Day 1
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
Arrive at Edinburgh Airport (EDI) and proceed on a transfer to our hotel. Spend some time relaxing and meet the tour for a mid-afternoon walk along the Royal Mile. It is at the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, with Edinburgh Castle at its head and the Palace of Holyroodhouse at its foot. Walk past medieval church spires and cobbled alleyways on a route made famous by tradition as a processional route for kings and queens for over 500 years. Take a short hike to reach the knoll of Arthur`s Seat and admire the outstanding views of the city.
Tonight we gather for an orientation and a welcome dinner at the hotel. (4 miles hiking, 2 hours).
(Dinner)
Overnight stay at the Bruntsfield Hotel.
Day 2
LOCH LOMOND & THE TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK - GLEN COE
After breakfast the tour heads west, stopping for a walk in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The park was established in 2002 and is Scotland`s first national park. The hike takes us along part of the famous West Highland Way trail, diverting to a small but prominent peak called Conic Hill. This is 1180 feet high and the summit offers outstanding views across the islands of Loch Lomond to the peaks of the Arrochar Alps and beyond. It is geologically part of the Highland Boundary Fault.
Continue north to Glen Coe, one of Scotland’s most stunning valleys. We accommodate you in our pre-booked Kingshouse Hotel which offers fabulous views of the surrounding mountains. (4 miles hiking, 3 hours).
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 3
GLEN COE
Relish breakfast this morning and set out on foot to explore the fabulous Glen Coe. This is the scene of a historic massacre of the MacDonald clan in 1692. Walk along the Devil`s Staircase, part of the West Highland Way. You will climb a series of switchbacks to a mountain pass that offers magnificent views of the West Highlands. We then descend to the village of Kinlochleven, then stop for a refreshing drink. Enjoy traditional storytelling at the historic Clachaig Inn before returning to our hotel. (9 miles hiking, 5-6 hours).
Overnight stay at the Kingshouse Hotel.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 4
GLEN NEVIS - ISLE OF SKYE
After breakfast, we take a short drive to Fort William. Meet a conservationist and John Muir historian for a guided hike. The trail takes you beneath the massive summit of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the United Kingdom. Later in the afternoon, we cross over the sea to the Isle of Skye. Stop for a visit at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, among the most photographed castles in Scotland. (3 miles hiking, 3 hours).
Overnight stay at the Cullin Hills Hotel.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 5
NORTHERN SKYE
Today after breakfast we continue to discover the spectacular landscapes of northern Skye. It rises in soft, grassy slopes and drops off into sheer cliffs, and rock formations that spike and curl. We set off on foot into this amazing place, that is legendary. Hike beneath the unusual rock formations of the Quiraing and learn its fascinating story of geologic turmoil. (4-5 miles hiking, 3-4 hours)
Overnight stay at the Cullin Hills Hotel.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 6
CUILLIN HILLS - PERTHSHIRE
Enjoy breakfast and proceed on a hike through a wild glen on a journey through Skye’s famous mountains. The Black Cuillin and Red Cuillin ranges are surrounded by red-hued peaks. We then, descend volcanic slopes and take in a stunning vista of the Black Cuillin. This is one of Scotland’s most iconic views. Trace the coast of Loch Slapin, framed by the magnificent rock citadel of Blaven.
After refreshments in a local tea room, we return to the mainland and head southeast to Perthshire. Overnight stay in our pre-booked hotel located in a Victorian-era castle, Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa. (5-6 miles hiking, 3-4 hours).
(Breakfast/Lunch)
Day 7
PERTHSHIRE
Enjoy breakfast this morning and set out on foot to explore Highland Perthshire, heading toward the Ben Vrackie peak. The enchanting woodlands are mesmeric as we venture across heather-draped moorlands to reach the picturesque Loch a’ Choire. Here we relish a picnic lunch on the shores of this secluded lake before completing our walking circuit.
If time permits, we will visit one of Scotland’s oldest inns to sip on a pint of ale before continuing on to a local whisky distillery.
Relax and enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers this evening. (5-6 miles hiking, 4 hours).
Overnight stay at the Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 8
PITLOCHRY - EDINBURGH
After breakfast, spend time at leisure this morning. Explore the picturesque Highland town of Pitlochry. Take a stroll along the main street past Victorian-era stone buildings. Or visit the town's famous fish ladder, which allows salmon to bypass the Pitlochry dam and continue upstream to their spawning grounds each year.
Transfer to the Edinburgh Airport (EDI) in the late afternoon to catch your flight home.
(Breakfast/Lunch)