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1 Day
48 Hour Cancellation
Depart from Inverness and enjoy an action-packed day at one of Scotland’s Highland Games 2026. Taking place in towns and villages across the Highlands, each gathering showcases traditional sports, music, and dance, all set against breathtaking scenery. We’ve created four different itineraries over the summer, so you can pick the event that fits your travel plans best.
Tour Highlights
Piping Competitions
No Highland Games would be complete without the powerful sounds of bagpipes! During the event, you'll witness numerous skilled pipers compete in solo and band events, filling the air with stirring melodies.
Highland Dancing
Experience mesmerising performances of intricate footwork in iconic Scottish dances like the sword dance and the celebrated Highland Fling. Dancers compete both solo and in groups, dressed in beautifully vibrant attire.
Highland Dress
The Scottish Highland Dress, with its iconic kilt, sporran, and sgian-dubh, embodies centuries of tradition and symbolises courage and honour. At the Highland Games, participants proudly wear this attire, adding to the event's vibrant atmosphere and cultural significance.
Caber Tossing
Caber tossing is a traditional Scottish sport that involves lifting and flipping a large tapered pole (caber) end over end. The goal is to achieve a perfect "12 o'clock" toss, demonstrating strength and precision.
Hammer Throwing
Athletes demonstrate strength and precision as they spin and release a heavy metal ball attached to a handle, aiming to launch it as far as possible. The perfect showcase of the power and tradition of Scottish athletics.
Tug o'War
An intense yet friendly competition at events worldwide! Watch as opposing sides pull on a rope, aiming to drag their opponents across a designated line. Tug o'war tests strength, coordination, and teamwork.
Inclusions
Passionate Local Guide
Live Commentary & Storytelling in English
Scenic Drive Through the Highlands
Ticket to the Highland Games 2026
Full Refund if Cancelled More than 48 Hours in Advance
Frequently Asked Questions
This Highland Games 2026 tour departs from Inverness city centre. For more details on your pick-up location, please visit our departure info page.
Our Highland Games tours from Inverness typically last around 10 hours*, except for the Braemar Highland Games & Lonach Games, which lasts approximately 13 hours*.
*Length of tour may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.
The Highland Games 2026 programme we visit is as following:
- Sun 17/05/2026 Gordon Castle
- Sat 04/07/2026 Forres
- Sat 22/08/2026 Lonach
- Sat 05/09/2026 Braemar
Yes, tickets to the Highland Games are included.
The world-renowned Braemar Highland Games takes place on Saturday 5 September 2026.
Yes, we also have a Highland Games tour departing from Edinburgh, with multiple dates available throughout the summer.
While our coaches don't offer onboard toilets, rest assured that our itineraries include regular comfort stops, allowing frequent access to restroom facilities.
Our guides are unable to assist with wheelchairs or provide physical assistance during boarding or disembarking from the coach. Passengers should be capable of boarding and disembarking independently using the access stairs or with the help of a traveling companion. Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in our onboard luggage storage during travel.
Please note that some stops on our tours may involve rough terrain or only be accessible by steps.
It's important to be aware that your accommodation may have limited accessibility for wheelchair users. More info can be found on our Accessibility page.
Yes! Our routes include stops where you can grab a snack or recharge with a drink. Occasionally, we pause at shops offering local souvenirs as well. For precise details about timing and stops, don't hesitate to inquire with your guide.
Our itinerary (in tab 2, 'Itinerary & Departure') provides a helpful outline of what to expect on the day. We refrain from providing additional details beyond what's outlined there, as factors like weather, traffic, and the preferences of our driver guides may lead to slight deviations. We also believe that part of the excitement comes from the unexpected surprises along the way! Rest assured, your journey through Scotland will be unlike any other.
If you need to cancel your tour, you will need to inform us in writing by sending an email to info@highlandexplorertours.com. You can find our cancellation and refunds policy in section 3 in our Terms and Conditions.
Feel free to visit our general Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common queries, or reach out to us directly via our Contact Us page.
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Highland Games Itinerary & Map
Day 1
Highland Games Tour from Inverness
Sun 17 May 2026 - Gordon Castle*
Sat 04 July 2026 - Forres*
Sat 22 August 2026 - Lonach
Sat 05 September 2026 - Braemar
The Highland Games are a celebration of strength, skill, and tradition, with roots stretching back over 900 years. Expect a fantastic spectacle of Highland dancing, pipe bands, hammer throwing, tug-of-war, and caber tossing.
Our day tours from Inverness to the Highland Games 2026 take you to a range of gatherings across Scotland, each with its own local character and atmosphere. Highlights include a special visit to the world-famous Braemar Gathering, taking place in September, and attended by the Royal Family since Queen Victoria in 1848.
*Gordon Castle and Forres tours return approximately at 17:00. Braemar and Lonach return around 19:45.
1 Day Tour Itinerary & Map
Sun 17 May 2026 - Gordon Castle*
Sat 04 July 2026 - Forres*
Sat 22 August 2026 - Lonach
Sat 05 September 2026 - Braemar
The Highland Games are a celebration of strength, skill, and tradition, with roots stretching back over 900 years. Expect a fantastic spectacle of Highland dancing, pipe bands, hammer throwing, tug-of-war, and caber tossing.
Our day tours from Inverness to the Highland Games 2026 take you to a range of gatherings across Scotland, each with its own local character and atmosphere. Highlights include a special visit to the world-famous Braemar Gathering, taking place in September, and attended by the Royal Family since Queen Victoria in 1848.
*Gordon Castle and Forres tours return approximately at 17:00. Braemar and Lonach return around 19:45.
Day Highlights
Departure Point
Inverness City Centre
15 Union St Inverness*, IV1 1PP *Across from the entrance to the Victorian Market. Look out for a blue or yellow coach bus. For parking, we recommend the Old Town Rose Street Multi-Storey – less than a 10-minute walk from our departure point.
Not sure how to get here? Find more info on our Departure Info page.
Departure & Return Time
Check-In Closes: 7:45 AM
Departs: 8:00 AM
Returns: 7:45 PM
Please Note
The Gordon Castle and Forres tours return approximately at 17:00. We are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals. Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities
Tours Dates & Prices
Choose a departure date, number of people and accommodation option.
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You're All Set!
All experiences are included in this tour, so there's nothing more to add here.