Cairngorms; Highest Mountains, Bonnie Lochs & Ancient Forests
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Cairngorms; Highest Mountains, Bonnie Lochs & Ancient Forests

Active
(1 reviews)
8h - 9h
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

We'll head south from Inverness over The Slochd Summit from where we see our first view of The Cairngorm Mountains. We continue on to the Highland Folk Museum, Newtonmore where you can discover the history and heritage of The Scottish Highlands.
From here we will enjoy a lovely tour along the quieter back roads of Badenoch & Strathspey. We'll visit Ruthven Barracks before passing through Rothiemurchus and Loch Morlich. Our journey then takes us up to Cairngorm ski area and UK’s highest mountain railway. Experience Cairngorm Mountain and enjoy wonderful panoramic views from UK’s highest restaurant, over 1000 metres up. Back down in Strathspey we can go looking for red squirrels and perhaps Ospreys amid our indigenous Caledonian Pine Forest by Loch Garten and Nethy Bridge. Our tour takes us on to Grantown-on-Spey and, if time allows, we can enjoy an envigorating dram or two on our way home at either Tomatin or the new Cairn Distillery.

Available options

Cairngorms; Highest Mountains, Bonnie Lochs & Ancient Forests

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation
Bottled water
Snacks
Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1 Pass by

Magnificent views of some of Scotland's highest mountains with the opportunity to travel up the Cairngorm Mountain Railway. We will be travelling through the National Park throughout the day

2

Step back in time and experience life in the Highlands from 1700s to the 1950s. We have over 35 historical buildings onsite for you to explore and discover how people in the Highlands lived, worked, went to school, enjoyed their leisure time.

3

Ruthven Barracks were built by George II’s government in the early 1700s after the failed Jacobite uprising of 1715. The troops stationed there were to maintain law and order and enforce the Disarming Act of 1716.

The barracks saw action twice. A 300-strong Jacobite attack failed to take the barracks in 1745, but a more heavily-armed attack the next year forced the barracks’ surrender. The Jacobites rallied here after their defeat at Culloden before conceding.

4
Stop 4 Pass by

Loch Morlich enjoys one of the finest settings of any loch in the country. It is surrounded by forests and fringed by beaches, with the stunning backdrop of the often snow-clad peaks of the northern Cairngorms.

5
Stop 5

Enjoy a breath-taking trip on Scotland’s only funicular railway, the highest in the UK reaching the Ptarmigan building at over 1,097m above sea level.
The 2km funicular railway runs a regular service taking customers to the top of the slopes in around 5 – 8 minutes.

Once at the Top Station you can enjoy a unique visitor experience:
Ptarmigan Restaurant with panoramic views
Cairngorm Gin Bar
Viewing terrace
270 degrees immersive exhibition
Cairngorm Learning Zone with interactive sandboxes
The Shop at the Top serving a wide range of gifts, clothing and local products

NB In order to protect the unique plateau all funicular passengers are not permitted to exit the Top Station to go out onto the mountain

6

Nestled in Abernethy, the Loch Garten Nature Centre is the perfect spot to experience this amazing forest. Our team are on hand to help with CCTV screens, binoculars and telescopes to help you to get great views. An exhibition, daily talks and family activities ensure there’s something for everyone.

7

The town was founded in 1765 as a planned settlement and was originally called simply Grantown after Sir James Grant.[4] The addition 'on Spey' was added by the burgh council in 1898. The town has several listed 18th and 19th century buildings, including several large hotels and serves as a regional centre for tourism and services in the Strathspey region.

The town is twinned with Notre-Dame-de-Monts in the Vendée, Pays de la Loire, France.

8
Stop 8

The Scottish Highlands.

Full of stories, of open arms and warm welcomes.
Full of hidden depths and of the love of families spanning generations.
Full of what matters.
This is our home. This is us. This is our whisky.
Each one a memento of a passion and knowledge that only comes from making whisky over several lifetimes.
Each one a toast to the very landscape in which we live, to our community bonded by shared purpose and in everything we do.
Quite simply, our whiskies reflect us.
Always have and always will.
Tomatin. To what matters.

What's not included

Cairngorm Mountain Railway; Adult £22.00, Child £12.50 (under 6 free), Family £38.00 - £55.00
Highland Folk Museum. Admission is free but a donation is requested
Whisky tastings at Tomatin can be paid for at the time.
Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
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1★
0

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Travel and transportation through our beautiful scenery is included in the total time duration of this tour
This tour is not available for cruise ship passengers at Invergordon Cruise Port

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.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 7
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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