Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Trip from Inverness
- Duration12 hours
- Daily
- Group
- Fair, honest prices
- Real people, not bots
- Confirm, then pay
- Secure payment
Overview
This full-day coach tour leaves Inverness at 8:00 AM and crosses the Highlands to Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye. With a driver-guide giving live commentary, you stop at Invermoriston, photograph the castle, have lunch time in Portree and see the best of the Trotternish coast, including the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and Lealt Falls. The default option includes the coach and guide only; castle entry and meals are extra. It suits first-time visitors who want a classic Skye circuit in one day.
Highlights
- Photo stop and optional visit at Eilean Donan Castle on Loch Duich
- Free time in Portree, the colourful harbour capital of Skye
- Views of the Old Man of Storr rock pinnacle
- Kilt Rock and the Mealt Falls cliff scenery
- Lealt Falls and the Trotternish coast
- Sligachan Old Bridge below the Cuillin mountains
- Air-conditioned coach with a driver-guide and live commentary
Full Description
Eilean Donan Castle on Loch Duich
Eilean Donan Castle sits on a small island where three sea lochs meet, linked to the shore by a stone footbridge, and it is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. A fort has stood on the site since the thirteenth century; the building was blown apart by warships in 1719 after a Jacobite rising and rebuilt in the early twentieth century. Visitors who search for an Eilean Donan Castle tour usually want both the exterior photographs and a look inside.
On this tour the castle is a main stop. Entry to the interior is an optional extra, not included in the default option, so you can choose to walk the bridge and tour the rooms or simply photograph the castle and take a short stroll. The best light is usually in the morning or on a clear afternoon.
Portree and the Isle of Skye
Portree is the main town of the Isle of Skye, set around a small harbour with pastel-coloured houses. It is the usual lunch stop on a day trip from Inverness to Skye, with cafés, fish and chip shops and gift shops within a few minutes of the coach. Free time here lets you choose your own meal, which is not included.
If you are wondering whether Skye is worth visiting on a day trip, the answer is yes, as long as you accept a long day on the road. The island has grand coastal scenery, Gaelic heritage and wide-open moorland. The driver-guide explains island life and the history of crofting as you travel.
The Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and Lealt Falls
North of Portree, the Trotternish peninsula holds some of Skye's most dramatic landforms. The Old Man of Storr is a tall rock pinnacle on a landslip ridge, visible from the road and a favourite for photographs. Kilt Rock is a sea cliff of basalt columns whose pattern looks like a pleated kilt, and near it the Mealt Falls drop straight into the sea.
Lealt Falls lie a little further along the road, where a gorge shows layers of rock and a waterfall running towards the coast. These stops are short photo and viewing breaks rather than long walks, so the tour fits many places into the day. Weather can change views, so bring a jacket and keep your camera ready.
Sligachan and the road back through the Highlands
On the return, the tour stops by the Sligachan Old Bridge, a stone arch beneath the Cuillin mountains and a favourite viewpoint on Skye. It is a good place for photographs and a short walk by the river. The route then crosses back to the mainland near Kyle of Lochalsh and passes the Loch Carron viewpoint.
The last stretch runs through Achnasheen and across Highland moor back to Inverness. Short breaks give you time to stretch your legs. This is a full day, about twelve hours, so a rested start and snacks in your bag make it more comfortable.
Itinerary
- Meet in central InvernessMeet your driver-guide at the meeting point shown on your voucher; the coach leaves at 8:00 AM.
- InvermoristonA coffee break and a photo stop above Loch Ness.
- Eilean Donan CastleTime to walk the bridge and photograph the castle; entry to the interior is an optional extra.
- Cross to Skye and PortreeLunch time and free time in the island capital, at your own expense.
- Sligachan Old BridgeA photo stop beneath the Cuillin mountains.
- Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and Lealt FallsViewing and photo stops along the Trotternish coast.
- Loch Carron and Kyle of LochalshA viewpoint and a break on the way back.
- Achnasheen and returnA final break, then the coach returns to Inverness after about twelve hours.
What's included
- Transport by modern air-conditioned bus
- Driver-guide
- Live commentary
- Digital written translations
Not included
- Entry to Eilean Donan Castle (optional extra)
- Meals and snacks
- Restrooms on board
- Tips
Is this right for you?
Great for
- History and culture lovers
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.8/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You prefer short outings — this takes about 12 hours
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Children under four years, who are not permitted on this tour
- Travellers who need hotel pickup, which is not included
- Guests who cannot sit on a coach for long journeys
- Anyone who needs a toilet on board, as there is none on the coach
Meeting point
This tour does not include hotel pickup. You meet your driver-guide at a meeting point in central Inverness, and the exact location is shown on your voucher after booking. The coach leaves at 8:00 AM, so please arrive about fifteen minutes early. The tour returns to the same area in the evening after about twelve hours.
Important information
- Children under four years are not permitted on this tour.
- Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing; Skye weather changes quickly.
- Entry to Eilean Donan Castle is an optional extra and is not included.
- Meals, snacks and tips are not included.
- There is no toilet on the coach; comfort stops are made at several places during the day.
- Collapsible lightweight wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated if the passenger has someone to help them board.
- The route and the order of stops can change with weather and road conditions.
- Digital written translations are available during the tour.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle tour cost?
The price depends on the option and the number of travellers. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, adult and child, for the date you choose.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. You meet your driver-guide at a meeting point in central Inverness, and the exact location is on your voucher after booking.
How long is the Skye day trip?
The tour lasts about twelve hours, leaving at 8:00 AM and returning to Inverness in the evening.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children aged four and over can join. The day is long, so it suits school-age children best. Age categories and child prices are shown in the booking panel.
Is entry to Eilean Donan Castle included?
No. Entry to the castle is an optional extra in the default option. You can still photograph the castle and walk to the bridge.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear comfortable shoes and layers with a waterproof jacket. Bring a snack, water and money for lunch in Portree.
Can I book the tour for today or tomorrow?
Yes, when seats are available. Choose your date in the booking panel to see whether the departure is open.
What is the difference between the options?
This page shows one option, a full-day coach tour with a driver-guide. Any other options appear in the booking panel.
Is the Old Man of Storr a hike on this tour?
On this tour it is a photo stop rather than a hike. The full walk to the base takes much longer than the day allows.
What is the best time to visit Eilean Donan Castle?
Morning light and clear afternoons are best for photographs. Late spring to early autumn gives the easiest travel conditions.
More in Inverness
Getting to & around Inverness
Popular across United Kingdom
-
-
-
-
-
-
