No Car? No Problem. Inside Scotland’s Best Backpacker Bus Tours to the Highlands, Isle of Skye, Glencoe and Beyond
- Jay
- Jun 8
- 4 min read
So you want to visit the Scottish Highlands, you open up Google Maps and look for the best way to head from Edinburgh up North, and maybe you wonder if you're missing something? That was certainly my case when I first looked at travelling up North, it felt like it should just be easier to visit the top destinations like Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye, and Glencoe than having to bus-hop endlessly.
Like many, you and I may have made the mistake of underestimating the sheer scale of the Scottish Highlands. There's so much to see, so much planning involved, and for many backpackers these days, so little time. If you're looking at renting a car in peak season, it's pricey, and don't get me started on those single-track roads.
So take the stress out of driving, navigating, itinerary-planning and swap it for one of our legendary Macbackpackers Bus Tours - led by Scottish storytellers, full of solo travellers from across the world, swims, hikes, Ceilidhs and playlists of Scottish trad tunes. Best of all, you stay in hostels, and on our tours designed for 18-35 year olds, you're sure to get the best balance of social evenings and full-on days exploring this mythical part of the world.
The best part? All of our tours depart from Castle Rock Hostel, one of the largest hostels in the backpacker hub city of Edinburgh, and if you're staying at any hostel in the Old Town it's just a short walk away.
Book your tour and use your exclusive Scotland's Top Hostels discount code 'EXPLORE10' to bag 10% off of your tour cost:
3 Day Isle of Skye Tour - Departing Every Friday
Spend three epic days journeying deep into the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye, Scotland's most iconic island.
Travel north through dramatic Highland scenery, past shimmering lochs, ancient glens and towering peaks, before crossing the bridge onto Skye for two nights in the colourful harbour village of Kyleakin.
From here, you’ll hike rugged coastlines, stand beneath otherworldly rock formations, hunt for waterfalls and castles, and soak up the myths and legends that make this island so unforgettable.
This tour departs every Friday, all year round (subject to availability).
Book your tour and use your exclusive Scotland's Top Hostels discount code 'EXPLORE10' to bag 10% off of your tour cost:
3 Day Loch Ness & Skye Magic - Departing Every Wednesday
Venture into the heart of the Scottish Highlands on this unforgettable 3-day journey to the legendary Loch Ness and the magical Isle of Skye.
Leaving the city behind, travel north through some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery — winding through ancient glens, past mirror-like lochs and beneath towering mountains.
Your first night is spent on the shores of the famous Loch Ness, where you can keep watch for the elusive Nessie… or, if you’re feeling brave enough, take a refreshing (and very chilly) dip in its dark waters.
The adventure continues west as you cross the bridge to the enchanting Isle of Skye. Spend the night in the colourful harbour village of Kyleakin and explore an island known for its dramatic coastlines, hidden waterfalls, striking rock formations and rich Highland folklore.
This tour departs every Wednesday (runs April to October only).
Book your tour and use your exclusive Scotland's Top Hostels discount code 'EXPLORE10' to bag 10% off of your tour cost:
5 Day Skye & Highland Fling - Departing Every Monday
Escape the city and dive deep into the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands on this unforgettable 5-day journey through Scotland’s most iconic landscapes.
Spend time exploring the legendary Loch Ness, where you can search the mysterious waters for the famous Nessie — or, if you're feeling brave, take an icy Highland swim. Sleep on the shores of the Loch Ness on night 1 as you drift off to the sound of its gentle waves.
From there the journey continues west to the magical Isle of Skye. With extra time on the island, you’ll discover even more of its rugged beauty — from dramatic sea cliffs and hidden waterfalls to otherworldly rock formations and remote Highland landscapes. You’ll stay in the colourful harbour village of Kyleakin on nights 2 and 3, the perfect base for exploring this legendary island.On the 4th and final night you'll sleep in the coastal town of Oban, with the opportunity to join a traditional Scottish ceilidh dance. On the return journey to Edinburgh, traverse through some of the Highlands’ most famous locations, including the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Glencoe.
This tour departs every Monday (runs April to October only).
Book your tour and use your exclusive Scotland's Top Hostels discount code 'EXPLORE10' to bag 10% off of your tour cost:
Book your Backpackers Hostel in Edinburgh's Old Town
Explore our three legendary Edinburgh backpackers hostels here:
For the most social and lively party vibes:
To stay right in the middle of town and close to the action, but a bit more laidback:
For the best mix of social and chill:
