5-Day Hebridean Escape Tour from Edinburgh: Inverness and Stornoway

Rannoch Moor and the journey through Glen Coe…
Say goodbye to Edinburgh as we travel north on a scenic journey into the Scottish Highlands. This unforgettable Highlands tour from Edinburgh takes you through ever more dramatic landscapes before arriving in Glencoe, one of the most spectacular places to visit in Scotland. Surrounded by towering mountains and cascading waterfalls, this historic glen is steeped in legend. Discover the tragic story of the Massacre of the MacDonald Clan and experience the raw beauty of Glencoe's rugged landscape.
Britain's tallest mountain…
As we drive through Glen Coe, we'll make our way through the Highland town of Fort William. This town marks the end of Scotland's oldest and most popular long-distance walks, The West Highland Way. There is a resting hiker statue looking out over Loch Linnhe, where you can take in views of Ben Nevis, the UK's tallest peak. Standing at 1,345 metres above sea level, it is often known to both locals and visitors as simply "the Ben." From here, we'll then head to the fabled shores of Loch Ness, for a short stop before reaching Inverness our overnight location.

North to Lewis and Harris…
Leaving Inverness behind you will traverse Scotland from east to west. Journey through some beautiful and remote scenery as you make your way towards the morning ferry.  You will arrive in the beautiful seaside town of Ullapool, perched on the shores of Loch Broom. Known to be one of the gateways to the Northern Highlands, Ullapool is one of the least spoilt natural environments in the UK, making it a perfect base to explore from and also the perfect location to catch the ferry. There will be some great lunch options available on the ferry for you to enjoy as you sail out past the Summer Isles and onwards to the outer Hebrides.
Start your island experience by visiting a traditional Blackhouse, a fully furnished thatched house, and gain an insight into island life.  Your afternoon will end in Stornoway, the largest settlement in the Western Isles and your base for exploring the Isle of Lewis and Harris.

Ancient history and stunning scenery…
On your first day exploring the Isle of Lewis and Harris, immerse yourself in the island’s rich history and breathtaking coastal scenery. Begin with a visit to Carloway Broch, one of the best-preserved Iron Age brochs in Scotland, dramatically positioned above Loch an Duin with sweeping views across the rugged landscape. Continue to the ancient Callanish Standing Stones, one of the most iconic and mysterious landmarks in the Outer Hebrides, where we will stop for lunch surrounded by open moorland and Atlantic views.
In the afternoon, experience the natural beauty of Harris with time to walk along Luskentyre Beach, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland. With its white sand, turquoise waters, and panoramic views of the Harris mountains, this stunning beach showcases the island’s wild coastal charm. The day concludes with a scenic drive along the Golden Road, a spectacular coastal route offering dramatic sea views and remote island scenery, before returning to Stornoway.

Castaways and coastal splendour…
On your second day in the Outer Hebrides, journey to the far north of the Isle of Lewis to experience some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Scotland. Our first stop is the iconic Butt of Lewis lighthouse, perched on towering sea cliffs and famous as one of the windiest places in the UK. From here, take in sweeping views across the Atlantic Ocean, where crashing waves, rugged headlands, and seabird colonies create a truly wild Highland seascape.
We then continue to Port of Ness, a picturesque coastal village known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and powerful Atlantic swells. This beautiful area offers incredible photo opportunities and a chance to walk along unspoiled beaches that showcase the raw beauty of the Isle of Lewis coastline. The scenery here perfectly captures the remote and untamed spirit of the Outer Hebrides.
After exploring the north of the island, we return to Stornoway for lunch, where you’ll have time to reflect on your island adventure before saying goodbye to Lewis. In the afternoon, board the ferry back to the Scottish mainland, then travel through Highland landscapes to Inverness, where you’ll settle in for your overnight stay in the capital of the Highlands.

Explore the famous battlefield of Culloden…
As we leave Inverness behind, our first stop of the day is at Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last stand of the Jacobites against the British government forces on 16 April 1746. It was one of the most harrowing battles in British history. Jacobite supporters, seeking to re-establish the Stuart monarchy to the British thrones, joined together to fight the Duke of Cumberland's government troops. It was the final pitched battle on British soil and, in less than an hour, around 1,600 men were slain – 1,500 of them Jacobites. You can experience everything about the events leading up to, during, and after the battle in the impressive visitor centre and interactive exhibition, as well as having the chance to wander the land where the battle itself took place.
The journey home begins…
We'll begin our journey south by heading to a local distillery for a wee dram. From here, we'll then enjoy the stunning scenery as you travel through the spectacular and unique wilderness of the Cairngorms National Park, the largest National Park in Scotland. This large mountain range has five of the highest mountains in the UK within its limits. Sit back, relax and enjoy the views before we arrive into the picturesque town of Pitlochry, the gateway to the highlands. Pitlochry has been a tourist centre since the 1860s thanks to Queen Victoria and Sir Walter Scott, who popularised the Highlands that boomed with the railways of the 1870s. Explore this quaint town before we head back to Edinburgh's city centre.