Outlander Trail
4 day tour

Day 1

• Visit Doune Castle, the Scottish movie star that served as the home of Clan MacKenzie in Outlander.​​​​​
• See where the Jacobite supporters pleaded their loyalty to Bonnie Prince Charlie

We leave Edinburgh and follow the trail of the best-known locations featured in the Outlander TV Series.  The journey takes us through the gentle countryside past Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument before reaching Doune Castle, or as it’s called in Outlander, Castle Leoch, the ancestral home of Colum MacKenzie and his clan in the 18th-century episodes. 

At Doune, you can delve into the castle’s fascinating history with an audio guide that highlights its role in Monty Python and the Holy Grail as well as its appearances in Game of Thrones and Outlander. Alternatively, you can enjoy a stroll along the river, taking in the surroundings, exploring nearby trails, or capturing photographs of the castle’s dramatic setting. We continue north and enter Trossachs National Park, in the majestic Highlands. We travel past shimmering lochs, rugged mountain peaks, and forest-filled glens to the wild and desolate landscapes of the Black Mount and Rannoch Moor before arriving at Glencoe, one of Scotland's most famous natural landmarks. 

Next is the majestic Glencoe, a valley renowned for its rugged slopes and rich history. Here, you'll have time for photos or a short walk to appreciate the stunning landscape and learn about one of the most tragic tales in Scottish history. Then, we stop in Fort William, nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis, for lunch and a leisurely stroll through the town centre. Then the journey takes us to Glenfinnan. The monument here commemorates the meeting of Bonnie Prince Charlie with his loyal supporters and marks the beginning of the doomed Jacobite Rising. Set against Loch Shiel, it’s near the iconic Jacobite Steam Train railway, featured as the Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter. 

Our final stretch of the journey takes us past the dark, peated mysterious waters of Loch Ness to Inverness, often referred to as the Capital of the Highlands. The evening is free for you to enjoy—make sure to sample some local cuisine and take a leisurely stroll along the charming streets to the impressive Inverness Castle or the scenic River Ness islands.   

Day 2

• Wander through the ancient indigenous forests of Glen Affric
• Gaze upon the mysterious waters of Loch Ness and explore the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle

We start our day with a journey to the heart of Clan Fraser lands. Here you can pay your respects at the tomb of Lord Lovat, the ‘Old Fox’ of the Jacobite Rebellion, who’s Jamie’s manipulative grandfather in the saga. 

Next, is a visit to the majestic Glen Affric. Lochs, mountains, and pine forests: this is one of Scotland’s most glorious glens. It’s also an ideal spot for Jamie to hide. Outlander fans, we know you’re drawn to ancient, mysterious structures, so we take you to Corrimony Chambered Cairn. This weathered, 4,000-year-old burial site stands as a silent testament to the ingenuity and spiritual connection of the ancient people who lived here. 

Next, we leave the ancient forests and mysteries behind and continue to Drumnadrochit, a charming Highland village on the shores of Loch Ness for lunch. Here, you can decide to explore the majestic ruin of Urquhart Castle that has been standing on the banks of Loch Ness for 1,000 turbulent years. And while you’re there, be on the lookout for Nessie. We pause for a break at Rogie Falls, where you can enjoy an optional walk to admire this breathtaking waterfall. Cross the suspension bridge for the best views of the cascade and soak in the untamed beauty of this Highland gem. Your driver-guide will take you to some other places connected to Highland lore and ancient past.  

After a day spent exploring the rich history, stunning nature, and ancient wonders of this corner of the Highlands, we return to Inverness for a second evening. Why not unwind with a visit to a traditional Scottish pub, where you can raise a glass to your unforgettable adventure and soak in the local atmosphere? 

Day 3

• Listen to the echo of the past at an ancient site of Clava Cairn
• Learn about the last battle fought on British soil at Culloden

Today’s stop evokes a lot of emotions; it’s the forbidding Culloden Battlefield. This site plays a crucial role in Scottish history and the Outlander books. 

It’s not far from the battlefield where the couple said their tearful goodbyes before Jamie joined the Jacobite army to fight for the Stuarts. And it’s where the final Jacobite Raising came to a harrowing end, bringing on the persecution of the Highland way of life. You can explore the visitor centre and the site and pay tribute to those who lost their lives at the last battle fought on British soil. Next, we visit the mysterious site of Clava Cairns. This well-preserved complex of ring cairns and standing stones is as ancient as it is beautiful. And it’s also said to be the inspiration for the standing stones of Craigh na Dun.  

We travel through Cairngorms National Park to Aviemore, stopping for photos along the way. Enjoy lunch and explore this charming outdoor haven at your leisure. Our next stop is Newtonmore Highland Folk Museum. The site houses replicas of 18th-century turf-roofed Highland crofts and gives you a glimpse into past Highland life. You’ll remember this place as one of the MacKenzie clan villages where Claire and the MacKenzie party stop to collect the rent. Our final stop for the day is Killicrankie. This river gorge is now a place of serenity but was once the stage of the Battle of Killiecrankie – a Jacobite battle which was one of the goriest in Scottish history. 

After seeing some of the most important sites from the Outlander universe, we arrive in Perth for the night. Known as a royal burgh, it was once the capital of Scotland before the crown was moved to Edinburgh. Take a stroll along the River Tay or try some whisky in one of many whisky bars. 

Day 4

• Get as close as possible to the 16th century in the town of Culross. Or as it’s known to Outlander fans, Cranesmuir
• Be captivated by two iconic castles that play pivotal roles in the Outlander universe

We start the day with a quick stop in Falkland. This charming village will steal your heart with cobblestone streets, quaint stone houses, and a palace.  Outlander fans relive the show’s opening scenes here, because Falkland represents 1940s Inverness. Look for familiar sights like Mrs. Baird’s Guesthouse and the Bruce Fountain. 

Heading south, we visit the charming village of Culross. In Outlander, Culross posed as the fictional village of Cranesmuir and the home of Geillis Duncan and her ill-fated husband, Arthur. Exploring the town’s cobbled streets is like taking a step back in time. Look carefully and you may even find Claire’s herb garden behind the impressive, historic Culross Palace. 

We stop at Linlithgow for lunch and an optional visit to the Palace, known as Wentworth Prison in Outlander. Next is Blackness Castle, a fortress featured as Fort William in the series, where you can walk the ramparts and explore Jack Randall's fictional headquarters. Then, it’s Midhope Castle, Jamie’s beloved Lallybroch. While the interior is recreated in studios, you can sit on the iconic steps and imagine Jamie or Claire emerging through the archway. The day ends at Hopetoun House & Gardens, a stunning 18th-century estate near Edinburgh that serves as various backdrops in the show, including the Duke of Sandringham’s residence. 

After having been immersed in the history and landscapes that inspired Outlander, we return to Edinburgh in the early evening.