Most Detailed Guide for Choosing Scottish Highlands Tours

This was my second time in the United Kingdom, and I decided to make the journey from London up to Edinburgh, then further into the Scottish Highlands. To really see the Highlands, I signed up for a 3-day, 2-night trip with Scottish Aurora Tour.

Honestly, for most of us, figuring out how to get around the Highlands isn’t straightforward. The distances are long, the roads narrow, and public buses only come once in a while. That’s why I put this guide together: so you don’t have to spend hours puzzling over maps and timetables like I did.

Getting into the Scottish Highlands

The easiest way is to start from Edinburgh.

If you begin in London, be ready to spend almost a full day just on the road. Of course, if you’ve already rented a car, you can drive — but for most first-timers, joining a local tour is less stressful and a lot safer.

Why everyone says “join a group” the first time?

The Weather is Wild

Highland skies have a mind of their own. One moment it’s warm enough for short sleeves, the next you’re pulling on a jacket.

When we hiked the Old Man of Storr, the sun was blazing… then a drizzle… then a heavy downpour. By the time we reached the top, the rain had cleared and the whole valley opened up in front of us like a gift. It felt like the mountain was testing our patience before rewarding us.

Limited Public Transportation

The Highlands are beautiful precisely because they’re remote, but that also means buses run maybe once or twice a say.

If you rely only on them, you might only visit one spot a day.

Drive is Tough

The journey from Edinburgh to the Highlands can be challenging, with rugged terrain, narrow roads, and limited road signs.

Moreover, the internet connection in the Highlands is often unreliable, making it difficult to rely on GPS navigation. As a result, driving on your own can be daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the road conditions. During our trip, we encountered individuals who were not accustomed to local driving rules, leading to traffic congestion.

Therefore, for those traveling to the Highlands for the first time, I recommend joining a local tour group to ensure a smoother experience. Even though I found the journey easier the second time around, it’s still beneficial to be mentally prepared and have local guidance.

Which local tours are available in the Scottish Highlands?

⚠️ The information provided above is for reference purposes only. For the most up-to-date information, I recommend visiting the official website.

 Aurora Travel Scotland⭐️

✅ Book the Trip Here

Aurora Travel Scotland specializes in small group tours of the Scottish Highlands, with groups of up to 9 people. Founded by a Taiwanese owner, the company offers both 3-day and 4-day itineraries. One of the key advantages of Aurora Travel Scotland is the intimate group size, allowing for a more immersive experience in the Scottish Highlands.

Additionally, there is no language barrier, as the tour guides are fluent in multiple languages. They also have the flexibility to take the group to private scenic spots based on the weather conditions at the time. However, it’s worth noting that Aurora Travel Scotland may not offer as many tour days as larger companies like Rabbie’s. To secure a spot, especially during peak season, it’s advisable to book well in advance, possibly 3-4 months ahead, to ensure availability.

Rabbie’s ⭐️

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Rabbie’s is widely regarded as one of the top local tour companies for exploring the Scottish Highlands, often ranking second on Tripadvisor. With tours available every day, there’s ample opportunity to join a group. Rabbie’s specializes in small group tours, typically limited to 16 people. One of the highlights of their tours is the option to stay in Portree, on the Isle of Skye, for two nights, with accommodations ranging from hostels to bed and breakfasts to hotels. The itinerary also includes hiking excursions and visits to the main attractions on the Isle of Skye.

Heart of Scotland

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The hallmark of Heart of Scotland tours is their distinctive red minibus. Similar to Rabbie’s, Heart of Scotland offers small group tours limited to 16 people. While their itinerary is comparable to Rabbie’s, the company operates on a smaller scale. Despite this, Heart of Scotland still ranks in the top five on Tripadvisor and enjoys a strong reputation among travelers.

Highland Explorer Tours

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One standout feature of Highland Explorer Tours is the option to ride the Jacobite Steam Train on the third day for an additional fee of £40 per person. The prospect of traveling on the same train as Harry Potter is undeniably exciting!

However, it’s worth noting that Highland Explorer Tours does not operate as a small group of 16 people. Therefore, if you prefer a smaller group experience, this may not be the ideal choice.

Haggis Adventures

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Haggis Adventures and Highland Explorer Tours are affiliated companies. One key distinction is that Haggis Adventures offers a tour that includes a visit to a whisky distillery. Additionally, Haggis Adventures only offers accommodation at its specific hostel locations, and does not provide accommodations on Sky Island. If you’re comfortable staying in hostels and prefer more stops along the way, this option may be more budget-friendly.

Timberush Tour

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If you prefer to join a tour that starts from Glasgow and ends in Edinburgh, you can opt for Timberush Tours. The itinerary offered by Timberush Tours is similar to those offered by other tour companies.

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