Ruinous Highland Village and Standing Stones Day Trip

Edinburgh , Scotland

Ruinous Highland Village and Standing Stones Day Trip

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(2 reviews)

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Sooth Sayers and whisky and standing stones and a ruined Highland village and mountains and lochs and clans and all the crazy stories from this rather secretive tour. This tour just might be the best private tour in Scotland, seriously, you'll be talking about it for years without actually divulging the exact locations. Be prepared to walk about a mile in total with a steep path. Chances are, there will be nobody else around.
Fixed price for up to five passengers and if you book then you will be getting me, Andrew as your tour guide. I have several years experience both as a walking tour guide and as a driving tour guide.
I like things to be fun, interesting and flexible.
My head is jam packed full of the mad stories and every time I learn something new that makes my jaw drop I just cant wait to tell folk about it.
I'm happy if my lovely visitors are happy. I'll do my very best for you.

Available options

Ruinous Highland Village and Standing Stones Day Trip

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Child safety seats

Bottled water

Detailed itinerary

Possibly built around 1430 to replace an earlier bridge destroyed in the battle of 1297 fought between William Wallace and the might of the English Army.

Stop 2

14th century castle made famous in recent times through Monty Python. Outlander and Game Of Thrones. Castle is closed but expect a couple of local stories.

Scenic spot for refreshment and restroom.

Epic waterfall and ancestral burial ground for the local clan. Hear tales of a couple of notorious highland chiefs.

Ancient standing stone circle and a thoughtful delve into the minds of the ancient people. There will be no one around but you. Exact location is a secret.

Abandoned Highland village. Hear tales of the local sooth sayer and explore the shell of her centuries old home. Expect a walk of about a mile in total with steep inclines. There will be no one around but you as the whereabouts of the village are known only to a few.

High mountain pass with incredible views, just jaw dropping stuff. This is a very quiet wee road so maybe enjoy a wee dram of whisky in amongst the heather.

There should be time for a wee meander around this lovely wee Highland town with Jacobite tales of divine winds before heading back to Edinburgh.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a city of historic and cultural significance. Known for its medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Edinburgh offers a unique blend of ancient and modern. The city is famous for its annual festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe, and its iconic Edinburgh Castle.

Top Attractions

Edinburgh Castle

A historic fortress that dominates the city's skyline. It houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

Historical 2-3 hours £18 (adult), £11 (child)

Royal Mile

A historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Historical/Cultural Several hours to explore fully Free to walk, attractions vary

Arthur's Seat

An extinct volcano offering panoramic views of the city. A popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities.

Nature/Adventure 1-2 hours (hike) Free

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The former royal yacht of the British monarchy, now a museum docked in Edinburgh's port.

Historical 2 hours £19 (adult), £10 (child)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis

A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's offal, oats, and spices, typically served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan.

Scotch Pie

A small, double-crust meat pie filled with minced mutton or beef.

Snack Contains meat.

Cranachan

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

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten.

Irn-Bru

Scotland's iconic bright orange, fizzy soft drink with a unique flavor.

Drink Contains caffeine and sugar.

Popular Activities

Hiking Arthur's Seat Kayaking on the Water of Leith Cycling the National Cycle Network Afternoon tea at The Dome Visiting the Royal Botanic Garden Strolling along Princes Street Gardens Exploring the National Museum of Scotland Visiting the Scottish National Gallery

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season, with long daylight hours and numerous festivals. The weather is generally pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

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

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

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

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Edinburgh is generally safe for tourists, but as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of your surroundings at night
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

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

By train

Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh Haymarket

By bus

Edinburgh Bus Station (Stance 20)

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and frequent bus services cover the entire city. Key routes include the Airlink 100 to the airport.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FREE NOW

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town New Town Leith

Day trips

Lothian

10-20 km (6-12 miles) • Half day to full day

Lothian offers a mix of historic sites, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities. Visit historic castles, explore picturesque villages, and enjoy the beautiful countryside.

Fife

30-50 km (18-31 miles) • Full day

Fife is known for its beautiful coastline, historic towns, and the famous St. Andrews, home to the University of St. Andrews and the Old Course golf course.

Stirling

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

Stirling is a historic city known for its castle and its role in Scottish history. It's a great destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in Scotland's past.

Festivals

Edinburgh Festival Fringe • August Edinburgh International Festival • August Hogmanay • December 31

Pro tips

Visit the camera obscura for a unique view of the city
Explore the underground closes for a glimpse into Edinburgh's past
Try a whisky tasting at one of the city's many whisky bars
Walk the Royal Mile at night for a quieter and more atmospheric experience
Visit the National Museum of Scotland for a comprehensive overview of the city's history and culture