Northern Highlands, NC500 & Orkney Whisky Tours
The Northern Highlands and Orkney offer one of Scotland's most dramatic and rewarding whisky journeys. Vast landscapes, rugged coastlines and remote distilleries define this region, where the experience is shaped as much by the journey itself as by the whisky in the glass. On a private, bespoke Northern Highlands whisky tour with Drams Scotland, you'll explore this extraordinary part of Scotland at a pace that reflects the region's remoteness and richness.
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Tours departing from Glasgow or Edinburgh require a minimum of 6 to 7 days to truly experience the Northern Highlands and Orkney. The reward for committing the time is extraordinary: castles, dramatic coastline, scenic walks, wildlife and world-class distilleries at every turn.
Whisky, Landscape & the NC500 Experience
The NC500 provides a natural framework for exploring the Northern Highlands, tracing a spectacular loop through coastal scenery, mountain passes and historic towns. The roads are remote, narrow and winding, following the contours of lochs, glens and cliffs. Travel here requires careful planning and experience, but the payoff is unparalleled: a journey through landscapes of breathtaking scale, dotted with distilleries and cultural highlights.
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Along the way, there are countless opportunities to balance distillery visits with sightseeing:
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Explore castles and ancient ruins
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Enjoy gentle scenic walks
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Spot highland cattle, seals and seabirds
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Take in sweeping lochs, glens and mountain vistas
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The combination of whisky and landscape makes this region one of Scotland's most immersive multi-day journeys.​​
Distilleries of Note - Northern Highlands
The Northern Highlands are home to some of Scotland's most distinctive distilleries, each deeply shaped by its surroundings. From windswept coastal sites to highland glens and historic towns, every whisky reflects the character of its location, offering not just a taste, but a sense of place.
Options on your tour may include:
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Dalmore - rich, sherried whisky matured beside the Cromarty Firth, where maritime influence shape its depth and elegance
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Glenmorangie - perched on the Dornoch Firth, producing elegant, floral Highland spirits in a dramatic coastal setting
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Clynelish - near Brora, with waxy, coastal character, inspired by its windswept location
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Brora - legendary and rare, with a history entwined with the rugged highland landscape
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Balblair - historic highland depth and balance, reflecting its heritage and surroundings​
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Old Pulteney - maritime whisky in Wick, with briny, sea-swept character
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8 Doors Distillery - a contemporary craft producer in John O-Groats, combining innovation with the rugged coastal environment
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Wolfburn - the northernmost mainland distillery, modern revival capturing the spirit of the far north
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Visiting these distilleries is more than just tasting whisky; it's about experiencing the landscape, the history and the community that shapes every expression. Each sip tells a story of its place.
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Orkney - A Distinct Northern Chapter
From the northern mainland, Orkney forms a natural extension of the journey. The islands have a rhythm all of their own, combining open landscapes, rich history and a distinct whisky identity.
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Orkney is home to iconic distilleries:
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Highland Park - balanced, peated and historic
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Scapa - smooth coastal style
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The Orkney Distillery - small, modern and experimental
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Beyond whisky, Orkney invites exploration of Neolithic treasures, such as Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar, the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral and wartime heritage sites linked to Scapa Flow and the islands' pivotal role in both World Wars. The islands are also known for local crafts, from jewellery to textiles. Wander along dramatic coastlines, take in sweeping sea views and watch for seals, seabirds and other wildlife - each step tells a story of the islands' past and present. Time here adds depth, atmosphere and a true sense of adventure to the tour.
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For the most adventurous travellers, it's also possible to extend to The Lerwick Distillery on Shetland, a remote and rewarding destination for those seeking Scotland's northernmost whisky frontier. ​
Why Multi-Day Touring Matters Here
The Northern Highlands and Orkney demand commitment. Distances are long, roads are narrow and winding, ferries must be scheduled. A multi-day tour gives you time to fully experience the region's rich character: carefully curated distillery visits, immersive whisky tastings tailored to suit your interests, and the stories behind each distillery, alongside scenic drives, wildlife spotting, historic sites and local crafts.
A private, bespoke tour allows you to enjoy everything the region has to offer without compromise. Every moment - from tutored tastings to coastal walks and cultural experiences - is designed to suit your tastes and schedule, making the journey as rewarding as the destinations themselves.​
Touring the Northern Highlands & Orkney with Drams Scotland
With over a decades' experience designing private whisky tours, Drams Scotland specialises in creating carefully curated, multi-day journeys through remote and rewarding regions like the Northern Highlands and Orkney. We travel exclusively with small private groups, combining deep local knowledge with expert guiding and comfortable transport to ensure every tour feels relaxed, personal and expertly organised.
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Our itineraries balance whisky with landscape, culture and dining - knowing when to drive, when to pause, and when to linger. Every moment is considered, from ferries to scenic walks, to tasting rare and iconic whiskies.​
Discover the Northern Highlands with Confidence
Explore the Northern Highlands, NC500 and Orkney on a private bespoke tour with Drams Scotland. Discover legendary coastal distilleries, wander through neolithic sites, St Magnus Cathedral and local craft studios, enjoy clifftop walks and wildlife spotting, and travel one of Scotland's most scenic routes, all carefully paced over multiple days to suit your interests and sense of adventure.
Get in touch today to begin your journey.