Tour guides Scotland

5 ideas for guided tours in Scotland

• Loch Ness

  

  A loch can be a freshwater expanse, a sea inlet, or simply a lake. Loch Ness is the second largest in Scotland, stretching over 30 kilometers in length. It was in the 1930s, deep in the Highlands, that the legend was born. At that time, people claimed to have seen the creature for the first time, a kind of giant sea serpent. And if you don’t spot the famous “Nessie”, the place is still a perfect excuse for some remarkable discoveries.

  Begin with the city of Inverness, southwest of Loch Ness, with its Urquhart Castle and the many pubs lining the River Ness.
  Keep exploring the countryside and the small villages of Drumnadrochit, Fort Augustus—known for its lovely locks—and Dores with its pebble beach.
  You’ll also find companies offering cruises that give you a completely different perspective of the entire Loch Ness.

• Glen Coe Valley

  

  The Glen Coe valley is one of the most beautiful regions in the country, with majestic mountains and lush green landscapes. You’ll travel along the country’s most scenic road, the A82, winding its way around the peaks. This wild beauty has served as the backdrop for films like Braveheart and Harry Potter. The village of Glencoe is the perfect starting point to explore the area.

  From there, you can follow the Lochan Trails through the forest. The more adventurous can take on the Pap of Glencoe trail (Sgorr na Ciche), a fairly demanding climb, but at the top awaits a breathtaking view over Loch Leven. Another well-known hike is the Lost Valley trail, set in the heart of the Three Sisters mountain range.

• Isle of Skye

  

  The Isle of Skye feels like Scotland distilled into a single place. Nicknamed “the Isle of Mist”, it lies almost at the far north of the country’s west coast. You can reach it from Mallaig by ferry, or simply by bus or car crossing the bridge between Kyle of Lochalsh and Kyleakin.

  It is the largest of the Inner Hebrides. The road that hugs the ocean is rugged and dramatic. Along the way, you’ll skirt the Cuillin Hills, where trails lead to the Fairy Pools, a series of stunning waterfalls with turquoise waters. Portree, the island’s capital, is a picturesque fishing port lined with colorful houses. From this village, the hike begins toward the Old Man of Storr, a striking 50-meter high pinnacle of rock pointing skyward.

  The Isle of Skye deserves at least two full days to wander its vast moors and reach its beautiful beaches, such as Point of Sleat at the southern tip.

• Glenfinnan

  

  Missed the Hogwarts Express?
  No need to worry—the famous Harry Potter steam train, officially named the Jacobite Express, crosses the viaduct here every morning at 10:30 and again in the afternoon around 3:00.

  The route runs from Fort William to Mallaig, passing through Glenfinnan. This charming village lies only a few kilometers from Glencoe. At the foot of the Glenfinnan Monument, you’ll find Loch Shiel. The tower is topped with a Highlander in full kilt, built in 1815 to honor Charles Edward Stuart, better known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Jacobite claimant to the Scottish throne.

  Right beside it stands the Gothic church of St Mary & St Finnan, built in 1872. Its setting on the lakeside makes it truly atmospheric. And if you have time to linger in Glenfinnan, several short trails—each under an hour—let you explore the area on foot.

• Scone Palace

  

  The historic stronghold of Scone Palace lies on the outskirts of the city of Perth. It is a landmark of Scottish history, for long before the palace was built in 1808, the site held a 16th-century castle. More than 40 kings of Scotland were crowned here. Today, the family home belongs to the Earls of Mansfield.

  Inside, the palace houses an impressive collection of paintings, works of art, antiques, and period furniture.
  Vast gardens surround the estate, along with groves of centuries-old pines.
  Not to be missed: a hedge maze and sweeping views of the River Tay.