Cissel - Journey Through the Highlands

Thursday 3rd October – Thursday 10th October 2024

Number of Travellers: 6
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable trip through the heart of Scotland which seamlessly blends the rugged beauty of the West Highland Way with the enchanting allure of the Isle of Skye. Witness the awe-inspiring landscapes of Quiraing, the Old Man of Storr, and the Fairy Pools, where nature’s wonders paint a surreal backdrop to your exploration. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking tranquillity in nature, your guide will ensure a personalised experience tailored to your interests. Each evening, rest in excellent handpicked accommodations, ranging from cosy inns to luxurious castle hotels, providing a perfect blend of comfort and authenticity.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Thursday 3rd October | Day 1 - Arrive in Bridge of Orchy | Overnight: Bridge of Orchy

Day 2 | Friday 4th October | Bridge of Orchy to Glencoe | Overnight: Glencoe

Day 3 | Saturday 5th October | Glencoe to Kinlochleven | Overnight: Glencoe

Day 4 | Sunday 6th October | Kinlochleven to Fort William | Overnight: Near Fort William

Day 5 | Monday 7th October | Over the Sea to Skye | Overnight: Isle of Skye

Day 6 | Tuesday 8th October | Hiking the Trotternish Peninsula | Overnight: Isle of Skye

Day 7 | Wednesday 9th October | Loch Coruisk & The Black Cuillin | Overnight: Isle of Skye

Day 8 | Thursday 10th October | Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns & Depart

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of the West Highland Way
  • Venture to the enchanting Isle of Skye, known for its otherworldly landscapes and rugged coastline
  • Engage with local culture, savour traditional Scottish cuisine in quaint pubs, and listen to tales of each region's rich history

Day by Day

Day 1 - Thursday 3rd October - Day 1 - Arrive in Bridge of Orchy

Embark on a tranquil day travelling from Glasgow to Bridge of Orchy by train, witnessing Scotland’s picturesque landscapes. Check into a carefully chosen hotel in the welcoming Highland village, offering a seamless blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. Explore the West Highland Way or relax in the hotel’s cosy ambience during the leisurely afternoon. Savour a delightful dinner and relax in your accommodation before starting your hiking adventure tomorrow.

Overnight: Bridge of Orchy | Bridge of Orchy Hotel
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Guide Details - Paul McCaffrey Read More +

Name: Paul McCaffrey
Contact Number: +44(0)7838 241 700
Meeting Place: Bridge of Orchy Train Station | Meeting Time: 14:48

Paul will meet you at the train station in Bridge of Orchy this afternoon to introduce himself and chat a little about the adventure that lies ahead. It is a 5 minute walk from the train station to the hotel and Paul will be able to assist with carrying bags.

Day 2 - Friday 4th October - Bridge of Orchy to Glencoe

Leaving Bridge of Orchy behind this morning, head into the brooding melancholy of Glencoe. A steady climb provides stunning views of Loch Tulla and across Rannoch Moor, which rolls out ahead of you towards the horizon. Ribbon your way across the lonely landscape, looking out for red deer and birds of prey. Arrive in Glencoe and check into your warm and breathtakingly located hotel.

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 20 km / 13 miles | 469 m / 1,540 ft elevation gain

Day 3 - Saturday 5th October - Glencoe to Kinlochleven

Today is especially rewarding and, although shorter than those previous, contains the biggest amount of ascent. Zig-zag up a trail known as the ‘Devil’s Staircase’ to the top of the pass at 547m. The views from here are incredible and arresting; the mountain summits are often misted in snow even in the height of summer. Descend on a good trail to the small village of Kinlochleven. A short transfer takes us back to Glencoe for a second night of luxury overlooking the picturesque Loch Leven.

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 14 km / 9 miles | 430 m / 1,410 ft elevation gain

Day 4 - Sunday 6th October - Kinlochleven to Fort William

The final day on the trail is suitably enchanting and deservedly satisfying. Begin by walking through the woods above Kinlochleven before strolling along a great glen which provides captivating views of Ben Nevis and the surrounding mountains. Descend steadily towards Fort William, where a bronze sculpture of a walker marks the celebratory end of your West Highland Way adventure. A short transfer takes you to your next overnight stop, nestled in the foothills of the Ben.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 24 km / 15 miles | 475 m / 1,560 ft elevation gain

Day 5 - Monday 7th October - Over the Sea to Skye

After breakfast, we’ll travel from Fort William to the mystical Isle of Skye. Begin your adventure with a scenic drive, where the majesty of the Scottish Highlands unfolds before you. Arriving at Mallaig, board the ferry destined for Armadale on the Isle of Skye. The ferry voyage is a spectacle in itself, offering panoramic views of rugged coastlines and distant peaks. With the rest of the day at your disposal, choose to head out for an afternoon hike or settle into your hotel located in Portree, the largest town on Skye filled with lots of quirky shops and galleries which are worth a nosy around.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Tuesday 8th October - Hiking the Trotternish Peninsula

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 Paul 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.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Wednesday 9th October - Loch Coruisk & The Black Cuillin

This morning, we wind our way to Elgol – a tiny hamlet scattered along the western cliffs of the Strathaird Peninsula. From a small jetty, sail over Loch Scavaig into the very heart of the Black Cuillin. Upon reaching the shore, leave the boat to explore Loch Coruisk, a deep dark loch that stretches like a shadow below the volcanic peaks. Circumnavigate the loch with Paul, enjoying being immersed in this wild landscape. While there isn’t much ascent today, the walking is sometimes rough, and a couple of river crossings involve stepping stones. Back at your hotel this evening, enjoy dinner after a day well spent.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Thursday 10th October - Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns & Depart

Bid farewell to Skye and travel to the Highland capital of Inverness. Along the way, you may wish to stop at Eilean Donan Castle, often regarded as Scotland’s most picturesque castle. This afternoon, delve into the past at the haunting Culloden Battlefield, where the echoes of the Jacobite uprising still linger. The solemn atmosphere is heightened by the iconic markers, each telling a poignant tale. Round off the day at the mystical Clava Cairns, an ancient burial ground surrounded by standing stones, shrouded in an aura of mystery. Paul will then drop you at Rocpool Reserve Hotel and Inverness Airport to conclude your adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 8
  • Most meals as indicated above
  • Luggage transfer along the West Highland Way for the first few days of your trip (1 bag per person with strict 20kg limit), meaning you will only have to carry a day rucksack.
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 1 to Day 8
  • Ground transportation from Day 2 to Day 8
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically;
  • Boat trip to Loch Coruisk
  • Entry to Culloden Battlefield
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Snacks throughout the trip
  • 24 hour in-country support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Trains
  • Travel Insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
Notes Read More

Whilst on the West Highland Way (days 1-4):

Your Baggage Transfer Service – Travel-lite
Whilst on the West Highland Way your luggage will be transferred each day between accommodation providers by Travel-lite. Your bags should be clearly labelled and available for pick up from your accommodation by 0900 hrs each morning.

Please note that strictly one bag per person is included in the trip price and bags should weigh no more than 20 kgs. If you decide to bring an extra bag(s), Travel-lite will charge an additional £70.00 per bag. If your bag(s) exceed the weight limit then you will be requested to split your bag(s) and an additional £70.00 per bag will be requested by Travel-lite.

Please also note that, as per Travel-lite’s Terms & Conditions, no valuable or breakable items are to be left in transportable bags. In particular – laptops, iPads, tablets or glass bottles. Baggage is only insured whilst in transit on the Travel-lite vehicles and, therefore, it is recommended that you have adequate travel insurance.

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

Important Additional Information Read More
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Get in Touch

Tel: 866 740 3890

Email Chris

Accommodation

Bridge of Orchy Hotel

Bridge of Orchy | Argyll |
PA36 4AD | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1838 400 208
Web: bridgeoforchy.co.uk

Glencoe House

Glencoe | West Highlands |
PH49 4HT | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1855 811 179
Web: glencoe-house.com

Inverlochy Castle Hotel

Torlundy | Near Fort William |
PH33 6SN | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1397 702 177
Web: inverlochycastlehotel.com

Cuillin Hills Hotel

Portree | Isle of Skye |
IV51 9QU | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)147 861 2003
Web: cuillinhills-hotel-skye.co.uk

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Glencoe

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Meet Your Guide

Paul McCaffrey

Contact Number: +44 (0)7838 241700

Mini Bio

I am a motivated and enthusiastic outdoor practitioner. I have always hated the idea of a mundane job and at university I even started my own business as a means of escaping this fate.  A perfect day for me, is one where I am having adventures with other like-minded people, in beautiful wild places.

Place to play

Torridon or Outer Hebrides are amazing and contain some really special memories.

Most people don’t know this about me

I could fly an aircraft on my own before I could drive on my own.

Virtuoso

Cissel – Journey Through the Highlands

Thursday 3rd October – Thursday 10th October 2024