Castles, Skye & The Fairy Pools 1-Day Tour from Inverness

Inverness , Scotland

Castles, Skye & The Fairy Pools 1-Day Tour from Inverness

Active

12h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the enchanting Isle of Skye and its stunning Fairy Pools on this immersive day trip from Inverness. Begin your adventure with a visit to Rogie Falls, then journey across the Skye Bridge to explore the breathtaking landscapes. Stroll through the picturesque Fairy Pools, known for their crystal-clear waters, and visit Scotland's oldest inhabited castle, Dunvegan Castle. Enjoy free time in Portree, where you can soak in the colorful scenery before capturing views of iconic landmarks like Eilean Donan Castle and Urquhart Castle on your way back.

- Full-day tour lasting approximately 12.5 hours, including travel time
- Visit the Fairy Pools with a 75-minute scenic walk (sturdy footwear recommended)
- Explore Dunvegan Castle (entrance not included, optional add-on)
- Small group experience with a local guide sharing Scottish stories and insights

Available options

Castles, Skye & The Fairy Pools 1-Day Tour from Inverness

What's included

Your legendary local HAGGiS guide

Certified English Speaking Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Rogie Falls is a worthwhile stop, particularly if you’re bold enough to venture across the suspension bridge.

Stop 2

A magical series of small waterfalls and turquoise pools.

Stop 3

No trip to the Isle of Skye is complete without uncovering the rich history and clan legends of Dunvegan Castle. Dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, this fortress is Scotland’s oldest continuously inhabited castle and has served as the ancestral seat of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years.

Portree is the capital of Skye. Discover it's colourful harbour and grab a coffee or some souvenirs.

Sligachan is a tiny settlement, with epic views of the Cuillin Mountains. Dip your face in the water, and be granted eternal beauty!

Stop 6

Photo stop at this world-famous castle.

Photo stop at the ruins of Urquhart Castle, on the banks of Loch Ness. Will you spot Nessie?

What's not included

Dunvegan Castle & Gardens

Food and drinks not included

Tips

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Meet 15 minutes before departure, across from the Victorian Market, for check-in. Look for a blue or yellow bus.

About Inverness

Inverness is a historic city in the Scottish Highlands, known as the capital of the region. It offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, with the iconic Loch Ness and the Culloden Battlefield nearby. The city is a gateway to some of Scotland's most stunning landscapes and ancient sites.

Top Attractions

Inverness Castle

A historic castle overlooking the River Ness, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.

Historical 1-2 hours £5

Loch Ness

A famous freshwater loch known for its deep, dark waters and the legendary Loch Ness Monster.

Nature Half day to full day Free to visit the loch, attractions vary in price

Culloden Battlefield

The site of the 1746 Battle of Culloden, the last pitched battle fought on British soil.

Historical 2-3 hours £14.50

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

A museum showcasing the history, art, and culture of the Highlands.

Museum 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis, Neeps and Tatties

A traditional Scottish dish made with haggis (a spiced sheep's offal pudding), mashed turnips (neeps), and mashed potatoes (tatties).

Dinner Contains meat and offal, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Cullen Skink

A creamy smoked haddock soup, traditionally made with potatoes, onions, and milk.

Lunch Contains fish, not suitable for those with fish allergies.

Cranachan

A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.

Dessert Vegetarian-friendly, but contains dairy.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Highlands Boat tours on Loch Ness Visiting spas and wellness centers Strolling along the River Ness Exploring Inverness Museum and Art Gallery Attending local festivals and events Fishing in the River Ness Skiing and snowboarding in the Cairngorms

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest and driest time of the year, with long daylight hours. It's ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the surrounding Highlands.

12°C to 18°C 54°F to 64°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Pound Sterling (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Inverness is generally a safe city, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic safety precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, and avoid using them in isolated areas.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, and agree on a fare before starting your journey.

Getting there

By air

Inverness Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center

By train

Inverness Railway Station

By bus

Inverness Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network covers the city and surrounding areas, with frequent services to major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

City Center Ness Islands Leakey

Day trips

Culloden Battlefield

5 km (3 miles) • Half day

The site of the 1746 Battle of Culloden, the last pitched battle fought on British soil. The visitors center offers interactive exhibits and a museum.

Loch Ness

24 km (15 miles) • Full day

A famous freshwater loch known for its deep, dark waters and the legendary Loch Ness Monster. The Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition offers insights into the loch's history and geology.

Cairngorms National Park

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

The largest national park in the UK, offering a diverse range of landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor activities.

Festivals

Inverness Highland Games • May Inverness Christmas Market • December

Pro tips

Visit the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery to learn about the history and culture of the Highlands.
Take a boat tour on Loch Ness to search for the legendary Loch Ness Monster and explore the loch's stunning scenery.
Explore the Culloden Battlefield and visitors center to learn about the history of the 1746 Battle of Culloden.
Stroll along the River Ness and visit the Ness Islands for a peaceful and scenic escape from the city.
Sample local whisky and cuisine at one of Inverness's many pubs, restaurants, or whisky bars.