Curated Journey
Outlander & Jacobite Highlands – 3-Day Tour
- Duration: 3 Days
- 3 Major Stops
- Rated 4.9 (120 Reviews)
The Journey
Scotland's turbulent Jacobite history and its global reinvention as the setting for the Outlander TV series have made this one of the most popular themed itineraries in the Highlands. From the medieval castle used as Castle Leoch to the battlefield of Culloden where the Jacobite dream died in 1746, this three-day tour is history, drama, and landscape in equal measure.
This carefully planned route takes you through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Highlands. From ancient castles to hidden beaches, every mile offers something new. Prepared by our expert local guides, this itinerary ensures you hit all the must-see spots while leaving room for your own discoveries.
Trip Highlights
- Doune Castle (Castle Leoch / Outlander)
- Culross village (Cranesmuir / Outlander)
- Glenfinnan Viaduct and Monument
- Glencoe — Massacre of Glencoe history
- Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns
Day by Day
Day 1: Central Scotland Outlander Locations
Start at Doune Castle in Stirlingshire, used as Castle Leoch in the Outlander series and also Winterfell in Game of Thrones Season 1. Drive to the village of Culross — used as the 18th-century setting of Cranesmuir in Outlander. Culross is extraordinarily well preserved, with cobbled streets and painted merchant houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. Afternoon stop at Stirling Castle before heading north. Overnight in Pitlochry or Highland Perthshire.
Doune Castle, Culross, Outlander
Day 2: Glencoe, Rannoch & Glenfinnan
Drive north through the Cairngorm foothills and Drumochter Pass into the Highlands. Stop on Rannoch Moor for the desolate, beautiful view across the heather and lochs. Glencoe: walk the Lost Valley (Coire Gabhail) — the 1692 Massacre of Glencoe took place in this very glen. Continue to Glenfinnan Viaduct (the "Harry Potter bridge") and the Glenfinnan Monument, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in August 1745. Overnight Fort William.
Glencoe, Glenfinnan, Jacobite History
Day 3: Great Glen, Culloden & Return
Drive the Great Glen from Fort William to Inverness along the Caledonian Canal, stopping at Loch Ness for views and Urquhart Castle. The final significant stop is Culloden Battlefield, just outside Inverness — the site of the last pitched battle on British soil (16 April 1746). The National Trust for Scotland visitor centre brings the battle vividly to life. Visit nearby Clava Cairns, a Bronze Age cemetery that inspired Diana Gabaldon's standing stone portal in Outlander.
Culloden, Clava Cairns, Loch Ness
Good to Know
- Duration
- 3 Days
- Number of Stops
- 3 major stops
- Best Season
- April to October, when the days are long and the roads are open.
- Transport
- A car is essential for most Highland routes - public transport is limited outside the main towns.
- Pace
- Moderate - allow extra time for unplanned stops at viewpoints and roadside lochs.
- What to Pack
- Layers, waterproofs, sturdy walking shoes, and a camera. Midge repellent in summer.
Why this itinerary
Outlander & Jacobite Highlands – 3-Day Tour is one of 3 curated stops across the Scottish Highlands, designed by the Highland Explorer team for travellers who want to see Scotland properly. Every stop is hand-picked, tested on the ground, and chosen because it earns its place on the route - not because anyone paid for it.
Book This Trip or browse our other Highland itineraries and dive into the full directory to build your own route.