We can create Scottish highland tours, for any number of days that you require. Open Road Scotland will take care of your transport, accommodation and activity needs, to tailor unforgettable Scottish highland tours for your family or group. We have a number of itineraries which can be offered with a driver guide or as a self drive option. Let us know the destinations that you wish to visit and with our knowledge we will create Scottish highland tours to allow you to get the most out of your time, and to perhaps visit some hidden gem destinations that you may not have considered, or even heard of. Accommodation options include guest houses, small boutique hotels and country houses and hotels. If you would like to include some activities on your itinerary then we can also do this for you. Options such as whisky tours, guided walks, river kayaking and cycling to name but a few, can all be organised.
Starting and finishing in Inverness, the North Coast 500 route is one of our most spectacular Scottish highland tours. This coastal tour around the northern Highlands, takes in fairy tale castles, stunning beaches, ancient ruins and vivid mountain scenery.
This Scottish highland tours option can be offered as self-drive or in a small group with a dedicated driver guide and luxury mini-coach.
Day 1:
We depart from Glasgow or Edinburgh heading north with a stop at Stirling Castle.
Stirling castle has played such a significant part in Scotland’s historical timeline over the years and tells the stories of William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots among others.
We continue on through Perthshire with a lunch stop in Blair Atholl. Then we pass through the Cairngorms National Park to arrive at Inverness, our first overnight stop.
Day 2:
We begin our day by heading west towards Applecross and over the stunning Bealach Na Ba road, with its hairpin bends and breathtaking views over to the Isle of Skye.
Continuing around the coast we head into Wester Ross and towards our overnight stop of Torridon, The Torridon hills exhibit some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the British Isles, perhaps only surpassed by the Cuillins of Skye.
Take in your stunning surroundings, with mountains that reach up to 3500ft from the edge of deep, sea lochs. This area is a magnet for climbers, photographers, wildlife watchers and hikers.
Day 3:
Choose to relax this morning or enjoy some of the numerous outdoor activities available locally, such as walking, cycling, archery, or clay pigeon shooting.
Moving on from Torridon we head north, past the beautiful Loch Maree and the slopes of Beinn Eighe. The unspoilt waters of Loch Maree are of international importance for their biodiversity. Traditionally every year thousands of sea trout and sea salmon return to the loch from the sea.
We will stop at the stunning beaches of Gairloch, before reaching our overnight destination of Poolewe.
Day 4:
This morning we visit the world famous National Trust Gardens of Inverewe, one of Scotland’s most amazing botanical attractions. Plants from around the world grow here, warmed by the nearby Atlantic Gulf Stream currents.
It’s a truly spectacular drive north from here through Ullapool and past Loch Broom with a stop at Corrieshallch Gorge, a beautiful box canyon dating back to the ice age.
Our overnight stop tonight is in the beautiful seaside village of Lochinver.
Day 5:
We head for the most northerly part of the mainland today passing Durness and Cape Wrath.
We will stop at Smoo sea caves, and also Sango Sands Beach and Balnakeil Bay. Our journey along the top of Scotland takes us to John O’Groat’s via the spectacular scenery of Ben Loyal, Loch Hope and Loch Eriboll.
We have the option of a Manager’s tour at Old Pulteney Distillery, distllery before our overnight stop in Wick.
Day 6:
We experience the beautiful edges of the east coast this morning as we head down via Helmsdale and Golspie to the stunning Dunrobin Castle and gardens, seat of the Clan Sutherland.
In the afternoon we have the chance to visit Glenmorangie Distillery and take a Manager’s Tour or to take a beautiful walk to Fyrish monument near Dornoch where you will be rewarded with unrivalled views of the Highlands.
For golf lovers, Dornoch is also home to the world famous links golf course and British Open venue. Our overnight stay tonight is in Dornoch.
Day 7:
Culloden is our first destination of the day, the site of the last pitched battle on British soil in 1746. We also visit the Clava Cairns which are ancient standing stones situated on a bronze age burial site. The stones feature in the hit TV series Outlander, which is set in the highlands during the Jacobite uprisings. Travel south from Inverness through the Cairngorms National Park, and return to a final destination Glasgow or Edinburgh with the option of a guided city tour.