Re-Discovering Wonder on My First Scottish Highlands Tour

My fellow clansmen on the Isle of Skye.

Introduction: Falling Back in Love with Scotland on a Backpacking Tour

Hi, I’m Jodie – the newest member of the MacBackpackers team – and I’m absolutely buzzing to share my recent unforgettable Scottish Highlands tour experience. I’ve been all over the world and this tour from Edinburgh was one of the best backpacking tours I’ve experienced.

Me having a great time on tour.

First, a bit about me. I’ve loved discovering Scotland since I was just a wee girl. I spent my childhood holidays hiking and wild camping with my family, making campfires and watching the stars with sheer wonder. Those were some of the best memories.

But as many of us do, I got older and became complacent about the beauty of home. So I packed my bags and set off on a world backpacking tour to regain my wonder for the world.

What I didn’t expect was that despite having some of the most incredible experiences of my life and visiting some of the most dreamy destinations on the planet, after 6 months of travelling, I started longing for the Scottish Highlands again. This longing grew and grew and led me right back to where it all started.

I returned home with a new child-like wonder and appreciation for my home country. When I discovered MacBackpackers, I knew I’d found my crew. Now, I get to help other backpackers discover the magic of the Scottish Highlands – just as I did when I was a wee girl, and just as I’m doing again now.

Stay tuned to learn all about my very first guided Scottish Highlands backpacking tour (hint: it was awesome).

Day 1: Loch Ness Swimming and Folklore Fun

Me and my new pal Katya swimming in the Loch Ness!

Swimming in Loch Ness: A Bucket List Moment

On the first day our Scottish Highlands tour from Edinburgh, the bus picked us up at Castle Rock Hostel, and our group set off on our 3-day adventure. Shortly after we took the plunge and went swimming in the legendary (but freezing) Loch Ness. Most of us were pretty sceptical at first, but thanks to our amazing tour guide’s epic motivational speech about “doing it for the grandkids”, every single one of us braved that water. And we were all so glad that we did it.

Flailing around with such grace and poise in the loch (a girl can dream…), and being surrounded by the loch’s dramatic beauty and mystery, it felt like we were now part of a greater story that’s been passed down for generations. Swimming with Nessie is for sure an experience that I’ll be boasting about to my future grandkids. Not many other backpacking tours can give you that same flex!

Scottish Folklore That Speaks to the Soul

A humble brag, but our tour guides are really something else. The guide didn’t just tell us about Scotland – she really brought Scotland to life. And that’s coming from a local. I was blown away (shoutout to Branka).

The vivid descriptions of battles, love triangles, loss and lust, tragedy and beauty… I found myself looking at my homeland with fresh eyes. And tearful eyes… because of the copious amounts of laughter that she kept bringing out of me.

It was like being inside a living, breathing history book – only way funnier, and occasionally involving mention of sexy castles.

Day 2: Hiking Skye and Eating Pies on our Scottish Highlands Tour

Living life on the edge.

The Most Epic Hike in Skye

The Isle of Skye blessed us with one of the most breath-taking landscapes I’ve come across in all my world travels. As we hiked through its rocky crags, the clouds suddenly parted and golden sunlight beamed down like a spotlight from the heavens.

Then, out of nowhere, one of our tour mates (also known as our fellow clan member), whipped a flowing red dress out of her backpack and donned the gown, running dramatically across the cliff edge as if in slow motion. It was like a scene straight out of a movie.. and all I could say in that moment was: “girl, LOVE that for you!”.

Fact: Hiking Days Should Always End at the Pub

After a day of exploring, there’s nothing better than heading to a local Highland pub with your newfound clan for a pie and a pint. We laughed, swapped stories (and Instagram accounts) from different corners of the world, and chatted away like we’d known each other for years. This has to be one of my favourite part about backpacking tours.

Many of the fellow clansmen were also fellow solo travellers. I know from experience that travelling solo in a new country, especially as a female, can be really daunting. But this tour could not have felt more safe, warm and welcoming. So for anyone feeling hesitant, I’m sure you’re going to love it and find lifelong friends! Backpacking tours are a great way to travel solo with company.

Day 3: Highland Coos, Castles, and Karaoke in the Scottish Highlands

A Hairy Coo who knows how pretty they are.

Saying Hello to Our Hairy Icons: The Highland Coos

You can’t go on a Scottish Highlands tour without saying hello to the Highland coos. They are so fluffy and cute! I mean they really are the most majestic creatures with such stunning natural beauty. And I think they know it too.

The Highland coos are so chill and just casually chew their food while they strike a pose for photos. They really know how to work a camera.

Exploring Scotland’s Castles and Ancient Ruins

The castles we visited were straight out of a fantasy novel. Being a Scottish person I’ve seen a castle or two in my time, but they never get old. Some of my fellow clansmen from far and wide were so giddy about seeing the castles because “they just don’t make buildings like that back home.”

Karaoke Party Back to Edinburgh

As the day wound down and we made our way back to Edinburgh, the mood shifted from medieval storytelling to cheesy-pop singalongs. Our group turned the bus ride into a karaoke party on wheels, belting out everything from The Proclaimers to Taylor Swift and Britney Spears.

Honestly this might have been the highlight of the day for me (but don’t come for me), I was very appreciative of the history and nature too. Jokes aside, it was such a fun way to end the trip and we really left on a high.

Why the Scottish Highlands Will Always Have My Heart

Life in the magical Scottish Highlands.

This tour reminded me that the magic of Scotland doesn’t just live in the landscapes – it also lives in the legends, the people, and that indescribable energy you feel when the cool wind hits your cheeks as you stand on a cliff edge looking out over the top of a munro.

I returned home not just with epic Instagram photos, but with a deeper love for my homeland and new friends from around the world.

Ready for Your Own Scottish Highlands Adventure?

If you’re aged 18-39 and are seeking unforgettable memories, epic scenery, and genuine connections – MacBackpackers is the backpacking tour to take. Whether you’re a solo traveller or coming with mates, you’ll leave with a clan and a camera roll most could only dream of.

>>> Book Your Highlands Adventure Here

The misty mountains remind us how small we are.