Fitch Scottish Hiking Explorations

Day 1 - Tuesday 1^st October - Welcome To Scotland! Meet Your Guide & Head North.

This morning your Private Guide (who will also act as your driver) will meet you on arrival at Glasgow Airport and together you will head north straight into the Highlands. There are many options for gentle strolls taking in the beautiful scenery, depending on your arrival time, which your guide will bring to life for you as you travel. So maybe take a leg stretch to discover a special beauty spot, or save your legs to start your explorations tomorrow.

Overnight: Glencoe | Kingshouse Hotel
Room Type: Guest Double
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Wednesday 2^nd October - Hiking Glencoe & Discover Its Legends

The dramatic mountains and ridges of Glencoe have featured as the backdrop in many films and once you are looking up at these summits it is easy to see why! Today you will explore this famous valley with your guide, there are plenty of options to suit every level of energy and challenge. After your hike settle down with a celebratory beverage in a traditional climbers pub and listen to local legends and fascinating tales of the dark past of Glencoe told by a local storyteller.

Overnight: Glencoe | Kingshouse Hotel
Room Type: Guest Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Thursday 3^rd October - Hiking Lochaber

You have the full day to explore the surrounding mountains and glens on foot today and you will be spoilt for choice with all the possible routes. Together with your guide you will decide on an option which suits your preferred level of challenge (and energy!), and the weather.

Perhaps explore the atmospheric Glen Nevis at the foot of the tallest mountain in Scotland. Walk along the dramatic gorge to reach the secluded but impressive Steall Falls. There is a notorious wire bridge crossing the water nearby, but most people are content to admire it rather than use it! No matter what you pick, your guide will make the landscape come alive with stories and local insights.

Overnight: Glencoe | Kingshouse Hotel
Room Type: Guest Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Friday 4^th October - Transfer North Via Quiet Hike on Skye

Transfer North via a ferry to the Isle of Skye this morning, and make the most of your route to hike a route which offers incredible views of the iconic Black Cuillin Mountains but keeps you away from the tourist hotspots on the Isle of Skye.

Overnight: Plockton | Plockton Inn
Room Type: Superior King Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Saturday 5^th October - Gentle Local Hikes or Explorations

Enjoy a more relaxed day with shorter and more local hikes, discovering the coral white beach or the viewpoint above the village. There is also the option to head a bit further if you want to explore a specific area more, such as a visit to the iconic Eilean Donan Castle. Just chat with your guide for the best options to suit you.

Overnight: Plockton | Plockton Inn
Room Type: Superior King Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Sunday 6^th October - Hike Torridon & Transfer East

Today you enjoy a hike offering some of the most spectacular views in Scotland. The Torridon mountains are known for their sharp rocky ridges, but you set off along a low-level trail passing serene Loch Clair before reaching Loch Coulin. The views of the towering peaks of Beinn Eighe and Liathach reflected in the lochs is one of the finest mountain views in Scotland. After your hike you head East to settle into your welcoming hotel before dinner.

Overnight: Near Inverness | Boath House
Room Type: Classic Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Monday 7^th October - Hiking Options

There are several great hiking options available to you from this location. So your guide will discuss with you the best routes and choices to suit you today.

Options – Classic West Cairngorms Hike (note this is a drive to Aviemore & back, but great option for a shorter Munro summit)

OR Coastal hikes & visit local arts community

OR whisky Smugglers trails in Speyside & visit a classic Distillery

Overnight: Near Inverness | Boath House
Room Type: Classic Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Tuesday 8^th October - Transfer into Cairngorm National Park (East) & hike on route

Today you head deep into the Cairngorms National Park following the ‘Snow Road’. There are several intriguing art installations along the way, all inviting you to focus on certain views in this wild landscape. And of course there are plenty of fabulous hiking explorations possible in these rolling glens. Your guide will advise the best options to suit you today.

Overnight: Ballater | The Balmoral Arms
Room Type: Classic King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Wednesday 9^th October - Hike Lock Muick

Superb hiking options abound in Royal Deeside and you will be spoilt for choice with all the possible routes. Together with your guide you will decide on an option which suits your preferred level of challenge, energy, and the weather.

Perhaps hike around the sparkling waters of Loch Muick, where the mountains of the Cairngorms rise up from the loch shores. This beautiful location has a long standing association with the British Royal family and a pretty hunting lodge built for Queen Victoria sits on the northern shore. Admire the atmospheric crags and corries of Lochnagar mountain which Lord Byron immortalised in verse, including the line “I sigh for the valley of dark Lochnagar”.

Overnight: Ballater | The Balmoral Arms
Room Type: Classic King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Thursday 10^th October - Royal Deeside

Take a fascinating stroll with your guide in the Balmoral Estate this morning, which has been one of the favourite retreats of the Royal Family since it was bought for Queen Victoria in 1852. Wind your way through the woodland to visit some of the unique memorial cairns erected by the royals over the years, including a pyramid dedicated to Prince Albert. 

This afternoon you can choose if you wish to set out on annother hike, or enjoy a more relaxing afternoon exploring the charming streets of Braemar village and the local area. The choice is yours.

Note: the Royal Cairns hike may not be possible if the Royal Family are in residence at Balmoral Castle. If this is the case then your guide will discuss alternative with you (of which there are many superb options!).

Overnight: Ballater | The Balmoral Arms
Room Type: Classic King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Friday 11^th October - Transfer To Edinburgh & Hike On Route

Today you depart the Cairngorms National Park as you head to Edinburgh for your final night in Scotland. Before your guide drops you at your city centre hotel you have most of the  day to play with however, so you have decisions to make. Perhaps one last hike before you leave the mountains, or change the scenery completely and take in part of the Fife Coastal Trail. The charming fishing villages here cluster around tiny harbours and offer award winning fish & chips which are highly recommended!

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Rutland Hotel
Room Type: Executive Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12 - Saturday 12^th October - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations in the beautiful hiking destinations of Scotland.

Meals Included: Breakfast