EDINBURGH CASTLE FIELD GUIDE
From Edinburgh: Eight Days Crossing Skye, Orkney and Scotland’s Far North
A compact, 8-day Highlands-and-Islands loop from Edinburgh that stitches Loch Lomond and Skye to the Neolithic sites and seas of Orkney—this guide lays out what to expect and how to plan.
From Edinburgh: Eight Days Crossing Skye, Orkney and Scotland’s Far North.
This wide-ranging Highland and Islands tour—branded The Complete Scottish Experience—leaves Edinburgh and traverses the west and far north of Scotland, linking Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, the Isle of Skye and the mysterious Orkney archipelago over eight days.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Kilmartin Glen and Scotland’s Deep Past
Early in the route you visit Kilmartin Glen and step among sites that map more than 5,000 years of human presence, including Dunadd Hill Fort and the Temple Wood Stone Circle—an unvarnished encounter with Scotland’s ancient past.
Skye’s Cuillin, Storr and Coastal Spectacle
Two nights on the Isle of Skye give time to take in the island’s dramatic mountains and sea-cliffs—think the Cuillin range, the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock—landscapes that define the tour’s rugged visual core.
Orkney’s Neolithic Masterpieces
A full day in Orkney focuses on world-class prehistoric sites: the chambered cairn of Maeshowe, the Neolithic village of Skara Brae and the great stone circles at Stenness and the Ring o’ Brodgar, followed by the medieval St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall.
What the day feels like
How the eight days unfold
The itinerary moves west from Edinburgh into Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park before threading coastal and island routes: Oban, Glen Coe and the Jacobite train corridor to Skye, onward through Highlands lochs and castles to the Pentland ferry at Gills Bay, a ferry crossing to Orkney with visits to the Italian Chapel and Churchill Barriers, then back to the mainland via Inverness and south through Culloden and the Cairngorms to Pitlochry and Edinburgh.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits—and when to ask questions.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour runs for 8 days.
Meet at Caffe Nero, 1 Parliament Square, 192 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1RF.
Be prepared for changeable Scottish weather: a jacket is recommended, along with a bottle of water and a camera. Meals need not be brought; there are stops at towns and villages, though snacks or a packed lunch are welcome.
The route includes ferry crossings to Skye and Orkney and optional excursions such as a Loch Ness cruise and visits to castle ruins; the itinerary sequences these through overnight stops in Oban, Skye, Fort Augustus, Kirkwall and Inverness.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour duration is 8 days.
Where do we meet in Edinburgh?
The meeting point is Caffe Nero, 1 Parliament Square, 192 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1RF.
Do I need to bring my own meals?
It is not necessary to bring your own meals; the tour stops throughout the day in towns and villages where you can purchase food, though you may bring snacks or a packed lunch if you prefer.
Are there ferry crossings and optional excursions?
Yes—ferry crossings to the Isle of Skye and to Orkney are part of the itinerary; there are also optional excursions such as a Loch Ness cruise and visits to certain castles.
What should I wear and carry daily?
Bring a weather‑proof jacket, a bottle of water and a camera; comfortable walking shoes are implied by the site visits and walking around archaeological locations.