From Pitlochry to Stirling, the route follows the fast main roads to allow you more time for sightseeing. Thorough in suggesting ‘must see’ venues. Then continue on to Aberdeen, the “Silver City”, where you can admire its granite architecture, and visit museums like the Gordon Highlanders Museum and the Aberdeen Maritime Museum. Stirling Castle, Wallace Monument, Bannockburn Battlefield), OR you can simply take the short drive from Stirling to Edinburgh / Glasgow. The Grand Tour: Jeremy Clarkson breaks down while filming North Coast 500 route ... Richard Hammond and James May, have been tackling the North Coast 500 route round the north of Scotland … After breakfast, start by visiting the breathtaking mile-long Corrieshalloch Gorge. 110 Reykjavík This tour takes in the full diversity of Scotland’s landscapes with a route that stretches from the fertile fields and rolling hills of the Borders all the way up to the windswept islands of Orkney. The NC500 route offers visitors the opportunity to see rugged landscapes, frolic on sandy beaches, spot wildlife, visit museums and heritage sites, stay in castles, sip whisky, sample the local produce, and get to know the people who live there. You could see majestic castles that once housed Scottish royalty, visit renowned museums to learn about our history, and view spots where famous battles took place. We are so confident that you’ll be delighted with your guide that we offer a full Money Back Guarantee. Discover dramatic coastlines with sandy tropical-looking beaches, Harry Potter film locations, and rich Highland history on the Road to the Isles. You start with a drive north to Loch Leven where you may wish to detour into Glen Coe for a photo stop. You have a good chance of seeing the Jacobite steam train as the railway closely follows the path of the road. The UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney, including Skara Brae, should be on any travel-lover’s wish list. We had a wonderful time seeing so many interesting sites that we would have passed by without your guide. We ended up staying at nine different properties and going on two organized tours in Skye and Orkney. The Grand Tour: Series 3, Episode 7: ‘Well aged Scotch’ Share 1. The day ends in the historically important town of Stirling, which has been the focal point of two of the most decisive battles in the Scottish Wars of Independence. Catch the ferry to the Isle of Skye and then explore the northern part of the island, the beautiful Trotternish Peninsula. S1, Ep4. PLEASE NOTE: The Guides come in the format of PDF files. Thank you so much. If you don't have time to stay a few nights on Orkney you have the option of a day trip visit. Travelling west, you can break the journey with a visit to Doune Castle, which starred as “Castle Leoch” in the “Outlander” TV show. Driving Distance: ~120 miles – Oban to Skye Bridge. This is a great road with wide open vistas and fast sweeping bends. The traditional circular loop covers over 500 miles (830 km) of iconic scenery, historic villages, castles and coastline. We’ve put together this comprehensive North Coast 500 guide to help you plan the perfect North Coast 500 road trip in Scotland. It has a core route but its contents can be customised and tailored to suit your own personal requirements. Please note that Balmoral is only open for a few weeks a year. We now have some behind the scenes video footage of what boys have been up to in Scotland, courtesy of YouTube channel The Grand Tour Fans. And you could enjoy a very expensive afternoon tea at the luxurious Gleneagles hotel. Despite lying further north than Moscow, the mild west coast climate enables all sorts of sub tropical plants to thrive in this Highland oasis. Drive north into the Kingdom of Fife where you can first stop at the quaint village of Falkland, with its Renaissance palace and beautiful gardens. We have just got back from an EXCELLENT holiday following the Borders to Orkney route suggestions. The Scottish Grand Tour is one of the great rail journeys of the world. Inverness is a great base for exploring the Highlands and we supply you with directions for a range of day trips so you can extend the time that you spend in the Inverness area. Start at the Kilmartin Museum and then, drive to Carnasserie Castle, a 15th-century tower house, that played a role in Argyll’s rebellion against James VII. Here you can explore Fingal’s Cave, and try to spot dolphins and minke whales. In fact, ever since this trip, we're trying to re-create the experience. JEREMY Clarkson is back to his old menacing ways as The Grand Tour winds through Scotland. …. Participants and fees. Just like pictures of Scotland can’t do justice to the magnificence of the actual landscape, words can’t do justice to the brilliance and sheer volume of work you put in your guide. Best Scottish road trip for: castle-spotters, trendy travellers and … Spend the day exploring the Isle of Harris to the south, including the quaint village of Tarbert and the dramatic scenery along the Golden Road. Stop along the way at the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle, drive along the mystical shores of Loch Ness (try to spot the famed Loch Ness monster! The path to Kilchurn castle is easy to miss, but our directions will guide you to this photogenic ruin. Don't forget to explore Urquhart Castle, resting on the loch shore. We guide you to all the famous sites of Orkney (Ring of Brodgar, Maeshowe, Skara Brae, Italian Chapel, Old Man of Hoy), plus lots of quieter attractions that the are missed by the mainstream tourist trail. You can end the drive in Ullapool, but we also provide directions for a visit to Lochinver via the Inverpollaidh Nature Reserve. From Thurso, we guide you across empty moorlands to the North Sea where you turn southwards to follow a road that hugs a coastline of rugged windswept cliffs. I convinced my other half to get the Scenic Tour 4-5 Days guide (even though he very much wanted to do it all himself), and it was the best experience ever.