Last Updated on 2024-04-12
It is my second time visiting the United Kingdom. I traveled from London to Edinburgh, and then I ventured into the Scottish Highlands. To explore the Highlands, I opted for a 3-day, 2-night tour with the “Scottish Aurora Tour” group. For many travelers, navigating the journey to the Scottish Highlands can be a bit perplexing. To help address this issue, I have put together an article detailing how to best experience the Scottish Highlands, along with a comparison table of local tour groups in the area. Hopefully, this will save you time and provide you with valuable insights as you plan your adventure.
How to Go to Scottish Highlands?
In general, it is advisable to begin your journey to the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh. Starting from an English city such as London would entail spending the entire day driving or riding in a car, resulting in significant travel time. Of course, if you have already rented a car, driving to the Scottish Highlands is an option. However, if you have not, I recommend joining a tour organized by a local travel agency. While joining a tour may limit your freedom to some extent, the Scottish Highlands are well-suited for group travel experiences.
Why do Everyone Recommend the Scottish Highlands to Join the Group?
1. Weather Changes
The weather changes in the Scottish Highlands can be quite dramatic, even during the summer months. The temperature difference between day and night can be significant, with warm daytime temperatures prompting people to wear short sleeves, while the evenings can become quite chilly, requiring additional layers to stay warm.
I vividly recall an experience when we climbed the Old Man of Storr. Initially, the sun was shining brightly, but then it started raining lightly, and eventually turned into a heavy downpour. Despite considering giving up, we persisted, and miraculously, the rain stopped when we reached the summit. The descent was rain-free, but the humidity made it feel like we were in a sauna.
The weather can change rapidly, so it’s essential to be prepared for varying conditions when exploring the Scottish Highlands.
2. Less Public Transportation
The stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands are often nestled in remote wilderness areas. Upon arriving at a scenic spot, I always check for the availability of public transportation. While buses are available, they typically run only once or twice a day. Therefore, without a car, it’s often only feasible to visit one attraction per day.
3. Road is super hard to drive
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?
Aurora Travel Scotland | Rabbie's | Heart of Scotland | |
Fee | £139～£199 | £119～£219 | £125～£190 |
Departure time | Each Thurs, Sat & Sun | Almost Everyday | Each Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat |
Features | Chinese tour guide, private attractions | Lots of time to choose | Lots of time to choose |
Note | There are three-day and four-day groups to choose | 2nd on Tripadvisor | 5th on Tripadvisor |
⚠️ 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⭐️
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 ⭐️
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
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
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
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
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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