A private, three-day journey into the heart of the Stuart cause. Join a Scottish Highlands historian to explore the iconic castles and battlefields and glens that bring the Jacobite narrative to life – all set against the backdrop of the Highlands' most stunning scenery.
Departing Inverness, we follow the fault line of the Great Glen along the banks of Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle. Here, we step inside the medieval ruins to trace its strategic role in the early Jacobite risings and take in commanding views down the loch. Continuing south past the remains of Invergarry Castle — the seat of the Macdonells of Glengarry that was burned after the final Jacobite Rising — we arrive in Fort William. The afternoon is dedicated to the West Highland Museum, home to a renowned trove of secret Jacobite artifacts, glass, and personal relics of Prince Charles Edward Stuart. We conclude the day either in Fort William or Glencoe as a base for our two overnight stays.
We begin the day tracing the iconic 'Road to the Isles' west to Loch nan Uamh, the poignant where Charles Edward Stuart first stepped onto mainland Scotland in July 1745, and from where he fled into exile fourteen months later. Nearby at Glenfinnan, we stand at the head of Loch Shiel where the Stuart Standard was defiantly raised to gather the clans. In the afternoon, we shift our focus to the dark prelude of the risings: the haunting expanse of Glencoe. We delve into the political treachery behind the 1692 massacre of the Macdonalds and visit a meticulously reconstructed 17th-century turf house to understand the daily lives of the Highlanders who lived through this volatile era.
Leaving the west, our return journey takes a spectacular route through Glen Roy. Here, we pause to observe the famous "Parallel Roads"—ancient glacial lake shoreline terraces providing a striking backdrop to the historic lands of the MacDonells of Keppoch. Joining the main Highland artery northward, we stop at the imposing ruins of Ruthven Barracks, the government outpost famously blown up by retreating Jacobites and the site where the defeated army ultimately disbanded. We spend our final afternoon at Culloden Battlefield, exploring the windswept moor where the Stuart cause met their tragic end in April 1746.
March to October: £2500
Depart Inverness
Return Inverness
(3 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.
To make the most of your tour I recommend you book accommodation in Fort William or Glencoe (Day 1 and 2). 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.
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 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.
No. 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.
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.
