Off The Beaten Track Isle of Skye Adventure -1 Day Private Tour

Your epic one day adventure will begin in Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. Heading out of the city, I will immerse you in local folklore, suggest other places to visit during your stay and make suggestions about where you can discover the very best food, drink and entertainment that Inverness has to offer.

First we are off to Loch Ness and to meet the hairy cows. You will not only get to meet and photograph them but I will also enhance the experience by bringing carrots so you can feed them. This is a unique bucket list experience for many people. You will hear all the stories of the world's most famous Loch and see the scenery change dramatically as we head out to the Isle of Skye.

On our way to Skye we will travel through spectacular glens, historical battlefields and ancient crofting communities where I will weave fascinating stories and personally curated historical narratives into the fabric of your journey that will help you understand the rich cultural heritage that saturates every corner of this land. I have also put together a soundtrack for this tour that enables you to form an ethereal connection between the music and the landscape.

We will stop for a short coffee break at an award winning chocolatier, you can even watch the chocolate being made on certain days through a viewing window.

Next we will make a quick photo stop at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, featured in the film Highlander starring Sean Connery. It was voted one of Instagram's most photographed castles in 2023. We do not access the castle on the tour due to time constraints needed for the Old Man of Storr short hike, however this is flexible so if the group all agree we can adjust the schedule to spend more time here.

It is just a 15 minute journey from here to the Skye Bridge. This is a particularly iconic moment for fans of the TV show 'Outlander' as we cross 'Over the Sea to Skye'. There is an alternative route to Skye via the world's only working turntable ferry (Apr to Oct only). This is a much less travelled path with spectacular viewpoints along the way and a seal colony. Thist is a longer route and requires more time. If you are interested in this option please mention after booking or on the day and we can adjust the itinerary to suit.

First we make a stop at the old cattle market town of Broadford to visit a hidden gem. This location is the conclusion to one of the stories I will tell you on the way to Skye. You will also get the opportunity to sample one of Skye's most famous drinks.

Then its on to Sligachan Old Bridge, the first of the Isle of Skye’s many otherworldly locations and the setting for my trademark 'bridge photo', taken on my drone. Get ready to strike a pose! You will also get the opportunity here to immerse yourself in a famous fairy legend.

We then make the short journey to Portree which is known as the 'Quaint Capital' of the island. Here you can grab some photos of the picturesque harbour with its pastel coloured houses. You have the option to take a break for lunch here. Alternatively, if you prefer to stay 'on the go', you can bring a packed lunch and we will travel on to an additional viewpoint and the Old Man of Storr for today's hike. This hike is rated easy to moderate.

The 'jewel in the crown' of this tour is the hike right up to The Old Man of Storr. This iconic towering landmark on the Isle of Skye is a spectacular 50 metre volcanic plug left behind after massive landslides swept the rest of the hillside away. It’s a steady climb and the rewards of this hike are truly magnificent. The Old Man of Storr is just one element in an array of fantastic geological features located between the Trotternish Ridge and the sea. Awe inspiring and much photographed, you will without doubt feel like you have walked onto the film set of ‘The Lord of the Rings'.

Next there is time for a quick photo stop at Scotland's most famous waterfall, Kilt Rock. En route we will travel alongside the Trotternish Ridge, the longest of its type in the UK.

Kilt Rock is a spectacular waterfall located between The Old Man of Storr and The Quiraing. It is made up of colourful layers of basalt rock columns, where the waterfall drops 90 metres onto the beach below. Sometimes on a wild day you can hear the cliffs whistle. Hold onto your hats!

As we leave Kilt Rock we will travel through Staffin on a single track road to my favourite Isle of Skye viewpoint, The Quiraing. Here you will stand in awe at iconic, beautiful and dramatic views that will stay with you forever. The Quiraing encapsulates the pure essence of what the Isle of Skye is all about - a photographers and hikers dream. I could stay here forever!

The Quiraing is the furthest point we can travel on a 1 day tour so it is time to take a well earned rest as we travel back to Broadford for refreshments. On the way back along the Trotternish Ridge I will tell you more about the island, other stunning locations, the best accommodation, food, drink and hiking opportunities that Skye has to offer. Why not look at my 2 day tour for a longer adventure next time to extend the opportunities of what Skye has to offer.

We will make a quick stop at Broadford to grab refreshments and browse the gift shop.

Then you can sit back, relax and enjoy yet more stunning scenery and music or maybe get editing all your photos as we return to Inverness.