Today is all about exploring the heart of Glencoe Valley and the surrounding glens. After breakfast, enjoy a morning hike into the Lost Valley (Coire Gabhail), where dramatic cliffs open into a hidden amphitheatre beneath the Three Sisters. This walk is ideal for adventurous kids and adults, but there are plenty of easier options nearby for a relaxed day.

Shorter walks and viewpoints in the area include:

• Hagrid’s Hut Filming Location – A short hillside walk near Clachaig Inn to see the iconic landscape used in Harry Potter, perfect for kids and families.

• Signal Rock Walk – Gentle woodland stroll to a historic basalt outcrop with lovely views over the glen.

• Loch Achtriochtan & Lower Glen – Peaceful walk to a lochan framed by the Three Sisters, ideal for photos.

• Invercoe Foreshore Loop – Flat and easy trail along the river to the loch shore, great for spotting wildlife.

• Old Glencoe Road to Queen’s Cairn – Short historic route with sweeping views, once admired by Queen Victoria.

• Loch Leven Shore Walk – Relaxed lochside path with picnic spots, birdwatching, and reflections on calm days.

• Ballachulish Quarry & Loch Leven Trail – Hidden gem through a former quarry to the loch shore, framed by cliffs.

• Inchree Waterfall Walk – Quick, family‑friendly trail leading to a small waterfall, perfect for a leg-stretch break.

Optional Visit – Glencoe Visitor Centre
A short stop here is perfect for families, especially if the kids are curious about the area. The visitor centre has:

• Interactive exhibits on Glencoe’s geology, wildlife, and dramatic history, including the 1692 Massacre of Glencoe.

• Hands-on activities and displays that engage children.

• A small café for snacks and drinks.

• Toilets and a gift shop featuring Highland souvenirs and local crafts.

As you explore this area, keep an eye out for Highland wildlife and nature: red deer grazing in the glens, golden eagles soaring above cliffs, red squirrels in the woods, and colorful wildflowers including heather, bluebells, and alpine blooms. Streams and loch edges are home to frogs, dragonflies, and occasionally otters.

Accommodation Recommendation

Stay in the same accommodation as day one for your comfort

Extra kid-friendly highlights:

• Climbing over rocks and boulders safely near lochs and rivers.

• Spotting and naming birds along trails.

• Mini “treasure hunts” among the wildflowers and trees.

• Imagining themselves as part of the Harry Potter scenes while at Hagrid’s Hut location.

  
  

Today we head into Glen Nevis, at the foot of Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, for a day of gentle adventure and breathtaking scenery. The glen is a perfect mix of rivers, waterfalls, forests, and open meadows, offering both easy strolls and more active hikes depending on the group’s energy.

Highlights and Walks:

Steall Falls Walk – A short scenic trail through the gorge to one of Scotland’s tallest waterfalls. The wooden suspension bridge and flowing river make this an exciting outing for kids.
Glen Nevis Meadows – Flat river meadows perfect for picnics, spotting insects, birds, and grazing deer.
Optional Ben Nevis Visitor Centre Stop – Learn about the area’s geology, wildlife, and climbing history. Exhibits are interactive and engaging for children, and there’s a small café and shop.
Forest Trails – Gentle woodland paths ideal for spotting red squirrels, songbirds, and mossy streams.
Glen Nevis Gorge – Short walks along the gorge offer dramatic cliff views, fun rock scrambling (with supervision), and plenty of photos.

Optional recommended Lunch Stop – Highland Soap Company (Fort William)
On the way back toward Fort William, enjoy lunch at the Highland Soap Company, a lovely local spot with:

• A café serving light lunches, soups, sandwiches, freshly baked treats, and kid‑friendly options (The Coffee is Excellent here!).

• A charming shop with handcrafted soaps, natural skincare, candles, and Highland gift items.

• Outdoor seating and relaxed spaces to take in the mountain views.

Right next door are the ruins of Inverlochy Castle, an atmospheric medieval fortress set within open grassy grounds. Children often enjoy exploring the old stone walls, imagining life in castle times, and taking photos among the ruins.

After lunch and exploration, we can take a short drive into Fort William for a wander along the high street, ice cream, or a look at Neptune’s Staircase on the Caledonian Canal, a series of impressive locks to allow boats to move up and down the canal.

Kid‑Friendly Activities:

• Steall Falls suspension bridge, great for little adventurers

• Playing in open grassy meadows and streams
  

• Spotting wildlife like red deer, songbirds, dragonflies, and occasionally squirrels
  

• Interactive exhibits at the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre
  

• Exploring Inverlochy Castle ruins after lunch.

Fort William Accommodation Options:

The Garrison Hotel – Comfortable hotel rooms and family‑friendly service right in the heart of Fort William. Good base for meals and exploring the town on foot.

Nevis Bank Inn – A family‑friendly inn with cosy dining, spacious rooms and easy access to Fort William’s shops and amenities. Often popular with multi‑generation groups.

Loch Linnhe Waterfront Lodges – Apartment‑style lodges on the shore of Loch Linnhe. These offer extra space and kitchen facilities ideal for families who enjoy self‑catering and relaxed evenings by the water.

The Highland Getaway Glencoe – Modern family cabins and lodges just a short drive from Fort William. Spacious, well‑equipped and in a scenic setting.

West End Hotel – Central Fort William hotel with a welcoming atmosphere and easy access to local eateries and shops.

Alexandra Hotel Fort William – Historic hotel with comfortable rooms; some family configurations available and close to everything in town.

Inverlochy Castle View Lodges – Stylish self‑catering lodges with beautiful views over the countryside, just outside Fort William.

Most of these options offer flexible room arrangements and are suitable for families, with easy access to restaurants and local facilities for dinner and an evening stroll.

Today we leave the dramatic mountains and lochs of Glencoe behind and head west toward the magical Isle of Skye, one of Scotland’s most scenic islands. This is a touring day with a mix of stunning landscapes, short stops, and gentle walks that keep the journey engaging for the whole family.

Highlights and Stops:

• Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint – Optional stop to see the famous Jacobite steam train cross the viaduct. Harry Potter fans will recognise this as the route of the Hogwarts Express in the films, making it a magical photo opportunity. Kids will love imagining themselves on the train with wands at the ready.

• Eilean Donan Castle – One of Scotland’s most photographed castles, set where three sea lochs meet. Enjoy a short stroll around the grounds, take photos, and soak in the scenery.

• Kyleakin Stop – Pause at this charming village to admire views of the Skye Bridge, and let children explore the shore, searching for shells, interesting rocks, and driftwood along the beach.

• Portree Harbour Walk – Upon arrival in Portree, stretch legs with a walk along the colourful harbour. Cafés, ice cream and local shops make this a relaxed first introduction to the island.

• Optional Stroll Near Cuillin Hills Hotel – A short, scenic walk from the hotel leads to a lovely waterfall and small caves nestled in woodland nearby, perfect for kids to explore safely while enjoying the sounds and sights of the Cuillin foothills.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• Spotting wildlife along the roads and trails, including birds, sheep, and Highland ponies.

• Imagining themselves on the Hogwarts Express at Glenfinnan Viaduct.

• Exploring castle grounds at Eilean Donan.

• Searching for shells and rocks along the beach at Kyleakin.

• A short adventure along the waterfall and caves trail near Cuillin Hills Hotel.

Recommended Accommodation – Portree (Night 4). Book this accommodation for 3 nights.

My Top Choice: Cuillin Hills Hotel – Stunning views over Portree Harbour and the Sound of Raasay, spacious family rooms, and an excellent in‑house restaurant serving locally inspired cuisine. Ideal for a relaxing evening after the drive. Variety of walks and nature around this hotel.

My Second Choice: Bracken Hide – Contemporary boutique hotel with stylish rooms, peaceful atmosphere, and easy access to the village centre and harbour walks. (20 minute walk away from the centre of Portree). More budget friendly options available in their PODS.

Other options:

• Duisdale House Hotel – Elegant country house hotel a short drive from Portree with refined rooms and fine dining.

• The Tigh na Rois Hotel – Boutique hotel with breakfast included, spacious rooms and excellent harbour views.

• The Royal Hotel, Portree – Central location with family suites and reliable dining.

• The Isles Inn – Comfortable family rooms with a strong reputation for good food.

• Tigh Na Cheo Hotel – Contemporary décor and harbour-side views, relaxed feel.

• Kinloch Lodge (slightly further) – Michelin-level dining, individually styled rooms, ideal for a memorable Highland experience.

Today we explore the dramatic landscapes of northern Skye, taking in some of the island’s most iconic scenery with short walks and viewpoints suitable for the whole family.

We set off from our base in Portree and begin the day at the Old Man of Storr with an optional short hike. A shorter section of the trail provides dramatic rock formations and photo opportunities without the full climb. From there, we continue north to the Quiraing Loop Walk, a truly otherworldly landscape of cliffs, pinnacles, and rolling hills, with shorter sections perfect for children and families.

Along the coast, Staffin Beach offers an optional stroll along the sandy and pebbly shoreline, where families can search for interesting rocks, shells, and dinosaur footprints visible at low tide. Nearby, the Staffin Dinosaur Museum provides a hands-on educational experience, showcasing fossils and prehistoric discoveries from the area. Continuing along the northern coast, we stop briefly at Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls Viewpoint to admire the striking cliffs and waterfall plunging dramatically into the sea.

A short break in Uig provides restrooms, refreshments, and a chance to stretch legs before heading toward the final stop of the day. The Fairy Glen comes last, a magical area of grassy cones, small lochans, and unusual rock formations. Kids will enjoy exploring the “fairy hills” and discovering hidden corners, a perfect playful finish to the day.

Another option depending on time is to add in the Museum of Island Life in Kilmuir. This is a unique open‑air heritage attraction that brings rural Highland life from the late 1800s to life. It comprises seven traditional thatched croft cottages and buildings, each set up to show different aspects of how islanders lived, worked and survived in the past, including a crofter’s home, a smithy and a weaver’s house. The village of Kilmuir is also one of very few places where Gaelic (our original Scottish Language) is still the most popular spoken language. This would mean a little bit of backtracking from the Quiraing but in my opinion it's a very nice addition if we get through other stops quickly.

Return to your accommodation in Portree.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• Safe, shorter hike sections at the Old Man of Storr

• Exploring the Quiraing and its dramatic pinnacles

• Collecting shells, rocks, and fossils on Staffin Beach

• Discovering prehistoric creatures at the Staffin Dinosaur Museum

• Admiring cliffs and waterfalls at Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls

• Enjoying magical exploration in The Fairy Glen

• Spotting Highland wildlife such as seabirds, Highland cattle, and possibly otters along the coast

Today we explore the wild and dramatic landscapes of western Skye, taking in waterfalls, coastal cliffs, and serene lochs, with plenty of family-friendly activities and short walks along the way.

We start with a visit to the Fairy Pools, a series of crystal-clear waterfalls and natural pools at the foot of the Black Cuillin mountains. Short walks along the trail make it accessible for children, and there are plenty of safe spots for paddling or skipping stones in the shallow pools. Bring towels if you want to take a dip! The surrounding scenery of jagged peaks, mossy rocks, and rushing streams is unforgettable.

Next, we head toward Carbost, home of the Talisker Distillery. Adults can enjoy a short tour or tasting while children explore the surrounding area. Nearby, Talisker Bay offers a dramatic coastal setting with black sand, sea stacks, and a small waterfall cascading onto the beach. Families can enjoy a short stroll along the shore, and again, bring towels if children want to paddle, taking in the rugged scenery.

We then continue to the Glasnakille and Glenbrittle area, where the dramatic coastline and mountains provide spectacular photo opportunities. This is also the filming location for one of the James Bond movies, which adds an extra point of interest for older children and adults. A short stroll along the base of the hills allows everyone to take in the views and breathe in the fresh Highland air.

Our final highlight of the day is Neist Point, Skye’s iconic western lighthouse perched on cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean. The short, gentle walk from the car park to the viewpoint is perfect for families, with panoramic coastal vistas and the chance to spot seabirds or even dolphins in the sea below.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• Exploring the Fairy Pools, safe spots for paddling and stone-skipping

• Short strolls along Talisker Bay and nearby coastline

• Spotting the James Bond filming location in Glenbrittle

• Gentle walk to Neist Point Lighthouse with breathtaking cliff views

• Watching seabirds and, occasionally, dolphins or seals along the coast

Isle of Skye to Applecross via Bealach na Bà and on to Torridon

Today we leave the Isle of Skye and journey into one of the most spectacular and remote parts of the Scottish Highlands. This is a wonderfully scenic day filled with dramatic mountain views, coastal landscapes, and quiet Highland roads, with plenty of short stops to stretch legs and enjoy the surroundings.

We depart Skye via the Skye Bridge, taking in views across the Sound of Sleat before heading north along the coast toward Applecross. From here we tackle the legendary Bealach na Bà, one of Scotland’s most famous mountain passes. The winding single-track road climbs high into the mountains, with breathtaking views back across Skye and out to sea. There are several safe viewpoints along the way for photos and fresh air stops.

Descending into Applecross village, we stop for lunch by the shore. This small coastal community is known for its relaxed atmosphere, local seafood, and beachside views. It’s a lovely place for children to explore the shoreline, skim stones, or simply enjoy a break after the drive.

In the afternoon we continue through the wild landscapes of Torridon, where towering sandstone mountains rise straight from sea lochs. This area feels peaceful and untouched, perfect for gentle walks and time outdoors before settling in for the evening.

Optional walks and activities in Torridon include:

• Easy woodland and lochside strolls directly from the hotel
• Shore walks along Upper Loch Torridon
• Short forest trails with chances to spot deer and birds of prey
• Cycling or kayaking options locally for more active families
• Relaxed exploration of the small village and surrounding nature

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• Crossing the Skye Bridge
• Driving the dramatic Bealach na Bà mountain pass
• Beach time and lunch stop in Applecross
• Wildlife spotting around Torridon
• Easy nature walks and open space to explore

Recommended Accommodation – Torridon (Night 7)

Top Choice: The Torridon Hotel – A beautiful Highland country house hotel set on the shores of Loch Torridon with mountain views in every direction. Spacious family rooms, excellent restaurant, and trails starting right from the grounds make this a perfect and memorable base for the night.

Other nearby options:
• The Torridon Inn – More casual sister property with a relaxed atmosphere
• Shieldaig Lodge Hotel – Cosy lodge with loch views and traditional Highland character

This day is all about big Highland scenery, fresh air, and slowing down, offering a true sense of remoteness before continuing on toward Inverness the following day.

After a peaceful night in Torridon, we enjoy a relaxed morning surrounded by mountains and loch views before setting off east toward Inverness. Today is designed as a shorter, gentler day, allowing time to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and stop whenever something catches your eye.

Leaving Torridon, we travel through the wild beauty of the Northwest Highlands, passing quiet glens, shimmering lochs, and open moorland. This stretch of road feels wonderfully remote and is often filled with wildlife, with chances to spot red deer, Highland cattle, and birds of prey.

We then join the shores of Loch Ness, one of Scotland’s most famous and atmospheric landscapes. There’s time for scenic stops along the water for photos, short walks, and a chance to hear the stories and legends of Nessie. Optional stops can include viewpoints overlooking the loch or a visit to Urquhart Castle for those who’d like to explore the ruins.

As we arrive in Inverness, your guide can offer a short city orientation tour before drop off at your accommodation, highlighting local favourites and places to explore later at your leisure.

Points of interest in Inverness include:

• Victorian Market for local shops and gifts
• Leaky’s Bookstore, a much loved independent bookshop
• Ness Islands for peaceful woodland walks
• Inverness Cathedral and Inverness Castle for photos and history
• Inverness Whisky Store for a wide selection of Highland malts

Guests are welcome to enjoy a relaxed evening stroll along the River Ness or explore the city centre at their own pace.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• Easy morning walks around Torridon
• Scenic Highland wildlife spotting
• Loch Ness photo stops and Nessie stories
• Exploring Inverness town and shops
• Optional visit to Urquhart Castle ruins

Recommended Accommodation – Inverness (Night 8)

Top Choice: Ness Walk Hotel – Stylish boutique hotel along the River Ness, ideal for evening strolls and very convenient for exploring the city centre.

Second Choice: Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa – Central location with family-friendly rooms and leisure facilities including a pool.

Other options:
• Macdonald Inverness Hotel
• Kingsmills Hotel (spacious but slightly further from the centre)
• Glen Mhor Hotel (traditional Highland stay with strong sustainability focus)
• Mercure Inverness Hotel

This gentle day offers a calm transition from the wild mountains of the west coast to the welcoming charm of the Highland capital.

This day is all about exploring the wonderful North East coast of the Highlands, giving you a chance to enjoy quieter, less-traveled landscapes, gentle walks, and memorable experiences.

We depart Inverness and travel north along scenic Highland roads toward the coastal town of Dornoch. This charming town is famous for its cathedral, sandy beaches, and historic charm, making it a lovely spot for a short stroll and photo stop.

Next, we visit Loch Fleet, a peaceful coastal loch and nature reserve. Here, you can enjoy gentle walks, spot wildlife such as seals and seabirds, and take in the beautiful scenery along the water.

From Loch Fleet, we continue to Dunrobin Castle, a fairytale-like estate with sweeping gardens inspired by the gardens of Versailles and the chance to see a falconry display. Children and adults alike enjoy exploring the ornate gardens, castle grounds, and exterior.

We then head to Shin Falls, where salmon can often be seen leaping upstream during the season. A short walk along the falls and riverside paths provides a perfect mix of activity and nature for all ages.

On the return journey to Inverness, we stop at the Millionaire’s Viewpoint, a dramatic vantage point over rolling hills and coastal scenery — perfect for photos and stretching legs before completing the loop.

Return to Inverness around 5pm for Dinner and relaxation time or the Caledonian Sleeper Train to London at 8PM.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• Exploring Dornoch town and sandy beaches
• Wildlife spotting at Loch Fleet (seals, seabirds)
• Gardens and falconry at Dunrobin Castle, inspired by Versailles
• Short walks along Shin Falls
• Panoramic Highland views at Millionaire’s Viewpoint

Recommended Accommodation – Inverness (Night 9) - Same as night 8 or alternatively I could drop you off at the train station for the Caledonian Sleeper Train which departs around 8PM.

Onward travel details for International guests:

Flights from Inverness
You can fly from Inverness Airport (INV) to London by Easyjet. There are regular flights to London airports such as Heathrow and sometimes others depending on the schedule. The flight itself takes around 1 hour 40 minutes to Heathrow or Gatwick, with varying durations to other London airports. Allow extra time on either end for check-in and security.

Daytime Trains from Inverness to London
There are frequent train services from Inverness Station to London, operating throughout the day. Direct daytime services by London North Eastern Railway run to London King’s Cross, taking approximately 7 hours 50 minutes to 9 hours depending on the specific train and route.

Other timed services can go to London Paddington or London Charing Cross, often with one change en route. Journey times on these services are typically around 8 to 11 hours depending on connections and the operator.

Caledonian Sleeper (Overnight Train)
The Caledonian Sleeper runs overnight from Inverness toward London Euston, departing in the evening and arriving the following morning. The journey takes about 11 hours from Inverness to London. You can book:

• Seated tickets
• Sleeper compartments with bunk beds
• En-suite or double cabins depending on your preference

Sleeper cabins provide a place to rest overnight during the journey and often cater to groups and families when booked as separate compartments.

Both trains and flights depart from central points in Inverness and take you into major London terminals, giving you flexibility depending on your time of travel and preference for overnight or daytime travel.