Highland Wildlife Explorer

Our intimate Highland Wildlife Explorer Tours take you on a journey into the heart of the extraordinary landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, where you’ll encounter Scotland’s most iconic animals in their natural habitats. From gentle Highland Cows to majestic Red Deer, this carefully crafted tour combines wildlife encounters with breath-taking scenery and rich cultural experiences. 

Perfect for nature enthusiasts, families and photographers, this small group tour takes you off the typical tourist trail for authentic Scottish wildlife experiences. With our expert local guides, you’ll not only meet these magnificent creatures but learn about their crucial role in Scotland’s ecosystem and cultural heritage.

With a maximum of 8 people per vehicle, this adventure assures you of close-encounters, memory-making moments and extraordinary discoveries you would never have on over-subscribed bus tours.

Itinerary

Your Highland Wildlife Explorer Journey:

Duration and departure: 11 hours
Season: April- September

Edinburgh Departure 

  • Comfortable start from central Edinburgh
  • Welcome briefing from your guide
  • As you make your journey out of the city, enjoy a short driving tour of Edinburgh 

Avon Aqueduct & Farm Experience 

  • Up-close encounters with Highland Cows
  • Meet magnificent Clydesdale Horses
  • Traditional Scottish animal farm experience
  • Scenic forest walk to historic aqueduct
  • Photography opportunities with wildlife

Doune Castle 

  • Explore a 14th-century fortress with an impressive great hall and minstrels’ gallery.
  • This castle has been a filming location for popular shows and movies like “Outlander,” “Game of Thrones” and “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Pitlochry town exploration and lunch  

  • Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the storybook town, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. 

Queens View 

  • Panoramic Highland vistas
  • Loch Tummel views
  • Historical significance

Highland Safaris Red Deer Centre 

  • Expert ranger-guided experience
  • Hand-feed majestic Red Deer
  • Learn about wildlife conservation
  • Photography opportunities
  • Interactive wildlife experience

Stops enroute back to Edinburgh  

  • Birks of Aberfeldy – Waterfalls 
  • National Wallace Monument 
  • The Kelpies

 – Back to Edinburgh 

Tour Includes
  • Professional driver/guide  
  • Standard Transport in Vauxhall Vivaro minibus– up to 8 passengers
  • Personalised tour itinerary creation, review and finalisation 
  • Restaurant bookings  
  • Excursion and ticket bookings 
  • Tree planted with Future Forest Company 
What’s Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Excursion and ticket costs:
    • Highland Safaris Red Deer Centre – £15 pp
    • Doune Castle – £10 pp
Excursion and Ticket Costs
    • Highland Safaris Red Deer Centre – £15 pp
    • Doune Castle – £10 pp
Important Information

  • Physical level: ◊ ◊

  • Time on the road: 5 hours 20 mins

  • Door-to-door service: Choose your pick-up/drop-off location
  • Tour Co-ordinator assigned upon booking – communicate via email or video call to finalise arrangements
  • Customisable – let us know if you’d like to adjust any elements of the tour
  • Lunch arrangements – discuss preferences with your Tour Co-ordinator
What to Bring
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Water bottle
  • Money for activities – cards accepted
Sustainability

At Scottish Odyssey, we are dedicated to responsible tourism. We partner with The Future Forest Company to plant a tree for every tour booked, ensuring we give back to Scotland’s beautiful landscapes. Our commitment to sustainability also extends to collaborating with local communities and minimising road travel where possible.

Tour Cost £680

*Cost per vehicle; up to 8 people sharing
(from £85 per person)

Tour Highlights

Highland Cows

Avon Aqueduct

Historic Avon Aqueduct

Red Deer feeding

Queen's View vista

If you’re looking for an encounter with Highland cows but fancy a shorter day and less walking, have a look at our ever popular Highland Coo, Blackness Castle and Cake Tour. Alternatively, if you love the idea of injecting some water sports into your Scottish adventure, have a look at our Highland Loch, Paddle and Castle Adventure. 

Looking for some additional inspiration about this wonderful country and all that’s possible? Pop over (but do come back!) to the fantastic VisitScotland website. We are convinced that Scotland holds all you could want for the trip of a life-time so please do get in touch if you can’t see exactly what you’re looking for and we will make that happen!
 

 

Tour Map