Bergen - Exploring the Highlands and Islands

Cecil & Karen Bergen

Wednesday 17th July – Friday 26th July 2024

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights

Overview

With a professional Wilderness guide, travel from the twinkling lights of Edinburgh to the soaring summits of Glencoe to the needled rock pinnacles on the Isle of Skye and on to the slate blue mountains of the Cairngorms National Park, Scotland’s beautiful landscape is a wonderful and evocative place to explore. On a trip that showcases some of the brightest jewels in the country’s wild and rugged crown. Experience the very best of this remote and ancient land.  By foot and by boat traverse the captivating and diverse landscape while immersing yourself in the history, culture and traditions of this enchanting region.

 

Day by Day

Day 1 - Wednesday 17th July - Welcome to Edinburgh

Arrive into the airport and your private car will transfer you into the architecturally stunning city of Edinburgh today and settle into your lovely accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to head out and explore the winding alleys and cobblestone streets. Full of history, the capital is very accessible by foot. Wander up the Royal Mile, visiting St Giles’ Cathedral (which has been a working church for over 900 years) and Edinburgh Castle, which offers sweeping views over the city. This evening, enjoy dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chaffeur Hire
Pick Up Location: Edinburgh Airport Arrivals | Pick Up Time: 11:45 | Approx Duration: 0.75 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111

Your chaffeur will be waiting in the arrivals hall with a board with your name on it to transfer you to your hotel.

Day 2 - Thursday 18th July - Exploring Edinburgh

This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast  and soak up the atmosphere of this bustling city whilst wandering around on foot. This afternoon meet your local guide in the foyer of your hotel and head out for an afternoon spent exploring the beautiful cobblestone streets of the city. Your guide will bring the city of Edinburgh to life with expert knowledge, captivating stories, and a deep passion for its rich history and vibrant culture.  This evening enjoy dinner under the twinkling lights of the city.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Guide Details - Alan Wright Read More +

Name: Alan Wright
Contact Number: +44 (0)7976 520 990
Meeting Place: The Bonham | Meeting Time: 13:30

Day 3 - Friday 19th July - Exploring Edinburgh and Castle Tour

After a leisurely breakfast head out to explore the city at your own pace. Perhaps pick up a coffee and a pastry from one of the wee artisan shops, dipping into local galleries, cheesemongers and bookshops. If you fancy a morning with a twist, head to the Surgeons’ Hall Museums, which holds one of the largest collections of surgical pathology in the world.  This afternoon, you will start with a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle your tour guide will bring history to life.  This evening enjoy  your final dinner in Scotland’s capital.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Guided Edinburgh Castle Visit Read More +

Activity: Guided Edinburgh Castle Visit
| Start Time: 13:00
Booking Reference: 20240418-197883063
Website: https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/

Please make your way to Edinburgh Castle for you tour, please make sure to have your tickets available to show on entry, they can be found at the bottom of this document in the important additional information section.

Day 4 - Saturday 20th July - Journey to the Valley of Glencoe

Meet your Wilderness Scotland guide at your hotel this morning and head west. Along the way, you can stop off for a leg stretch in the Loch Lomond National Park, perhaps up the iconic hill that Sir Walter Scott once claimed offered the finest views in all of Scotland. Continuing through the beautiful scenery you will arrive in the valley of Glencoe, where you can drop in at the immersive Glencoe Visitor to learn about the region’s haunting past and whet your appetite for the days that follow. Settle into your iconic accommodation, standing tall in the middle of atmospheric Rannoch Moor.

Overnight: Glencoe | Kingshouse Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Guide Details - Kathryn Grindrod Read More +

Name: Kathryn Grindrod
Contact Number: 07391008054
Meeting Place: The Bonham | Meeting Time: 09:30

Day 5 - Sunday 21st July - Hiking in Glencoe

Enjoy breakfast before heading out with your guide to explore Glencoe. The spectacular Glencoe, carved out centuries ago by glaciers and volcanic eruptions, offers some wild and scenic hiking. Chat with your guide about what you feel up to – one great option is to hike along a narrow rowan-hung gorge until you reach the Lost Valley. This enclosed meadow – high, green, and hidden by precipitous tors, is said to be where the Macdonald clan used to conceal their rustled cattle.

Overnight: Glencoe | Kingshouse Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Monday 22nd July - Over the Sea to Skye

After breakfast this morning, you’ll leave Glencoe behind you and head west to the mystical Isle of Skye. Arriving at the picturesque seaport of Mallaig, you’ll jump on board and enjoy a short ferry crossing to the village of Armadale – keep an eye out for marine wildlife such as dolphins along the way. From here, you’ll make your way north across the island towards the colourful town of Portree – the largest settlement on Skye. Spend some time wandering the narrow streets this afternoon soaking up the island atmosphere, popping in and out of lovely local shops and galleries. Settle into your home for the next few nights, just a stone’s throw away from Portree itself.

Overnight: Portree | The Bracken Hide
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Tuesday 23rd July - Boat Trip & Hiking to the Wild Loch Coruisk

This morning you head out to explore the secretive Loch Coruisk with your guide. From the tiny fishing village of Elgol you take a boat trip to the heart of the Black Cuillin mountains which tower above the blue waters of the loch. Along the way you can spot seals and perhaps dolphins in the coastal waters. The boat will drop you at the remote southern end of the loch and you can drink in the atmosphere of this stupendous place as you hike around the loch. Today is sure to be a highlight of the trip with memories to cherish.

Overnight: Portree | The Bracken Hide
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Wednesday 24th July - The Quiraing and twilight Golfing at the Royal Dornoch Championship Course

This morning, head out to explore the dramatic landscape of the Quiraing. As you walk admire the stark rock formations that rise from the rugged ground like great ruined battlements. Chat with your guide about the geology and history of the area, enjoying the incredible sweeping views of islands, mountains and the sun-clipped shores that stretch in every direction. After a spot of lunch, we’ll return to the mainland via the spectacular Eilean Donan Castle and head towards Dornoch the home of one of Scotland’s finest championship golf courses.We will head to our accommodation for this evening overlooking this iconic course. Early evening you will get chance to tee off for a twilight round on this beautiful course enjoying the crisp scent of sea salt and heather. You will sleep well this evening after an evening of sea air.

 

Overnight: Dornoch | Royal Golf Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Twilight Golf Read More +

Activity: Twilight Golf

| Start Time: 18:10
Phone: +44 (0)1862 810219 | Website: https://royaldornoch.com/

You twilight round is booked for 6.10pm please arrive at the professional shop up to 30 minutes before to pick up your clubs.

Day 9 - Thursday 25th July - Hiking in the Cairngorms

After a breakfast we head South to the beautiful walking trails of the Cairngorms National Park. Depending on the weather and how you’re feeling, there are many wonderful walking options to choose from. Perhaps opt to get up high and traverse the great weather-beaten Cairngorm plateau that stretches magnificent and vast below an arching sky. Or, if the sun burns bright, stay low in the leafy labyrinth of the valleys, winding your way to a loch that shimmers deep and dark amongst the pines. This evening return to the welcoming warmth of your accommodation, enjoying a slab of cake and a cup of tea before a peaceful evening in the heart of Scotland’s largest and wildest National Park.

Overnight: Aviemore | Ravenscraig Guest House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Friday 26th July - Return to Edinburgh then depart

After a hearty breakfast we journey south to the city of Edinburgh crossing the iconic Fourth Road Bridge to a familiar cityscape where your guide will bid their farewells and drop you at the airport for your onward flight.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 10
  • All meals included in the itinerary
  • Services of an experienced guide from Day 3 to Day 10
  • Ground transportation from Day 3 to Day 10
  • All Ferry Costs
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24 hour in-country support
  • Glencoe Visitor Centre
  • Bella Jane Boat trip
  • Eilean Donan Castle Visit
  • Twilight round on Championship Royal Dornoch Golf Course including equipment hire
  • Half Day Blue Badge Guide in Edinburgh
  • Guided Tour of Edinburgh Castle
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
Notes Read More

All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking.

Important Contact Numbers Read More
Wilderness Scotland Office | 9:00am – 5:30pm

UK: +44 (0)1479 420 020
US: 866 740 3890

Out of Office Hours | 5:30pm – 9:00am

+44 (0)7766 794 640

Emergency Services

999

Pricing Read More

The price of this trip is £6,885 per person and is based on availability at the time of booking.

Important Additional Information Read More

Get in Touch

Tel: 01479 420 020

Email Jane

Accommodation

The Bonham

35 Drumsheugh Gardens | Edinburgh | Midlothian |
EH3 7RN | Scotland
Phone: 0131 226 6050
Web: thebonham.com

Kingshouse Hotel

Glencoe | Ballachulish |
PH49 4HY | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1855 851 260
Web: kingshousehotel.co.uk

The Bracken Hide

Struan Rd | Portree |
IV51 9EG | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 01478 298332

Royal Golf Hotel

The First Tee | Dornoch |
IV25 3LG | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1862 810283
Web: royalgolfhoteldornoch.com

Ravenscraig Guest House

141 Grampian Road | Aviemore |
PH22 1RP | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1479 810278
Web: ravenscraighouse.co.uk

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Glencoe

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Cairngorms - Uath Lochans

Meet Your Guides

Kathryn Grindrod

Contact Number: 07391008054

My background…I’m from the Lake District and was brought up with my 3 other siblings in a remote valley surrounded by hills woodland and fields.  Most of our free time at home was spent running around exploring and building dens.  Our holidays were usually camping and sailing trips to the Western Isles or staying in remote holiday cottages to go walking and exploring.

My life now…..During the winter I’m based in the Aviemore and I work in the Cairngorms as one of the senior forecasters for the Scottish Avalanche Information Service.  I love working in the dramatic landscape, it’s so varied and often challenging.

Sometimes I see the most beautiful snow crystals and wildlife. The rest of the year I work as a freelance walking guide either in the Highlands, the Lake District which is my family home or the Alps.  Occasionally I venture as far as the Himalaya’s to guide Everest Base camp or generally wander up the Khumbu valley.

Some of my spare time is spent walking our dogs or gardening and if I’m going on holiday I love sailing in the Western Isles or skiing in the Alps.

My love of being in the outdoors has been with me since I was a child growing up with my brothers and sisters in the Lake District. I qualified as an international mountain leader in 2007 and have guided in the Scottish highlands alps and Himalaya. During the winter months, I am based in the Cairngorm mountains working as a forecaster for the Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS).

 

Full Web Bio

Alan Wright

Contact Number: +44 (0)7976 520 990

I fell in love with the outdoors over 25 years ago following a week’s solo excursion walking the West Highland Way, which introduced me to the stunning scenery and landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.

Since then, I have used every opportunity to visit and walk Scotland’s hills, mountains, glens & islands, thus building upon my experience and knowledge, which eventually led me to the dream job as a walking guide – as I aimed to break free from my career in finance.

My walking experiences have taken me to the French & Austrian Alps, The Pyrenees and the wilds of the bush & rainforest in Queensland, Australia, but I would never swap any of them for what can be found in Scotland’s countryside.

Full Web Bio

Virtuoso

Bergen – Exploring the Highlands and Islands

Wednesday 17th July – Friday 26th July 2024