5 Day Highland Coastal Private Tour
A stunning five day coastal Highlands tour from Inverness taking in the spectacular landscapes of the East, North and West Highlands.
Day 1 – Departing from Inverness we enjoy a wonderful coastal tour across the three firths (Moray, Cromarty and Dornoch) before we arrive at the historic town of Dornoch. It is then a short drive to Dunrobin Castle and gardens. The afternoon includes visits to beautiful harbours (Latheronwheel and Lybster) and Bronze and Iron age brochs and cairns (Carn Liath and Camster) before our arrival in Wick for our overnight stay.
Day 2 – Before departing from Wick we visit the ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, spectacularly perched on a cliffside outcrop. We then head north to John o' Groats where we take a nearby hike (optional) to the view the stunning Duncansby sea stacks. After a visit to Dunnet Head, the most northernly point on the Scottish mainland, the afternoon is focused on a beautiful drive along the northern coastline of Scotland as we tour towards Tongue for our overnight stay.
Day 3 – Departing from Tongue we pass the imposing mountains of Ben Loyal and Ben Hope as we journey west towards Durness where we visit the magnificent Smoo cave, one of the largest sea caves in Britain. The afternoon takes us south through stunning Highland scenery before we arrive at Clachtoll, home to a beautiful white sands beach with turquoise waters. It is then a short drive to the picturesque coastal village of Lochinver for our overnight stay.
Day 4 – Departing from Lochinver we head towards the scenic harbour town of Ullapool with lots of photostops along the way including Ardvreck Castle ruins and Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve. Leaving Ullapool we visit Corrieshalloch gorge with its dramatic bridge and viewing platform suspended over the gorge. The afternoon includes a wonderful coastal drive passing Gruinard Bay, Aultbea and Poolewe before our arrival in Gairloch for our overnight stay.
Day 4 – Departing Gairloch our final day is packed full of breath-taking Highland scenery. We begin with a visit to the beautiful Loch Maree, followed by a drive through the wonderful landscapes surrounding the road to Torridon and Shieldaig. The early afternoon takes us along the Applecross peninsula coastal road, after which we tour Bealach na Bà for an extraordinary drive down one of the Highlands most breath-taking mountain passes. We end the day with a final scenic journey east towards Inverness.
Private Tour Price (per tour)
April to October: £3950
Tour Information
Depart Inverness
Return Inverness
(5 Days)
Tours are exclusively for your private group only (up to 3 persons) and prices are per tour. We 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. Prices include all taxes and a driver/guide (John Alasdair Macdonald) but exclude your accommodation costs, entrance fees and meals.
Accommodation Options
We recommend that you book accommodation in Wick (Day 1), Tongue (Day 2), Lochinver (Day 3) and Gairloch (Day 4) to make the most of your trip. Whilst we do not book accommodation for you we are happy to help with advice on where to stay and eat. The tour quote will include a list of accommodation recommendations and suggestions for overnight locations.
Tour notes
Across all five days we have lots of photo stops and time out of the vehicle enjoying the stunning Highland coastal scenery. We cover approx. 100 miles per day (although the last day is slightly longer). Generally, there is around 3 hours driving per day (quite a bit is on single track and winding Highland roads so it takes a little longer than normal). This tour covers the majority of the North Coast 500 route (other than the Stoer peninsula).
Tour Itinerary
The tour itinerary is based on experience, previous clients feedback and timings. However, we have a little flexibility and the tour itinerary can be adapted (in advance) to suit specific requests if possible. Please let us know any requests through the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form.
Weather
The Scottish Highlands are renowned for changeable weather and even in the summer months we may experience some wet and windy weather conditions on tours. As such we always recommend a light waterproof jacket for all tours and decent footwear that you do not mind getting a little bit muddy or wet.
