Quick Details
Winter in Scotland offers a unique and enchanting experience. The landscapes transform into a beautiful, frosty wonderland, creating stunning scenery at every turn. The long nights provide the perfect opportunity to experience dark skies and, if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights. Embrace the concept of “Coorie,” finding comfort in cozy accommodations, warming yourself by roaring fires, and enjoying hearty local food and world-famous whisky.
Winter in Scotland is a time of tranquility and beauty, offering a memorable and magical experience. The winter light creates a soft, ethereal quality, perfect for photography, while the crisp, cold air invigorates the senses. Whether you’re exploring historic castles, wandering through snow-covered landscapes, or relaxing by the fire with a dram of whisky, winter in Scotland is a truly special time to visit.
Tour Highlights
- Fairy Pools: Visit the iconic waterfalls on Skye
- Talisker: Learn how whisky is made and try some for yourself
- Loch Ness: Monster spot on this famous loch
- Skye: The Cuillin Hills and the Trotternish Peninsula
- Glen Coe: Wonderful scenery and fascinating history
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Day 1: Edinburgh to Isle of Skye
Depart Edinburgh
- Depart Edinburgh early in the morning and make your way north passing the Kelpies and Stirling Castle.
- Travel through the scenic Trossachs National Park. The winter landscape, with its frosty trees and snow-dusted hills, offers a picturesque start to your journey. This area is renowned for its stunning beauty, with lochs and forests creating a winter wonderland.
- Continue your journey across Rannoch Moor, a vast, open expanse that looks particularly dramatic in the winter months. The moor’s haunting beauty is accentuated by the stark, white snow and the sense of isolation it brings.
Lunch: Glencoe
- Arrive in Glencoe for lunch. Enjoy a hearty meal in a local pub, warming yourself by the fire while you take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- After lunch, explore the historic and scenic Glencoe Valley. The snow-covered peaks and icy streams create a mesmerising landscape. Learn about the tragic history of the Glencoe Massacre from your driver guide.
Journey to Isle of Skye
- Continue your journey, crossing the Ballachulish Bridge and making your way through the Highlands.
- As you approach Skye, you’ll cross the Skye Bridge, with the Cuillin mountains providing a dramatic backdrop.
Evening: Arrival on the Isle of Skye
- Check into your cozy accommodation on Skye. Embrace the Scottish concept of “Coorie” by settling in with a glass of local whisky by the roaring fire.
We would recommend staying at the Duisdale Hotel on the Sleat Peninsula. The hotel offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Sound of Sleat and the mountains of the mainland. The winter scenery can be particularly beautiful, with snow-capped peaks and serene, frosty landscapes. The Duisdale provides a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for the colder months. With roaring fireplaces, comfortable lounges, and well-appointed rooms, you can relax and unwind after a day of exploring.
Gourmet Dining: The Duisdale Hotel boasts an award-winning restaurant that offers delicious, locally-sourced cuisine. Winter menus often feature hearty dishes that are perfect for the season, and the cozy dining room adds to the overall charm. The Duisdale Hotel combines luxury, comfort, and the natural beauty of Skye to enhance your magical winter getaway.
Day 2: Exploring the Isle of Skye
Morning: Fairy Pools and Talisker Distillery
- Start your day with a visit to the Fairy Pools. The icy, crystal-clear waters and surrounding snow make this a magical winter sight.
- Head to the Talisker Distillery for a tour. Learn about the whisky-making process and enjoy a tasting session of their renowned single malt whisky.
Lunch: Portree
- Travel to Portree, the island’s largest town, for lunch. Warm up with some freshly caught seafood at a local restaurant, accompanied by views of the harbor and its colorful buildings.
Afternoon: Quiraing and Kilt Rock
- Visit the Quiraing, a landslip on the Trotternish Ridge. The winter landscape here is otherworldly, with snow highlighting the dramatic rock formations.
- Stop by Kilt Rock, where you can see the waterfall cascading over the cliffs into the sea. The winter light provides a fantastic opportunity for photography.
Evening: Cozy Night In
- Return to your accommodation for another evening of Coorie. Enjoy a dinner of locally sourced produce, followed by a nightcap of whisky by the fire. If the skies are clear, step outside to experience the dark skies and, if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights.
Day 3: Isle of Skye to Edinburgh
Morning: Depart Skye
- Depart Skye, crossing the Skye Bridge and traveling through the picturesque Glenshiel. The winter scenery along the way is breathtaking, with snow-capped peaks and icy lochs.
Midday: Invermoriston Falls and Loch Ness
- Stop at Invermoriston Falls, where the winter ice adds a mystical quality to the cascading water.
- Continue to Loch Ness, where you can opt to visit Urquhart Castle. The ruins look particularly atmospheric against the winter backdrop. Consider taking a cruise on Loch Ness to enjoy the serene beauty of the loch and maybe even spot Nessie.
Afternoon: Cairngorms National Park
- Travel through Cairngorms National Park, where the winter scenery is truly spectacular. Snow-covered mountains, frosty forests, and vast open spaces create a stunning landscape.
- Stop in the charming town of Pitlochry. Take a stroll through the town, perhaps visiting a local café for a hot drink.
Evening: Return to Edinburgh
- Continue your journey back to Edinburgh, crossing the iconic Forth Bridges as you approach the city.
- Arrive in Edinburgh in the evening, completing your three-day winter adventure.