1-Day Tour from Inverness

Castles, Coos & Cairngorms

$79.00
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The Experience

On this tour, you will be left in awe of Scotland’s history, scenery, and culture – it ticks all the boxes. From the famous Clava Cairns to the spectacular Cairngorms National Park, each stop packs its own special punch. Tucked near Inverness, you'll also visit Cawdor Castle, made famous by its rumoured connection to Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Join us for an epic Highland adventure that squeezes a tonne of awesome sights into one day!

Itinerary

Day 1: Castles, Coos & Cairngorms

Kick things off at the ancient Clava Cairns stones, one of Scotland’s best preserved Bronze Age cemeteries. After a short drive from Inverness, it’s off to Cawdor Castle, shrouded in a legendary tale about a donkey and a mysterious dream that decided the castle’s location. Once you wander through its historic halls, you’ll get that sense of wonder that comes from being in such a storied place. Get up close with a hairy coo*, Scotland’s fluffiest local celebrity, before stretching your legs with a stroll through an ancient Scots Pine forest to marvel at the country’s rare native trees.

Then it’s time to grab lunch in the lively town of Aviemore. Next, we head to the Cairngorms National Park for some jaw-dropping scenery and, if we’re in luck, a bit of wildlife spotting. Finally, we’ll hit the road back to Inverness, arriving just as evening settles in.

*The order of stops may vary, so you might see highland cows at a different point in the journey.

Inverness → Inverness

Route map for Castles, Coos & Cairngorms Route Map Click to enlarge

Tour Highlights

Small But Mighty
Small But Mighty
Travelling in a wee group means more banter, more space, and plenty of laughs along the way. Cosy, right? Just a heads-up – while we usually travel in smaller vehicles, sometimes a larger bus might be used due to availability.
Cawdor Castle
Cawdor Castle
At Cawdor Castle, you're basically walking into a real-life fairytale. Get lost in the gardens, snoop around the Macbeth-famous castle, and check out the thorn tree that’s been holding down the fort for centuries.
Hairy Coo
Hairy Coo
If you don’t take a photo of a hairy coo, have you even been to Scotland?! Hairy coos are the ultimate symbol of Scottishness, and they’re even cuter in real-life. These bonnie ginger beasts are the heartbreakers of the Highlands – it’ll be love at first sight!
Cairngorms National Park
Cairngorms National Park
Sit back as we blaze a trail through the UK’s largest National Park. Scotland is famed for its wildly beautiful scenery, and the Cairngorms National Park has it all; from forests and lochs, to mighty mountains and roaring rivers.
Ancient Scots Pine Forest
Ancient Scots Pine Forest
Scotland’s ancient Scots pine forests are the ultimate nature VIPs—rare, precious, and definitely worth a shout-out. These last remaining woodlands are a hotspot for rare wildlife and ecosystems, making them a must-see treasure in Scotland’s natural lineup!
Clava Cairns
Clava Cairns
Clava Cairns is a mysterious and atmospheric Bronze Age burial site which is aligned with the stars. Outlander fans can attempt their own journey through the standing stones, while a wander into the well-preserved passage cairns will you imagining the people who built them, in a time so long ago.

What's Included

★ Your Legendary Local HAGGiS Guide ★ Small Group Tour ★ Full Refund if Cancelled More Than 24 hours in Advance

Optional Experiences

These experiences can be added at checkout and are operated by independent local providers.

Cawdor Castle & Gardens
Reserve at the time of booking

Enjoy a discounted entry fee when visiting Cawdor Castle and its gardens on this trip. Wander through enchanting gardens, explore the castle where Shakespeare's Macbeth was set, and discover the legendary thorn tree at the heart of this unique Scottish gem. Please note that there are limited alternative activities nearby, so booking the castle entrance in advance is essential to make the most of your time here.

In the Moment

Aerial view of Cawdor Castle with its beautifully manicured gardens surrounding the estate View of Cawdor Castle from its gardens, showcasing lush greenery and historic architecture Man leaning against the Clava Cairn stones, resembling a time travel scene from Outlander Three women touching the Clava Cairn standing stones, with greenery in the background Close-up of a Highland cow, featuring its distinctive long hair and gentle expression Group of travellers greeting a Highland cow, with the iconic animal calmly approaching Loch Morlich in the Cairngorms bathed in golden sunset light, with tranquil waters reflecting the sky teal background with circular stripes

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Cairngorms National Park and Cawdor Castle tour departs from Inverness city centre. Check out our departure info page for more details on your pick-up location.

The tour runs for about 8 hours*, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the landmarks and castles around Inverness and soak in the stunning scenery of the Cairngorms National Park!

 *Tour duration might change based on traffic and weather.

Yes, we strongly recommend that you reserve Cawdor Castle in advance. Please note that there are limited alternative activities nearby, so booking the castle entrance in advance is essential to make the most of your time here. You can add it to your tour at the time of booking.

Parking is available at the Old Town Rose Street Multi-Storey Car Park, just under a 10-minute walk from our Inverness departure point.

Adults from
$79.00
Duration
1 Day
Departs
Inverness
Departure Info
Check-in closes8:30 AM
Departs8:45 AM
Returns5:00 PM
LocationOur departure point is located at 15 Union Street in Inverness (IV1 1PP), across from the entrance to the Victorian Market. Look out for a blue or yellow coach bus. Parking is available at the Old Town Rose Street Multi-Storey, just under a 10-minute walk from our departure point.
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