From Inverness: Cawdor Castle, Cairngorms and Highland Coos
Overview
Available languages
8 hours 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
Start your adventure on this small-group tour at the ancient Clava Cairns, one of Scotland's best-preserved Bronze Age burial sites. Next, we’ll journey to the iconic Cawdor Castle, steeped in history and surrounded by captivating legends. Explore its enchanting halls and stroll through the meticulously landscaped gardens that embody its charm.
Our next destination is to meet with the fluffiest locals - the hairy Highland coos. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing walk through the ancient Scots Pine Forest, home to Scotland’s majestic native trees. We’ll then take a break for lunch in the vibrant town of Aviemore, the perfect place to soak in the local atmosphere.
Our journey continues through the stunning landscapes of Cairngorms National Park, where breathtaking views and potential wildlife sightings await. Finally, round off your day with a visit to Rothiemurchus Farm Shop, a great spot to browse and treat yourself to some tasty local produce.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children under 5 years old, including infants who do not require a seat, are not permitted to travel. We are unable to accommodate any child under the age of 5. Anyone aged 5-17 must be accompanied by an adult.
The order of the itinerary route is subject to change.
Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them to board and disembark.
Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
It is recommended to book transport to the departure point in advance. Please also allow extra time to get to the departure point for check-in. We advise you arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour departure to allow time to check-in for the tour. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals.
If downloading an audio guide, remember to bring your headset.
Due to vehicle availability, there may be instances where this tour runs on a bigger bus.
The tour may operate with our sister company, HAGGiS Adventures.
The order of the itinerary route is subject to change.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Clava Cairns
Discover the ancient mystery of Clava Cairns, a prehistoric burial site dating back over 4,000 years. Nestled in a serene Highland landscape, these atmospheric stone circles and passage graves offer a captivating glimpse into Scotland’s distant past. A must-see for history lovers and Outlander fans alike!
Cawdor Castle
Step into the timeless beauty of Cawdor Castle, a Highland gem steeped in history and charm. Wander through its enchanting gardens, explore centuries-old rooms, and immerse yourself in the legend of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike - Cawdor Castle is where Scottish heritage comes to life!
What‘s Included
Foreign language audio guides available
Transportation in air-conditioned mini-bus
Local, passionate guide
Entrance to Cawdor Castle (unless option chosen)
Food and drinks not provided
Tips
Hotel pick up and drop off
Options
Tour without castle entry
Tour with Cawdor Castle ticket
Entrance to Cawdor Castle
Reviews
88 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Absolutely breathtaking day out across some of the most beautiful scenery in the world
O8828SAadamt,,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Superb day out across absolutely stunning scenery and sights. I have been to Scotland many times but not as far on the Isle of Skye. A long day but worth every minute with plenty of photo opportunities. Emily is a fantastic guide - very funny and very knowledgeable
The highlands in a snapshot
mariaht304,,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Emily was an amazing guide. She gave us a lot of lovely information and background on all of the sites we went to, and a number of suggestions to make our time here even better.
Excellent
M4593HGclaudiar,,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent guide Iain, very clear and friendly. The tour is excellent and very complete. It's worth it.
5 Stars Amazing Tour! Experience Scotland at a great price! Our Guide was Awesome!
Excursion00086969508,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went to so many locations and got to see everything! It was a special time and only £65 for each person to go and spend the whole day with a tour guide, ours was Karen and she was so joyful and really knew her stuff about each location. She really improved the experience. I would highly recommend if you want to see Loch Ness and feel the cold winds, while getting the best photos.
The best
Curiosity68618912853,,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Donnie our driver was great and very knowledgeable . I loved going around Cawdor castle. The views of the lochs was magnificent . Coos brill
Well appointed and informative
wrguillory,,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So well executed ! Donnie our tour guide really pulled out the stops and gave us so many back stories and info on every stop!
Clava cairns, Coos and Castles
sinchanad2017,,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful time with Donnie at Cairngorms, Cawdor castle and coo adventure! I have been on few trips with Rabbies and Timberbush, but what stood out here is he acknowledged our presence and spoke to us directly ( we are from India). I felt the real Scottish hospitality which I had kept hearing about but had never truly experienced till now. Thank you Donnie for that! We loved the stories too and The Welly Boot song! We enjoyed feeding the Hairy Coos gardens at Cawdor , views from the Castle Roy Autumn colours, walk through the forest to Loch Morloch, and pines and mushrooms at the cairngorm forest! And of-course the mystical Clava Cairns.
Fantastic!
emilybO7537KF,,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was lots of fun! There were so many awesome things packed into one day and the tour guide was great. Thanks so much!
Made my dream come true of meeting a highland coo!
850lisetted,,Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing tour of Cawdor Castle, the Cairngorms, and a special meet and greet with two of the cutest highland coos! Emily was a charming and lovely tour guide who went above and beyond to get everyone the perfect picture with a coo - she even brought carrots! She is very knowledgeable about the area, and I loved learning more about Scotland’s history. Great tour!
Incredible experience and even better tour guide, Emily!
N9838SFconnorh,,Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Would highly recommend this tour. The Highland Coos are of course the highlight, but nothing would have been possible without an incredible tour guide. We had Emily as our tour guide and she was amazing. She clearly loves her job and has so much knowledge about the country and history as well as the wildlife. From Lockes to castles this 8 hour day trip provides so much that Scotland highlands have to offer.
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Operated by Highland Explorer Tours Ltd