Ardvreck Castle & the Highlands of Assynt

Experience one of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes on this relaxing half-day shore excursion from the port of Ullapool. Travel through the breathtaking Highlands of Assynt in a small group, visiting ancient castles, dramatic mountains and beautiful lochs.

This tour is usually conducted in an 8-seat minivan, car or small minibus, allowing access to quiet Highland roads and plenty of opportunities to stop for photographs.

Stac Pollaidh Viewpoint

Enjoy a scenic photo stop overlooking one of Scotland’s most distinctive mountains.

Discover:

  • Ancient Lewisian Gneiss rocks.
  • Ice Age landscapes.
  • Spectacular Highland scenery.
  • Incredible photographic opportunities.

The Highlands of Assynt

Travel through one of the wildest and most beautiful regions in Scotland.

Along the journey you’ll discover:

  • Remote crofting communities.
  • Red deer and Highland wildlife.
  • Mountains including Suilven, Canisp and Cul Mòr (weather permitting).
  • Stories of Highland clans and local history.

Ardvreck Castle

Visit the dramatic ruins of 16th-century Ardvreck Castle, beautifully situated on the shores of Loch Assynt.

Hear fascinating stories of:

  • Clan MacLeod.
  • The Marquis of Montrose.
  • Clan rivalries and betrayal.
  • Legends surrounding the castle.

Enjoy approximately 40 minutes to explore and photograph one of Scotland’s most picturesque castle ruins.

Loch Assynt Viewpoint

Pause at one of the finest viewpoints in Assynt.

Take in magnificent views of:

  • Loch Assynt.
  • Suilven.
  • Canisp.
  • Quinag.

One of the finest panoramic views in the Scottish Highlands.

Scenic Return to Ullapool

Relax on the return journey as the magnificent Highland scenery unfolds from a completely different perspective.

If time permits, we’ll stop for additional viewpoints or Highland cattle photographs before returning to the harbour.

Tour Includes

  • Small-group excursion (maximum 8 guests on most departures)
  • Local Highland guide
  • Scenic photo stops
  • Ardvreck Castle
  • Loch Assynt
  • Stac Pollaidh Viewpoint

Return to Ullapool with plenty of time before your ship departs.

Book this tour

To enquire about booking this tour please email info@thistleexcursions.co.uk with details about your party, the date and the vessel you'll be arriving on. We'll then provide you with a cost for your consideration.

Thistle Excursions are a bus tour operator which departs from Invergordon. This is the perfect location for visitors on touring cruise ships stopping in the Cromarty Firth at the port of Invergordon. Our Invergordon bus tours are the prefect way for tourists and sightseeers to get a true taste of the Highlands of Scotland. Our bus tours which leave from Invergordon feature some of the best Highland locations; Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield, Inverness, Beauly Priory, Black Rock Gorge, Clava Cairns, Cawdor Castle, Urqhuart Castle, Carnegie Whisky Cellar and Balblair Distillery. Check out our Highland bus tour destinations page to choose which sights you want to see. Our bus tours have been chosen to allow you to see the most iconic destinations featured in numerous films, TV shows and rich Scottish History. So if you are looking for the perfect sightseeing tour of the Highlands, Thistle Excursions is your tour operator.

We also offer tailormade bus tours of the Highlands from Invergordon and Inverness.

When booking your tour please choose carefully which castle you wish to visit. Either Cawdor, Urquhart or Dunrobin. You can visit one on your tour but when doing the Cawdor visit you will see Urquhart beside Loch Ness in the background, but you do not visit both.  Time does not allow.