2 Day Pictish and Highland History Private Tour
From Bronze Age Cairns and Pictish Stones to Highland Clans
Journey through four thousand years of history across the Highlands and Moray, 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 a medieval cathedral in Moray, Culloden battlefield, and the era of the Highland Clans, and all set against the backdrop of stunning scenery of Easter Ross and Moray.
Day 1 — Inverness and Moray
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 1745–1746 Rising met its tragic end, we journey a short distance to the Bronze Age Clava Cairns. Dating back over 4,000 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.
Day 2 — Inverness and Easter Ross
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.
Tour Highlights
- Culloden Battlefield
- Clava Cairns
- Elgin Cathedral
- Rodney Pictish Stone
- Nigg Stone
- Shandwick Stone
- Tarbat Discovery Centre
- Eagle Stone
- Knockfarrel Vitrified Fort
Tour Gallery
Private Tour Price (per tour)
April to October: £1400
Depart Inverness
Return Inverness
(2 Days)
Depart Inverness
Return Inverness
(2 Days)
What's Included
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 private 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 tour vehicle with good visibility and generous legroom
- All taxes and fees
What's excluded?
The tour price does not include your accommodation costs, entrance fees, meals and refreshments.
Route & Logistics
Where does the tour start from?
Enjoy the ease of a private pickup. This tour departs and returns to Inverness each day of the two day tour – unlike all other multi-day tours, no additional overnight accommodation elsewhere is required.
Can the tour itinerary be customised?
The tour itinerary is based on nineteen 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.
Comfort & Practicalities
How much walking does this tour involve?
Most stops on this route are short walks from the vehicle to a viewpoint, castle or historic site. 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.
How often do we stop?
The tour has plenty of viewpoint, photo and refreshment stops along with regular restroom stops. As it is a private tour, we can pretty much stop whenever you want!
What clothing/footwear should I bring?
Walking shoes or sneakers with good grip is recommended, along with a light waterproof jacket as Highland weather can be very changeable. All walks are entirely optional and can be tailored to your comfort and mobility level.
Booking & Availability
What are the deposit and payment terms?
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your dates, with full payment due 60 days before the tour start date. Deposit and balance payments are made securely online and accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Full details are available in my Terms and Conditions.
How do I book the tour?
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.
Can I just chat about the tour before booking?
Of course! You can reach me in whichever way is easiest for you:
- Complete a Tour Enquiry Form – just ask any questions in the 'Extra Information' section.
- Email me directly at info@thehebrideanexplorer.com.
- Send a WhatsApp message or call me on +44 7943 863292.