Experience the Highlands

Jason Ortega and Heather Rossi

Sunday 18th May – Friday 23rd May 2025

Number of Travellers:  2
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

Overview

Discover the magic of Scotland on this unforgettable journey through its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and iconic landmarks. From the bustling city of Edinburgh to the serene Isle of Skye, immerse yourself in unique experiences like farming, distillery tours and a rewilding centre. With expert guidance and curated activities, this trip blends adventure, history, and relaxation in perfect harmony. Whether you’re hiking the rugged Highlands or savouring world-class cuisine, every moment is designed to leave you inspired and rejuvenated.

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the life of a Scottish farmer, complete with a sheepdog demonstration.
  • Hike through the majestic peaks and glens of Glencoe with an expert guide.
  • Enjoy a Talisker distillery tour and savour a gourmet lunch in collaboration with the renowned Three Chimneys restaurant.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Sunday 18th May - Farming Adventure and Journey to the Highlands

Your journey begins in Edinburgh, where you’ll collect your hire car and set off towards the picturesque landscapes of Loch Lomond. Today offers an authentic taste of Scottish rural life as you spend the day on a traditional working farm that has been in the same family for 11 generations. Join your hosts at Shemore Farm near Luss for a “Day in the Life of a Farmer” experience. Today you might meet lambs, watch skilled sheepdogs at work, or learn about time-honoured farming techniques like dry stone walling. You’ll enjoy a hearty farmhouse lunch made with local ingredients and served with warm Highland hospitality. After an immersive day outdoors, continue your journey north through the ever-changing landscapes of the Highlands. Arrive in Glencoe and settle into your elegant suite at the historic Glencoe House, where you can relax and take in the sweeping views across sea lochs and dramatic mountain peaks. If you woudl like to dine in your suite tonight dinner need to be pre-booked.

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 1 - Farm Tour Read More +

Activity: Farm Tour
Start Location: Shemore Farm Luss, Alexandria, G83 8RH | Start Time: 11:00
Phone: +44(0)7361536839 | Website: https://lennoxoflomond.com/

Today you’ll explore the beauty of the countryside on a guided farm tour, where you’ll meet friendly animals and learn about sustainable farming. Afterward, enjoy a hearty farm-fresh lunch, the tour is around 6 hours but this is a private tour so this is flexible.

Please use google maps and type SHANTRON FARM TOURS and click directions. Please park as you come in on the right at the farm house next to the parked car.  If you are running late or need help with directions, please text or call on ‪07361536839.

It’s best to plan for all weathers, as Scotland can offer 4 seasons in one day. Layers are key as well as waterproof jacket and pants.

Please bring a bottle of water which you can refill through out the day. You will also need foot ware you don’t mind getting dirty, walking boots of wellingtons are best.

Day 1 - Clachaig Inn Read More +

For a relaxed dinner this evening you may want to check out the Clachaig Inn, dinner reservations can not be made in advance so if you plan to dine there you may have a small wait. Tonight The Clachaig has an open music session where local folk musicians get together for an informal jam session – kick off is around 9pm.

If you fancy something quick after a bigger lunch then the Glencoe Inn has wood fired pizza’s which you can take away or eat outside.

Day 2 - Monday 19th May - Guided Hiking in Glencoe

After a delicious breakfast served in the comfort of your suite, your guide will meet you at Glencoe House to plan the day’s adventure. Glencoe offers a wealth of hiking options, and your guide will tailor the route to match your interests and energy levels. Perhaps you’ll explore the hidden valleys of Glen Etive, wander beneath the iconic Three Sisters, or ascend to a viewpoint that rewards you with sweeping vistas over lochs and peaks. As you walk, your guide will bring the landscape to life with stories of ancient clans, geological wonders, and the haunting tale of the Glencoe Massacre – a moment in history that still echoes through the glen. Keep an eye out for red deer grazing on the hillsides or golden eagles soaring overhead. After a rewarding day on the trail, you may wish to round things off with a visit to the legendary Clachaig Inn. A favourite with hillwalkers for generations, this cosy pub offers a chance to toast your efforts with a local ale, soak in the lively atmosphere, or choose to dine in your suite this evening, this should be pre-booked.

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 2 - Guide Details - Owen Connolly Read More +

Name: Owen Connolly
Contact Number: 07852131125
Meeting Place: Glencoe House | Meeting Time: 09:00

You’ll meet your guide, Owen, at your hotel, where he’ll go over the hiking options for the day. He’ll be with you today and tomorrow morning guiding your adventures until he departs on the 20th of May – leaving you ready to continue exploring on your own. Please discuss meeting time for the morning of the 20th.

Day 3 - Tuesday 20th May - Afternoon Tea at Inverlochy Castle

Meet your guide this morning and make your way towards Fort William, an early start means you can make the most of your morning. 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, if you can brave it is a short walk to a waterfall beyond. This afternoon, your guide will leave you and you’ll head to Inverlochy Castle to indulge in a delightful afternoon tea, savouring the elegance of its surroundings. Once you have had your fill leave Inverlochy Castle and travel along ‘The Road to the Isles’, arriving in the small fishing village of Mallaig, where you’ll board the ferry to the enchanting Isle of Skye. Check into the charming Bosville Hotel where you can relax and enjoy the evening in this enchanting setting.

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

Day 3 - Afternoon Tea Read More +

Activity: Afternoon Tea
Start Location: Inverlochy Castle, Fort William, PH33 6SN | Start Time: 13:30
Phone: +44(0)1397 702 177 | Website: https://www.inverlochycastlehotel.com

Enjoy an afternoon tea in a cosy and calm castle with warm scones, sweet cakes and hot tea, all served on fancy plates.

Plan to spend about an hour enjoying you afternoon tea before heading to Mallaig to catch the ferry.

Day 3 - Ferry Details Read More +

Operator: Caledonian MacBrayne
Booking Reference: S2500382354
Contact Number: +44 (0) 1475 650 110

Departure Port: Mallaig | Departure Time: 16:25
Arrival Port: Armadale | Arrival Time: 17:10

Catch the ferry from Mallaig to Armadale.

The drive from Inverlochy Castle to Mallaig takes about an hour. Check in times for the ferry are strict so please make sure you arrive 30 minutes before the planned departure time (by 3:55pm) to get checked in. Check in closes at 16:05 and if you are later than that you will not be allowed to board.
The journey will approximately be 45 minutes long.

Please see your attached tickets in the Travel Documents section below.

 

Day 3 - Details Read More +

If you are not to full from your afternoon tea then dinner can be booked at your hotel – please do this in advance as restaurants in Skye book up quickly. Or there are some lovely take away shops where you can enjoy traditional fish and chips sitting at the harbour.

Day 4 - Wednesday 21st May - Fairy Pools, Distillery, and Art

Begin your day with a visit to the enchanting Fairy Pools, nestled at the foot of the Black Cuillin mountains. These crystal-clear cascades and shimmering blue pools are fed by pure mountain streams, creating a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. Take time to wander along the trail, crossing stepping stones and soaking in the serenity of this magical setting. To make the most of this day arrive as early as you can as it does get busy.
Later, head west to the Talisker Distillery, Skye’s oldest working distillery, where the wild Atlantic coast meets rich whisky heritage. Enjoy a guided tour that walks you through the distilling process, complete with a tasting of their signature smoky, sea-salted drams. The experience is elevated further with a special collaboration lunch created by the award-winning team at The Three Chimneys. Served in the unique setting of the distillery, this seasonal, locally inspired menu is a true celebration of Skye’s world-class food scene. In the afternoon, take time to explore the island’s creative spirit. Browse the local art galleries and craft studios showcasing work from Skye’s thriving community of artists and makers, or opt for a peaceful walk along the black sands of Talisker Bay. Framed by sea cliffs and often dotted with seabirds, this quiet stretch of coast is perfect for a reflective stroll before you return to the comfort of the Bosville Hotel for the night. If you wish dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant tonight please make reservations in advance.

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

Day 4 - Talisker Made By The Sea Tasting Experience Read More +

Activity: Talisker Made By The Sea Tasting Experience
Start Location: Carbost, Isle of Skye, IV47 8SR | Start Time: 11:30
Booking Reference: 7537156
Phone: +44 (0) 1478 614308 | Website: https://www.malts.com/en-gb/brands/talisker

Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour is due to start, the tour takes around an hour.

Day 4 - Lunch Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Three Chimneys at Talisker | Location: Talisker Distillery
Reservation Time: 12:45 | Booking Reference: BTHFZR94
Website: https://talisker.threechimneys.co.uk/

Lunch is budgeted at £38 per person. Any costs beyond that should be settled directly with the restaurant.

Day 4 - Art tour on Skye Read More +

Skye is home to many artists, if you wish to explore this afternoon you may want to check out this interactive map.

Day 4 - Portree Restaurant Options Read More +

Day 5 - Thursday 22nd May - Castles, Rewilding, and Travel to London

This morning, leave the Isle of Skye behind as you journey back to the mainland. Your first stop is one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks – Eilean Donan Castle. Perched on a small tidal island where three great sea lochs meet, this 13th-century stronghold is steeped in history and framed by breathtaking Highland scenery. Take time to explore the castle’s atmospheric rooms and learn about its turbulent past, from clan feuds to Jacobite uprisings, all while enjoying views across the water that have made it a favourite for film and photography. Continue your drive through the dramatic Highland landscape, following winding roads past lochs and through glens until you reach the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre – a hub of conservation and ecological restoration at the heart of the Highlands. Here, you can have lunch before being joined by an expert guide who will introduce you to the vital work being done to rewild the ancient Caledonian Forest. Visit the on-site specialist tree nursery, where native species are carefully cultivated for replanting, and learn about the efforts to protect biodiversity, support rare wildlife, and restore the natural ecosystem.After your visit, travel onwards to Inverness, the vibrant capital of the Highlands. On the way, you’ll pass the legendary waters of Loch Ness – keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of the elusive Nessie! Upon arrival in Inverness, return your hire car and enjoy a relaxed dinner at one of the city’s welcoming restaurants. Later this evening, board the Caledonian Sleeper train and settle into your private cabin. As the train gently rolls southward through the darkness, drift off to sleep and dream of Highland hills and lochside legends, waking up the next morning in the heart of London.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Eilean Donan Castle Read More +

Activity: Eilean Donan Castle
Website: https://www.eileandonancastle.com/

Tickets can not be purchased in advance so if you do want to visit the castle please buy tickets on arrival. The castle opens at 10am and it is worth getting their early if you can so you can explore with fewer people around.

Day 5 - Dundreggan Rewilding Centre Tour Read More +

Activity: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre Tour
Start Location: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre | Start Time: 13:30
Phone: +44(0)1320 340 380 | Website: https://treesforlife.org.uk

Please use the east entrance, to get to the Rewilding Centre car parks, the signs for Dundreggan Rewilding Centre are clearly visible from the road.

The tour takes about an hour and a half so you may want to have lunch in the cafe here (or at Eilean Donan Castle before hand).
Please give your name to the team on arrival and mention your tour is booked through Wilderness Scotland.

Day 5 - Train Details Read More +

Travel Date: May 22, 2025 | Rail Operator: Caledonian Sleeper
Departure Train Station: Inverness Train Station | Departure Time: 20:45
Arrival Train Station: London Euston | Arrival Time: 08:00

A double cabin has been booked for you. Reference: CSW5656815 INV-EUS

Tickets are in the Travel Document section below.

Boarding commences at 8pm.
Coach J, room(s) 4

Day 6 - Friday 23rd May - Morning Arrival in London

Wake up refreshed in the heart of London, ready to embark on your next adventure.

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 5
  • Sleeper train tickets
  • Meals as indicated above
  • Ferry to Skye
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary:
    • Local farm visit and sheep dog demonstration
    • Afternoon tea at Inverlochy Castle
    • Talisker distillery tour
    • Three Chimney’s pop up lunch
    • Guided tour of rewilding centre
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24 hour in-country support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Car hire or parking charges
  • 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: 888 351 5707


Out of Office Hours | 5:30pm – 9:00am

+44 (0)7766 794 640


Emergency Services

999

Important Additional Information Read More

Accommodation

Glencoe House

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

The Bosville

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


Meet Your Guide

Owen Connolly

Contact Number: +44(0)7852131125

I grew up in Glasgow, but virtually every weekend was spent getting out of the city and plunging myself into nature. My parents like to remind me that I was the one who insisted we go to a new west coast island for our summer holidays rather than a beach resort in Spain. So, it was no surprise to anyone when I chose to study Zoology and Environmental Chemistry at university. I am most definitely one of those people who will tell you an amazing fact about nature, even if you don’t want to hear it.

I have spent the past few decades wearing many hats (and helmets). I’ve now led people through canyons, up a via Ferrata, down rapids, and over mountains. I have been able to align my passions with my profession, and I know how fortunate I am that every day on the job doesn’t feel like work.

Full Web Bio