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.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8.5 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have a moderate fitness level, comfortable with long day hikes on uneven terrain.
Wildlife
History
The Picts were an ancient people who left distinctive symbol stones across the Highlands, fascinating historians with their mysterious carvings.
Conservation
Efforts to protect coastal habitats promote sustainable engagement with wildlife and historical sites, emphasizing minimal impact tourism.
Secret Highlands
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.
Secret Highlands is a private tour operator based in Inverness, Scotland. The company runs full‑day private and bespoke experiences across the Scottish Highlands, focusing on nature, history and local culture. Tours typically last eight to nine hours and include the Alternative Loch Ness Circular, Heroes & Villains, The Quieter Side of Loch Ness, The Untamed North West, Whisky galore!, and a Custom Private Experience.
The Alternative Loch Ness Circular guides visitors through Glen Affric, Plodda Falls and Beauly while sharing local stories and landscape highlights. The Quieter Side of Loch Ness emphasizes calm pine woods, waterfalls, secluded viewpoints and ancient burial chambers. Heroes & Villains traces Pictish history with visits to standing stones, coastal viewpoints and historic towns such as Tain and Dornoch. The Untamed North West offers a scenic hike to bone caves, a crossing of the suspension bridge at Corrieshalloch Gorge and time in Lochinver. Whisky galore! includes visits to Glenmorangie and Balblair plus a blind tasting in Dornoch.
The Custom Private Experience allows guests to tailor an itinerary to personal interests. Secret Highlands is featured on The Adventure Collective, and its itineraries prioritize private access, local landscapes and immersive storytelling. Visitors seeking a full‑day Highland journey, whether focused on wildlife, whisky, history or remote scenery, will find clear trip descriptions and privately guided options based in Inverness. Each listed trip is offered as a private tour from Inverness, with full‑day durations, options for customization and stops at the specific landmarks described in the trip summaries and landscapes.
Base Location
Inverness, Scotland
Departure point for all listed tours
Typical Duration
8–9 hours
Full‑day private itineraries
Tours Offered
6
Private and bespoke experiences
Key Themes
Loch Ness & Highlands
Nature, history and whisky
Reserve a full-day private tour — choose Loch Ness, whisky, Pictish sites, wild northwest landscapes or build a custom itinerary today.
Wear sturdy footwear
Uneven coastal paths and stone sites demand good hiking boots with traction.
Bring binoculars for dolphin spotting
Boost your chances of seeing local bottlenose dolphins along the shoreline.
Pack layered clothing
Scotland's Highland weather can shift quickly; layers help adapt to wind, sun, or rain.
Charge your camera
You'll want to photograph the striking Pictish carvings and wide coastal vistas.
Waterproof hiking boots
Essential for traction and comfort on rocky and often damp coastal paths.
Weatherproof jacket
Protects against sudden rain and wind common throughout the Highlands.
Binoculars
Ideal for spotting dolphins and birdlife along open stretches of coastline.
Daypack with water and snacks
Keeps you fueled through the full-day journey across towns and sites.