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10 hours
Daily Tour
7 people
English
Welcome to Highland Private Journey. Are you ready to journey to the very edge of the British mainland? Our Private Top of the Highlands Tour is an epic, full-day adventure that takes you from Inverness all the way to the rugged, dramatic, and breathtaking northern coastline of Caithness and Sutherland.
Traveling the famous eastern stretch of the North Coast 500 (NC500), you’ll leave the bustling city behind for wide-open skies, towering sea cliffs, and royal hideaways. Because reaching the “Top of the Highlands” requires a substantial drive, there is no better way to experience it than sinking into the plush seats of our luxury vehicle, allowing your private guide to navigate the winding roads while you soak in the spectacular views.
Departing Inverness, we embark on one of Scotland’s most beautiful drives. Tracking the North Sea coast, we pass through the lush landscapes of Easter Ross and the towering mountains of Sutherland. We’ll wind through charming coastal villages like Brora and Helmsdale, crossing the dramatic Berriedale Braes as we enter the wild, flat, and expansive peatlands of Caithness. Your guide will share captivating tales of Viking invasions and Highland clan battles along the way.
Our first major destination at the top of the country is the charming Castle of Mey. Purchased in 1952 by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, it is the only home she ever owned. Meticulously restored by her, the castle offers a uniquely personal and intimate glimpse into Royal life. Enjoy a stroll through the beautiful, walled gardens that miraculously thrive despite the fierce North Sea winds, and take in views extending out to the Orkney Islands.
No trip to the north is complete without a visit to John O’Groats. Famous globally as the starting (or ending) point for the iconic “End to End” journey to Land’s End in Cornwall, this remote coastal hamlet is steeped in traveler lore. We’ll stop here to take the obligatory photos at the famous white signpost, grab a coffee, and watch the ferries crossing the Pentland Firth.
Just a short drive east from John O’Groats lies the true northeastern tip of the British mainland: Duncansby Head. Taking a bracing walk along the sheer cliff edges, you will be rewarded with views of the breathtaking Stacks of Duncansby—massive, jagged rock formations rising violently from the crashing sea. If you visit during the summer months, this is also one of the best places in Scotland to spot thousands of seabirds, including the beloved, colorful puffin!
Yes, this is an epic road trip! The drive to the top of the Highlands takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours each way. However, you will be traveling in spacious luxury, and the route itself is a massive part of the experience. We break the journey up with beautiful viewpoints, restroom breaks, and storytelling from your guide.
If you are traveling between late April and late July, there is an excellent chance of spotting puffins nesting on the cliffs at Duncansby Head! However, as they are wild animals, sightings can never be 100% guaranteed. Outside of these months, the dramatic sea stacks are still absolutely worth the walk.
The Castle of Mey is typically open to the public from May through September (though it sometimes closes for a few days in late July/early August when King Charles III visits). If you are touring with us in the winter or when the castle is closed, we will substitute this stop with other incredible local sights, such as the mysterious ancient ruins of the Camster Cairns.
Absolutely! Getting your photo taken at the iconic "Journey's End" signpost is a must-do, and we will make sure you have plenty of time to capture this memory.
Yes! On a clear day, the views across the Pentland Firth from John O'Groats and the Castle of Mey are spectacular. You will be able to clearly see the cliffs of the Orkney Islands looming across the water.
Member Since 2025
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