Land Rover Tours - Scotland 7 Nights

Please note:  Due to huge backed up demand arising from the Covid situation we have taken steps to ensure availability in more remote locations. These may result in minor route changes, and for each night on tour, we have at least two unique accommodation choices of the same high standard, dependent on current availability at your time of booking.  Your final itinerary will be confirmed for your approval via e mail.

Your Land Rover adventure to Scotland starts today from Liverpool to the Scottish Borders.

Our Land Rover Tours to Scotland start here, with quick rail or airport transfers available from Liverpool or Manchester to our base, your vehicle pickup could not be easier (we also offer free secure parking). 

Alternatively, you can fly or take the train to Glasgow, and have your vehicle delivered to you there as an option.

After a short safety briefing, you will head out on the road, guided either with our in-car tablet based APP (standard), or by our expert local guide and safety vehicle (optional). 

You will head North on an easy fast drive to the historic Dunkeld, on the north bank of the scenic River Tay. Frequently described as the "Gateway to the Highlands" this is a lovely little village, with craft shops, eateries and friendly pubs by the river. You will also have the option next morning to take on the exciting Land Rover Experience course with a new Land Rover Defender and expert instructor for half a day.

In the grounds of Dunkeld House is the cathedral. Relics of St Columba were brought to a specially constructed church at Dunkeld in 849. Repeated Viking raids had made their original home of Iona unsafe and carved stones including the ‘Apostles Stone’, datines to the 800s. Vikings soon also raided Dunkeld and in 1114 Cormac was named the first bishop of Dunkeld. Construction of Dunkeld Cathedral took about 250 years, from the mid-1200s to the late 1400s, and by 1810, the cathedral was part of the grounds of Dunkeld House - offering a lovely walk from here along the river.

Your Typical Accommodation 

In unspoiled Perthshire countryside, this Estate is one of the oldest historical estates in East Scotland. Your accommodations, built in 1820, have a proud Franco-Scottish heritage and serve superb country food, incorporating produce direct from the estate.  

Bed & Breakfast.  

Today, our Land Rover Tours take in the main highland route North via the Cairngorms National Park to Inverness, and across the Moray Firth. Your destination today is the Black Isle and then on to Dornoch.

This morning, you may have opted to head into the hills and put the brand new Land Rover Defender to the test, on a challenging special off road course at the nearby Land Rover Scotland Experience. 

Alternatively, after breakfast, you can relax with a walk across to the private estate, down to the Tay river, or enjoy the lovely "hermitage" ancient woodland walk 10 mins drive north from Dunkeld village.

Your interim destination today is the Black Isle, and remote coastal village of Cromarty. Despite its name, the Black Isle is a peninsula, surrounded on three sides by water – Once you have crossed the Cromarty Firth bridge, enjoy the peace and solitude of the "isle".

A short drive through the middle of a golf course leads us to Chanonry point, where you can see Ben Nevis on a clear day, as well as the immense Fort George, (the mightiest artillery fortification in Scotland if not Europe, built following the 1746 defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie at nearby Culloden).

Here, there is a great optional boat trip out into the firth with Eco RIB adventures, and the chance for Dolphin and Seal spotting. 

The guides books don’t mention the immense oil rig service facility at Cromarty, and at certain times of the year, the old village sits in the shadow of a couple of these imposing structures offshore, making an unusual contrast. 

If your feeling peckish, Sutors Seafood House down by the village harbour serves wonderful fresh takeaway seafood, and a chance to re-group for lunch by the harbour before continuing on to your overnight stay at Dornoch.

The small seasonal ferry ( June to Sept ) crosses the firth to Nigg, or a small lane takes you off the peninsular, and heads up to Dornoch. 

A short detour takes you to Balblair, and what you imagine a whisky distillery should be, sitting on an ancient Pictish gathering place and tucked away near the banks of the Dornoch Firth. 

On the distillery doorstep you will find the Clach Biorach, a four-thousand-year-old standing stone that archaeologists believed to be part of a prehistoric working calendar. The time-intensive methods at Balblair make for more flavour-intensive malts. Hand-stencilled casks, dated by the men who fill them, affords whisky the respect it deserves at this lovely location.

Aside from having the smallest cathedral (from the 12th century) in Britain, and one of Scotlands finest golf courses, (the Royal Dornoch), the village here was also the site where, 300 years ago,  the last woman to be accused of witchcraft in Scotland was burnt alive, and her unmarked grave lies close to the hotel.

Your Typical Accommodation

This small castle hotel is set in the sleepy historic town of Dornoch, and situated directly opposite the tiny 12th century Dornoch Cathedral.  Rated the number one whisky connoisseurs location in Scotland, with its own highly rated distillery and vast range of labels on site, dinner at the hotel is recommended.

Bed & Breakfast. 

A longer, wilder BIG drive on day 3, leaves the conventional North Coast 500 route, and instead heads inland across spectacular "Skyfall" country

The remote "Flow Country"  a land of wild tundra, peaks, and lochs serves up a classic drive on some of the finest driving roads in Europe, heading towards the most northerly points of the British Isles.

Leaving Dornoch, you will head North West, with the opportunity to stop at the impressive Dunrobin Castle, seat of the Duke of Sutherland, and once Europe's biggest landowner, with a staggering 1.3 million acres under his control. 

From the coast north of Helmsdale, you cut into the mountains, climbing to stunning vistas in this vast empty landscape on a small trail road. Keep an eye out for Stags, as you transit this remote and magical place that exudes the spirit of Scotland.

At what is known as Britain's most remote lodge, The Garvault, Adrian and Eva provide a welcome coffee or soup stop, and give a great insight into the sometimes harsh life in this remote outpost.  

Heather and bracken hillsides, lead towards Kildonan river crossing. Eventually you will descend to Bettyhill, where the road opens into magnificent views of the rugged coast and pristine beaches and cliffs. You can pull off into any number of coves for a picnic, including Melvich, Farr Bay and Port Skerra.

You can opt to split off East to view the 200ft sea stacks and abundant birdlife of Dunscanby Head and its lighthouse (the actual most northerly point in Britain).  John O Groats, is nearby for a windswept photo alongside that famous sign!  

Enjoy a coastal walk at Strathy Point, and stretch your legs before arriving into Tongue, a delightful croft village set overlooking the Kyle of Tongue.  Overlooked by the ruined Castle Varrich, (former medieval stronghold of the Mackay clan) on the hill above, there is a nice trek to the castle from the village, with the offer of local cuisine and cask beer in the Ben Loyal pub below. 

This stretch of the NC500 is breath-taking, as you cross the Kyle bridge to Loch Eriboll, and a beautiful road to Durness. A stop at the golden sands of Ceannabeinne beach just before Durness offers a a grandstand view of the Golden Eagle Zipline that traverses the beach from cliffs, 37 meters above. 

At Scourie, you will find a bay for a swim or paddleboard, or find our (and the Sunday Times) number 1 rated beach in the UK, at Balnakeil Bay, a truly magical location.

As the day comes to a close, you will climb towards Assynt and some of the most breath-taking scenery in Europe as you cross the Kylesku Bridge (made famous in numerous car adverts) to check in at one of of our stunning hotel options in this area for 2 nights.

Your Typical Accommodation 

This grand Victorian hunting lodge located in the beautiful landscape of Loch Assynt in Sutherland is both remote and beautiful. Whether it's for stalking, shooting, fishing, or walking, the deserted white beaches and snow capped mountains surrounding the lodge allow you to experience one of the last truly wild and magnificent places left in Britain. Couple this with fantastic seafood freshly caught from the Loch and you have an unforgettable stay.

Bed & Breakfast.  

You are around mid-way through your adventure and Day 4 is a chance to swap the driving seat for trekking, kayaking, boat adventures, fishing, or just a chilled out day by the Loch.

You can choose to do as little or as much as you like today. Sutherland is a land of stupendous mountains and spectacular beaches of silver sand, soaring cliffs and deep caves, rich with flora and fauna, wildlife and birdlife. It is one of the last truly natural and unspoilt places left in Britain.

Subject to weather/availability there are three fantastic activities today.

You can take our 3/4 day off-road fly fishing experience with an expert guide and delicious picnic, ideal for learning this addictive sport in magnificent surroundings.

A simply superb sea kayak and wildlife adventure gets you up close to seals and birdlife like nothing else we have seen in the UK, complemented by an expert friendly local guide and a private island picnic.

Handa island offers a short small boat ride out to the wildlife reserve of Handa Island and an incomparable remote 6k walk with thousands of nesting seabirds including puffins and incredible views of the surrounding mountains.

Assynt is the most geologically impressive part of our Land Rover tours, with Britain's highest waterfall at 650ft near the head of Loch Glencoul. Here, a short diversion takes you down to Kylesku inlet and a departure point for a boat to take you through the Loch to the falls, where you will also encounter Puffins and Seals.

At the end of the day, sample a Balblair scotch on the terrace overlooking the Loch, as inquisitive seals pop up less than 50 meters away, and then retire to the lounge and log fire for a dinner of freshly caught langoustines or crab. 

Your Typical Accommodation

A charming, almost Nordic air surrounds this lovely lodge location, set in a truly stunning location. With cosy rooms, outstanding views, and a relaxed ambience, dinner here is recommended. Next morning, after a hearty Scottish breakfast, spot seals or take the boat trip to Britain's highest waterfall from the adjacent jetty  

Bed & Breakfast. 

Day 5 in Scotland sees you start to head south down the glorious West Coast.

Todays route goes via Lochinver and Ullapool on a route that again leaves the traditional NC500, via a trail around the awe inspiring Stoer peninsula, south to Loch Ewe. 

An early morning walk up to the hidden "wailing widow" falls gets the day started and this is also a great "wild swim" location. 

Further along, Ullapool, is a highly likeable fishing port, situated in a sheltered arm of Loch Broom, and a great place to pickup some smoked Scottish salmon from the local smoke house or grab a coffee. Founded in the height of the herring boom in the 1700's, a handful of tiny pubs and two or three bistros face the pretty loch. For a lunch, try the "The Seafood Shack" (BBC street-food of the year winner) while the nearby Caleidh Place offers roaring log fires and friendly staff. Alternatively, warm venison and cranberry pies from the famous Lochinver larder will keep you going to Pool House an option for a later lunch depending on your schedule.

A fascinating stop, the owner, Elizabeth Miles offers unique insights into this opulent Georgian Manor as well as the largely untold history of the World War 2 Atlantic Convoy base here. Amongst its previous guests is Winston Churchill, Brad Pitt and John Le Carre - and a lunch of Elizabeth's fresh local crab here is recommended, (perhaps with a walk to the 4000 year old Pictish Fort nearby, a refuge from marauding Vikings).   

As we head south, we find The Falls of Mearch, where water plunges 160ft into the imposing Corrieshalloch Gorge. Take in the view from the Victorian era foot bridge, spanning the sheer 200ft walls of lichen covered rock.

Should time permit, there is a chance to take an afternoon drive 1.5hrs out to the Rua Reidh Lighthouse, depending on weather conditions. Built in 1912 by David Alan Stevenson, cousin of the writer Robert Louis Stephenson, it's one of the most remote and wildest locations in Britain. A narrow, winding single track road follows precipitous cliffs to the end of the peninsula. This outpost is an ideal chance to catch seals at play, and find the 37 species of seabird here. 

Your Typical Accommodation

An oasis of civilisation tucked away in the vast, and ruggedly beautiful landscape of the Western Scottish Highlands, this hotel is a favourite destination for food lovers, and outdoor adventurers. The restaurant showcases primarily local seafood diversity through loyalty and commitment to the fishermen of the local waters of The Coigach Peninsula. Here, the North Atlantic Current helps to warm the climate, but the weather can be anything from Arctic to Aegean.

Bed & Breakfast. 

Day 6 and the classic Bealach Na Ba pass to Applecross and on to the Isle of Skye.

Today is a coastal route along Gruinard Bay, with Golden Eagles and Seals frequently spotted, and a narrow viewpoint only accessible to 4x4, for a coffee break with a view. 

Leaving the shores of Loch Torridon, the route takes you to gentle and picturesque Shieldaig, where a maze of inlets creates a great location for kayaking (see options), and the old Badachro Inn offers a pleasant waterside dining option.

From here, we will transit the nature reserve, Bienn Eigheand with its epic highland scenery and wildlife. Continue on towards the Applecross Peninsula, and start the 2045ft ascent on the daunting 1:5 gradient Bealach Na Ba pass, probably the most iconic section of the NC500 route and an "interesting" drive.

With incredible views over to the Isle of Skye and a tiny monastery founded here in AD 673, it's all wilderness and incredible scenery as we descend to the tiny village and then onwards to the Isle of Skye. A quick stop at the Kishorn seafood Bar offers the best and freshest oysters available anywhere as a reward for surviving "the pass".

Your Typical Accommodation

Overlooking the island of Ornsay, the Sound of Sleat, and the distant hills of Knoydart, This beautiful waterside Inn retains traditional charm.  Enjoy a delicious candlelit dinner tonight in the wood-panelled dining room to round off your day with an incredible starlit night.

Bed & Breakfast

You are reaching the end of your adventure, but today still offers a cracking drive to the shores of Port Appin, for a final night of remote relaxation, before your drive south.

A morning option is to join an International Otter Survival Fund trek to learn about and spot otters on an exclusive half day trek. You will be shown how to read the field signs and look for otters in the wild without disturbing them, which is vitally important. A private group gives you the best chance of seeing these wonderful animals.

Leaving Skye, you can route south with a view across Loch Duich to probably Scotlands most classical scene, the Kyle of Lochalsh, overlooked by the magical Eilean Donan Castle.  

There is an epic historic ferry crossing and pass which was the original route to Skye. Used firstly by drovers heading south with their cattle which they swam across the Kyle Rhea strait, then a military road was built by General Caulfield to reach the barracks at Glenelg.  With most people now reaching Skye by the main road bridge, relatively few people travel over the pass and many are unaware of it's previous historical importance 

The Glenelg Ferry here was for centuries the principal link between the Western Isles, Skye and the mainland. The boat was wrecked in a gale in 1915, and only revived in 1935 being today run by the Community as the last manually operated swing ferry in the UK.

Close to where the film "Ring of Bright Water" was set, otters and sea eagles still frequent the shore on this historic route, (built in the 17th century by Hanovarian Forces).  The Mam Ratagan Pass offers the classic view back down the loch of the "five sisters of Kinsail" mountains. 

You will then cross north of Ben Nevis via Fort William, and arrive on the shore of loch Linnhe, to the lovely Inn at Port Appin.

Your Typical Accommodation

Hidden away in the quiet village of Port Appin, Argyll, on the shores of Loch Linnhe and surrounded by the spectacular raw beauty of the magnificent west coast of Scotland, you will find a delightful Inn and superb restaurant looking out to Stalker Castle and the Lighthouse.

Bed & Breakfast 

Its time to head south to the Border, and the end of your Scotland Adventure.

There are a number of great route options down towards Oban, and the borders via Glasgow, but our favourite takes in the relatively unknown route via Loch Awe and Ardchattan Priory, with its lost burial site for the old Clan Chiefs, a lovely way to round off your adventure with a last hidden, "off the beaten track" gem.

Finally, you will head back South to drop off your vehicle after an unforgettable Scotland Land Rover tour.

Your Accommodation

We can book an extra nights accommodation for you, at the lovely 2* Michelin Moor Hall, or Titanic Hotel in Liverpool City (see options). Ideal to conveniently round off your holiday, and both close to our base with optional air/rail transfers.