From Inverness: Cawdor Castle and Cairngorms National Park

Key Points

• Full-day adventure exploring Cawdor Castle, Cairngorms National Park, and historic sites from Inverness
• Visit the well-preserved Bronze Age Clava Cairns, made famous by the Outlander series
• Explore Cawdor Castle, with its historic halls and scenic gardens
• Meet Highland coos, the iconic shaggy cattle loved in the Highlands
• Enjoy local treats at Rothiemurchus Farm Shop and leisure time in Aviemore
• Transportation and a knowledgeable guide are included, with flexible booking options

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A detailed day exploring the Scottish Highlands from Inverness

This full-day tour from Inverness offers a well-rounded experience of some of the Highlands’ most notable sights. For $62 per person, travelers get to explore Cawdor Castle, the ancient Clava Cairns, and the expansive Cairngorms National Park. The tour is designed for those interested in history, stunning scenery, and local Highland culture, with a focus on comfort and informative guiding.

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, making it easy to fit into a day trip. It includes transportation and a local guide, who shares stories about the locations visited. While entrance fees to Cawdor Castle are not included, the extensive sightseeing makes this a practical and value-packed outing. The only limitation is that it’s not suitable for very young children under 5 years or travelers with mobility challenges.

Visiting the ancient Clava Cairns, Scotland’s Bronze Age marvel

The adventure begins with a visit to the Clava Cairns, a remarkably well-preserved Bronze Age burial site. These ancient stones have gained fame through their appearance in the Outlander series, adding a touch of Scottish TV lore. The 20-minute stop allows for a quick but meaningful look at the stone formations, set in a peaceful landscape.

The Clava Cairns stand out because of their historical significance and picturesque setting. We appreciate how this site offers a glimpse into Scotland’s distant past without needing a long hike or extensive walking. It’s a great introduction to Highland history, especially for fans of Scottish television and archaeology enthusiasts.

Exploring the historic charm of Cawdor Castle

Next, the tour heads to Cawdor Castle, a site rich in history and stories. Over 80 minutes, visitors explore the castle’s historic halls, see its beautiful gardens, and learn about its legendary origins. The castle’s connection to Shakespeare’s Macbeth and its scenic grounds make it one of the Highlands’ most evocative landmarks.

Guided exploration of the castle allows an appreciation of its architecture and storied past. The landscaped gardens provide lovely photo opportunities, and the interior reveals historic furniture and artifacts. This stop strikes a good balance between sightseeing and leisure, giving visitors ample time to soak in the castle’s atmosphere.

Meet Highland coos at Rothiemurchus Farm Shop

A highlight for many is the chance to meet Highland coos, the shaggy, friendly cattle that are an iconic symbol of Scottish Highland life. These local celebrities are a favorite stop, where visitors can observe the coos up close and learn about their role in Highland farming.

Following this, the tour visits Rothiemurchus Farm Shop, about 20 minutes away, to sample local Highland produce. The shop offers a variety of tasty treats, making it an ideal place for a light snack or to pick up souvenirs. This part of the trip emphasizes Highland agriculture and local flavors, adding a taste of authentic Scottish life.

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Strolling through Scots Pine Forests and Highland scenery

After the farm shop, travelers enjoy a leisurely walk through the Scots Pine Forest, an ancient woodland that once covered most of Scotland. This scenic walk provides a peaceful break and a chance to admire native trees and native wildlife.

Later, the tour proceeds to Cairngorms National Park, one of the UK’s largest and most scenic parks. The stunning landscapes are perfect for photography and wildlife viewing, with potential sightings of native birds and animals. The park’s rugged, untouched scenery highlights the wild beauty of the Highlands.

Lunch break in Aviemore and free time to explore

The itinerary includes a lunch stop in Aviemore, a lively town known for outdoor activities and mountain views. Travelers have about an hour to enjoy local cafes, stroll the streets, or browse shops. This break offers a chance to relax and enjoy the Highland town’s friendly atmosphere before the afternoon’s scenic drive.

Visiting Loch Morlich and scenic photography stops

Following lunch, the group visits Loch Morlich, a picturesque freshwater loch famous for its beach-like sand dunes and mountain backdrop. The hour-long visit allows for photos and a gentle walk along the shore. The scenery here is particularly striking and offers a different perspective of Highland lakes.

A 15-minute photo stop is also scheduled en route, providing quick opportunities to capture the landscape’s beauty. These stops are brief but well-timed for capturing memorable images.

Final sightseeing and the return to Inverness

The last part of the tour includes a 20-minute stop at a location for sightseeing and photos, followed by a 10-minute drive back to 15 Union St in Inverness, the meeting point. The journey concludes with the group returning to the city, around 8 hours after departure.

The flexible itinerary means that timings may shift slightly depending on traffic and weather, but the overall experience remains balanced and engaging.

Logistics, guides, and booking details

This small group tour departs from Inverness at 15 Union St, opposite the Victorian Market, 15 minutes before departure. The blue or yellow bus makes it easy to identify the starting point.

Transportation is included, and a legendary local guide leads the tour, sharing stories and insights about each stop. Booking allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and the reserve now, pay later option makes planning flexible.

Who this tour is best for and final thoughts

This $62 tour offers a practical way to explore the Highlands’ highlights without the hassle of independent planning. It is well suited for those interested in history, scenery, and local culture, especially if they appreciate guided commentary and comfortable transportation.

While the limited time at each stop means you won’t see everything in great detail, the balanced itinerary provides a taste of Highland life, with plenty of memorable moments. The knowledgeable guide and scenic locations are the tour’s main strengths. The only potential downside is that some might wish for a longer lunch or more time at specific sites, but overall, this tour delivers a well-rounded Highland experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the duration of the tour? Approximately 8 hours.
• Is transportation included? Yes, transportation is provided from Inverness.
• Are entrance fees included? No, Cawdor Castle entrance fees are not included.
• What is the starting point? The tour departs from 15 Union St, across from the Victorian Market.
• Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, but children must be at least 5 years old.
• Can I cancel the tour? Yes, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the start.
• What should I bring? Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.
• Are there any accessibility concerns? The tour is not suitable for mobility impairments or wheelchair users.
• What is the price? $62 per person.
• Who leads the tour? A local guide with expertise in Highland history and culture.

This tour from Highland Explorer Tours offers a balanced and scenic glimpse into the Highland landscape, history, and local life, making it a solid choice for a day of exploration from Inverness.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby