A private, four day journey into the heart of the Stuart cause. Join a local historian to explore the iconic castles, rugged glens, and hallowed battlefields that bring the epic Jacobite narrative to life.
Departing Inverness, we follow the banks of Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle. Here, we go inside the medieval ruins to explore its Jacobite history and take in commanding views down the Great Glen. Our journey continues through the dramatic West Highlands toward Glen Shiel, the site of a strategic battle during the 1719 Stuart restoration attempt. We then visit Eilean Donan Castle, which played a pivotal role in the 1719 Rising that left it in ruins for centuries before its iconic restoration. Late afternoon takes us over the bridge to Skye and the picturesque harbour town of Portree for our overnight stay.
After departing Portree, we drive around the Trotternish Peninsula, stopping at the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock before arriving at Kilmuir—the final resting place of Flora Macdonald. In the early afternoon, we head south to the Sleat Peninsula to catch the ferry from Armadale across the Sound of Sleat to Mallaig. From the coast, it is a short, scenic drive to Arisaig for our overnight stay.
Departing Arisaig, we visit Loch nan Uamh, where Charles Edward Stuart first arrived on the Scottish mainland and from where he finally departed fourteen months later. We then journey along the 'Road to the Isles' to Glenfinnan, where the Jacobites raised the Stuart Standard in August 1745. The afternoon takes us to Fort William to visit the West Highland Museum, home to a renowned trove of Jacobite artifacts. We end the day with a drive south into the heart of Glencoe for our overnight stay.
On our final day, we explore the haunting beauty of Glencoe. We delve into the chronicles of the 1692 massacre and visit a reconstructed 17th-century turf house to see how the Highlanders lived. Our return journey takes us north-east along the Great Glen to Inverness. We spend the afternoon at the nearby Culloden Battlefield, exploring the site of the final stand of the Jacobite Army in April 1746.
March to October: £3200
Depart Inverness
Return Inverness
(4 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:
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.
Most locations involve short walks from the vehicle to viewpoints, castles or historic sites. 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.
The Tour Vehicle (Honda CR-V) comfortably accommodates up to three passengers with the rear boot (trunk) for luggage allowing for one medium bag/suitcase per person and one small day bag/backpack per person. For private groups of three, if you are unsure about luggage capacity, please let me know the size of your suitcases and I can check against available space.
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 ferry crossing on Day 3 (Armadale to Mallaig 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 into Glencoe.
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.
The first step is simply to complete the 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.
