Bloody Culloden – Private Walking Tour

Discover the myths and the reality of Culloden on a private guided walk exploring the events that unfolded during the famous battle

The 16th April 1746 is a day etched in British history and one that transformed the Scottish Highlands forever. See the hopes of Bonnie Prince Charlie and his Jacobite supporters disappear in a blood-soaked battle that lasted less than an hour.
Step on to the battlefield to hear stories of both gritty heroism and brutal retribution and stand where the Jacobite soldiers readied themselves against the might of the British Army.

Highlights

• Stand on the frontline where the Government troops lined up against their foes
• Hear tales of heroism and love at the Well of the Dead
• Discover the human loss when you get up close to the Memorial Clan
• Walk amongst the evocative Clan Markers (including Clan Fraser and many others)
• Look out across the battlefield from where Bonnie Prince led the Jacobite cause
• Visit Leanach Cottage and find out about the bloody aftermath following the battle

You will hear lots of myths floating around the battlefield at Culloden that get in the way of a real sense of what this barren stretch of moorland represents in Highland history. Start your tour back to the bloody past by following the ghostly march of the British Army as they pursue a bedraggled and demoralised Jacobite army. You get your first glimpse of the battlefield as you head to the frontline where the British artillery and ranks of Redcoats readied themselves for battle. You can almost imagine the sense of nervous anticipation and fear in the ranks before the battle order is given.

From here, you head straight into the middle of where the two forces clashed hearing tales of hand-to-hand combat and feats of heroism. Beyond this you reach the Jacobite frontline, passing a place where their defensive line was fatally breached. Maybe you will hear the ghostly arguments of feuding officers and orders ignored. You can pause a while and look back across the battlefield to understand what Bonnie Prince Charlie was fighting for.

The prominent Memorial Cairn dominates views across the battlefield. Discover its important symbolism in Scottish Highlands before wandering through marker stones that remember the clans that went into battle. If you have clan heritage you can try and find the marker for your own clan. Your final stop is by the old Leanach Cottage with its thatched roof of heather. It’s a throwback to the time of Culloden but it hides a bloody reminder of the brutality of war.

From Leanach Cottage it’s just a short back to the visitor centre. Maybe you would like to visit the rooftop viewing platform for a panoramic view of the battlefield. Your guide will be delighted to chat and answer questions over a cup of coffee in the cafe. And if you are eager to find out even more about the battle pop into the excellent National Trust for Scotland exhibition.

Visit Scotland and the Scottish Tourist Guide Association have outlined the industry standards needed to reopen businesses in travel and tourism so that they follow Covid-19 guidelines for the safety of guests. Glen2Glen Tours is officially accredited with ‘Good to Go’ scheme.