About this experience
Pies, mermaids, beaches, and castles; truly experience the remote and rugged Highlands of Scotland on this adventurous day from Inverness.
Highlights
- Enjoy the beautiful mountain views and white sandy beaches of Lochinver
- Marvel at beautiful Achmelvich Beach, easily mistaken for the Caribbean.
- Visit dramatic ruins of Ardvreck Castle
- Explore Scotland’s ‘Route 66’
What's included
- Transport in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
How to use
- Show Mobile Ticket
- At Redemption Counter
What to expect
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.
As we leave Inverness behind, Scotland's Highland landscapes are ready to impress. Rolling moorlands and stretches of pine forests, the open wilderness is worth a photo or two. We'll pass by rushing rivers and quiet lochs, through charming villages and beneath towering mountains. We'll make a stop or two along the way at some of this region's most stunning spots, but we like to keep things flexible depending on the group and weather.
As we approach our next stop, look out for glimpses of Loch Broom, its calm waters contrasting the jagged peaks and untamed landscapes around it as we arrive at our next stop. 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.
Terms & conditions
You will return at approximately 18:45
We don’t carry children under the age of 5. Children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult.
You are restricted to 20 kilograms (44 lbs) of luggage per person on the tours. 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 a small bag for onboard personal items
To maintain balance and comfort on board, group bookings are limited to a maximum of 8 passengers per booking. Please note this does not mean the tour is capped at 8 people overall - our small-group tours operate with up to 16 participants in total. This way, you’ll share the journey with other like-minded travellers while still enjoying the benefits of a smaller group: more personal service, more time with locals, more opportunities off the bus, and a friendlier, more authentic travel experience.