About this tour
When Lily from our BugBitten team ran this 9–10 hour drive through the Scottish Highlands, it was a proper scenic loop from Inverness north-west toward Skye and back. The route threads Loch Ness's quiet shore, climbs through Kintail's dramatic mountain passes, dips into Glenelg to see 2,000-year-old Iron Age brochs, and crosses to Skye by small ferry before returning via the bridge. You're sharing the experience with a small group in a comfortable, air-con van, and the landscape shifts constantly — lochs, ridges, glens, then a jolt of subtropical plants in the coastal village of Plockton at the end. It's a road trip, not a hike, so the rhythm is drive-stop-stroll-drive.
Highlights
- Invermoriston Falls: short walk to moss-covered rocks beside rushing water
- Ratagan pass views of Five Sisters peaks — genuinely stunning mountain geometry
- Battle of Glenshiel 1719 site: tangible Highland history in an empty glen
- Glenelg Brochs: two Iron Age roundhouses, 2,000 years old, still standing
- Tiny passenger ferry from Glenelg to Skye — old-school charm, brief crossing
- Plockton's palm trees and Highland cattle: unexpected tropical vibe on the west coast
What to expect
You'll spend most of the day in the van, but that's the point — the Highlands unfold as you move. Lily's day started with a gentle run along Loch Ness's northern shore (smaller, quieter than the tourist-packed southern side), then a quick leg-stretch and tea shop browse at Invermoriston. From there the landscape gets serious: Loch Cluanie is narrower and darker than Ness, framed by steep slopes, and The Cluanie Inn makes a natural coffee pause. The drive over Mam Ratagan felt steeper than expected — switchbacks climb to a pass with the Five Sisters ridge dominating your left shoulder, then you drop down into Glenelg proper.
The Glenelg Brochs are the historical highlight — two ruined stone towers, no crowds, just moorland. Then comes the ferry: it's a proper community-run operation, holds maybe 30 cars, takes 10 minutes, feels old-school and charming. Skye itself is barely used (you cross it heading back), so no heavy tourist congestion. Plockton wraps things up with a surreal little jolt — palm trees and Highland cattle in the same frame. It reads like someone's hobby village, and the light was golden by then.
What travellers say
- Quiet Loch Ness shore avoids the main-road crowds
- Ferry crossing adds genuine sense of adventure and change of pace
- Glenelg Brochs feel remote and untouristy — tangible history
- Mam Ratagan pass and Five Sisters views are genuinely striking
- Private van means flexible stops and relaxed group dynamic
- Plockton's unexpected tropical plants and cattle create odd, memorable finale
- Lunch not included — bring supplies or time pub stop carefully
- Day is drive-heavy; not suitable for those who dislike van time
- Weather sensitivity: wind, rain can arrive fast in mountain passes
- Glenelg Brochs have no facilities; rough ground isn't pram-friendly
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is a road-trip format, which suits people who like scenery without heavy walking or structured activities. Lily reckoned the Glenelg Brochs and the ferry crossing were the standout moments — proper Highland heritage and a sense of doing something outside the usual tour-bus loop. Small-group vans keep things relaxed, and you're not stuck in a coach. The drive over Mam Ratagan and the view of the Five Sisters are genuinely worth the winding road. Plockton's oddball charm (palm trees, seriously?) is a fun punctuation mark at the end. Water and basic snacks included, so no surprise hunger.
Lunch isn't included — you'll need to sort that yourself, ideally before leaving Inverness or at The Cluanie Inn. The whole day is drive-heavy, so if you're not keen on long van hours, this won't suit you. Weather in the Highlands can pivot fast; wind is common over the passes, and visibility can drop. Plockton, while lovely, is a brief village wander — don't expect a full afternoon stop. The Glenelg brochs have no on-site facilities, so toilets and shelter are back in the village. Not ideal in heavy rain. Pushchairs are welcome, but rough ground near the brochs isn't buggy-friendly.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.