A four day exploration of Clan Macdonald lands spanning from Inverness to the misty peaks of Skye and the dramatic scenery of Glencoe – with the option of an extended seven day tour including the Isle of Islay (heartland of the Lordship of the Isles). This private heritage tour offers a deep-dive into the territories of the Sleat, Clanranald, Glencoe, Keppoch, Dunyvaig and Glengarry branches. Join a Scottish Highlands historian to discover ancient ruins, historic battlefields, and breathtaking vistas, all woven into a narrative that brings the story of the Macdonalds to life at an unhurried pace.
Starting from Inverness we visit Culloden Battlefield to explore the bloody history surrounding Charles Edward Stuart and his Jacobite supporters (which included the Macdonalds of Keppoch, Clanranald, Glengarry and Glencoe). We then follow the Great Glen down the banks of Loch Ness before turning west to Glen Shiel and the Five Sisters of Kintail mountains. Arriving at Eilean Donan Castle (which was involved in a 'less than successful' Macdonald uprising in the 1530s) we enjoy a viewpoint break before we cross the bridge to the Isle of Skye on our journey north to Portree for our overnight stay.
A full day touring clan Macdonald lands throughout Skye begins with a drive to the Trotternish Peninsula including stops at the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock. Continuing north we pass the ruins of Duntulm Castle, a former clan stronghold, before arriving at Kilmuir, the final resting place of one of the clan's most celebrated figures - Flora Macdonald. The afternoon takes us south to the Sleat Peninsula to explore the Museum of the Isles along with the ruins of Armadale Castle, the last ancestral home of the Macdonalds of Sleat before our return to Portree for our overnight stay.
After a little free time in Portree we return to the Sleat Peninsula to catch the midday ferry (40 minute sailing) from Armadale across the Sound of Sleat to Mallaig. The afternoon takes us south into the remote lands of Moidart where we enjoy a distance viewpoint stop at the ruins of Castle Tioram, ancestral home of Macdonalds of Clanranald. Located on a tidal island it may be possible to walk closer to the castle if it is low tide. After a visit to Loch nan Uamh – where Macdonalds initially greeted Charles Edward Stuart on his arrival in the Highlands – we return to either Mallaig or Arisaig for our overnight stay.
Departing from Mallaig or Arisaig we journey along the 'road to the Isles' to Glenfinnan where the many Macdonalds stood with Charlie Edward Stuart as the Standard was raised in 1745. After a visit to the Jacobite monument and museum, we head towards the lands of the Macdonalds of Glencoe, home to stunning Highland scenery and historic tragedy. The afternoon takes us through the lands of the Macdonalds of Keppoch and the ancient church of Cille Choirill, then the Macdonalds (Macdonells) of Glengarry where we stop at the ruins of Invergarry Castle and the Well of the Seven Heads before our return to Inverness.
For those wishing to extend their journey to include the Isle of Islay (the heartland of Lordship of the Isles), I offer a 7 Day Clan Macdonald Tour from Inverness (May to September). This route follows the standard tour until the mid-afternoon of Day 4 when we head south from Glencoe to Oban for our overnight stay.
Day 5: Departing Oban, our journey continues south through the historic Kilmartin Glen to view the intricate West Highland grave slabs that flourished under the Lordship. From Kennacraig, we board the afternoon ferry to the Isle of Islay for a two night stay.
Day 6: A full day on Islay is dedicated to the heart of the clan’s power. We visit Finlaggan, the ancestral seat of the Lords of the Isles and explore the coastal ruins of Dunyvaig Castle, the ancient stronghold of the Macdonalds of Dunyvaig.
Day 7: We return to the mainland and travel north through the Great Glen. We visit the 800-year-old ruins of Inverlochy Castle, and traverse the lands of the Macdonalds of Keppoch and Glengarry, stopping at Invergarry Castle before returning to Inverness.
4 Day Tour (April to October) – £3100
7 Day Tour (May to September) – £5800
Depart Inverness
Return Inverness
(4 or 7 Days)
Tours are exclusively for your private group only (up to 3 persons) and prices are per tour. I only offer private tours and do not combine individuals or separate groups – if your group size is less than 3 the advertised tour price still applies. Your private tour price includes:
The tour price does not include your accommodation, entrance fees or meals and refreshments.
To make the most of your tour I recommend you book accommodation in:
Whilst I do not book accommodation directly, I am always happy to offer advice on where to stay and eat. Your tour quote will include a list of recommended accommodation options for our overnight locations along with suggestions for evening meals.
Enjoy the ease of a private pickup — I will meet you directly at your Inverness accommodation on the morning of Day 1 to begin the tour. At the end of the tour I will drop you off at your preferred Inverness location.
Most locations involve short walks from the vehicle to viewpoints, castles or historic sites. The pace is relaxed and there is plenty of time to enjoy each stop. If you would prefer to skip a particular walk or explore at your own pace, that is absolutely fine on a private tour.
The tour vehicle (Honda CR-V) comfortably accommodates up to three passengers with the rear boot (trunk) for luggage allowing for one medium bag/suitcase per person and one small day bag/backpack per person. For private groups of three, if you are unsure about luggage capacity, please let me know the size of your suitcases and I can check against available space.
To allow for a full day exploring the Isle of Islay, the final day of the extended tour involves a little more travel — around 5 hours of driving and a 2¼ hour ferry crossing — with an expected arrival back in Inverness at approximately 7.30pm. If you prefer, the extended tour can instead end earlier at Oban (approximately 2pm) or Fort William (approximately 4pm). Please mention this preference in the 'Extra Information' section when completing the Tour Enquiry Form.
The tour itinerary is based on many years of guiding experience, previous client feedback, and practical travel timings. However, there is some flexibility and the itinerary can often be adapted in advance to suit particular interests or requests where possible. Please mention any requests in the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form.
The ferry crossing on the standard 4 day tour (Armadale to Mallaig on Day 3) has a road alternative available if required. In the event of cancellation, we would travel by road instead, adding approximately three hours of driving and a slightly later arrival in Mallaig or Arisaig. For the extended 7 day tour, ferry sailings are generally reliable during the summer months, though delays or cancellations can occasionally occur. While I cannot be responsible for additional accommodation, food, or other costs resulting from ferry disruptions, I will always make every effort to adapt the itinerary to minimise any disruption. Please note that refunds cannot be provided for itinerary changes resulting from ferry cancellations or timetable changes.
The Scottish Highlands and Islands are renowned for changeable weather, and even in the summer months we may experience some rain or wind. I always recommend a light waterproof jacket and comfortable footwear suitable for short walks in wet or uneven terrain.
You may be aware that Armadale Castle and Estate was sold in January 2026 by the Clan Donald Trust to a private family. Future access to the Museum of the Isles and the castle ruins remains slightly uncertain (they are still advertising entry for the 2026 season). If we are unable to visit the site during your tour, we will instead spend the afternoon exploring the historic Clan Donald lands around the Sleat peninsula.
The first step is simply to complete the Tour Enquiry Form with your preferred travel dates. I will then reply with availability and a detailed tour quotation (with absolutely no obligation to proceed at this stage). I usually reply to enquiries within 24 hours.
Of course! I’m always happy to answer any questions and help you feel confident about your trip. You can reach me in whichever way is easiest for you:
There’s absolutely no obligation — this is just a chance to discuss your ideas and make sure the tour is the right fit for you.
