5-Day Isle of Skye, Glencoe & Loch Ness Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 days (multi-day tour)
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with basic fitness: expect several short walks with modest elevation and full days on the coach.
Overview
A compact, five-day loop from Edinburgh through Scotland’s most iconic Highlands: Isle of Skye, Glencoe, and Loch Ness. This small-group tour blends short guided walks, historical sites and ferry crossings, with flexible stops to soak in the landscapes.
5-Day Isle of Skye, Glencoe & Loch Ness Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
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You step out into the cool Edinburgh morning and the Jolly Botanist's door swings behind you. A compact coach idles under a pewter sky; the guide checks names and hands out ferry times. Over the next five days you won't just tick off photo stops — you'll move through the geological and human chapters that made the Highlands: lochs that seem to swallow light, violent peaks softened by peat and rain, and a coast repeatedly remade by the sea.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Pack a waterproof shell
Scottish weather changes fast — a breathable, waterproof jacket will keep you comfortable during ferry crossings and hill walks.
Bring motion-sickness remedies
Ferries and winding Highland roads can be rough for sensitive travelers; tablets or acupressure bands help.
Wear sturdy footwear
Short walks like the Old Man of Storr include loose rock and muddy patches; ankle-supporting boots are best.
Carry a daypack and power bank
You’ll want snacks, a camera and charged devices during long driving days and short outdoor stops.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- red deer
- golden eagle (occasionally over high plateaus)
History
The route traces clan territories and battlefields: Culloden marks the end of the Jacobite rising of 1746 and changed Highland society forever.
Conservation
Skye and the Highlands are fragile—stick to paths to protect heather and peat, and respect local farming by closing gates and keeping dogs under control.
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Adventure Hotspots in Edinburgh
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof hardshell jacket
Protects against rain and wind during island walks and ferry crossings.
Sturdy hiking boots
Necessary for uneven ground at viewpoints like the Old Man of Storr and coastal ruins.
Layered clothing (fleece + base layer)
Thermal layers let you adapt to rapidly changing temperatures on highland ridgelines.
Travel adaptor & power bank
Keeps cameras and phones charged across long travel days and in remote photo stops.