Rob Carr Tours

18/11/2024

A week of winter tours outside of Edinburgh!

The one thing I love about tour guiding is the variety. One day you’re doing Edinburgh walking tours about Harry Potter, the next you are taking wildlife or history tours in the highlands.

There’s a never ending amount of information to learn about the country and that’s what makes it so fascinating. The more I learn about the country, the more fascinated I’ve become. But it’s not only the variety of the places we visit and the history of them but also the people that join the journey. People from all over the world, from all backgrounds. Not only do I get to share this with you but I get to learn about your places and culture too. Variety is the spice of life. It keeps things feeling new and refreshing!

13/11/2024

Don’t you just love wildlife? Here’s some of my favourite photos of Scottish wildlife and where I found them below.

1. Red Deer - Kingshouse Hotel
2. North Atlantic Puffins - Isle of Lunga
3. Hebridean Bottlenose Dolphin - boat trip from Elgol
4. Common and Grey Seal - Newburgh Seal Beach
5. Red Kites - Argaty
6. Eurasian Otter - Isle of Mull
7. Northern Gannet - Troup Head RSPB reserve
8. Highland Coo - Kilchurn Castle

There are many more amazing species of wildlife in Scotland. So keep your eyes peeled for Golden and Sea Eagles, Pine Marten, Wild Cat and more! If you want to learn more about Scottish wildlife you can do this on my website blog.

31/10/2024

28/10/2024

I’m back! The end of my first vacation of this winter. Time away from tours, no emails, no customer interactions, no working on the website or posting on instagram. This is the first time I’ve been able to do this since the 1st March.
I have worked consistently for the last 7 months.

This trip was key. I needed to get this trip right. Last November I had to come back from my Portugal trip early as all I could think about was work. I couldn’t seperate myself from it. In a way I was addicted to it. Of course, that relationship isn’t healthy. So this year I have been trying to balance that. How to make the most out of the peak tourism months but make sure to think about myself. Of course this is an area that always needs work and development. That has certainly improved but will continue to work on. But one thing I would say is I have waited too long for that holiday. I didn’t burn out. I have felt good. But it’s the realisation of how you can feel even better after having some proper rest and recuperation.

This holiday was different to last year. Its been an absolute cracker. I am very grateful for that. Switzerland for the third time has taken me away from work. Allowed me to do what I love best… exploring the world. The chance to get out into the mountains to run, climb and hike. Get out of the comfort zone. To be around people but to also be alone. Have physical demands but also to take the time to rest and destress.

As I prepare to fly home today. There’s a weight that’s off my shoulders that I didn’t even realise I had. And I look forward to this next chapter. To optimise work and recuperation.

When I’m back in Edinburgh I’m looking forward to catching up with people. If anyone wants to go for a coffee or some scran don’t hesitate to give me a bell!

24/10/2024

Maybe I need to take tours in Switzerland?🇨🇭🧐

19/10/2024

Long summer of working finished up with a trip back to the mighty Swiss alps for a rest. This time though for autumn. Mixing in some classic spots I’ve been to before with some epic new adventures.

Picked up the hire car in Geneva and adapted to the new car like a cat to water… took me 10 minutes to switch it on not realising you had to put your foot on the brake whilst pushing the ignition button.

But ever since then it’s been going pretty well, quite francly 😉 rainy day on day one left the mountain exploration for a bit later. So we browsed Thun castle and the city centre before heading to Lauterbrunnen. No amount of tourism could stop me coming back here. The autumn colours made it even more outrageous!

Day two gave us a perky morning opportunity. So dusted off the hiking trousers and headed up for the Klingenstock to Fronalpstock ridge walk. Absolutely marvellous. Met a cracking couple from Basque Country on the way. Nothing like an in-depth conversation about cheesecake. Before heading back to our base to get do some cooking done for a big day tomorrow!

14/10/2024

Autumn walks in Perthshire are just next level!

This weekend I was out with my hiking meetup group exploring Drummond Hill and the Birks of Aberfeldy. Although the settlement of Dull is inbetween the two locations. Theres nothing dull about this region. The autumn colours really bring this area to life and from what I can see the best is to come over the next week or so! So if you love autumn, now’s your time!!

What are your favourite walks in Autumn?

13/10/2024

Never a DULL moment travelling Scotland!

11/10/2024

It’s not always Sunshine on Leith! The Northern Lights strike again!

08/10/2024

As we settle into the heart of autumn in Scotland, the beauty of falling leaves and cooler air signals the approach of winter. Nature’s calm summer streams give way to roaring rivers, snow begins to dust the Highland summits, and longer nights open the door to stunning Northern Lights displays. With fewer tourists, there are chances to see location alone with higher chances to spot wildlife like red deer and otters.

Are you ready to embrace Scotland’s winter magic? ❄️ 🪄

After a much needed trip to Switzerland next week. I will be coming back to Edinburgh with a bang. My day and multi-day winter Scotland tours commence from November 1st through to February 28th! Itineraries can include visiting the Cairngorm Reindeer herd.

Don’t forget my Edinburgh Walking tours are scheduled as normal but with a festive twist and a touch of mulled wine! If you are interested reach out to me directly!

Scotland Winter Tours | Highlands Tours | Northern Lights | Cairngorms Reindeer Herd | Travel Scotland |

03/10/2024

One thing you can’t prepare for as a tour guide is the drama that comes with the job. You have to be ready and flexible for everything that comes at you. This time last year the rain lashed down, the rivers turned into roaring torrents and the countryside and roads were flooding.

That day we plotted our way through Scotland trying to get to Skye. Trying to navigate where we didn’t have weather warnings. However, the news didn’t do it justice, the floods were everywhere! The beginning of our journey we headed to Skye via Callander. About 5 minutes down the road past Callander the river was on the road and two cars floated along it. So we turned back and successfully headed to Skye via Dunkeld.

It was 100% worthwhile stopping by The Hermitage to see the power of Black Linn falls which as you can see by the photos was no longer a waterfall!

We certainly didn’t hang around for more rain to lash down as we managed to make our way to Skye which was very much flood free.

How nuts is this?!

01/10/2024

This is the Birks of Aberfeldy another autumn gem! Today you can see the beginning of the colour change but just imagine what it will be like in the next 1-2 weeks time!

For over 200 years, people have come to stroll through this enchanting woodland, following the paths up to the bridge with sweeping views of the dramatic Falls of Moness. Among those who’ve walked here are Robert Burns whose song gave its name to the area as well as Ed Sheeran, who found inspiration for his song “Hills of Aberfeldy.”

The late 18th and early 19th centuries saw a revival in tree planting across Scotland, as estates were landscaped for both beauty and profit. Around the 1780s, new species were introduced to complement the native oak, hazel, ash, and birch (giving the Birks its iconic name).

From what we understand Burns found inspiration while resting on a naturally-formed seat by the gorge, which a plaque represents to this day. There is normally, a statue of the poet which would greet visitors at the beginning of the trail but it’s been temporarily removed due to vandalism.

30/09/2024

When you meet ANOTHER Rob Carr. But not only have we got the same name we have the same profession. Who says we unite forces to make the ultimate Rob Carr Tours?!

28/09/2024

What a SUNSATIONAL way to finish the day in Oban. We headed up to McCaig’s Tower and marvelled the views over the Isle of Kerrera, Mull and the Lismore Lighthouse.

Oban is an extremely special place. It has a buzz to it that you don’t feel anywhere else. Whether it’s the anticipation of people heading out into the western isles, enjoying the incredible seafood overlooking the harbour or feeling a bit fruity after some Oban whisky. Who knows but it’s definitely worth a visit coupled with a trip to the Isle of Mull as well as Staffa, Lunga and Iona.

26/09/2024

At the moment, I’m on the penultimate night of an exhilarating 7-day tour—the last long tour of the year. As the tourist season fades into the quieter winter months, I’m preparing to reduce my guiding hours and shift my focus.

This evening, as I returned to the accommodation, a phrase from my mentor replayed in my mind: ‘Remember, Rob, you get paid to think.’ Initially, it seemed straightforward, but now I’m beginning to understand its deeper significance. It’s not just about leading tours; it’s about taking a step back to innovate, refine my skills, and develop the business further. Thinking isn’t just about repeating tasks; it’s about strategising and bringing fresh creativity to everything I do.

As guides, it’s easy to get caught in the relentless cycle of back-to-back tours during peak season—striving to make the most of it financially. I’m sure many of us resonate with that drive: working tirelessly to prepare, research, communicate, and pour our passion into every tour. Living and loving the experience. But there’s a risk in becoming stuck in the ‘doing’ without taking the time to reflect or improve.

This is where the spark comes from—the excitement not just of doing, but of imagining what’s next. Now is the time to harness that creativity, step back from the day-to-day, and elevate the entire journey for both myself and those I guide.

I leave this here for my own accountability. As a reminder and reinforcement of the action that is being taken.

Hope you all have a terrific Thursday!

19/09/2024

Absolute BELTER of a trip! 4 Days of the Highlands, Isle of Skye and Rùm. What more could you ask for?

The team had a corker of an adventure. Day one saw the Haar lift as we arrived at the Trossachs National Park just in time for us to go castle hunting. Along the way learning about Scotland’s uncrowned king, Robert the Duke of Albany, Rob Roy, The Campbell clan and so much more. Before making our way towards Glen Coe where we viewed the incredible three sisters before heading over to the iconic Harry Potter filming location, Hagrid’s hut. Before enjoying a gorgeous sunset in the bustling seaside town of Oban.

Day two started with a bang, the team bordered the bucket list Jacobite Steam Train for 2 hours of magic! Whilst I headed over to Mallaig to pick them up to get the ferry over to Skye. On the way there we saw a pod of dolphins dancing beside the boat! Absolutely captivating!

Day three took us to Elgol for the classic 4 hour Bella Jane Boat trip. Due to the weather we couldn’t head over to the cliffs of Canna but we did make it to Kinloch on the Isle of Rùm where we had a lovely walk! Before seeing two porpoises chilling next to the boat. The second part of the day took us to Fairy Glen and Rha Falls then over to Portree to quench the hunger.

Day four had plenty more to come. The geological masterpieces that are the Quiraing and Kilt Rock woke the team up fast. Stopping by Eilean Donan Castle and stopping Nessie at Fort Augustus. Then stopping for lunch then smashing our last stop at the Hermitage.

Phenomenal trip, thanks to the super bunch on board! If you are looking for a multi day Scotland tour at the end of 2024 or 2025 don’t hesitate to get in touch. My schedule is being filled quick!

16/09/2024

Glencoe, the gift that keeps on giving!

Today and I smashed the two munros of Buachaille Etive Beag which were absolutely stunning! Great to be a part of Greig’s journey conquering all 282 mountains above 3,000 feet in Scotland. He’s documenting every single hike! So if you get the chance follow along on his epic page and get behind this epic adventure!

08/09/2024

Going off the rails for the Jacobite Steam Train season 🚂

After getting rejected from the Glenfinnan car park the last few times I’ve been up. I’m making it my personal goal to find the best place to spot the Jacobite! First two from today’s angle. What do you think? 🧙‍♂️⚡️