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Culloden MoorNature & adventure

Our most recommended Culloden Moor Nature & adventure

From Edinburgh: 3-Day Isle of Skye and The Highlands Tour

1. From Edinburgh: 3-Day Isle of Skye and The Highlands Tour

Embark on a 3-day guided tour of the Scottish Highlands and visit highlights, including Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye. Learn the history of this lush region from your guide and spend two nights in Inverness. Day 1: Departing Edinburgh, we will take our first short drive heading north and stop at the mysterious Kelpies. Scotland’s largest piece of outdoor art depicting mythical creatures of Scotland’s folklore that your driver will tell you all about. We’ll then continue on our journey and pass Stirling Castle. Be inspired by tales from your guide of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. Continuing north, into the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, admire the scenery as your tour guide explains the remarkable tribal clan history of the Highlands. Discover beautiful Glencoe, the most famous valley in Scotland, and hear of its tragic history. Admire the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct then head north and arrive on the southern banks of Loch Ness to get photos of the infamous monster Nessie! Stop for photos of Urquhart Castle before arriving in Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands, where you'll stay for 2 nights, choosing from a local guesthouse, hostel, or hotel. Day 2: After breakfast, depart Inverness and drive across the Kessock Bridge to the Black Isle and marvel at the spectacular scenery of Achnasheen and Loch Carron. Arriving on the Isle of Skye, venture north to explore the highlights of the island, including; the Cuillin Mountains, Trotternish Peninsula, Portree, the Old Man Storr, Kilt Rock and the famous Quiraing. In late afternoon, stop for photographs of the most beautiful castle in Scotland, "Eilean Donan Castle." Backdrop to many famous films, such as 'Highlander' and 'Made of Honor', this castle is another must-see iconic landmark! A scenic drive through stunning Glen Shiel follows, returning to Inverness to stay your final night. 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. Day 3: Visit Culloden Battlefield, site of the last Jacobite Rising, then 'Clava Cairns', incredible 4,000-year-old, Bronze-Age standing stones. Travelling south, stop at the Highland Folk Museum. Here you'll experience highland life in the 17th century. See the buildings, the clothes and weapons, and how people lived 300 years ago. Then, drive through the dramatic Cairngorm National Park. You will have the chance to experience a Scotch Whiskey tasting before you visit the historic village of Dunkeld on the banks of the mighty River Tay. Your journey back to Edinburgh takes you across the famous Forth Bridges. The expected arrival time back in Edinburgh is around 6:30 PM.

Loch Ness and the Highlands 1-Day Tour from Aberdeen

2. Loch Ness and the Highlands 1-Day Tour from Aberdeen

Your tour departs Aberdeen and heads straight for the ‘Whisky Capital of the World’, Dufftown. Unfortunately it's too early in the morning to taste the whisky at the Glenfiddich Distillery, but you have time to take a photo of the iconic site and grab a coffee. Venture through the heart of Speyside and arrive at Loch Ness for an optional boat trip which is bookable via your guide on the day of the trip. Onboard the ship, you travel over the widest and deepest part of the loch and get a fine view of Urquhart Castle. Upon your return back on dry land, it’s time to travel deep into the past at Clava Cairns. This spot is situated in a gorgeous green grove and boasts well-preserved ancient burial tombs. They even say this spot was the inspiration for Outlander’s Craigh na Dun. Follow this up with a trip to Culloden Battlefield, the location of the final Jacobite Rising. It’s an eerie, flat, tragic landscape that can put the history of Scotland into perspective. The interactive exhibition center here really brings it all to life. Have a comfort break within the gorgeous Cairngorms National Park before you reach Aberdeen 8:00 PM.

4-Day Outlander Trail From Edinburgh

3. 4-Day Outlander Trail From Edinburgh

Leave Edinburgh and begin following the trail of the best-known film locations featured in the Outlander TV Series. Your first stop is the charming village of Culross. You continue to the small town of Falkland to relive the first scenes of the show, where Falkland substitutes for 1940s Inverness. In the early afternoon you stop at the Newtonmore Highland Folk Museum, which houses replicas of 18th century turf-roofed Highland crofts. These were used as a setting in the first episode of the show. You then pass Aviemore, where you may recognise the stunning hilly and wooded area of Tulloch Ghru. You arrive in Inverness later that afternoon, which will be your base for the next two nights.  Day 2 starts by visiting Culloden, which plays an important role in Scottish history and the Outlander books. It’s at the Culloden Battlefield where Claire and Jamie said their tearful goodbyes, before Jamie joined the Jacobite army to fight for the Stuarts. You have the opportunity to explore the visitor center and site, and pay tribute to those who lost their lives at the last battle fought on British soil. You then take a short drive to the ancient standing stones at Clava Cairns. After lunch, head continue to Castle Leod, “home of the Clan MacKenzie”, where you can enjoy a relaxing walk. The castle resembles the way that Diana Gabaldon described Castle Leoch, though she had never heard of this building prior to writing Outlander. A short drive takes you to Beauly, the site of Beauly Priory and the tomb of Lord Lovat in the heart of Clan Fraser lands. Beauly priory is a beautiful 13th-century ruin and where the Lovat Frasers are buried in Diana Gabaldon’s book. In the afternoon, you can sample ‘The Water of Life’ with a whisky distillery tour and tasting. Afterwards, return to Inverness with time to explore the town and enjoy the city for another evening. Day 3 starts with a visit to the majestic Glen Affric. Lochs, mountains and pine forests: this is one of Scotland’s most glorious glens. You then continue along the entire length of Loch Ness and through the Great Glen before heading to Glenfinnan. It stands framed by typically spectacular Highland scenery and bedside a section of the Jacobite Steam Train railway line famously used as the Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter. Your overnight stop is in Fort William underneath the shadow of Britain’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis. Day 4 begins with a magnificent drive through Glencoe, across the rugged Trossachs area onto Doune Castle. The castle is an extensive ruin that represents Castle Leoch in the TV program. Later, you have a photo stop at Blackness Castle on the banks of the Firth of Forth. This was used as the set for Fort William in the show and appears in many other movies because of its beautiful setting and thickly fortified walls. After your medieval adventure, you'll return to Edinburgh in the early evening.

From Aberdeen: Scottish Highlands & Inverness

4. From Aberdeen: Scottish Highlands & Inverness

The Cairngorms The day starts with a winding drive through the Aberdeenshire countryside and the Cairngorms, the UK's largest National Park. With stunning hills and mountains you will see dramatic views and wildlife on our way to our first stop. Corgarff Four specially commissioned sculptural seats by John Kennedy on the infamous Lecht Road offer spectacular views towards Corgarff Castle. There is an existing standing stone sculpture 'A Moment in Time' by Louise Gardiner which was designed to frame telescopic views of the Castle. Pack-horse Bridge The village of Carrbridge is famous for its 18th century pack-horse bridge, the river Dulnain snakes its way through this picturesque village before emptying into the River Spey. Not only is The Old Packhorse Bridge iconic within Carrbridge itself, but it is also one of the most recognisable landmarks in the whole of Cairngorms National Park, so grabbing a photograph or two is an absolute must. Capital City of the Highlands The city of Inverness has plenty to discover. Inverness city centre lies on the east bank of the river and some of the historic civic buildings are found in the centre including the Townhouse, Inverness Castle and several prominent churches. There are staircases and closes which take you into the residential parts of town, the Victorian Shopping Centre as well as East Gate Shopping Centre. You'll find a number of small cafes, pubs and restaurants for you to try. You'll have a some of free time to wander through the city and explore. As part of this tour you will have access to our Self-Guided audio tour of the Highlights of Inverness. This walking tour can be downloaded from our app and you will be sent details and voucher code before your trip. One of the worlds best known Lochs At 56 km2 , Loch Ness is the second-largest Scottish loch by surface area after Loch Lomond. Its deepest point is 230 metres. Loch Ness is famous for the sightings of "Nessie", the Loch Ness Monster. Discover one of Scotland’s most evocative prehistoric sites The Clava Cairns are about 4,000 years old and were built to house the dead. This is a sacred place in the landscape for millennia, and provides many clues to the beliefs of Bronze Age society. Two parts of the complex, Balnuaran of Clava and Milton of Clava, are open to the public. Culloden Viaduct Designed by Chief Engineer Murdoch Paterson and built by the Highland railway the impressive 29 arches of the Culloden viaduct that stretch over the valley and River Nairn really is a great sight to see on your highland travels. Historic Battle Field On 16 April 1746, the final Jacobite Rising came to a brutal head in one of the most harrowing battles in British history. Visit the battle field and the memorial to the men who lost their lives during this battle. The grounds are also the burial ground for many, you will see clan markers on the field to commemorate the clans who were present on the day.

Inverness and The Highlands 2-Day Tour from Edinburgh

5. Inverness and The Highlands 2-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Enjoy a 2-day tour encompassing the very best of the Scottish Highlands. Admire spectacular mountain scenery as you are transported in a comfortable mini-coach from Edinburgh to the Highlands, where you will discover the magic and charm of this beautiful region. Admire Doune Castle, Glenfinnan Viaduct (the 'Harry Potter' bridge), Britain’s highest mountain Ben Nevis, explore the magical Loch Ness, visit Britain’s northernmost city Inverness, and discover Scotland’s violent history at Glencoe. Detailed itinerary Day 1 Leaving Edinburgh the tour passes Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument before a first stop at Doune Castle. Protecting the gateway to the Highlands and with spectacular views from the medieval tower, the castle has recently been seen as Winterfell in the TV series Game of Thrones, but is probably most famous for featuring in the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. As you continue north the mountains and lochs provide a dramatic backdrop for the journey to Glen Coe. After lunch visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct (Apr-Oct only) which famously features in several Harry Potter movies as the Hogwarts Express train crosses the bridge. Historically this stunning viewpoint also marks the spot where Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) landed on mainland Scotland and raised his standard prior to the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion. As we travel along the Great Glen admire Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and then along the banks of Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle. Stay overnight in Inverness, the northernmost city of the United Kingdom and the pretty capital of the Highlands. The tour provider will contact you for your preferred accommodation choices once you have booked. The accommodation is reserved for you and should be paid for on arrival.  Day 2 After being collected from your accommodation it's only a short drive to Culloden Moor where the Jacobites were finally defeated by government soldiers in 1746, the last battle to be fought on British soil. You will have time to walk on the battlefield and learn more about this tragic event that killed 700 Highland clansmen in 3 minutes. From there, visit one of Scotland's most evocative and sacred prehistoric sites, the nearby 4,000-year-old stone circles and burial mounds at Clava Cairns. As you drive south through the Cairngorms National Park, you'll hear about the flora and fauna of this wonderful wilderness which was officially protected in 2003 and is the largest national park in the British Isles. After lunch in one of the charming villages inside the national park, arrive at the lively Highland town of Pitlochry. During your break here there is an option to visit the Blair Athol Distillery (sorry, no children under 8). Alternatives include a short walk to the famous hydro electric dam and salmon ladder, or Black Spout waterfall. Your final stop is a gentle riverside walk through Big Tree Country at Dunkeld, a beautiful way to finish the tour all seasons of the year. Return to Edinburgh by the iconic Forth Rail Bridge.

From Edinburgh: Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye 5-Day Tour

6. From Edinburgh: Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye 5-Day Tour

Travel across the highlands of Scotland and discover some of the country’s major attractions. On this 5-day excursion you’ll stay in B&B accommodation and travel with an English-speaking guide. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Through the Trossachs to Oban This wide-ranging tour starts by heading west through the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to Kilmartin Glen. Here you’ll explore Scotland’s ancient past. With over 5,000 years of history laid out before you, you’ll be able to walk in the footsteps of the first Scots at Dunadd Hill Fort and the Temple Wood Stone Circle. Then it’s on to the picturesque seaside town of Oban. Overnight in Oban. Day 2: A Day of high hills and history The second day takes you to the haunting landscape of Glen Coe, which was the scene of the terrible massacre of the MacDonald Clan. You’ll continue on past Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest peak and stop at Fort William. We will drive part of the route of one of the most fantastic train journeys in the entire world. On departures between May and September, board the Jacobite Train, or "Hogwarts Express" in Fort William for the next section of your journey. Travel across the Glenfinnan Viaduct and enjoy stunning views as you make your way through the west coast town of Mallaig. In April and October you will continue west from Fort William on board your bus, making a stop to view the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films and hopefully get a chance to see the steam train cross it. We will also be able to see Glenfinnan Monument - and the gorgeous scenery that surrounds it! Overnight in Skye. Day 3: A whole day to explore Skye You'll have the whole of the third day to explore Skye's mysteries and landscape. Here the mountains and beaches beckon, so lose yourself in the spectacular scenery of the Cuillin Mountains, the slanting hills of Quiraing, and the incredible Trotternish Peninsula. Overnight in Skye. Day 4: Castles, mountains, and on to Loch Ness Once you leave Skye your first stop will be to visit the stunningly beautiful Eilean Donan Castle (this is an optional extra ). You’ll then continue your journey onwards to the fabled shores of Loch Ness. Here you have the option to visit Urquhart Castle and take a cruise on the loch (extra charge), before ending the day in the capital of the Highlands: Inverness. Stay overnight in Inverness. Day 5: Historic battlefields and back to Edinburgh You’ll start your journey south and have the chance to visit the battlefield of Culloden (an optional extra), the site of the defeat of the Jacobite forces. Then you’ll pass the stunning Cairngorm Mountains and have time to explore the picturesque town of Pitlochry, before arriving back in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Isle of Skye & Highlands 5-Day Tour

7. Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Isle of Skye & Highlands 5-Day Tour

Journey through the spectacular scenery of Scotland on this adventurous 5-day trip through the Highlands and the enchanting Isle of Skye. Immerse yourself in myths and legends while experiencing Glencoe, The Isle of Skye, and Inverness. Day 1: Edinburgh to Oban Marvel at the iconic Kelpies before heading north past Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle. Immerse yourself in the scenic Rannoch Moor and Glencoe and explore the quaint fishing town of Oban in the late afternoon. (Overnight: Oban) Day 2: Oban to Isle of Skye Journey through some of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes on the way to Skye. Get the chance to view the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct before passing romantic Eilean Donan Castle and spending the night in our enchanting island destination, the Isle of Skye. (Overnight: Portree) Day 3: Isle of Skye to Inverness Explore the magical Isle of Skye with its far-reaching mountains, stunning coastline, and local folklore before returning to the mainland. Head along the Great Glen to Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands. (Overnight: Inverness) Day 4: Inverness Search for the mysterious monster ‘Nessie’ while driving along the banks of Loch Ness before visiting the beautiful town of Beauly and stopping at the historical Culloden Battlefield. (Overnight: Inverness) Day 5: Inverness to Edinburgh Begin your final day with a visit to the chamber cairns and standing stones of Clava Cairns. Taste and learn all about the 'water of life' at a local whisky distillery before returning to Edinburgh in the late afternoon.

Edinburgh: Isle of Skye and Loch Ness 5-Day Highlands Tour

8. Edinburgh: Isle of Skye and Loch Ness 5-Day Highlands Tour

Make the most of your time in Scotland with a 5-day tour of the best of Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye. Ride on the Fort William viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies, sample Scotch whiskey, and sail along the waters of Loch Ness. Accommodation and breakfast are included. Day 1:Leave Edinburgh and head to the iconic Kelpies. Travel north to Stirling and the towering Wallace Monument, taking in stunning views of the Castle along the way. Enter the Highlands heading through wild Rannoch Moor and Glencoe and on to the fishing port of Oban, where you'll stay overnight. Day 2: Take the steam train from Fort William, crossing the viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies, where a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s campaign now stands. Take the ferry to Skye where you can explore striking cliffs and mountains, before driving north to your overnight destination. Stay overnight in the Isle of Skye. Day 3:Explore more of the mysterious island that's full of awe-inspiring mountains, myths, and legends before returning to the mainland to view Eilean Donan Castle and wind your way along the Great Glen to the infamous Loch Ness. Stay overnight in Inverness. Day 4:Hunt for the elusive monster with a cruise on Loch Ness before turning northward and the stunning beauty of the northwest Highlands. Take in the beautiful town of Beauly with its Priory dating back to 1230. The day ends with a visit to Culloden Battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites were defeated in 1746. Stay overnight in Inverness. Day 5:Leaving Inverness, visit the Highland Folk Museum to get a real taste of Highland life from the past centuries. Next, head to a local Whisky Tasting of the so-called 'Water of Life'. For the final stop of the tour, visit Dunkeld and take a walk through the quaint village. Stroll along the River Tay and see the cathedral. Return back to Edinburgh in the evening.

From Edinburgh: 2-Day Scottish Highlands & St. Andrews Tour

9. From Edinburgh: 2-Day Scottish Highlands & St. Andrews Tour

Take a 2-day adventure out into the Highlands with a charismatic and knowledgeable guide. See the views that inspired countless artists and writers, and visit its most famous attractions, including Loch Ness. Day 1 Departing from Edinburgh, pass the iconic Forth Bridge as you make your way to St. Andrews. Take time to explore the town’s medieval castle and cathedral, ancient University buildings (where Prince William and Kate met), or wander along the fairways edge of the world-famous Old Course.   You’ll then venture into the Scottish Highlands with a visit to the peaceful Hermitage nature reserve. Take a short walk through the forest to the Falls of Brann before lunch in Pitlochry. Continue north into the Cairngorm National Park and watch as the rolling mountains turn blue in the summer or white with falling snow in the winter. In the late afternoon, you'll arrive at Clava Cairns, the Neolithic burial chambers that inspired Diana Gabaldon during the writing of her famous Outlander novels.   Your second-to-last stop today is at Culloden Moor, the site of the last battle fought on British soil in 1746. Your guide will retell the events of the battle and teach you about its significance not only to the Highlands, but also to the Scottish diaspora since. Spend the night in Inverness, a small city packed with restaurants and fun pubs—meet the locals and dance the night away to Highland music in the famous Hootenanny’s Bar with your fellow travelers.   Day 2 Your second day begins by venturing the entire length of the most famous body of water in the world, Loch Ness. Pass Urquhart Castle on your way to Fort Augustus at the mouth of the Loch, where you’ll have the option of taking a 1-hour boat cruise to search for Nessie.   Continue West towards the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, recently made famous by the Harry Potter movies. Hike to a viewpoint to get the best photos of this impressive piece of 19th-century engineering and, in the other direction, be treated to views of Loch Shiel and the monument to the Jacobites: one of the finest views in Scotland.   After lunch, you’ll arrive in Glencoe, the site of the infamous Massacre of 1692. Your guide will share this terribly sad story of betrayal with you. However, the beauty of Glencoe stays with those who visit this place for a very long time.   Your unforgettable Highland adventure ends with a scenic drive through Loch Lomond and Trossachs Park, passing Stirling Castle and into Edinburgh.

From Edinburgh: Isle of Skye & The Highlands 3-Day Tour

10. From Edinburgh: Isle of Skye & The Highlands 3-Day Tour

Our Skye High tour is the perfect way for travelers short on time to see most of Scotland. In just three days, go hunting for the Loch Ness Monster, see ruined castles and stunning lochs, and listen to Celtic myths in a proper Highland pub. Leaving Edinburgh at 8:00 AM, take in views of the spectacular Forth Bridges and journey north to Macbeth County. Visit the quaint village of Dunkeld with its historic cathedral sitting on the banks of the River Tay. Drive further into the Highlands and enter the Great Glen. Stop at Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness and search for a glimpse of the legendary beast. Our journey to the Isle of Skye passes one of the most photographed castles in Scotland – Eilean Donan. Our home for the night is the small village of Portree on the Isle of Skye. (Overnight: Portree) Today we explore the Isle of Skye, also known as the ‘Misty Isle’: a bucket-list destinations thanks to its heart-stopping scenery. This wee island is packed with ruined castles, breathtaking views, and faerie stories. Home to the legendary MacLeod and MacDonald Clans, hear Celtic myths and Viking legends from the past millennia. Explore the windswept landscape, coastline, and mountain ranges. In the afternoon, explore Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod before returning to Portree. Summer itinerary, April to mid-October. Our first stop of the day is the beautiful Armadale Castle, Gardens, and Museum of the Isles before taking the ferry to the west coast fishing village of Mallaig. Have the option to be a wizard for the day and board the Jacobite Steam Train aka “Hogwarts Express” to Fort William, one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world and a must for all Harry Potter fans. The train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct where a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s campaign now stands. We head south through the dramatic scenery of Glencoe, wild Rannoch Moor then the heart of Rob Roy country before arriving back in Edinburgh at approximately 8:30 PM.

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What people are saying about Culloden Moor

My overall experience was excellent, this being my first foray into Scottish Highlands. Steven, quite the quintessential guide, amiable, full of knowledge on things Scotland, and interesting folk tales from Coinnach Oer, stories of the Jacobites rebellions and myths on the Kelpies and Selkies. The Hairy coo is forever singed in my mind.

John (aka the king of the north) was amazing. He made us all laugh, kept us entertained, engaged, and happy throughout the whole trip. Even though some places were shut due to weather he managed to take us to other points of interest to make up for it

Wonderful experience. Probably best way to explore highlands… go for there 3 day tour for best experience… the star of the tour was Anthony our guide and good friend… this wouldn’t have been same experience without him

A great experience with Stephen as we ventured around the Highlands. Amazing recommendations and insights personalised to our questions. Would highly recommend to people interested in an intimate and lively tour.

Simply amazing tour, our tour guide Anthony was exceptional.