moderate
8.5 hours
Participants should have a moderate fitness level, comfortable with long day hikes on uneven terrain.
Trace the footsteps of Pictish ancestors along Scotland’s Highland coast with Secret Highlands. This private 8.5-hour adventure blends ancient carvings, local wildlife, and historic towns for a richly layered outdoor experience.
From £78pp • For ages 12 and over! • 8.5 hours! • Walk through History!
Embark on an 8.5-hour adventure tracing the footsteps of Pictish ancestors. Explore mystical sites, encounter local dolphins, and uncover ancient carvings. Visit historic towns like Tain and Dornoch, marvel at stunning standing stones, and enjoy breathtaking coastal views. This unique journey blends history, nature, and folklore for an unforgettable experience.
8.5 hours
1 Person : £200 2 People: £300 3 People: £350 4 People: £400 5 People: £450 6 People: £500 7 People: £550
Our day tour depart at 9.15am and head North on to the Black Isle and Chanonry Point to discover about the turbulent life of the Brahan Seer and hopefully spot our local Bottlenose Dolphins, (the largest of their kind, often leaping clear of the sea line!). From here we will make the short trip to Groam House to find out about the Picts who lived here around 300 - 900AD. These people left mysterious carvings, but little else and we set off from here on a quest to interpret their clues!
We will make our way further North to the tiny hamlet of Nigg to see the first of our 3 very different Pictish standing stones, (June to September will have a £5.00pp supplement as we set sail on the tiny ferry, following in the footsteps of St Duthus and the pilgrimage trail undertook by thousands including Kind James IV. From here we visit the Seaboard villages to see the Shandwick and Hilton of Cadbol stones, as well as the Mermaid of the North.
We continue North, through abandoned WW1&2 Airfields, before stopping in Tain, Scotland's oldest Royal Burgh, to discover more about St Duthus and the famous people who made the pilgrimage or sought sanctuary here.
Our last stop is further North again to the beautiful town of Dornoch where you can wander round the 600 year old cathedral, the many fantastic independent shops, learn about the impact of Andrew Carnegie had on the area and view the spectacular beach before we leave for our return journey to Inverness.
We can also accommodate shore excursions!
Waterproofs and sturdy footwear, Camera & Bino's!
Uneven coastal paths and stone sites demand good hiking boots with traction.
Boost your chances of seeing local bottlenose dolphins along the shoreline.
Scotland's Highland weather can shift quickly; layers help adapt to wind, sun, or rain.
You'll want to photograph the striking Pictish carvings and wide coastal vistas.
The Picts were an ancient people who left distinctive symbol stones across the Highlands, fascinating historians with their mysterious carvings.
Efforts to protect coastal habitats promote sustainable engagement with wildlife and historical sites, emphasizing minimal impact tourism.
Essential for traction and comfort on rocky and often damp coastal paths.
Protects against sudden rain and wind common throughout the Highlands.
Ideal for spotting dolphins and birdlife along open stretches of coastline.
Keeps you fueled through the full-day journey across towns and sites.