Journey through four thousand years of Highland history with Inverness as your overnight base. Led by a historian, this immersive two day discovery spans ancient Bronze Age monuments and the carved stones of the Picts — Scotland's most enigmatic early people — through to medieval cathedrals, the great battlefields, and the era of the Highland Clans — all set against the backdrop of stunning Highland scenery.
Departing from Inverness, we visit the nearby Culloden Battlefield to explore the dramatic history of the Highland clans and the Jacobite uprisings. After walking the battlefield where the 1745-6 Rising met its tragic end, we journey a short distance to the Bronze Age Clava Cairns. Dating back over 4000 years, these standing stones offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient past of the Highlands. Continuing east, we pause at Sueno's Stone on the edge of Forres — at over six metres tall, the largest carved standing stone in Scotland. The afternoon takes us further east to explore the majestic ruins of Elgin Cathedral, known as the ‘Lantern of the North’. Even in its ruined state, it stands as one of Scotland’s most beautiful and historically significant medieval buildings. Our return to Inverness includes a stop at the Rodney Pictish Stone, a carved monument crafted over twelve hundred years ago by the Picts.
We cross the Kessock Bridge and journey north into Easter Ross, heading straight to the coast to walk the ancient Seaboard trail. Here, we marvel at the towering Shandwick Stone and the breathtaking Nigg Stone, an 8th-century masterwork covered in incredibly intricate Pictish symbols and early Christian artwork. Our journey continues along the peninsula to the historic Tarbat Discovery Centre in Portmahomack, the site of the only excavated Pictish monastic settlement. Heading inland, we stop in Dingwall to examine the enigmatic Eagle Stone, a monument steeped in local clan prophecy and ancient myth. We finish the day with a short walk up to the Iron Age vitrified fort of Knockfarrel, offering a spectacular panoramic view over Strathpeffer and the Highlands.
April to October: £1400
Depart Inverness
Return Inverness
(2 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 private 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 costs, entrance fees, meals and refreshments.
Enjoy the ease of a private pickup. This tour departs and returns to Inverness each day of the two day tour and I will meet you directly at your Inverness accommodation on the morning of each tour day.
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 Scottish Highlands 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 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. On tours where an itinerary attraction is unavailable to explore we visit alternative locations.
The first step is simply to complete a 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.
