Experience the allure of Scotland from the trail on an active journey to the Highlands and Islands that will have you hiking iconic landscapes such as Glencoe and the Isle of Skye as well as lesser known rambles on Kerrera and in Cairngorms National Park.
Activity Level: This is a Moderate Active Journey. Travelers should be reasonably fit and capable of walking or hiking for several hours, sometimes over uneven terrain. Travelers can expect 3 to 7 miles of hiking or walking on most days with some elevation gains. Day-by-day activity descriptions can be found on the itinerary page at the end of each day. Read more about Active Journeys activity levels here.
This Active Journey is limited to a maximum of 16 travelers per departure.
Scotland by Trail: An Active Journey to the Highlands and Islands
10 days from $5,699
Experience the allure of Scotland from the trail on an active journey to the Highlands and Islands that will have you hiking iconic landscapes such as Glencoe and the Isle of Skye as well as lesser known rambles on Kerrera and in Cairngorms National Park.
Activity Level: This is a Moderate Active Journey. Travelers should be reasonably fit and capable of walking or hiking for several hours, sometimes over uneven terrain. Travelers can expect 3 to 7 miles of hiking or walking on most days with some elevation gains. Day-by-day activity descriptions can be found on the itinerary page at the end of each day. Read more about Active Journeys activity levels here.
This Active Journey is limited to a maximum of 16 travelers per departure.
Overview
Scotland’s history is told in its mystical landscapes, where ruins recount tales of clashing clans and geological wonders are steeped in ancient lore. Experience this enchanting land on foot, setting off on rambles that showcase Scotland’s natural beauty and its tumultuous history. Hit the trails of lovely Loch Lomond and the Trossachs on your way to Oban, the gateway to the Inner Hebrides. Spend a full day immersed in the magic of the Isle of Skye, and hike along the shores of Loch Ness. Trace the stories of clan wars and the Jacobite uprising amid castle ruins, and cap off the trip in the footsteps of kings and queens on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.
Highlights Include:
- National Parks: Hike to hilltops, lochs, and hidden falls and learn about local flora and fauna in Scotland’s two national parks: Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and Cairngorms.
- Inner Hebrides: Discover the fabled Inner Hebrides on foot, trekking the emerald island of Kerrera and mystical landscapes of the Isle of Skye, from clear blue fairy pools to the rock pinnacle known as the Old Man of Storr.
- Historic Landmarks: Walk the dramatic landscapes where the Glencoe massacre occurred, explore Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness, and stroll the legendary Royal Mile in the heart of Edinburgh.
- Legendary Distilleries: Sample Scottish whisky and learn how it is made during expert-led tours of historic distilleries in Oban and Pitlochry.
To see itinerary, please click on an option below.
Itinerary
Day 1-2 – Depart Home / Arrive in Glasgow, Scotland
Following an overnight flight, arrive in Glasgow and transfer to your historic hotel in the city center. The rest of the day is yours to get acquainted with this dynamic city, known for its unique architecture. Consider a short walk to the Glasgow School of Arts, an iconic building designed by Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, or take a stroll through pedestrian streets of the old town. Meet your trip leader and fellow travelers this evening for a welcome briefing and dinner. (D)
Day 3 – Loch Lomond / Trossachs National Park / Oban
After breakfast, head for Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, a rippling landscape of hills and lakes that became Scotland’s first national park in 2002. From the tiny village of Balmaha on the shores of Loch Lomond, set out on your first hike, following a section of the West Highland Way through the forest before emerging onto the slope of Conic Hill. Sweeping views of the parks waterways and islands await you on the hilltop. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant before driving deeper into the park to the Falls of Falloch. Here, an easy walk through the woods brings you to Scotland’s “hidden” waterfall, where the River Falloch drops some 30 feet. Drive east to Loch Awe and take a guided tour of the intriguing St. Conan’s Kirk, where a mash-up of architectural styles offers up plenty of surprises. Arrive in the seaside town of Oban late this afternoon and check in to your hotel. Your evening is at leisure. (B,L)
Hiking: 3-4 miles, some steep steps and a short rocky scramble; 1,100 feet of elevation gain.
Day 4 – Inner Hebrides / Oban
Start the day with a short ferry ride to the rugged island of Kerrera, just off the coast of Oban. This morning’s trail circles the island’s southern half, crossing the rolling hills of the interior and then following the coast. Take in views of the surrounding islands if the weather is clear, and hike amid meadows and hillsides dotted with sheep—they far outnumber the residents on the island. On a rocky promontory overlooking the sea, encounter the well-preserved tower of Gylen Castle, built as a stronghold of the MacDougall clan in 1582 and burned just 65 years later. Return to Oban for lunch in the afternoon and head for the Oban Distillery for a guided tour and tasting. Gain insight into the whisky making process, which has taken place here since 1794, and cap off the experience with a dram of single malt. Take advantage of a free evening to try one of Oban’s seafood restaurants or grab dinner with fellow travelers at a local pub. (B,L)
Hiking: 6-7 miles, undulating trail with grassy paths and some steep ascents over rocky terrain; 700-800 feet of elevation gain. Those who prefer may shorten this hike by returning from Gylen Castle to town independently.
Day 5 – Glencoe / Fort Augustus
Awaken for an early breakfast before driving along the shores of Loch Linnhe to the Glencoe Viewpoint. From here, set off on an easy hike along the River Etive, walking between sweeping slopes and soaking up the mystique of the scenery. Continue by coach to Glencoe, a spectacular valley known for the notorious massacre of the MacDonald clan by government soldiers in 1692. After lunch in the village of Glencoe, hike a loop trail through the forests to the lake at the foot of Glencoe mountain. Keep an eye out for interesting birds and other wildlife as you walk. Alternatively, stay in the village to visit its museum. Travel on to Fort Augustus, at the tip of Loch Ness, and settle into your hotel before an evening at leisure. (B,L)
Hiking: 3-4 miles, moderate hiking trail, at times steep and rocky terrain; 700 feet elevation gain.
Walking: 2 mile loop trail, easy paths, 300 feet of elevation gain.
Day 6 – Isle of Skye
Spend a full day on the magical Isle of Skye, exploring its craggy mountains, peat moors, and wild geological formations. Begin with a hike to the Fairy Pools, crystal-clear blue pools formed by the waterfalls of the River Brittle. Hear the legends associated with the site and, if you’re feeling brave, jump in for a bracing swim in the pools. Later, travel to the picturesque fishing village of Portree where you’ll have free time for lunch on the waterfront. Continue north to the Trotternish Peninsula, home to some of Skye’s most unusual rock formations. The afternoon’s hike winds through an otherworldly landscape of soaring cliffs and undulating green slopes to a cluster of narrow pinnacles—the tallest of which is known as the Old Man of Storr. Take in awe-inspiring views out over the Sound of Raasay from these iconic rocks. Return to Fort Augustus late this afternoon and gather for dinner together. (B,D)
Hiking: 2-3 miles, morning hike to Fairy Pools, gravel path with some rocky sections, 500 feet of elevation gain.
Hiking: 3 mile afternoon hike, hilly trails with some rocky terrain; 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
Day 7 – Cairngorms National Park / Pitlochry
Drive north along the shores of Loch Ness this morning, stopping in the town of Fort Augustus for a short walk along the shores of the Caledonian Canal. Continue to Urquhart Castle and hear about its dramatic history, then enjoy time to explore the lakeside castle ruins on your own. Turn east toward Cairngorms National Park, where you’ll pause for lunch at a restaurant in Aviemore. Go on a peaceful hike through the ancient pines of Rothiemurchus forest and skirt the shores of Loch an Eilein and Loch Gamhna, catching sight of a crumbled 13th-century castle on a lake island. Journey on to the lively town of Pitlochry and enjoy a evening at leisure. (B,L)
Hiking: 1-2 mile walk along a flat lakeshore path.
Hiking: 4-5 mile afternoon hike, hilly and forested terrain, 500 feet of elevation gain.
Day 8 – Pitlochry
Take a walk through time with a local guide, discovering the sites of Pitlochry and the surrounding countryside. Following path, track, and field, ramble from the 120-foot-high Black Spout waterfall to the ruins of Caisteal Dubh, or the Black Castle. Continue to the village of Moulin, home to an old inn and brewery, and encounter a prehistoric standing stone in a nearby field. Reach the banks of Loch Faskally and cross the Pitlochry dam and fish ladder. Sit down to a well deserved lunch before a guided visit to the Blair Atholl Distillery. Follow a whisky expert through the process of producing whisky from local water sources, and end the tour with a tasting. The remainder of the day and evening are yours to explore Pitlochry on your own. (B,L)
Hiking: 5-6 miles, mix of hills, valley and forest trails, occasionally rocky and uneven; 700 feet of elevation gain.
Day 9 – Edinburgh
Journey from Pitlochry to Edinburgh, where you’re joined by a local expert for a guided walking tour of the city center. Stroll the Royal Mile, tracing Scotland’s turbulent history and the evolution of Edinburgh. Stop for lunch on your own at one of the many pubs and eateries in Old Town or along Princes Street. During a free afternoon, discover this enchanting capital city as you wish, perhaps on a tour of Edinburgh Castle or a hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano overlooking Edinburgh. Meet up with the group to toast your hike through Scotland at a festive farewell dinner at one of the city’s great restaurants. (B,D)
Walking: 2-3 hour city tour, hilly city streets; 200-300 feet of elevation gain.
Day 10 – Return Home
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)