Scotland Tours
Scotland tours are an incredible experience that will highlight the natural beauty on offer in Northern Britain. From the capital city of Edinburgh on the Firth of Forth to the dramatic terrain of the northern Highlands, this country is full of adventurous experiences with a perfect mix of wilderness, history, and civilization. Guided and self-guided Scotland tours are available for both walking and cycling excursions and are the ideal way to immerse yourself in all that Scotland has to offer. Whether you book a day tour or a multi-week adventure exploring the lochs, islands, glens, and mountains, there is no shortage of unforgettable adventures to be had on Scotland tours.
When is the Best Time to Visit Scotland?
The best time to visit Scotland depends entirely upon your tolerance for poor weather and other tourists, so you will need to plan your trip accordingly. If you want to experience the warmest and driest weather, then the best time to visit Scotland will be in the summer months; however, this also coincides with the peak tourist season, meaning you will encounter plenty of other visitors at attractions and will also likely pay more for things like accommodations.
If you are looking to avoid the crowds, then the best time to visit Scotland will be in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. During these times you will generally experience cooler weather and wet conditions that will drive away the high volumes of tourists. For those who want to spend time exploring the outdoors, you will need to take into account that trail conditions might not be ideal depending on how wet it is, and there may even be snow in higher elevation areas, such as the Highlands and Cairngorms National Park.
Tour Types in Scotland
The dramatic landscape of Scotland’s highlands, lowlands, and islands really allow for a wide variety of adventure opportunities. Read on to discover the different tour types in Scotland:
Walking Tours in Scotland
Whether you are interested in city tours through the historic medieval streets of Edinburgh or plan to spend an extended time on a multi-day trekking adventure in the mountains of Cairngorms National Park, there are so many indelible walking tours in Scotland to experience. Find your perfect walking tour in Scotland and begin planning your next big trip!
Bike Tours in Scotland
In the same way that Scotland’s rugged landscape is perfect for a walking adventure, so too is it perfect for an exhilarating bike trip! From road biking to mountain biking, check out these epic bike tours in Scotland to discover your perfect bike trip!
Where to Travel in Scotland
Scotland is home to some rugged, and at times impassable, terrain that can make travel difficult if you aren’t sure where you are going. Here are a few of our favourite tour regions that should hopefully help you decide on where to travel in Scotland.
Tours in the Scottish Highlands
A land of dramatic mountain peaks, heather covered moorland, serene glens, and stunning lochs; the Scottish Highlands are a picturesque destination to explore. Check out these amazing tours in the Scottish Highlands for the ultimate adventure in Scotland!
Tours in the Scottish Lowlands
Making up much of the southern and eastern parts of the country, the Scottish Lowlands are home to the larger metropolitan centres of Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as historic castles, open green plains, and rolling hills. Explore these tours in the Scottish Lowlands to discover all that this region has to offer!
Tours in the Scottish Isles
Passing through many of the famous whisky producing regions along Scotland’s west coast, tours in the Scottish Isles are a fantastic adventure for those who enjoy striking coastal scenery. Explore the Hebrides and gaze out across the deep blue waters of the Atlantic on these amazing tours in the Scottish Isles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scotland
What is the best way to tour Scotland?
Due to the rugged nature of the landscape, the best way to tour Scotland is by car, whether that means renting one or taking part in an organized bus tour, as it will allow you to see most of the country.
How many days do you need to tour Scotland?
If you are looking to experience a mixture of the highlands, lowlands, and isles, you should plan on spending 10-14 days touring Scotland.
What is the number 1 tourist attraction in Scotland?
Drawing in over 2.2 million visitors per year, Edinburgh Castle is the number one tourist attraction in Scotland.
What is the most beautiful part of Scotland?
While there are many scenic and historic regions within the country, many travellers agree that the Highlands are the most beautiful part of Scotland with their rugged peaks, deep blue lakes, and charming glens.
What is the cheapest time of year to visit Scotland?
The cheapest time of year to visit Scotland will generally be the off-season winter months, as temperatures will be cold, weather will be wet, and there will be less tourists - all of which will affect prices of things like flights and accommodations.
Scotland Tour Highlights
Ben Nevis
Located in the Highlands region of Scotland, Ben Nevis is the tallest mountain in the country - and the whole of Great Britain - at a height of 1345m above sea level. The mountain is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all varieties, with over 130,000 visitors arriving each year to scale its slopes. The summit of Ben Nevis was formed from a collapsed ancient volcano.
Edinburgh Castle
Although it is definitely a popular tourist attraction, no trip to Scotland would be complete without a visit to Edinburgh Castle. Located in the capital city of Edinburgh, the castle dates back to the 12th Century and is situated upon Castle Rock, a site that has been inhabited by humans going back to the Iron Age - if not further. Over the course of its history the castle has been besieged 26 times, making it one of the most-attacked places in the world. Edinburgh Castle is home to a number of fascinating historical sites, and as such, it sees over 2.2 million visitors each year.
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Showing 1 to 16 of 16 adventure tours
Great Glen Way by Bike
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The Great Glen Cycle Way is a Scottish Coast to Coast route largely following the walking route of the Great Glen Way National Trail but has a different route around Loch Oich to the walkers. The ride is approximately 80 miles / 129km starting at Fort William, near the foot of Ben Nevis (Britain’s highest peak), follows the shores of the famous Loch Ness and finishes at Inverness, Scotland’s north‑most city and the “capital of the Highlands”. A lot of the cycling is straightforward, along canal towpaths and forest tracks, but there are some more challenging sections on gravel fire roads and on single‑track. Some hills are pretty steep and it maybe just as well to get off, walk and admire the view on these sections.
Great Glen Way Walking Tour
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Opened in April 2002, this long-distance walking trail travels right through the very heart of Scotland. From Fort William to Inverness, you’ll discover the highlights that make this area such a magnet for walkers. Pass by the foot of Ben Nevis (1344m), the highest mountain in the UK. Follow undulating forest tracks along the shores of Loch Ness and walk through a mixture of farmland, exposed high moorlands and woodland as you make your way to the capital of the Highlands, Inverness. Along the route you will also encounter the forts and castles scattered along the way that lay witness to Scotland’s turbulent past, from the Iron Age to the Jacobite Rebellion led by Bonnie Prince Charlie who was finally defeated at the Battle of Culloden.
Self-guided 8-day West Highland Way Trek
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This tour follows most of the 92-mile national long distance trail of the same name through the southwestern part of the Scottish Highlands. It is claimed by some to be the most popular long distance trail in the British Isles. Starting at the village of Drymen just outside Glasgow, it includes Loch Lomond, valley routes through the mountains round Crianlarich and open heather moorland across the Rannoch Moor wilderness area. It passes close to sombre Glencoe, famed for its massacre of the MacDonald Clan, and finishes at Fort William near the foot of Ben Nevis (Britain’s highest peak, which can be readily ascended by experienced clients if they choose to spend an extra day).
Cycling the Scottish Highlands
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The Scottish Highlands is a wonderful area for cyclists and walkers keen to experience the mountain peaks, shimmering lochs, and pretty glens.
Loch Lomond and Cowal Way Walk
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Spanning seven days, the Loch Lomond and Cowal Way walking tour is a special Walk. This self-guided tour is steeped in history, and envelops you with its array of impressive heritage, rugged dramatic scenery, coastlines stretching for kilometres and kilometres, and woodland creatures peppering the landscapes.
John Muir Way Walking Tour
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Opened in 2014, this long distance walking trail honours Sir John Muir, the famous conservationist whose legacy includes the Sierra Club and Yosemite National Park in the USA. It forms a Scottish Coast to Coast from Helensburgh in the west, through the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park (the first one in Scotland) to finish in his birthplace of Dunbar.
Scottish Walking & Whisky Tour
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What is more Scottish than whisky and walking the beautiful countryside. This self-guided tour allows you to visit and tour some of the best distilleries in all of Scotland, while also walking the local countryside, gaining an appreciation for the environment these whiskies are from. And not trip to Scotland is complete without touring Islay and their famous and distinctive malts.
Self-guided West Highland Way Walking Tour
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The West Highland Way is one of the premier walks in all the UK. This self-guided walking tour along the West Highland Way allows you to walk through some of Scotland’s best scenery.
North Highland Way, Orkney and Cape Wrath
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The North Highland Way is a beautiful walking tour that takes you to the top of the Scottish Mainland. This self-guided walking tour allows you to enjoy the great walking in this remote part of Scotland.
Mountain Biking Across Scotland
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This guided tour is an incredible mountain bike ride across the Scottish Highlands. A ride in the Scottish Highlands is the stuff of legends.
What travellers say
Stephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
The Scottish Highlands Sea Kayaking Tour
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What better way to explore the Scottish Highlands then by a guided kayaking trip! The legendary Scottish Highlands are a world apart, full of dramatic scenery, rich culture, and a spectacular coastline.
West Highland Way Walking Tour
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Scotland’s West Highland Way is one of the premier long-distance paths in all of Europe. Combining stunning highland views, charming villages and friendly locals, the West Highland Way is a perfect way to discover some of the best of Scotland.
Glencoe and the Highlands Walking Tour
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Join this Guided Walking Tour in the Scottish Highlands and experience some of the best scenery in all of Scotland.
Road Cycling Grand Tour
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Explore the best of Scotland on this guided cycling tour. Hold on to your helmet, because this tour will take your breath away.
Arran, Islay, & Jura Road Cycling Tour
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Come ye lads and lasses! Discover the beauty and magic of the incredible Scottish Isles in a special way on this Arran, Islay, and Jura Road Cycling Tour. Ride through picturesque villages and around the coast, experiencing the best of the region’s natural beauty, wildlife, and culture.
National Parks of the UK Walking Tour
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What better way to explore walking in the UK then this guided walking tour, that takes in walking trails in four of the best National Parks in the UK.
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