets of the historic town center. Day 3: Explore the ancient island of Orkney, and discover a land of contrasts, where fertile green pastures are fringed by shores of golden sands, and washed by the waters of the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Highlights include a visit to Skara Brae, the mystical prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar, the standing stones of Stenness, and Maeshowe, where Vikings left one of the largest collections of Norse runic inscriptions in the 12th century. Day 4: It’s time to leave Orkney and sail the Viking waters back to the mainland. From here, travel across the very top of Scotland, driving past the stunning Ben Loyal and Ben Hope mountains, following the rocky cliffs and stunning golden sand beaches of the northern coastline. Go to the far northwest of the Highlands, and admire the grandeur of the wild Assynt mountains. Stop to view the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle. Continue to Ullapool at the mouth of Loch Broom, a beautiful whitewashed fishing village where you will spend your last night. Day 5: Your morning includes visits to Corrieshalloch Gorge, and the ancient Clava Cairns, as well as exploring the more recent bloody history of the Culloden battlefield. Return south through the magnificent Cairngorm National Park, driving past the ancient Caledonian pine forests of Highland Perthshire, before your drop off in Edinburgh.

Northwest Highlands: Private Tour with Hike

4. Northwest Highlands: Private Tour with Hike

If you like wide-open spaces, lonely glens to hike up, and dramatic mountian scenery, this tour has it all. After getting picked up, your guide will explain the course of the day and make any adjustments that you may require. Leaving Inverness and heading northwest over the Black Isle, you will be entertained with stories and legends of the area before stopping off at the beautiful, old Silver Bridge. Follow the Black Water river to the huge Aultguish Dam and onto Wester Ross. At Corrieshalloch Gorge, you’ll take a 30-minute walk and learn about the traces left from the ice age that formed the landscape. Take in the breathtaking views of this spectacular ravine. The fishing village Ullapool is the next stop, where you can take time to wander the streets and have a light refreshment. Then you’ll venture into one of the last wildernesses in Europe. Stop and take in the peculiar yet stunning Stac Pollaidh, Suilven, and An Tealach mountains. After traveling through some of the oldest mountains in the world, you’ll stop at the tiny fishing village of Lochinver for lunch. Depending on the weather, your lunch will be served in the restaurant or on a sandy beach under the shadow of Ardvreck Castle before you head into a lonely glen for your main 2-hour hike of the day: the Bone Caves of Inchnadamph. From here continue on through Sutherland and onto the east coast of Ross and Cromarty where the landscape changes again to flatter and greener farmland. Journey through the beautiful Strath Okyel and onto the Kyle of Sutherland, where a spectacular view awaits. From there you’ll return to Inverness, taking in the old navy port of Invergordon and a curious monument on top of Fyrish Hill.

Isle of Skye and the Highlands 5-Day Tour from Edinburgh

5. Isle of Skye and the Highlands 5-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Experience the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye on a 5-day tour from Edinburgh. Visit historic sites and discover remote sandy beaches. Marvel at stunning seascapes and enjoy exploring picturesque villages. Travel in comfort in a small group, enjoying personalized attention and accommodation in guesthouses and B&Bs. Detailed Itinerary Day 1 Head north over the Forth Road Bridge to the charming highland village of Dunkeld on the banks of the river Tay, and then into the Cairngorm National Park and to the ancient pine forests of the Rothiemurchus Estate. After lunch you’ll spend time on the shores of Loch Insh and then take a short forest walk to the ruins of Loch an Eilean castle. Panoramic views of Loch Ness follow as you travel down to the banks of the famous loch to village of Dores where you can do some Nessie spotting! Overnight in Ullapool. Day 2 Visit the highlands of the far north-west and marvel the grandeur and expanse of the Mountains of Assynt. This was the first crofting area to be bought by local crofters – the Assynt Crofters’ Trust. See the ruins of the 15th-century Ardvreck Castle, once the stronghold of the MacLeods of Assynt. See some of Europe’s oldest landscapes, from the stunning white sand beach at Achmelvich Bay to the traditional fishing village of Lochinver. Be on the lookout for wildlife throughout the day. Overnight in Ullapool. Day 3 You’ll head south from Ullapool to take in the drama of the River Droma as it plunges 60 meters down into the Corrieshalloch Gorge. Travel past the mountains of the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve and along the picturesque coastline of Loch Torridon. The tranquil setting of Applecross is your destination for lunch. Experience a drive on one of the highest roads in Scotland, Bealach nam Bo, known for its jaw-dropping views, hairpin bends, and precipitous cliffs. In the afternoon you’ll stop in Plockton, where you can see palm trees growing alongside Loch Carron. Then it’s over the sea to Skye and the delightful harbor town of Portree. Day 4 Enjoy a flexible day on Skye. Depending on the prevailing conditions you might travel north to the stunning Quiraing mountain pass and enjoy a spectacular walk through some of Skye’s extraordinary geological scenery. You might visit the Kilt Rock, composed of basalt columns, with water cascading over the cliffs and down into the sea below. After lunch you might travel to Neist Point for a walk out to the lighthouse at the most westerly point on Skye. Alternatively your driver/guide might choose a visit to Dunvegan Castle, the ancient ancestral seat of the Clan McLeod. Return to Portree for a free evening and to your overnight accommodation. Day 5 Travel south from Skye, making a stop at the famed Eilean Donan Castle, situated at the head of 3 lochs as protection against Viking raiders. The stronghold was used in the filming of the movie Highlander. Continue eastward through the rugged mountains of Kintail, past Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. You’ll stop in Fort William for lunch. In the afternoon you’ll explore spectacular Glencoe, scene of the massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692, before stopping in Killin for refreshments beside the Falls of Dochart.

Isle of Skye, Oban, St Andrews and Highlands 5-Day Tour

6. Isle of Skye, Oban, St Andrews and Highlands 5-Day Tour

Departing from Edinburgh, travel through Scotland’s Central Belt to Glasgow, here there's time to visit the magnificent Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, opened in 1901. Then cross the Kingston Bridge over the River Clyde and head north to the village of Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond. Next, it’s onwards and upwards over the steep pass of 'Rest and be Thankful' in the village of Inveraray, a town lapped by the sea water of Loch Fyne and famed for its oysters and seafood. Next head to Dunadd Iron Age Fort, the coronation site of kings and queens of Dalriada, the ancient Gaelic speaking kingdom. Follow in the footsteps of kings and queens and take the steep but thankfully short path to the summit of the hill. After a stop at Kilmartin Museum, drive through the stunning Argyll scenery to the bustling port and fishing town of Oban, the location of your first night’s stay. In the morning discover the beautiful Glencoe, considered to be the most impressive glen in Scotland. After a short hike and photograph stop, head to the Glenfinnan Monument and Viaduct. Fom Glenfinnan travel to Fort William where you have two options – a tour of Ben Nevis Whisky distillery or a visit to Inverlochy Castle and Neptune’s Staircase. Time to head north and arrive at the southern banks of Loch Ness to get photos of the infamous monster Nessie! Your route then takes you into some of the most spectacular scenery in all of the Highlands as you pass through Glenshiel and the iconic Five Sisters of Kintail to the meeting point of 3 sea lochs – Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh – the wonderful setting for Eilean Donan Castle. On Day 3, explore the sights of the Trotternish Peninsula to the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the Quiraing, hear about the local folklore of how the Fairies, Fishermen and Giants created the landscape. Next, visit the Museum of Island Life, and then loop around north Skye to take in magnificent views across the sea, east to the Torridon Mountains and west to the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Journey onto the Cuillin Mountains and travel through Kyle of Lochalsh to the unbelievably pretty village of Plockton. At Plockton there is the option of taking a one-hour cruise or a short hike through nearby woodland. In the evening, visit a local highland pub to drink some Scotch whisky or beer and eat some traditional Scottish food, whilst listening to some local musicians perform. On Day 4, visit Kessock bridge and then head to the North West Highlands. The first stop of the day is at Corrieshalloch Gorge, Scotland’s deepest gorge, and then onto the legendary North Coast 500 Route traveling passed towering peaks to the ancient ruin of Ardvreck Castle. After this fascinating slice of Scottish history, head to the very wonderful Knockan Crag to learn more about the incredible geology of this area, next head to the pretty ferry port and fishing town of Ullapool. After lunch, travel to Rogie Falls and find frothing water cascading down the falls and gentle trails among the forest. From Rogie Falls it’s a short drive to the town of Beauly, the one time favorite town of Mary Queen of Scots. On the last day the first stop is Clava Cairns, the site of incredible standing stones and burial chambers dating back to at least 4000 years ago. Culloden Battlefield is the next stop location of the last battle to be fought on British soil. Onto Cairngorms National Park next, and then the final stop of the tour at the ancient east Fife town of St Andrews. This medieval walled town is home to St Andrews University, the oldest in Scotland, as well St Andrews Cathedral. It’s always hard to drag yourself away from St Andrews but in the early evening it's time to start winding your way through the fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife, across the Forth Road Bridge with views of the 1890 Railway Bridge and the 2017 Queensferry Crossing, and back into Edinburgh.

Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides 6-Day Tour from Edinburgh

7. Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides 6-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Day 1: Edinburgh to Inverness. Depart Edinburgh at 8:30 AM and head north towards Bannockburn, which is the site of the famous battle won by outlaw king Robert the Bruce. Learn about William Wallace as you pass Stirling Castle. Catch a glimpse of Doune Castle, which appears in Monty Python & the Holy Grail, Outlander, and Game of Thrones. Soak up the atmospheric scenery in Glencoe. Look out for Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, on your journey toward Loch Ness. Learn about the legend of the ‘Nessie’ the Loch Ness monster then continue onto Inverness. Arrive around 5:30 PM and spend free time enjoying a walk along the River Ness or to Inverness Castle for views of the city. Then you can wander around the various bars and restaurants.  Day 2: Inverness to Stornoway. Begin your day with fresh air and stunning scenery at Black Water Falls. Continue north along a beautiful stretch of road then take to the water on the ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. Keep an eye out for dolphins along the way. Explore the remote and rugged Atlantic coastline of Lewis. Visit the Butt of Lewis, the most northerly point on the island, to see the isolated lighthouse and dramatic force of the sea against the cliffs. Return to the main town of Stornoway for the night. Day 3: Stornoway. Prepare for an exciting day touring the cultural attractions on the Isle of Lewis. First, go back to the Neolithic period as you visit the mysterious 5000-year old Callanish Standing Stones. Then fast-forward to the Iron Age at the broch of Dun Carloway. Experience 17th century island life at the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village and unwind with a wee dram of whisky at Abhainn Dearg, which is the most westerly distillery in Scotland. Spend free time back in Stornoway. You can wander around the pretty harbour and go in search of fresh seafood in the local restaurants.  Day 4: Stornoway to Portree. Depart Stornoway and drive south towards the idyllic Isle of Harris. Marvel at the flawless white sand beaches with turquoise sea and a backdrop of mountains on West Harris. Board the ferry and go over the sea to the Isle of Skye, where you will spend the afternoon exploring the Trotternish peninsula. Soak up the enchanting scenery and learn about the island’s myths and legends. Arrive at your final stop, Portree, in time to enjoy dinner in one of the town’s restaurants. Day 5: Portree. Enjoy a magical day of island exploration on the Isle of Skye. Hear about the island’s resident fairies on a stop at one of the famous Fairy Bridges. Visit the enchanted waters of the Sligachan River, with views of the old bridge and the breathtaking Cuillin mountains. Drive over the Skye bridge to the iconic and absolutely beautiful Eilean Donan Castle. This castle was used in the filming of Highlander and James Bond, The World is Not Enough. Spend free time back in Portree visiting the shops, restaurants, and picturesque harbour with its colourful facades. Day 6: Portree to Edinburgh. Explore more of the beautiful Isle of Skye before taking the ferry to the west coast fishing village of Mallaig on the west coast. Experience one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world and travel over the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the Jacobite Steam Train, made famous by Harry Potter. Take the scenic route back to the city, through the Cairngorms National Park. Arrive into Edinburgh around 8:30 PM. 

From Edinburgh: 6-Day Isle of Skye and Hebridean Hopper Tour

8. From Edinburgh: 6-Day Isle of Skye and Hebridean Hopper Tour

Day 1: Edinburgh to Inverness We travel north stopping to visit the Kelpies, a stunning spectacle of modern engineering. Kelpies are mythological beasts in Scottish folklore, and this fantastic landmark is the largest of its kind in the world. We arrive in Glencoe, dominated by majestic mountains which contrast the flat expanse of its neighbouring Rannoch Moor. Your guide will take you through Glencoe’s sad history. We stop in Fort Augustus to visit the legendary Loch Ness for a photo break. Overnight Inverness Day 2: Inverness to Stornoway We visit Corrieshalloch Gorge, one of the most impressive gorges in the UK. We drive to Ullapool to catch our ferry and depart the mainland. Enjoy a leisurely drive from Stornoway to Harris, the southernmost and most mountainous part of the Lewis and Harris islands. We visit one of Scotland’s beautiful beaches. With the clearest water and the whitest sand, you will feel as if you are on a tropical island. Marvel at the impressive St. Clement's Church. Spend the rest of the day exploring the idyllic Isle of Harris and the sprawling Golden Road. Overnight Stornoway Day 3: Stornoway to Stornoway Visit one of the inspirations behind Outlander - the Callanish standing stones. Then fast-forward to the Iron Age at the broch of Dun Carloway. Experience island life at the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village. These houses were lived in until as recently as the 1970s and represent 17th century island life on Scotland’s rugged Atlantic Coast. We explore the remote coastline and visit the Butt of Lewis – the most northerly point on the island – to see the isolated lighthouse and dramatic force of the sea against the cliffs. Overnight Stornoway Day 4: Stornorway to Portree We start the day with some free time to shop for Harris’ most famous export, Tweed. We stop at the Isle of Harris distillery to unwind with a wee dram. We travel "over the sea to Skye"! Visit the Isle of Skye Brewery to sample some of Skye's signature beers. Spend the afternoon exploring the Trotternish peninsula learning about Skye’s myths and legends. Overnight Portree Day 5: Portree to Portree We spend the day exploring Skye, visiting iconic locations such as Kilt Rock, the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing. Next we stop at the most photographed castle in Scotland, Eilean Donan. Overnight Portree Day 6: Portree to Edinburgh Start the day by exploring Armadale Castle, once home to Clan MacDonald. We board the ferry from Armadale and arrive in Mallaig, a charming fishing village. Treat yourself to some fish and chips before an optional ride on the Jacobite Steam Train. The West Highland Line between Mallaig and Fort William is famous for its wildly beautiful scenery and dreamy sands of the west coast. You’ll quickly understand why it’s been voted the most scenic rail journey in the world. We make a final comfort stop in the southern Highland village of Pitlochry before concluding our tour in Edinburgh at approx. 5:30pm.

Edinburgh: Orkney, North Coast 500, & Hebrides 8-Day Tour

9. Edinburgh: Orkney, North Coast 500, & Hebrides 8-Day Tour

Day 1: Edinburgh to Loch Ness Depart from Edinburgh and travel north, taking in beautiful cathedrals, a local Scottish whisky distillery, historical sites, and even Outlander film locations! Day highlights include: •Dunkeld •Whisky distillery •Culloden Battlefield •Clava Cairns Day 2: Loch Ness to Orkney Discover the awe-inspiring North Coast 500 and explore fairy-tale castles, impressive cliff scenery, and beaches on Orkney Island. Day highlights include: •North Coast of Scotland •Dunrobin Castle •Italian Chapel •Orkney •Kirkwall Day 3: Orkney Let your guide bring Orkney's fascinating history to life and experience the magic of an ancient Neolithic village up close. Visit mysterious stone circles and wild coastlines and go puffin-spotting by the cliffs. Highlights include: •Skara Brae •Ring of Brodgar •Stones of Stennes Day 4: Orkney to Ullapool Bid farewell to Orkney and get ready for dramatic caves and zipline adventures (optional/weather permitting) before continuing to the picturesque fishing port of Ullapool. Highlights include: •Duncansby Head •Smoo Cave Durness •Ullapool Day 5: Ullapool to Stornoway Explore the impressive landscapes of Lewis and Harris and immerse yourself in the magnificent historical, natural and cultural heritage the islands have to offer. Highlights include: •Callanish Standing Stones •Gearrannan Blackhouse Day 6: Stornoway to Portree Learn all about the ancient skill of making Harris Tweed before dipping your toes in the turquoise waters of white sandy beaches. Venture to the Isle of Skye, where jaw-dropping mountains and famous rock formations await. Highlights include: •Luskentyre beach – Harris •Harris Distillery •Quiraing •Old Man of Storr •Lealt Falls Day 7: Portree After an action-packed 6 days of exploring, today is an opportunity to chill out, explore or get active at your own pace. From Portree, you can set off into the hills for a long hike, relax by the sea, or simply sit and watch the world go by. There is a shuttle bus to the Fairy Pools and wildlife cruises which depart from the harbour: dolphins, whales and sea eagles often show up around these parts! Day 8: Portree to Edinburgh Step into the shoes of the world-famous wizard that is Harry Potter and hop on the Jacobite Steam Train (optional add-on). Look out for Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest mountain, as we pass Fort William, then we begin the road south with a stop in the dramatic Glen Coe and heading back to Edinburgh. Highlights include: •Jacobite Steam Train (optional) •Glencoe •Rannoch Moor •The Kelpies

From Edinburgh: 8-Day Skye, Orkney & North Coast 500 Tour

10. From Edinburgh: 8-Day Skye, Orkney & North Coast 500 Tour

DAY1: Edinburgh-Inverness Our first stop of the day is Dunkeld in the heart of Perthshire. Then we make our way to the Highland Folk Museum, Britain's first open-aired museum. Next, we stop at one of the most somber locations in Scotland, Culloden Battlefield, setting for the final Jacobite Uprising of 1746. Visit one of the inspirations behind Outlander - the Clava Cairns - known for being a bronze age burial ground. Arrive in Inverness in the evening for an overnight stay. DAY2: Inverness-Orkney The incredibly beautiful Dunrobin Castle traces its origins back to the 13th century, recognised as one of Britain's oldest inhabited houses. Experience the rugged charm of Scotland’s very own “route 66”. We head to Orkney by ferry for our last leg of the day. Upon arrival your guide drives you to Kirkwall, where you settle in for the night. DAY3: Orkney The breathtaking Italian Chapel was built during WWII using two Nissen huts. The Ring of Brodgar is a vast and mysterious archaeological gem, and the most iconic site in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. Visit Skara Brae, an incredibly well-preserved neolithic village consisting of 10 houses. Next, we visit Stromness, the second largest settlement in Orkney. We spend the afternoon exploring Orkney. DAY4: Orkney-Ullapool We hop on a ferry back to the mainland. We continue our journey along the North Coast 500. Smoo Cave is one of the top natural attractions on the North Coast 500 and epic example of Scottish geology. We make a stop in Durness to visit Sango Sands beach. Marvel at the scenery and mild-blowing geology of the North-West Highlands with a walk through Knockan Crag Nature Reserve. DAY5: Ullapool-Portree Our first stop of the day is at Corrieshalloch Gorge. Next we stop at the most photographed castle in Scotland, Eilean Donan which has links to both clans MacKenzie and MacRae. We arrive in Skye for lunch, visiting Portree and the Old Man of Storr. Next we stop to admire Kilt Rock. Marvel at the breathtaking Mealt Waterfall. DAY6: Portree-Oban We arrive in Mallaig to board the Jacobite Steam Train. The West Highland Line between Mallaig and Ft. William is famous for its beautiful scenery and dreamy sands of the west coast. Glencoe is dominated by majestic mountains which completely contrast the vast and flat expanse of its neighbouring Rannoch Moor. Your guide will take you through Glencoe’s sad history; you will feel like you have been transported through time. DAY7: Oban-Oban Today is your free day to explore the charming fishing village of Oban! DAY8: Oban-Edinburgh We visit St. Conan’s Kirk sits at the heart of Dalmally’s local community. Kilchurn Castle was built in the mid-1400s by Sir Colin Campbell, the 1st Lord of Glenorchy, and sits dramatically on a rocky peninsula. We make a stop at the impressive Falls of Dochart which run through Killin. Our final stop is in Falkirk to see the Kelpies; a fantastic equine landmark. Our tour concludes in Edinburgh after an unforgettable 8 days.

Other Sightseeing Options in Ullapool

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What people are saying about Ullapool

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 49 reviews

Chris was our guide for the duration of the the trip and he was honestly my favourite part of visiting Scotland. Yes, he took us to amazing places and shared lots of history with us, but he also made an effort to know each of his passengers and made us all laugh constantly. He also took us to places we specifically asked to go, which was very kind and made the trip feel very personalized. Even though Chris shared many sad tales of things that have happened in Scotland, the trip never felt depressing because he always found a way to put a positive spin on things after sharing such stories, and was an excellent story teller as well! Several of us had commented on how his wonderful voice and charisma lure you in when he's telling a story. Also his very clear love of his country and his appreciation for the nature and landscapes never ceased to pull you in and make you appreciate the sights even more. I would most definitely come back to Scotland and recommend Rabbies to anyone!

Helen was such a knowledgeable tour guide and so friendly and engaging with all the travelers on board. This tour was my highlight of Scotland some of the most beautiful beaches I've seen and the landscape between Lewis and Harris is just scenery that can't be missed. The last stop the Callanish Stones and even in the wet and wind was awesome to be able to touch the 5000 year old stones and to be there in the moment. I can't recommend Helen and Rabbies enough to go do this tour! My definite highlight of Scotland.

The trip was everything I hoped for and more. We got to do a lot of getting out of the van and hiking. Lots of photo opportunities . Our guide was hilarious and very informative. The amount of people on the tour was just rite that we all became friends! The van was small enough that we could get into some of the out if the way places. Very good value and experience for the cost. This my very first guided tour ever and I would do it again with Rabbies in a heartbeat! Highly recommend it!

Great route. Incredible scenery. Very knowledgable tour guide. Couldn’t recommend this tour enough. Will definitely be looking into similar tours based on this experience!

Great info from Jodi. So enthusiastic and thorough. Would love to comeback some day.