Tracing Jacobite history across the Scottish Highlands and Islands
Jacobite heritage sites stretch across magnificent swathes of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. From the dramatic beauty of Glencoe with its dark, brutal history, and the breathtaking scenery of Glenfinnan (see above) where Charles Edward Stuart raised the standard, to the haunting moorland of Culloden, this trail is as much a journey through spectacular landscapes as it is a deep dive into history. It is a captivating combination of rugged mountains, deep glens, sweeping lochs, and powerful Highland stories.
Popular Jacobite heritage sites
The Jacobite Risings spanned more than half a century, leaving an incredible trail of heritage sites across the Highlands and Hebrides. For travellers searching for history beyond fiction, these are some of the core locations not to be missed:
- Urquhart Castle: Perched on the banks of Loch Ness, government forces blew up the castle's gatehouse in 1692 to prevent it from falling into Jacobite hands, leaving behind the haunting ruins visible today.
- Glen Shiel: Fought in a dramatic mountain pass, the Battle of Glen Shiel—the most significant event of the 1719 Rising—represents the brief, ill-fated alliance between Highland clans and Spanish troops.
- Eilean Donan Castle: Occupied by a garrison of Spanish soldiers fighting for the Stuart cause during the 1719 Rising, the castle was ruined by Royal Navy warships in its aftermath before its 20th-century reconstruction.
- Kilmuir (Isle of Skye): Located on the Trotternish Peninsula, this is the final resting place of Flora MacDonald, the brave young woman who famously helped Charles Edward Stuart cross from the Outer Hebrides to the Isle of Skye.
- Loch nan Uamh: This sea loch near Arisaig serves as both the beginning and the end of the final Rising. It is where the Prince first stepped ashore on mainland Scotland in 1745, and the location from which he departed back to Europe fourteen months later.
- Glenfinnan: At the head of Loch Shiel, surrounded by towering mountains, the Prince raised his royal standard on August 19, 1745. It was here that thousands of gathered clansmen, primarily Macdonalds and Camerons, stepped forward to join the cause.
- Glencoe: Famously known for the brutal massacre of 1692—where the local Macdonalds were killed by government troops they had hosted as guests—Glencoe became a beacon of government distrust across the Highlands for decades.
- Culloden Battlefield: On April 16, 1746, this moorland outside Inverness hosted the final, brutal battle fought on British soil. In less than an hour, the Jacobite army was defeated, and today the clan markers stand in silent memory of the fallen Jacobites.
How to explore Jacobite heritage sites
All of these historic locations can be explored independently by car and ferry — with only light walking required to reach each site — if you have the time to plan the logistics.
However, if you prefer a curated private tour, I can offer a 4 Day Jacobite History Private Tour from Inverness that covers the sites listed above.
4 Day Jacobite History Private Tour
Available from March to October, this private tour covers the Isle of Skye and the Scottish Highlands.
- Day 1: Inverness to Isle of Skye — Early Jacobite history along Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, moving through the dramatic pass of Glen Shiel to the historic stronghold of Eilean Donan Castle, before arriving on Skye.
Overnight: Portree (Isle of Skye) - Day 2: Isle of Skye to Arisaig — A morning exploring the Trotternish Peninsula and Flora MacDonald’s grave at Kilmuir. In the afternoon, we travel south to catch the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig before arriving at Arisaig.
Overnight: Arisaig - Day 3: Arisaig to Glencoe — Loch nan Uamh before moving inland to the Glenfinnan Monument where the standard was raised, visiting the West Highland Museum's Jacobite artifacts, before arriving in Glencoe.
Overnight: Glencoe - Day 4: Glencoe to Inverness — Exploring Glencoe and the turf house recreation, before travelling north through the Great Glen, and concluding with a historical walk through Culloden Battlefield before returning to Inverness.
Private Tour Pricing
- March to October — £3200
What's included in the tour price?
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:
- Private tour for your group only (1, 2 or 3 persons)
- An experienced driver-guide and historian (John Alasdair Macdonald)
- A comfortable touring vehicle with ample space for passengers and luggage
- All ferry tickets (I take care of the ferry booking)
- All taxes and fees
What's excluded?
The tour price does not include your accommodation, entrance fees or meals and refreshments.
Where should I book accommodation?
To make the most of your tour I recommend you book accommodation in:
- Portree (Day 1)
- Arisaig (Day 2)
- Glencoe (Day 3)
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.
What about the ferry sailings?
The ferry crossing on the 4 day tour (Armadale to Mallaig on Day 2) 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 Arisaig.
What will the weather be like?
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. Please note that for tours in March, April and October, the weather can be more inclement with rain and wind more common. I may adapt the daily itineraries with earlier or later starts and finishes to suit weather and travel conditions and attraction opening and closing times.
Is this an Outlander Tour?
While Outlander has introduced many to the beauty of the Highlands, this tour is dedicated to the documented history of the Jacobite Risings. The focus is on providing authentic accounts of the real-life figures and events of the era, offering a deep dive into the history and complex landscape of the Jacobite Highlands.
How do I enquire about the tour?
The first step is simply to email me directly at info@thehebrideanexplorer.com with your ideal 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.
P.S.… 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 route can often be adapted in advance to suit particular interests or requests where possible. Just let me know if you have any requests.