Scotland walking tour: Highlands and Outlander locations

Begin your Scotland walking tour in Edinburgh, where historic streets and elegant architecture set the tone for your journey. Explore the Royal Mile in the Old Town, then wander through the refined avenues of the New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in character and history.

Fans of literary stories can pause at The Elephant House, known as the place where J.K. Rowling began writing Harry Potter. For a taste of nature within the city, head to Holyrood Park and follow the trail up Arthur’s Seat, where wide views over Edinburgh offer a memorable introduction to your Scotland travel experience.

Discover a different side of the city as you explore the leafy charm of “Green Edinburgh.” Wander through the Royal Botanic Garden and its impressive glasshouses, admire the striking architecture of Fettes College, and browse the cafés and independent shops of bohemian Stockbridge.

Continue to the Royal Yacht Britannia, once the royal family’s floating residence and now a fascinating museum. In the afternoon, visit the atmospheric ruins of Craigmillar Castle, known as a filming location for Ardsmuir Prison.

End your day in South Queensferry, where a traditional pub and views of the three iconic Forth bridges provide a memorable setting for a relaxed evening.

Continue your Scotland itinerary as you collect your rental car and set out for Glasgow. Walk through George Square, then visit Pollok House and Country Park, where scenes from Outlander bring the landscape to life, and the grounds echo the setting of Castle Leoch.

Travel north to Doune Castle, the real-life Castle Leoch, before continuing into the Highlands toward Dunalastair Estate and Kinloch Rannoch, where some of the story’s most memorable moments unfold.

End your day in Newtonmore at the Highland Folk Museum, where traditional thatched houses recreate life in the MacKenzie village and offer a vivid glimpse into Scotland’s past.

Start the day with a tranquil walk along the shores of Loch an Eilein in Cairngorms National Park. Follow forest trails with views toward the hills of Tulloch, an ideal setting to slow down and take in the landscape that defines a true Scotland walking tour.

Continue through the eastern Cairngorms to Royal Deeside and Braemar, where ever-changing Highland scenery invites photo stops and quiet moments.

End your day in Pitlochry, a charming Victorian town perfect for a relaxed evening and the chance to enjoy local Scottish cuisine.

Begin your day in Dunkeld, strolling along the River Tay and through the cathedral quarter’s whitewashed lanes, where the village atmosphere feels timeless. Continue to Falkland, a charming town that stands in for 1940s Inverness in Outlander. Pause at The Covenanter Hotel and visit Bruce Fountain, following in Claire and Frank’s footsteps.

Travel on to Culross, where the Market Square becomes Cranesmuir, offering one of the most atmospheric filming locations. End your day in Stirling, exploring its medieval streets, visiting Stirling Castle, and taking in views from the Wallace Monument, all set against a backdrop of Scotland’s dramatic history.

Today, your Scotland walking tour brings you closer to some of the most iconic Outlander filming locations. Begin at Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway Station, stepping into the atmosphere of 1940s London, then continue to Linlithgow Palace, known in the series as the setting for Wentworth Prison.

Explore Blackness Castle, dramatically positioned on the Firth of Forth and used as Fort William, before visiting Midhope Castle, Jamie’s family home. Continue to Hopetoun House, an elegant estate that appears as the residence of the Duke of Sandringham.

End your day at the peaceful Glencorse Old Kirk, the romantic setting for Claire and Jamie’s wedding, a memorable finale to your Outlander-inspired journey.

Enjoy a final Scottish breakfast and take one last stroll through the streets and landscapes that shaped your journey. Capture a few final photos, browse for meaningful keepsakes, and soak in the atmosphere one last time.

As your trip comes to an end, make your way to the airport for your return flight, leaving with lasting memories, new stories, and a deeper connection to Scotland’s landscapes and heritage.