Loch Ness, The Highlands & The Cairngorms Private tour from Inverness

Loch Ness Boat Trip (optional)

After leaving Inverness and travelling the short distance along the River Ness to Loch Ness there is the opportunity to take a 30 minute one-way boat trip on the Loch. The largest body of water (by volume) is home to many myths and legends including that of ‘Nessie’ the Loch Ness Monster. Arriving at Urquhart Castle, your guide will be at the quayside ready to continue the tour.

Urquhart Castle

The name ‘Urquhart’ is thought to combine Gaelic and Old Welsh words to mean ‘by the woodland’. Urquhart Castle stands on a small headland above the shore of Loch Ness, perfectly placed to command a spectacular view of the famous loch. Originally one of the largest castles in Scotland it was probably built around the middle of the 13th century, though there may have been an earlier large fort on the site.

Steeped in history, Edward I of England seized the castle in 1296. It was held alternately by Scottish and by English forces for over 200 years until James IV gave John Grant the castle and the lands of adjacent Glen Urquhart in 1509. During the 1688 revolution the Grants opposed the Jacobites but after their defeat the castle was occupied by government forces. When they left in 1692 it was blown up to prevent its occupation by defeated rebels.

Fort Augustus

Located on the Caledonian Canal, Fort Augustus is a picturesque village with stunning views of Loch Ness and the locks of the canal. Wander along the canal, watch boats navigate through its locks and take in the views in this lovely and peaceful village.

Commando Memorial

We’ll stop briefly at The Commando Memorial, dedicated to the men of the British Commando Forces who fought  during World War II. The statue of commandos overlooks their training range that was established in 1942 at Achnacarry Castle. Unveiled in 1952 by the Queen Mother, it is one of Scotland’s best-known monuments, both as a war memorial and as a tourist attraction offering views of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK at 4,411 ft (1,345 m) towering above Fort William.

The Highland Folk Museum Crofters township

At Baile Gean Township discover how people in the Highlands lived, worked, went to school, enjoyed their leisure time.

“Baile Gean” Township is a traditional Highland crofting village recreated to look like it would in 1700 at the Highland Folk Museum, and it is a highlight for many visitors. Most of the houses, barns and other buildings that we will explore are furnished, and they are all built using traditional methods. A number have central peat fires, which were left burning on even the warmest of days, and humans and livestock roam the township, bringing it to life.

This is a fictional settlement that existed near Kingussie until abandoned in the 1800s; however, it is closely based on a real settlement at Easter Raitts, located high on the Spey Valley south-east of Kingussie.

The Cairn Distillery (optional)

In the heart of the Cairngorms National Park experience awe-inspiring views, passionate people, and unforgettable tastes and flavours at The Cairn Distillery. The distillery sources local ingredients and uses renewable energy sources to minimise its environmental impact.

Owners Gordon & MacPhail are a fourth-generation family business founded in 1922. They’ve always remained a family-owned business that’s rooted in the community.

We’ll take a guided tour at Cairn Distillery, learn how whisky is made, from malting, mashing, fermentation, and distillation. Observe whisky maturing in oak casks, take in the evocative aromas, and marvel at how the whisky transforms over time while exploring the atmospheric bonded warehouse.