Eilean Donan is one of those places that looks exactly as you imagined it would. Sitting where three lochs meet – Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh – it is Scotland's most iconic castle, and the drive from Inverness to reach it is just as memorable.
We head west from Inverness on the A87, through Glen Shiel and past the dramatic Five Sisters of Kintail. The journey takes around two hours each way, with stops for scenery and photos built in. Every tour is private, with a dedicated driver-guide and our full chauffeur service from Inverness.
Plan your journey with Venture Highland
Luxury private tours and chauffeur service from Inverness, designed for Highlands stays, estates, golf, and executive travel.
Planning a day in Inverness, Loch Ness, or a private shore excursion from Invergordon? We’ll tailor the route around your interests.
The route from Inverness
The A87 is one of the great Highland drives. From Inverness we follow Loch Ness briefly before turning west toward Invergarry and on through Glen Shiel. The Five Sisters ridge rises steeply to the north, and Loch Cluanie sits in a wide valley before the road drops toward the west coast. The scenery changes constantly – from open moorland to narrow glens and sea lochs.
We stop where the light and conditions are best, and keep the pace relaxed. The drive itself is a highlight, not just a means to get there.
Eilean Donan Castle
The castle dates to the thirteenth century and was a stronghold of the Mackenzies and later the Macraes. It was destroyed by government ships during the Jacobite rising of 1719 and lay in ruins for two centuries before being painstakingly restored in the 1920s and 1930s by Lt Col John MacRae-Gilstrap. Today it is one of the most visited and most photographed castles in Scotland.
Inside, the restored rooms give a vivid sense of Highland life. The setting – surrounded by water with mountains behind – is difficult to match anywhere in Scotland.
What the tour includes
- Private luxury vehicle with a dedicated Highland driver-guide
- Door-to-door collection from your Inverness accommodation
- Scenic stops along the route – Glen Shiel, Five Sisters viewpoints, Loch Cluanie
- Time at Eilean Donan Castle (entry fee not included but easily arranged)
- Flexible pacing and photo stops throughout the day
Combine with Skye or the Five Sisters of Kintail
Eilean Donan sits on the road to the Isle of Skye, so it pairs naturally with a Skye day. You can visit the castle on the way to Portree, or stop on the return leg. For a shorter alternative, the Five Sisters of Kintail offer superb walking and photography in the glen above Loch Duich.
We tailor the route to suit your interests. Whether you want a focused castle day or a longer west coast loop, we will plan it around your pace. View our private tours from Inverness for more options, or get in touch to plan your day.
Plan your Eilean Donan day
Tell us your date and interests and we will design a private day from Inverness to Eilean Donan and beyond.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the drive from Inverness to Eilean Donan take?
The drive is around two hours each way, following the A87 through Glen Shiel. We stop for scenery and photos along the route, so the journey is part of the experience.
Can you combine Eilean Donan with the Isle of Skye?
Yes. Eilean Donan sits on the road to Skye, so a combined day is a popular option. We can visit the castle before continuing to Skye, or include it on the return journey.
Is Eilean Donan Castle open all year?
The castle is open to visitors from spring through autumn, with reduced hours outside peak season. We confirm opening times before your visit and can adapt the day if needed.
What else can we see on the way to Eilean Donan?
The route passes through Glen Shiel with views of the Five Sisters of Kintail, Loch Duich, and Loch Cluanie. We can stop at viewpoints, short walks, or quieter spots along the way.
