A Scottish Adventure

Deborah, Kathleen, Sharon, Danelle, Lynn and Diane

Thursday 12th September – Saturday 21st September 2024

Number of Travellers: 6
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights

Overview

Join us on a bespoke trip that takes you into the heart of the Highlands. Hike along stunning trails that weave through brilliant purple heather below ancient Caledonian pines. Meander along the shores of hidden lochans, looking out for roe deer and golden eagles. Enjoy the wild beauty of the slate-blue Cairngorm mountains and the boundless lonely moors which stretch below iridescent skies. Visit the stunning Isle of Skye and the silver sands of Arisaig. With Jeremy discover the beauty of Scotland’s unique landscape – visiting standing stones and battlefields, taking a boat trip to Loch Coruisk, and exploring Glencoe’s remote, rugged beauty. As the sun sinks below the horizon and the sky grows thick with stars, settle into hand-picked accommodation carefully chosen for their relaxed luxury and traditional charm. On a trip designed just for you, enjoy the enchanting beauty of Scotland.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Thursday 12th September | Welcome to Edinburgh | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 2 | Friday 13th September | Exploring Edinburgh | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 3 | Saturday 14th September | Travel to the Highlands | Overnight: Kingussie

Day 4 | Sunday 15th September | Exploring the Cairngorms | Overnight: Kingussie

Day 5 | Monday 16th September | Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns | Overnight: Portree

Day 6 | Tuesday 17th September | A Boat Trip to Loch Coruisk | Overnight: Portree

Day 7 | Wednesday 18th September | Silver Sands of Arisiag | Overnight: Benderloch

Day 8 | Thursday 19th September | Hiking in Glencoe | Overnight: Benderloch

Day 9 | Friday 20th September | Doune Castle and Return to Edinburgh | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 10 | Saturday 21st September | Greyfriars Bobby and Depart

Highlights

  • Take a boat trip out to the wild Loch Coruisk, one of the more remote lochs in Scotland.
  • Spend time hiking in the beautiful landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park.
  • Enjoy exploring the Highlands with Jeremy who will share his knowledge take care of all the details every step of the way.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Thursday 12th September - Welcome to Edinburgh

Arrive in 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). If you feel up to it the Palace of Holyrood House, once the home of Mary Queen of Scots is well worth a visit.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Roseate Edinburgh

Day 2 - Friday 13th September - Exploring Edinburgh

After breakfast, head out the door to spend the day exploring the city. Head to Lothian Road where you can spend the day exploring the city via hop on hop off bus. Choose where to disembark and explore before jumping back on again and heading to your next location. At some point today, you’ll visit Edinburgh Castle; give yourselves at least 2 hours to see the main attractions, including the tiny cathedral and Scotland’s Crown jewels. It’s worth trying to time it to be at the battle ramparts for the firing of the One O’clock Gun. Enjoy dinner tonight in the city.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Roseate Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Edinburgh City Sightseeing Read More +

Activity: Edinburgh City Sightseeing
| Start Time: 09:00
Booking Reference: TOURCMS|12919|442117
Phone: +44 (0) 131 220 0770 | Website: https://city-sightseeing.com/en/91/edinburgh/129/hop-on-hop-off-edinburgh

Your tickets are attached at the bottom of this itinerary.

Day 2 - Edinburgh Castle Read More +

Activity: Edinburgh Castle
Start Location: Edinburgh Castle
Booking Reference: 20240502-198201211
Phone: +44 (0) 131 225 9846 | Website: https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/

We’ve booked flexible tickets, so you can visit the castle whenever suits you. You should set aside at least 2 hours to see the main attractions at Edinburgh Castle. Your tickets can be found at the bottom of this itinerary.

Day 3 - Saturday 14th September - Travel to the Highlands

Jeremy will pick you up this morning, and you will begin your adventure north into the heart of the Highlands. Enjoy the beautiful drive, which takes you through the pretty region of Perthshire and the rugged western folds of the Cairngorms National Park. Along the way, stop for a walk and perhaps a sweet treat as we head into the Highlands and a wonderful local lunch. Continue north, ribboning between the Monalith Mountains before arriving in the small traditional village of Kingussie and settling into your cosy hotel.

Overnight: Kingussie | The Seelies
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Guide Details - Jeremy Martin Read More +

Name: Jeremy Martin
Contact Number: +44 (0)7717 390 103
Meeting Place: The Roseate Hotel | Meeting Time: 09:00

Jeremy will meet you at the reception of your hotel

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

Pub: Old Bridge Inn | Location: Aviemore
Reservation Time: 18:30
Website: http://www.oldbridgeinn.co.uk

Day 4 - Sunday 15th September - Exploring the Cairngorms

After breakfast, join Jeremy and head out for a lovely walk. The Uath Lochans (known locally as the Paw Print Lochans) are a hive of biodiversity where raised boardwalks wind through reedy marshlands. Look out for birds, frogs and the glittering wings of dragonflies as they dart over the wetlands. Ascend Farleitter Crag a small hill which offers incredible elevated views of the water, pinewoods and surrounding mountains. After lunch, visit Cairn Distillery. Enjoy a tour and tasting, learning more about Scotland’s most famous tipple.

Overnight: Kingussie | The Seelies
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Anderson's Restaurant | Location: Boat of Garten
Reservation Time: 18:00
Website: https://www.andersonsrestaurant.co.uk

Day 5 - Monday 16th September - Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns

Head north this morning to the Isle of Skye. Along the way, visit Culloden Battlefield and its richly researched and engaging visitor centre. Learn about one of the most important battles in Scottish history and walk across the rough moor where the Jacobites and the Government fought in 1746. There’s also the opportunity to see Clava Cairns – a well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery complex of passage graves, ring cairns, kerb cairns and standing stones. Enjoy lunch and take in the stunning views of Loch Ness. Continue west, crossing the arching bridge to Skye and settling into your welcoming accommodation.

Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Dulse & Brose | Location: Portree
Reservation Time: 18:30
Website: https://perlehotels.com/the-bosville/restaurant/

Day 6 - Tuesday 17th September - A Boat Trip to Loch Coruisk

This morning travel with Jeremy and arrive in Elgol – a tiny hamlet scattered along the western cliffs of the Strathaird peninsula. From a small jetty, board the charming Bella Jane and sail over Loch Scavaig into the very heart of the Black Cuillin. On the way look out for dolphins and porpoises as well as the sleek seals that make this area their home. Upon reaching the shore, leave the boat to explore Loch Coruisk, a deep, dark loch that stretches like a shadow below the impressive volcanic peaks. Choose to walk around the loch or climb the rugged mountain of Sgurr na Stri – which is considered by many to offer one of the wildest and most spectacular views in Scotland. Later explore the quirky town of Portree and it’s many shops and galleries.

Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Sprig | Location: Broadford
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: BL7XKK9A
Website: https://houseofjuniper.scot/the-sprig-restaurant/

Day 7 - Wednesday 18th September - Silver Sands of Arisiag

As the soft morning light recedes across the waves, hop on a small white ferry back to the mainland. Come ashore in Mallaig, a busy fishing port nestled below heathery hills. A short drive will take you to the silver sands of Morar, a collection of powdery white beaches peppered along the coastline. Enjoy a stunning walk, keeping an eye out for coastal birds and enjoying views across the crystal clear water to the horizon beyond. After your walk, head south stopping in Glenfinnan to view the monument and viaduct, perhaps catching a glimpse of the passing train then continue along the shores of Loch Linnhe to the Isle of Eriska – a small tidal island tethered to the mainland by a slim wooden bridge and the location of your castle hotel.

Overnight: Benderloch | Isle of Eriska
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Dinner Details Read More +

Hotel: Isle of Eriska Hotel | Location: Benderloch
Reservation Time: 18:30
Website: https://www.eriska-hotel.co.uk

Day 8 - Thursday 19th September - Hiking in Glencoe

After breakfast, ribbon your way inland to explore Glencoe. This spectacular, iconic glen – carved centuries ago by glaciers and volcanic eruptions – offers some wild and scenic hiking. One great option today 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 hide their rustled cattle. Chat with Jeremy about Glencoe’s history, and after your hike, surrounded by jagged peaks that shift in and out of mountain mist, visit the nearby Visitor Center to learn more about the landscape’s haunting past. Return the evening to your castle hotel for a final Highland dinner.

Overnight: Benderloch | Isle of Eriska
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Dinner Details Read More +

Hotel: Isle of Eriska Hotel | Location: Benderloch
Reservation Time: 18:30
Phone: +44 (0) 1631 720 371 | Website: https://www.eriska-hotel.co.uk

Day 9 - Friday 20th September - Doune Castle and Return to Edinburgh

This morning, leave the Highlands behind and enjoy the scenic drive from Eriska to Edinburgh, passing through the stunning Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Along the way, stop to visit Doune Castle – a 14th-century courtyard castle which is one of the best-preserved Medieval castles in Scotland. Fans of the show Outlander will recognise it as Castle Leoch. With a striking gatehouse and a labyrinth of rooms connected by narrow doorways, it’s a brilliant and evocative place to explore. Arrive back in Edinburgh, where Jeremy will leave you. This evening, enjoy a ghost tour down into the vaults of accent Edinburgh, a fun way to end your adventure.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Kimpton Charlotte Square
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - The Real Mary King's Close Read More +

Activity: The Real Mary King's Close
Start Location: Edinburgh | Start Time: 17:30 | Approx Duration: 1 hrs
Booking Reference: 41839294
Phone: +44 (0) 131 225 0672 | Website: https://www.realmarykingsclose.com/

Please be there 10 minutes before your tour and quote your booking reference number and Wilderness Scotland.

Tour location

Day 10 - Saturday 21st September - Greyfriars Bobby and Depart

After breakfast either transfer straight to the airport. Or, if there is time, spend the morning visiting some of the city’s lovely shops and pottering through Princes Street Gardens. Visit the statue of Greyfriars Bobby, a well-loved Skye terrier who spent 14 years guarding the grave of his owner until he died on 14 January 1872. Once at the airport begin your journey home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 10
  • Most meals as indicated above
  • Hop on hop off bus tour
  • Tickets to Edinburgh Castle
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 3 to Day 9
  • Ground transportation from Day 3 to Day 9
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Distillery tour
  • Culloden Battlefield tour
  • Boat trip on Skye
  • Doune castle entry
  • Ghost tout in Edinburgh
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Snacks throughout the trip
  • 24 hour in-country support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Transport to and from the airport
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities
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
  • Walking Kit List Kit List - PDF: View Now
  • Scotland General Info - PDF: View Now
  • Edinburgh Bus Tickets - PDF: View Now
  • Edinburgh Castle Tickets - PDF: View Now

Get in Touch

Email Rachael

Accommodation

The Roseate Edinburgh

4 West Coates & 5 Hampton Terrace | Edinburgh |
EH12 5JQ | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 131 337 6169
Web: roseatehotels.com/edinburgh/theroseate

The Seelies

15-17 High Street | Kingussie | Highland |
PH21 1HS | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 7745 921431
Web: theseelies.co.uk

The Bosville

Portree | Isle of Skye |
IV51 9DG | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1478 612846
Web: perlehotels.com/the-bosville

Isle of Eriska

Benderloch | Near Oban |
PA37 1SD | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1631 720 371
Web: eriska-hotel.co.uk

Kimpton Charlotte Square

Charlotte Square | Edinburgh | Midlothian |
EH2 4HQ | Scotland
Phone: 800 44445 566
Web: kimptoncharlottesquare.com

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Loch Garten

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Glen Feshie

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Cairngorms - Uath Lochans

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Goledn Eagle

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Cairngorms - Uath Lochans Winter

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Seal

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Dolphins

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Red Kite

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Meet Your Guide

Jeremy Martin

Contact Number: +44 (0)7717 390 103

My mum and dad were founding members of the “Rangiora Tramping Club” in New Zealand, so I grew up spending most of my weekends in the hills and valleys of Arthur’s Pass and other wild parts of New Zealand. At high school my mates and I taught ourselves to kayak by putting our boats in the school pool at lunch time and figuring it out.

Since then I’ve been working as a guide and instructor in New Zealand, Scotland, Turkey and other beautiful places.

Full Web Bio

Virtuoso

A Scottish Adventure

Thursday 12th September – Saturday 21st September 2024