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5 Day Skye & Highland Fling

Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
5 days
•
From Inverness to Bannockburn
4.9
1,013 traveler reviews
  • Group jumping with joy in a mountainous landscape.
  • Group of people overlooking a body of water with ruins
  • Steam train crossing a viaduct in lush green surroundings.
    View all

  • The trip with Macbackpackers was the highlight of my summer and I believe Stuart played a huge role in making it that way.

    C
    Christopher, traveled in August
    5.0
  • A steam train crossing over the Glenfinnan Viaduct in a lush green landscape.
  • Group walking on a sandy beach with cloudy skies.
  • Woman lying on a black sandy beach with green hills in the background.
  • People interacting with Highland cows near a fence.
  • Two friends smiling and sitting by a rocky shore.
  • Silhouette of people watching a sunset over a body of water.
    View all

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Plan your adventure:
Operator
MacBackpackers
Explorer
Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Group Tour
Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Medium Intensity
Travelers should be comfortable with somewhat-demanding activities
Guided in English
Group Size 4 - 27
Ages 18-39
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Edinburgh to Inverness

    Start point
    15 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2PW (Please check in at Castle Rock Hostel from 8.30 for a 9am departure, 09:00)

    Included Activities

    • Cross the Forth Bridges
    • Forest walk in Dunkeld
    • Visit Culloden
    • Swim in Loch Ness

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Hermitage/Killiecrankie
    • Visit Clava Cairns
    Landmarks
    Forth Bridges
    Hermitage/Killiecrankie
    Culloden
    Clava Cairns
    Loch Ness
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  2. Day 2

    Inverness to Isle of Skye

    Included Activities

    • Walk over Corrieshalloch Gorge
    • Cross to Isle of Skye via ferry

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Rogie Falls
    • Visit Kinlochewe
    • Visit Eilean Donan Castle
    Landmarks
    Rogie Falls
    Corrieshalloch Gorge
    Kinlochewe
    Torridon
    Eilean Donan Castle
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  3. Day 3

    Isle of Skye

    Included Activities

    • Hike to distinctive rock formation on Skye
    • Guided tour of Skye with local folklore

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Sligachan
    • Visit Cuillin Ridge
    • Visit Portree
    • Visit The Old Man of Storr
    • Visit Kilt Rock
    • Visit Quiraing
    • Visit Faerie Pools
    Landmarks
    Sligachan
    Cuillin Ridge
    Portree
    The Old Man of Storr
    Kilt Rock
    Quiraing
    Faerie Pools
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  4. Day 4

    Isle of Skye to Oban

    Included Activities

    • Ferry from Isle of Skye
    • Visit Glenfinnan Viaduct

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Armadale
    • Visit Sands of Morar
    • Visit Bonnie Prince Charlie monument
    • Visit Glen Coe
    Landmarks
    Armadale
    Sands of Morar
    Glenfinnan Viaduct
    Fort William
    Glen Coe
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  5. Day 5

    Oban to Edinburgh

    End point
    15 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2PW (Castle Rock Hostel, 17:00 - 18:00)

    Included Activities

    • Travel through Trossachs National Park
    • Journey through William Wallace country

    Optional Activities

    • Visit St. Conan's Kirk
    • Visit Kilchurn Castle (Summer months only)
    • Visit Callander
    • Visit Doune Castle
    • Visit Wallace Monument
    • Visit Bannockburn Battlefield
    Landmarks
    St. Conan's Kirk
    Kilchurn Castle
    Callander
    Doune Castle
    Wallace Monument
    Bannockburn Battlefield
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

Expand All
  • Guide
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Optional

Operated by

MacBackpackers

4.9
(2,848 reviews)

Number of tours

3

Age Range

18 to 39 years old

Response time

10 hours

Response rate

94%

MacBackpackers has been running fun filled, fully guided adventures around...

Read more

Awards Received

2016 Tour of the Year Winner
Cultural

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Traveler Moments

  • Group of people hiking with beautiful mountainous landscape in the background.
  • Group of people posing next to stone ruins.
  • Lush green valley surrounded by high peaks.
  • The famous Glenfinnan Viaduct surrounded by lush green mountains.
  • Castle on a loch surrounded by misty hills.
  • Sheep grazing on a grassy hill with tree stumps.
  • Rugged cliffs and ocean views with overcast skies.
  • Hikers on a path with a rainbow across a valley.
  • Person swimming in a large body of water, possibly a lake.
  • Calm sea with reflections under a bright sky.
  • Mountain valley with a narrow river in the distance.
  • A steam train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, surrounded by green hills and mountains.
  • Person standing on rocks overlooking a clear water pool.
  • Scenic valley surrounded by steep mountains under a blue sky.
  • Old stone bridge over a river with mountains in the background.
  • Serene lake shore with cloudy sky and distant hills.
  • Rock formations with grassy paths and a view of the sea.
  • People sitting on a bench by a river, enjoying the landscape.
  • People hiking in a steep, grassy mountainous area.
  • A person posing by a loch with a historic castle in the background.
  • A group of people posing in front of a tour bus with a historical building.
  • Group of people posing outside a building with a scenic water background.
  • Beautiful lake with boats and hills in the background.
  • A person on a swing with a mountain landscape in the background.
  • A scenic view of a calm blue loch surrounded by mountains.
  • A group of people hiking on a grassy hill under a clear blue sky.
  • Two people enjoying a mountainous landscape with a valley view.
  • A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with sauce and meat.
  • A person standing in front of a mountain range under a clear blue sky.
  • Person holding hands in a green landscape by a lake.
  • Reflection on a window showing a grassy landscape.
  • Toy figure with a view of houses by the waterfront.
  • Mountainous landscape with a view of cliffs and hills.
  • Toy figure held in front of a grassy mountain landscape.
  • View from a cliff with water and fish cages.
  • Toy figure on a rocky seashore with algae.
  • Mountain range reflected on calm water under overcast skies.
  • Autumn forest with a river running through it.
  • Coastline view with green hills and a wide expanse of water.
  • Stone statue in a carved alcove.
  • Misty mountain with a road in the foreground.
  • Coastal waterfall with rocky cliffs.
  • Waterfall in a forested area with autumn foliage.
  • Coastal view with cliffs and cloudy sky.
  • Expansive view of mountains under cloudy skies.
  • Person posing on a scenic cliff with mountain views.
  • Tall rock formation under cloudy skies.
  • Scenic view of viaduct in a foggy valley.
  • Scenic road under mountain with autumn foliage.
  • Cable bridge over a river surrounded by autumn trees.

Traveler Reviews

4.9
Overall rating based on 1013 Reviews
  • Itinerary
    4.9
  • Transport
    4.9
  • Guide
    5.0
  • Accommodation
    4.4
  • Food
    4.4
  • Tour Operator
    4.9

Sort by

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Highest first
Lowest first

Sort by

Most Recent
Most Popular
Highest First
Lowest First
  • 5 Day Skye & Highland Fling reviewer 1
    November 1st, 2025
    5.0
    Brilliant operation, Neil was a high energy character with a story for every occasion and a great blend of gauging...
    Show more
    Traveled in October 2025
    Reply from: MacBackpackers
    We are so glad you enjoyed your stay!
    Show more
  • K
    September 30th, 2025
    5.0
    Great tour, and our guide Neil was fantastic - knowledgeable and engaging! Have lived in Scotland for a while but...
    Show more
    Traveled in September 2025
    Reply from: MacBackpackers
    Wow we are so glad to hear you are falling more in love with Scotland! Thank you for coming with us.
    Show more
  • A
    September 29th, 2025
    5.0
    Take this tour! The ideal length of time. I had as much fun on the bus as I did walking the sites. Accommodations...
    Show more
    • Group of people hiking with beautiful mountainous landscape in the background.
    • Group of people posing next to stone ruins.
    Traveled in September 2025
    Reply from: MacBackpackers
    What lovely photos! We are so glad you had such an amazing time.
    Show more
  • 5 Day Skye & Highland Fling reviewer 4
    September 5th, 2025
    2.0
    There were many amazing places we were unable to go to cuz it was too crowded and the bus wasn't allowed to park...
    Show more
    Traveled in August 2025
    Reply from: MacBackpackers
    Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry some stops felt rushed and that parking restrictions limited your time at certain sites. There is a problem with crowds in summer and we do our best to navigate the Island safely while taking you to see as much as we can. We do our best to balance travel times with exploring, but we understand it can feel short. We’d love to welcome you back for an even better experience next time, possibly in the autumn, winter or spring if your priority is seeing every site.
    Show more
  • 5 Day Skye & Highland Fling reviewer 5
    August 17th, 2025
    5.0
    Automatically translated. View in Original LanguageRate this translation
    Automatic translation available in English. View in English
    I had trouble with English but otherwise it was cool. Beautiful country !!!!!!!!
    Traveled in August 2025
    Reply from: MacBackpackers
    Thank you for taking the time to share this! We are so glad you enjoyed Scotland :)
    Show more
  • L
    August 12th, 2025
    5.0
    This was an incredible tour with lovely people and expert staff/guides. It was so nice to have an itinerary planned,...
    Show more
    Traveled in August 2025
    Reply from: MacBackpackers
    Thank you for taking the time to share this! We are so glad you had such a wonderful time :)
    Show more
  • 5 Day Skye & Highland Fling reviewer 7
    August 11th, 2025
    5.0
    The tour was amazing. We've had such an amazing group and amazing experience with our tour guide neil. I couldn't...
    Show more
    Traveled in August 2025
    Reply from: MacBackpackers
    Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear you had such an amazing experience and that Neil helped bring Scotland’s stories and places to life. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another adventure!
    Show more
  • C
    August 9th, 2025
    5.0
    Stuart was an amazing tour guide! I attended the tour as a local in order to see my new country and learn more about...
    Show more
    Traveled in June 2025
    Reply from: MacBackpackers
    Thank you so much for your review, we are so glad you had such a positive experience!
    Show more
  • M
    August 9th, 2025
    5.0
    Everything was perfect. Lots of history and jokes keeping us entertained throughout. The hikes were amazing! Timing...
    Show more
    Traveled in July 2025
    Reply from: MacBackpackers
    Thank you so much for your review, we are so glad you had such a positive experience!
    Show more
  • 5 Day Skye & Highland Fling reviewer 10
    August 9th, 2025
    5.0
    The adventure covered most of the places I wanted to watch. The best part of the adventure was listening to the...
    Show more
    Traveled in July 2025
    Reply from: MacBackpackers
    Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you enjoyed the adventure and that Stewart’s stories and folklore made the experience special. We’ll be sure to share your feedback with him, he’ll be delighted!
    Show more

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
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Ends in2d2h6m36s
Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

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    • Earn $50 in travel credits

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More benefits

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
We couldn't find results
Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts
  • V

    Vanessa

    Asked on February 23rd, 2026

    Do you have a 7 day tour that includes first night before rute stars and last night?

    Tour Details
    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written February 2026

      We do not have a 7 day tour option.

  • M

    Morgan

    Asked on February 1st, 2026

    What Airport we take for this tour. From Vancouver

    Flights / Transfers
    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written February 2026

      This tour does not begin at an Airport, but departs from Castle Rock Hostel, located at 15 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh.

  • G

    Gloria

    Asked on January 19th, 2026

    will luggage be stored while we're off/away from our transportation?

    Tour Details
    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written January 2026

      The luggage can be kept in the trunk of the locked bus, each passenger can bring one large bag like a rucksack or suitcase and one small item to bring on the bus with you (this would hold water, snacks, camera etc). Alternatively you can keep luggage at Castle Rock Hostel if you arrange this with them prior to arrival.

    • G

      Gloria

      Traveler•Written January 2026

      So a small backpack would be okay to bring while we're off the bus.

    • G

      Gloria

      Traveler•Written January 2026

      on here it says USD but on the website it said GBP. So I wasn't sure if the conversion rate for pounds to USD applied on the website or not.

    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written January 2026

      Our website prices are listed in GBP (£), as MacBackpackers is a UK-based company (we are located in Edinburgh, Scotland). The website itself doesn't convert currencies. The final amount charged is processed in GBP, and your bank or card provider applies the conversion to USD. If you're seeing USD on here, that's an automatic conversion that TourRadar's platform has done.

    • G

      Gloria

      Traveler•Written January 2026

      since its medium intensity, is it best recommend to wear hiking shoes or just good shoes for walking?

    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written January 2026

      Hiking shoes are great if you have them! Especially as there can be both rain and then beautiful sunshine within 10 mins of each other in Scotland. However, if you are travelling outside of winter (from April to September) then a good pair of walking shoes will still do the job. In winter hiking shoes are strongly recommended. You might end up wearing plastic bags on your socks if it rains during a hike though! Or you might get 5 days of nothing but sunshine but it is unpredictable. Personally I still like to wear hiking boots in summer because they have good grip on steep sections of hikes and Scottish summer never gets too hot.

    • G

      Gloria

      Traveler•Written January 2026

      to add or include the accommodations for the tour would I put in a request for the pre/post tour accommodations?

    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written January 2026

      You can either add pre/post as part of your booking or book directly with the hostel at Castle Rock. Either way we are unable to book the beds until early Feb when they become available but will be happy to do this when they do.

    • G

      Gloria

      Traveler•Written January 2026

      will I just book or request the accommodation for the tour then as well?

    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written January 2026

      if you booked via TourRadar you can just pay for the tour accommodation in the morning at Castle Rock reception before the tour departs, it will be reserved for you. And then for the pre and post you can book directly with Castle Rock from February onwards.

      • G
      G
      9 more answers
  • E

    Eileen

    Asked on January 15th, 2026

    Is there an age limit for this tour? Do you have to be under 40 years old?

    Age Range
    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written January 2026

      Yes, Our tours have an 18-40 age limit.

  • A

    Alan

    Asked on January 3rd, 2026

    is there a option for private room with private bathroom and what would be the cost

    Accommodation
    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written January 2026

      Unfortunately no, the accommodation we have reserved is dorm rooms only with shared bathrooms.

  • J

    Justin

    Asked on October 28th, 2025

    We are 55 & 70. Can we still join up?

    Age Range
    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written October 2025

      Our tours are only available for travellers between the ages of 18 and 39, apologies. There are other tour operators who don't have any age restrictions, so we suggest reaching out to some other companies like Rabbie's or Haggis Adventures.

  • A

    Arthur

    Asked on October 5th, 2025

    Is there an upper age limit to this tour? My husband and ai are very fit for 62 yo.

    Age Range
    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written October 2025

      Yes, our age restriction is between 18 and 40, so we would not be able to take you on. You are better looking at other tour companies as they do not have an age restriction in place. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this may have caused.

  • D

    Derek

    Asked on September 16th, 2025

    Do we visit the viaduct and train of Glenfinnan?

    Tour Details
    • D

      Derek

      Traveler•Written September 2025

      With respect to accommodation during the tour days, is the price of all hostels 34 euros per person and night?

    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written September 2025

      Yes, the price for all the hostels is £34 per night per person. We automatically reserve the beds for you upon booking and all you have to do is pay for the accommodation at Castle Rock Hostel Reception just before the tour departure.

    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written September 2025

      Yes; on this tour there is a visit to the Glenfinnan viaduct. Please not we cannot guarantee that you would see the train as the train times do not always match the time of visit.

      • 2 more answers
  • J

    Jess

    Asked on August 25th, 2025

    Are the hostels ensuite, or the toilets are common use?

    Accommodation
    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written August 2025

      The hostels are dormitory-style accommodation so you'd be sharing a room and toilet facilities.

  • B

    Belinda

    Asked on August 25th, 2025

    How many people are there in the group? Can we travel with a regular luggage or only backpacker bag?

    Group size
    Transport
    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written August 2025

      Yes, we are happy to make an exception as you are only just outwith the age range. When making your booking, please note 'Age approved by Charn'

    • B

      Belinda

      Traveler•Written August 2025

      Great! Thanks for the exception.

    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written August 2025

      The amount of travellers depends on how many people book for the tour, however the maximum is 29 passengers. You are able to travel with a carry-on sized piece of luggage and a backpack. If you have a full sized suitcase, you're able to store this at Castle Rock Hostel free of charge during the tour.

      • B
      2 more answers
Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at MacBackpackers with your enquiry, they usually respond within 10 hours.

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Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 255

  • Currency
    £
    Pound Sterling
    Scotland
  • Plugs & Adapters

    As a traveler from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type G.

    Type G
    Scotland
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before June 12th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after June 12th, 2026, a minimum payment of 25% is required to confirm your booking with MacBackpackers. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and MacBackpackers will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "MacBackpackers" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
  • People also viewed

Videos

  • Neil Exploring Spean Bridge and Ben Nevis
  • Richard on top of a Blustery Old Man of Storr
  • Neil Sight Spotting from Wester Ross
  • Relaxing Clouds overlooking the Old Man of Storr
  • What happens when you set the guides free at the beach...
  • Who are MacBackpackers?
  • Neil showing off the Old Man of Storr
  • Western Europe Travel Guide
  • 3 Day Loch Ness & Skye
Neil Exploring Spean Bridge and Ben Nevis

Similar Tours

Keep Exploring Scotland

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec