Your guide to the Scottish Highlands
We are based near the Highland capital of Inverness, but are completely flexible as to the pick-up and end points of all trips.
We offer a range of trips all across the region, including Loch Ness, Isle of Skye, Inverness, Glen Affric, The Black Isle, Easter Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Lochaber, and Speyside. |
Tours are arranged to meet your particular needs and interests. Contact us to discuss a Highland trip that you'll never forget.
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Discover the Highlands
The Highlands of Scotland – with its majestic lochs, mountains and coastline – is renowned as one of the most beautiful natural landscapes anywhere in the world.
Munro Highland Tours can take you to the famous spots in the Highlands or glorious locations that you might not have read about in your guidebook. |
Ultimately, no words or pictures can really do the Highlands justice – you have to see it with your own eyes. And with one of our tours you will get the benefit of our local knowledge.
A private trip with your guide will also help you to understand the fascinating legacy that 6000 years of human activity has had on on the Highland landscape. |
Some Highland inspiration?
Wonderful WhiskyIf doesn't matter if you're a whisky connoisseur or a novice, an Islay enthusiast or a Speyside specialist, we arrange trip tailored to your taste.
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Hooked on History?Learn more about the history of the Scottish Highlands. Specialisms include Highland clans, Outlander, Pictish Scotland and the Brahan seer.
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Spectacular SceneryDiscover the most breathtaking views and scenes the Scottish Highlands has to offer, as well as the amazing wildlife that lives there.
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Advice for visiting Scotland
Weather
Scotland is spared the real extremes in weather thanks largely to the Gulf Stream which sweeps across the Atlantic from the Caribbean. Unfortunately it can suffer from spells of rain, so come prepared for temperate weather and the likelihood that at some time during your trip you will see raindrops, particularly if you are going to the West Coast. July and August are both the driest the warmest months of the year with temperatures ranging from 51 to 67 Fahrenheit (11 to 20 Centigrade).
For further information on seasonal variations on the weather check out the Met Office website.
If you are to be in Scotland for any length of time you will more than likely do some walking, so don’t forget to pack shoes which will be suitable for walking on slightly rougher terrain.
Scottish currency
Scotland has three banks that issue currency notes, the Royal Bank of Scotland, the Bank of Scotland and the Clydesdale Bank. All are legal tender in England but you may have trouble when you want to exchange them for goods in England as it has its own notes issued by the Bank of England. This is particularly true for Clydesdale Bank notes, which don’t have the word Scotland printed on them.
The currency in Great Britain is Pounds and Pence, one hundred pennies to a Pound. Most products you buy will have an additional 17.5% VAT added. Ensure before making a purchase that the price being charged has the VAT added, or remains still to be included.
Language in Scotland
English is the principal language spoken in Scotland, but as you travel around you will be able to detect very noticeable local accents and even words used. For example the dialect in the Highlands is much softer and has a singing lilt to it compared those in the populated south around Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Gaelic is still spoken in some of the Islands but it is very unlikely there exists anybody who can’t speak English there, but don’t be confused if you see road signs you don’t understand. If you come across people you have difficulty understanding simply ask them to slow down a little.
Tipping in Scotland
First of all recognise that a gratuity should only be given when the service you receive is of a satisfactory level. If you are satisfied then a gratuity of around 10% is the norm, while if you are truly impressed with the service then this can be increased to a higher level. Be careful when tipping in restaurants to check before handing anything over that a gratuity hasn’t been added to your bill. Also feel that you can ask the staff to deduct this from your bill if you have been disappointed by their service.
While restaurants are the mostly likely staff to receive gratuities the practise of tipping is also found with Hairdressers, Taxi Drivers and Tour Guides and Coach Drivers in the tourism sector. It is not normal to tip bar staff but if you feel you have been well looked after by anybody then there is no harm to offer a gratuity.
Telephoning from Scotland
Most international numbers start with 00. To make an international call, replace 00 with + followed by the country's dialing code. To get the + on your phone, hold down 0. You can then enter the rest of the number as normal and make your call. For more information look at the How to call abroad website.
Medical Care
Residents of the UK and certain others, have free access to all medical services delivered by the UK National Health Service (NHS). Visitors may have access to some of these services too, but visitors to the UK still need travelers' health insurance. For more information look at the following UK government website.
Visiting historic homes and castles in Scotland
If you are visiting ‘must-see’ heritage attractions all over Scotland – including Edinburgh Castle, Culloden Battlefield, Urquhart Castle, Fort George, Brodie Castle, Skara Brae, Maeshowe, Culzean Castle and Stirling Castle - then consider getting a Scottish Heritage Pass. This offers entry to Scotland’s most outstanding historic attractions, including all Historic Scotland and The National Trust for Scotland properties, as well as selected members of The Historic Houses Association.
Alternatively Historic Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland issues passes for their own properties.
Travel Information
To travel to the Highlands of Scotland, you can either drive your own or a hire car, take the train, or catch a flight. Munro Highland Tours is happy to collect and return guests from or to any station or airport by prior agreement.
Trains
The rail service is operated by ScotRail, and there regular trains from Scotland's largest cities (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen) to Inverness. You can also travel directly by train from London to Inverness, either during the day on the Highland Chieftain service (see National Rail for details) on the overnight sleeper train.
Flying
For those interested in flying from London, Flybe and easyJet fly from London Gatwick, and easyJet also fly from London Luton. Further information on flights to and from Inverness is available from Highlands and Islands Airports.
Ferries
The Highlands of Scotland is surrounded by many islands. The main provider of ferries to the islands off the west coast of Scotland is Caledonian MacBrayne.
For the Orkney Islands there are choices of two principal operators North Link Ferries who operate from Scrabster Harbour and Pentlands Ferries who operate from Gills Bay.
The Island of Skye can be accessed via ferry (from Mallaig to Armadale), or via bridge (accessed from the mainland at Kyle of Lochalsh).
Steam trains
Steam trains remain a popular attraction for many people. The wonderful train journey between Fort William and Mallaig, described by many as one of the most beautiful in the world, has found worldwide fame following its appearances in the Harry Potter films. West Coast Railways offer more information.
Distilleries
Scotland is famed throughout the world for its whisky. There are four whisky areas: Highlands, Lowlands, the Islands (Islay and Jura), and Campbletown. Although considered by many to be a district, Speyside is actually a part of the Highlands.
We offer specialist whisky tours - including tastings and distillery visits that can be tailored to your specific whisky tastes and interests.
For more information on distilleries, check out Discovering Distilleries.
Breweries
The Highlands of Scotland also has many breweries well worth a visit. The Cairngorm Brewery and the Black Isle Brewery couple of companies brewing craft ale in the Highlands. More information relating to breweries can be found at Scottish Brewing.
Scotland is spared the real extremes in weather thanks largely to the Gulf Stream which sweeps across the Atlantic from the Caribbean. Unfortunately it can suffer from spells of rain, so come prepared for temperate weather and the likelihood that at some time during your trip you will see raindrops, particularly if you are going to the West Coast. July and August are both the driest the warmest months of the year with temperatures ranging from 51 to 67 Fahrenheit (11 to 20 Centigrade).
For further information on seasonal variations on the weather check out the Met Office website.
If you are to be in Scotland for any length of time you will more than likely do some walking, so don’t forget to pack shoes which will be suitable for walking on slightly rougher terrain.
Scottish currency
Scotland has three banks that issue currency notes, the Royal Bank of Scotland, the Bank of Scotland and the Clydesdale Bank. All are legal tender in England but you may have trouble when you want to exchange them for goods in England as it has its own notes issued by the Bank of England. This is particularly true for Clydesdale Bank notes, which don’t have the word Scotland printed on them.
The currency in Great Britain is Pounds and Pence, one hundred pennies to a Pound. Most products you buy will have an additional 17.5% VAT added. Ensure before making a purchase that the price being charged has the VAT added, or remains still to be included.
Language in Scotland
English is the principal language spoken in Scotland, but as you travel around you will be able to detect very noticeable local accents and even words used. For example the dialect in the Highlands is much softer and has a singing lilt to it compared those in the populated south around Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Gaelic is still spoken in some of the Islands but it is very unlikely there exists anybody who can’t speak English there, but don’t be confused if you see road signs you don’t understand. If you come across people you have difficulty understanding simply ask them to slow down a little.
Tipping in Scotland
First of all recognise that a gratuity should only be given when the service you receive is of a satisfactory level. If you are satisfied then a gratuity of around 10% is the norm, while if you are truly impressed with the service then this can be increased to a higher level. Be careful when tipping in restaurants to check before handing anything over that a gratuity hasn’t been added to your bill. Also feel that you can ask the staff to deduct this from your bill if you have been disappointed by their service.
While restaurants are the mostly likely staff to receive gratuities the practise of tipping is also found with Hairdressers, Taxi Drivers and Tour Guides and Coach Drivers in the tourism sector. It is not normal to tip bar staff but if you feel you have been well looked after by anybody then there is no harm to offer a gratuity.
Telephoning from Scotland
Most international numbers start with 00. To make an international call, replace 00 with + followed by the country's dialing code. To get the + on your phone, hold down 0. You can then enter the rest of the number as normal and make your call. For more information look at the How to call abroad website.
Medical Care
Residents of the UK and certain others, have free access to all medical services delivered by the UK National Health Service (NHS). Visitors may have access to some of these services too, but visitors to the UK still need travelers' health insurance. For more information look at the following UK government website.
Visiting historic homes and castles in Scotland
If you are visiting ‘must-see’ heritage attractions all over Scotland – including Edinburgh Castle, Culloden Battlefield, Urquhart Castle, Fort George, Brodie Castle, Skara Brae, Maeshowe, Culzean Castle and Stirling Castle - then consider getting a Scottish Heritage Pass. This offers entry to Scotland’s most outstanding historic attractions, including all Historic Scotland and The National Trust for Scotland properties, as well as selected members of The Historic Houses Association.
Alternatively Historic Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland issues passes for their own properties.
Travel Information
To travel to the Highlands of Scotland, you can either drive your own or a hire car, take the train, or catch a flight. Munro Highland Tours is happy to collect and return guests from or to any station or airport by prior agreement.
Trains
The rail service is operated by ScotRail, and there regular trains from Scotland's largest cities (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen) to Inverness. You can also travel directly by train from London to Inverness, either during the day on the Highland Chieftain service (see National Rail for details) on the overnight sleeper train.
Flying
For those interested in flying from London, Flybe and easyJet fly from London Gatwick, and easyJet also fly from London Luton. Further information on flights to and from Inverness is available from Highlands and Islands Airports.
Ferries
The Highlands of Scotland is surrounded by many islands. The main provider of ferries to the islands off the west coast of Scotland is Caledonian MacBrayne.
For the Orkney Islands there are choices of two principal operators North Link Ferries who operate from Scrabster Harbour and Pentlands Ferries who operate from Gills Bay.
The Island of Skye can be accessed via ferry (from Mallaig to Armadale), or via bridge (accessed from the mainland at Kyle of Lochalsh).
Steam trains
Steam trains remain a popular attraction for many people. The wonderful train journey between Fort William and Mallaig, described by many as one of the most beautiful in the world, has found worldwide fame following its appearances in the Harry Potter films. West Coast Railways offer more information.
Distilleries
Scotland is famed throughout the world for its whisky. There are four whisky areas: Highlands, Lowlands, the Islands (Islay and Jura), and Campbletown. Although considered by many to be a district, Speyside is actually a part of the Highlands.
We offer specialist whisky tours - including tastings and distillery visits that can be tailored to your specific whisky tastes and interests.
For more information on distilleries, check out Discovering Distilleries.
Breweries
The Highlands of Scotland also has many breweries well worth a visit. The Cairngorm Brewery and the Black Isle Brewery couple of companies brewing craft ale in the Highlands. More information relating to breweries can be found at Scottish Brewing.