Check in.
Then cèilidh.
Fonab Castle, a dinner feast, and Scottish dancing. We’ll find out who can actually follow directions.
APRIL 26 – MAY 3, 2027 · 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
SCOTLAND.
Well worth the time off.
A castle for the night.
The Highlands by day.
Very good company throughout.
For solo travelers and friends in their 30s & 40s.
Explore the week
April 26 – May 3Monday to Monday · 2027
Edinburgh round tripWith private coach travel
7 nights · 4 hotelsIncluding Fonab Castle
Come solo. Not alone.Roommate matching available
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER HAS A SCOTTISH ACCENT.
Your out-of-office
has excellent taste.
Eight days of castles, lochs, Highland roads, and a very good reason to stop waiting for everyone’s calendars to line up.
We start in Edinburgh, make a scenic detour into Northumberland, sleep at Fonab Castle, and settle into Inverness for a long weekend. Skye, Loch Ness, and a final journey south round out a week with plenty to talk about.
Then there’s the part that never fits neatly into an itinerary: the conversation over dinner, the shared laugh during a cèilidh, and the people who are up for one more wander. We bring the route, the hotels, and the group together. You bring yourself.
Come solo. Bring a friend. Leave with a few more.
THREE VERY GOOD REASONS.
Check in.
Clear some space
on your phone.
Eilean Donan, Skye, Loch Ness, and mountain views. Your camera roll has plans.
Three nights.
One Highland base.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in Inverness. More time settling in; less time repacking.
THE WEEK, DAY BY DAY.
From the Royal Mile
to the wide open.
A lot of Scotland, a little England, and seven nights with good people. Here’s the full planned route.
- DAY 1 · APR 26Edinburgh
- DAY 2 · APR 27Northumberland & the Borders
- DAY 3 · APR 28Pitlochry & Fonab Castle
- DAY 4 · APR 29Culloden & Inverness
- DAY 5 · APR 30Eilean Donan & the Isle of Skye
- DAY 6 · MAY 01Loch Ness & Inverness
- DAY 7 · MAY 02Nevis Range, Glasgow & Edinburgh
- DAY 8 · MAY 03Edinburgh departure
The itinerary below is our current plan. Final timing and individual stops depend on tides, weather, road conditions, and supplier arrangements. Travel images are illustrative artwork, not photographs of a previous Scotland departure.
DAY 1 · Monday, April 26, 2027
Edinburgh. A very good place to begin.
Meet your Still Out There host and the people you’ll be sharing the week with. We begin on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, where the first “Where are you from?” conversations come with a rather good backdrop.
Our planned introduction to the city takes in Edinburgh Castle and the Tartan Weaving Mill, with time to get acquainted with the Old Town along the way. An underground tour is also in the plan, for a different perspective on the city once we’ve seen what’s above it.
Check into the Radisson Blu Edinburgh, our home for the first two nights, then gather for a welcome dinner at the hotel. By dessert, that first-round-of-introductions feeling should be wearing off.
- Royal Mile group walk
- Edinburgh Castle
- Tartan Weaving Mill
- Welcome dinner
Good to know: Arrival meeting time and location will be confirmed. Ask us before booking flights. Underground-tour arrangements and any additional charge are still to be confirmed.
DAY 2 · Tuesday, April 27, 2027
A little England. A lot of castle.
Today we head south from Edinburgh into Northumberland for a day of castles, coastline, and border country. Scotland gets most of the week. England can have a very scenic Tuesday.
The planned route brings together Holy Island, Bamburgh Castle, and Alnwick Castle, with Coldstream, the River Tweed, and Flodden Battlefield on our return through the Borders. It’s a full sightseeing day, with a mix of coastal scenery, historic stops, and time on the coach.
Holy Island sets its own schedule: safe causeway access depends on the tides. Our operator will set the final order and stops around crossing windows and castle entry times. We return to the same Edinburgh hotel, with dinner and the evening at your own pace.
- Holy Island, tide permitting
- Bamburgh Castle
- Alnwick Castle
- Scottish Borders
Good to know: A full coach day. Holy Island access, the border stops, and the order of visits depend on tides, timed entries, and the final driving schedule.
DAY 3 · Wednesday, April 28, 2027
Yes, the castle is your hotel.
Leave Edinburgh behind and head toward Pitlochry for one of the week’s standout stays: a night at Fonab Castle. This is the point where “Where are you staying?” becomes a particularly enjoyable question to answer.
Arrive, settle in, and get ready for a Scottish cèilidh and dinner feast. There’ll be music, dancing, and the helpful discovery that learning the steps is a very effective way to meet people.
No previous dancing ability is expected. Bring a willingness to join in, laugh when it goes slightly off course, and enjoy an evening together. Your room is here for the night, so there’s no late coach journey after dinner.
- Travel to Pitlochry
- Overnight at Fonab Castle
- Scottish cèilidh
- Group dinner feast
Good to know: Final arrival and evening timings will be shared with the group. Hotel rooms and the dinner and entertainment arrangements are subject to final confirmation.
DAY 4 · Thursday, April 29, 2027
Into the Highlands. Out in Inverness.
Travel north into the Highlands, with a visit to Culloden Battlefield along the way. It’s a change of pace after our castle evening, and a chance to spend time with an important part of Scotland’s history.
Continue to Inverness and check into the AC Hotel by Marriott for three nights. Unpack properly. Find a favorite spot by the River Ness. Enjoy the small luxury of knowing your suitcase can stay exactly where you left it tomorrow.
Thursday evening is free for dinner, a pub, some music, or a quiet night. Your host will help bring people together, but you’re free to make the evening your own. Social does not have to mean a compulsory bedtime of 2 a.m.
- Culloden Battlefield
- Highland scenery
- Arrive in Inverness
- Free evening
Good to know: Evening outings are optional. Drinks, independently chosen meals, and any extra activities are paid separately.
DAY 5 · Friday, April 30, 2027
Skye has a flair for the dramatic.
An early start earns its keep today. Our planned journey takes us to Eilean Donan Castle and across to the Isle of Skye, with the kind of scenery that repeatedly interrupts perfectly good conversations.
There’s time for lunch in Portree, then a planned mix of scenic stops around the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock, a Highland cattle stop if conditions allow, and a walk at the Fairy Pools. Expect big views and plenty of opportunities to get out and explore; the Storr stop is for scenery, rather than a promised summit hike.
This is one of the longest days of the trip, and the final route will be shaped by weather, road conditions, and the group’s pace. We return to our Inverness hotel for the night. The camera roll will have had a very productive Friday.
- Eilean Donan Castle
- Portree lunch stop
- Storr & Kilt Rock scenery
- Fairy Pools walk
Good to know: A long coach and sightseeing day. Paths may be uneven, wet, or muddy. The walking route, cattle stop, and final selection of stops depend on conditions and available time.
DAY 6 · Saturday, May 1, 2027
A little Nessie. A little whisky.
Take to Loch Ness on a cruise and explore Urquhart Castle. The scenery is on the itinerary. A conclusive monster photograph remains your own ambitious side project.
Back toward Inverness, our plans include a tour at Uile-bheist distillery. It’s a chance to learn more about what goes into the local spirit and enjoy another shared experience before the evening opens up.
Then it’s our final Saturday night in Inverness. Find dinner together, follow the music, or enjoy a quieter evening by the river. By now, you should have a good idea who is up for another wander and who is very committed to their hotel pillow.
- Loch Ness cruise
- Urquhart Castle
- Uile-bheist distillery tour
- Saturday night in Inverness
Good to know: Cruise and distillery times will be confirmed. The included distillery visit does not make all drinks during the trip inclusive.
DAY 7 · Sunday, May 2, 2027
One last big view. One more dinner.
Say goodbye to Inverness and travel south through the Highlands. Our planned stop at Nevis Range includes the mountain gondola on Aonach Mòr, with views toward Ben Nevis when the weather cooperates.
Continue to Glasgow for a visit and our farewell group dinner. This is a long transfer day, so the balance between the mountain stop, time in Glasgow, and dinner will follow the final coach schedule and operating conditions.
After dinner, continue to Edinburgh and check into the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton for the final night. One last round of stories, a few exchanged photos, and several confident promises to keep the group chat alive.
- Nevis Range gondola, weather permitting
- Glasgow visit
- Farewell group dinner
- Return to Edinburgh
Good to know: A long travel day. The gondola is on Aonach Mòr, not the summit of Ben Nevis, and depends on weather and operation. Final stop durations will be confirmed.
DAY 8 · Monday, May 3, 2027
Same group chat. Different time zones.
Our week finishes in Edinburgh with a planned morning drop-off. Say your goodbyes, check that the best photos have made it into the group chat, and head home—or continue your own travels.
If you’re staying longer, additional hotel nights, onward transport, and independent plans are at your own expense. We’ll share the departure arrangements so you can plan around the end of the group trip.
Eight days ago, most of these people were strangers. That’s rather the point of Still Out There. Scotland may have supplied the views, but the people are a good reason to do it again.
- Edinburgh morning departure
- End of the group itinerary
Good to know: The exact drop-off point, airport-transfer arrangements, and earliest suitable flight time are still to be confirmed. Check with us before committing to departure flights.
PROPER HOTELS. EVERY NIGHT.
Somewhere good
to come back to.
Four hotel stops across seven nights, with two nights to settle into Edinburgh and three in our Highland base.
02NIGHTS
EDINBURGH
Radisson Blu Edinburgh
April 26–28, 2027
Our opening two nights in Edinburgh, with the Old Town as the starting point for the week.
01NIGHT
PITLOCHRY
Fonab Castle
April 28–29, 2027
Our castle stay, paired with the cèilidh and dinner feast. This one deserves a proper mention back home.
03NIGHTS
INVERNESS
AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness
April 29–May 2, 2027
Three nights together in Inverness, our base for Skye, Loch Ness, and a very sociable long weekend.
01NIGHT
EDINBURGH
Hilton Edinburgh Carlton
May 2–3, 2027
Back to Edinburgh for our final night after the journey south and farewell dinner in Glasgow.
These are the planned hotels for this departure. Final properties, rooming, and hotel arrangements will be confirmed in the trip details.
THE PLANNING IS OUR PART.
What’s included.
What to budget for.
The major pieces are brought together for you, with room to choose your own lunches, free evenings, and little extras.
In the trip plan
Daily breakfast
Breakfast is included each day, alongside the three planned group dinners.
Seven hotel nights
Two nights at Radisson Blu Edinburgh, one at Fonab Castle, three at AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness, and a final night at Hilton Edinburgh Carlton. These are the planned properties, subject to final arrangements.
Private coach along the route
Group transport between our planned destinations and sightseeing stops. Arrival and departure transfer arrangements will be confirmed separately.
Three group dinners
A welcome hotel dinner in Edinburgh, the cèilidh dinner feast at Fonab Castle, and our farewell dinner in Glasgow. A good meal makes those first introductions considerably easier.
Planned sightseeing & experiences
The trip plan covers the scheduled castle visits, Tartan Weaving experience, Culloden visit, Loch Ness cruise with Urquhart Castle, Uile-bheist distillery tour, and weather-dependent Nevis Range gondola. Final visit arrangements and entry packages will be confirmed.
Still Out There traveler pack
A traveler pack, including your Still Out There hoodie. Share your hoodie size at checkout; the remaining pack contents will be confirmed before departure.
A host who’s coming too
Still Out There hosting throughout the week, with Doc’s Tours handling the trip’s operating logistics. Help with the plan, the introductions, and those “Where are we meeting?” moments.
Help before you go
Pre-trip updates, meeting and departure guidance, packing information, and a point of contact for rooming and travel questions. You can opt into the Scotland group chat at checkout.
COME SOLO. NOT ALONE.
No travel partner?
No problem.
You don’t need someone else’s annual leave approval to make this happen.
The shared-room package is priced per person, with two travelers sharing. Same-gender roommate matching is available for solo travelers, or you can request to share with someone you already know.
After booking, complete the Scotland roommate questionnaire so we can learn about your sleep routine and room preferences. Matching is coordinated by the team; a specific pairing isn’t promised by filling out the form.
Scotland roommate questionnaire
STILL OUT THERE × DOC’S TOURS
Your host’s
coming too.
Steve Dispensa built Still Out There around the trips he kept organizing for friends and family: good places, proper nights out, and people still telling the stories years later.
He’s joining you for the week—helping people connect, keeping the group in the loop, and making sure arriving solo doesn’t mean feeling on your own.
Good company. Experienced hands.
Doc’s Tours, led by Dennis O’Carroll, is our operating partner, handling the hotels, transport, and on-the-ground logistics.
MAKE “ONE DAY” AN ACTUAL DATE.
Your place
in Scotland.
April 26–May 3, 2027.
Reserve through WeTravel with Doc’s Tours. All prices below are in British pounds (GBP).
SCOTLAND SPRING 2027 — SHARED ROOM
£3,055per person · two sharing
Eight days, seven nights, the planned experiences, and an excellent reason to turn on your out-of-office.
- Roommate matching available
- Travel with a friend or join solo
- £100 deposit to reserve
YOUR OWN ROOM
Social days.
Personal space.
£3,730 per person
The current private-room price is £675 more than the shared-room package, subject to availability and final room confirmation.
Ask about a private roomA LITTLE FORWARD PLANNING.
£100 now.
Scotland in April.
Your £100 deposit is fully refundable until December 27, 2026, when the next £400 payment is due.
The schedule shown is the current standard shared-room payment plan. Any discount, room upgrade, currency conversion, and applicable fees are reflected in your final WeTravel checkout.
Review the full booking and cancellation terms before paying. The initial deposit’s refund policy does not establish refund terms for later payments.
| Payment | Due | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | At booking | £100 |
| Second payment | Dec 27, 2026 | £400 |
| Instalment | Jan 26, 2027 | £851.68 |
| Instalment | Feb 25, 2027 | £851.66 |
| Final payment | Mar 27, 2027 | £851.66 |
| Standard package total | £3,055 | |
GOOD QUESTIONS.
The things you’re
probably wondering.
Still have a question?
Ask Steve directly.
Can I really come on my own?
Absolutely. Still Out There is built for solo travelers and friends, mainly in their 30s and 40s. Shared days, dinners, and your host make introductions easy. You don’t need to arrive with a travel partner—or an unusually outgoing personality.
Can I bring a friend or partner?
Yes. Tell us who you would like to share with when you book. If your travel partner books separately, give us their name so we can coordinate the rooming request.
Do I have to join every night out?
No attendance sheet here. The three group dinners and Fonab cèilidh are planned shared experiences. Other evenings are yours: join a pub outing, go for a walk, find your own dinner, or take an early night. Drinks and optional outings are paid separately.
How active is the trip?
Expect city walking, castle grounds, steps, and uneven outdoor paths. A Fairy Pools walk is planned on Skye, subject to conditions. There are also substantial coach journeys, especially on the Northumberland, Skye, and return-to-Edinburgh days. Contact us before booking if you have mobility or support questions so we can discuss the route with you.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast and three group dinners: Edinburgh on April 26, Fonab Castle on April 28, and Glasgow on May 2. Lunches, other dinners, and drinks are separate.
When should I arrive and leave?
The trip starts in Edinburgh on Monday, April 26 and finishes there on Monday, May 3, 2027. The exact meeting time, drop-off point, airport-transfer arrangements, and suitable flight times will be shared separately. Please check with us before buying flights. If you choose to arrive early or stay longer, those extra nights and independent arrangements are separate.
What should I pack?
Think layers, a waterproof outer layer, comfortable footwear for uneven paths, and a day bag for coach days. Bring something you’ll enjoy wearing to our castle dinner, plus room for your hoodie. We’ll send a more detailed packing guide before departure.
Can you accommodate dietary or accessibility needs?
Tell us about food allergies and dietary requirements at checkout. You can also ask us to contact you about accessibility or support needs. Specific arrangements depend on the hotels, venues, and transport, so discuss anything essential with us before booking.
What if the weather changes the plan?
This itinerary includes outdoor locations, a tidal island, and a mountain gondola. Weather, tides, road conditions, opening times, and supplier availability may change the sequence or individual stops. We’ll communicate material updates and confirm the practical details before travel.
How does booking work?
Reserve through WeTravel with Doc’s Tours. The shared-room package is £3,055 per person with a £100 deposit. Your £100 deposit is fully refundable until December 27, 2026, when the £400 second payment is due. Read the full cancellation and payment terms at checkout before completing your booking; later-payment refund terms are not implied by the initial deposit policy.
APRIL 26 – MAY 3, 2027
That “one day” trip?
It could be this April.
Big views. A castle stay. A few new favorite people.
Let’s go to ScotlandHave a question first? Ask Steve.