5-Day Isle of Skye, Oban, St Andrews and North West Highlands Tour: Skye to Inverness in Five Days
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness; comfortable walking for up to an hour at a time and ability to manage short, uneven trails.
Overview
A five-day sweep from Edinburgh through Oban, the Isle of Skye, Inverness and St Andrews, this tour stitches dramatic geology, Jacobite history and seaside villages into a single, fast-paced itinerary. Expect short hikes, whisky, castles and chances to spot seals and eagles.
5-Day Isle of Skye, Oban, St Andrews and North West Highlands Tour: Skye to Inverness in Five Days
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The coach pulls out of Edinburgh at dawn and the city dissolves into ribboned farmland and then the first blue hints of the Highlands. By mid-morning the group stands at the foot of the Kelpies, metal horses frozen mid-gallop, and the guide’s voice threads local lore through the windows as the road climbs toward Loch Lomond and the first sighting of Ben Lomond.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Book flexible accommodation near drop-off points
You must self-book hotels in Oban, Portree and Inverness; choose places with free cancellation and check the tour’s drop-off coordinates before confirming.
Bring a reliable waterproof
Highland weather changes fast—pack a breathable waterproof shell and packable rain trousers to stay comfortable on short walks and viewpoints.
Travel light and respect luggage limits
One small bag plus one medium suitcase (max 15kg) per person—store valuables in your daypack since space on the coach is limited.
Be camera-ready at viewpoints
Stops like Glenfinnan Viaduct and Old Man of Storr are brief—have lenses, batteries and layers ready to maximize your time.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Atlantic seal
- Golden eagle
History
Sites on this route span 4,000 years—from Neolithic standing stones in Kilmartin Glen to Jacobite battlefields and clan strongholds—tracing cultural shifts that shaped modern Scotland.
Conservation
Popular corridors like Skye and the North Coast 500 face visitor pressure; stick to marked paths, avoid trampling fragile vegetation and support local businesses to spread benefits.
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Adventure Hotspots in Edinburgh
Recommended Gear
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Protects from rain and wind common across the Highlands and on Skye.
fall specific
Sturdy walking shoes
Grip and ankle support for uneven trails around cliffs, gorges and castle ruins.
Daypack with water bladder
Carry snacks, water, layers and camera gear for short hikes and viewpoints.
UK travel adaptor and power bank
Keep devices charged—photo stops are frequent and there’s no Wi‑Fi on the coach.