8-Day Isle of Skye, Orkney & North Coast 500 Tour from Edinburgh — Complete Scotland Roadtrip
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with basic mobility; involves short walks at sites and boarding ferries, but no technical hiking.
Overview
From Edinburgh to the windswept cliffs of Skye and the stone circles of Orkney, this eight-day guided loop along the North Coast 500 stitches geology, history and local flavor into a compact, hassle-free road trip. Expect long drives, ferry crossings and a steady stream of iconic stops.
8-Day Isle of Skye, Orkney & North Coast 500 Tour from Edinburgh — Complete Scotland Roadtrip
Select participants and date
The bus pulls away from the Royal Mile while Edinburgh’s stone façades fade into a wet, open horizon. For eight days the road becomes the map and the guide’s voice the steady compass: stop for coffee in Dunkeld, stand where clans met at Culloden, cross to Orkney and walk among houses older than written history. The pace is deliberate — long drives between extraordinary sites, short, precise windows at the moments that matter.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Pack layered waterproofs
Weather changes fast across the Highlands and islands; a breathable shell plus warm mid-layer will keep you comfortable during cliffside stops and ferry crossings.
Bring lightweight luggage
The tour limits suitcases to about 15 kg and space on the coach is limited—use a soft-sided bag you can stow easily.
Reserve wildlife excursions in advance
If you want a boat trip or seal- and whale-watching from Oban, book early—slots fill, especially in summer.
Charge and carry snacks
Long driving days mean shops can be sparse between stops; keep a power bank and high-energy snacks handy.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- seals along rocky shores
- golden eagles or sea birds such as guillemots and puffins in season
History
Orkney and Caithness retain deep Neolithic and Norse legacies—Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar date back ~5,000 years and Orkney spent centuries under Norse rule before joining Scotland.
Conservation
Many sites are fragile archaeology or sensitive coastal habitats; stick to marked paths, avoid touching fragile stones and use local guides to minimise impact.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Edinburgh
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof shell
Keeps rain and wind off during cliffside stops and ferry decks.
Sturdy walking shoes
Gravel paths, rocky shorelines and uneven archaeological sites require good grip and support.
Daypack with rain cover
Carries layers, water, snacks and camera gear for daily excursions off the coach.
UK plug adapter & power bank
Keeps devices charged during long travel legs and assists in-country electronics use.