Tuesday 11th June – Monday 17th June 2024
Embark on a thrilling week-long guided adventure in Scotland, designed for you. Start in Fort William, exploring its stunning surroundings with hikes, including a potential climb up Ben Nevis. Then, journey to the mystical Isle of Skye, stopping to enjoy some sea kayaking along dramatic coastlines and tranquil canoeing along the Caledonian Canal. Each day promises exciting outdoor activities led by your experienced guide, ensuring a memorable and safe experience. Relax each evening in cosy accommodations, savouring local cuisine and sharing stories of your Scottish escapades. This trip offers a perfect blend of adventure and family bonding in Scotland’s captivating wilderness.
Meet your Wilderness Scotland guide, Scott, in Inverness this morning and begin your adventure by heading west. Travel south along Loch Ness, where you can visit the historic ruins of Urquhart Castle. Explore the castle’s dramatic setting and learn about its intriguing history. Then, continue through the stunning Scottish Highlands, passing quaint villages and enjoying views of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak. Arrive in Fort William, surrounded by majestic landscapes, after a day filled with history and natural beauty.
Overnight: Fort William | Myrtle Bank Guest House
Meals Included: Lunch
Name:
Scott McNeish
Contact Number: +44 (0)7533 356 572
Meeting Place: Glenmoriston Town House, 20 Ness Bank Inverness, IV2 4SF | Meeting Time: 10:00
Restaurant: The Lime Tree Hotel & Restaurant | Location: Fort William
Reservation Time: 19:00
Enjoy breakfast before meeting Scott and heading out to explore. The spectacular Glencoe, carved out centuries ago by glaciers and volcanic eruptions, offers some wild and scenic hiking. 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. Surrounded by jagged peaks that shift in and out of mountain mist, visit the Glencoe Center to learn about the landscape’s haunting history. Alternatively, if you’re up for a challenge, set your sights on Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest mountain and enjoy endless views from the summit.
Overnight: Fort William | Myrtle Bank Guest House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: Crannog Restaurant | Location: Fort William
Reservation Time: 19:00
Connecting Inverness to Scotland’s west coast is the Caledonian Canal and today you’ll be paddling along it. Get kitted out and enjoy canoeing a section of this 19th century canal – a great and relaxing way to explore a scenic part of Scotland’s famous waterway. After a spot of lunch, chat with Scott about options for an afternoon hike or enjoy some time wandering the streets and waterfront of Fort William, enjoy locally baked goods and take in the spectacular views.
Overnight: Fort William | Myrtle Bank Guest House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: The Highland Cinema | Location: Fort William
Reservation Time: 19:00
This morning you’ll travel to Arisaig to enjoy a day of sea kayaking. The water here is sheltered and incredibly clear which makes it one of the best places in Scotland to kayak. You’ll spend the day exploring the coastline and rocky skerries, home to a variety of wildlife including a seal colony. Taking care not to disturb them we’ll watch as they lounge on the rocks. They are curious and will often slip into the water, popping up beside you to get a closer look. Enjoy a picnic lunch on a deserted island where you can often see eagles soaring across the sky. This afternoon, we’ll catch the ferry to the mystical Isle of Skye, your home for the next few nights. Settle in and take some time to explore the quirky and colourful town of Portree before dinner.
Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: Dulse & Brose | Location: Portree
Reservation Time: 19:00
This morning head out with Scott to explore the dramatic landscape of the Quiraing on the northern peninsula of Skye. As you walk, admire the stark rock formations that rise from the rugged ground like the great ruined battlements of a long-forgotten war. Chat with Scott about the geology and history of the area, enjoying the incredible sweeping views of the islands, mountains and sun-clipped shores that stretch in every direction. This afternoon, perhaps visit Dunvegan Castle, a Hebridean fortress which has been home to the same family for over 800 years. Learn about the family ancestry and stroll around the formal gardens, perhaps pausing for a home bake and cup of tea, all the while admiring the stunning views.
Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: Cuchullin Restaurant | Location: Portree
Reservation Time: 18:15
Feeling rested, head south, arriving 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. As the lovely first mate provides some fascinating history about the surrounding islands, look for sleepy seals lounging on the warm rocks. Upon reaching the shore, leave the boat to explore Loch Coruisk, also known as the Cauldron of the Waters, 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.
Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: Antler's Bar & Grill | Location: Portree
Reservation Time: 19:15
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast, overlooking Portree bay before jumping in the van with Scott and beginning your journey back to Inverness. Depending on your onward travel plans, there may be time to stop for a final hike or dive into history with a visit to the iconic Eilean Donan Castle. Arriving in Inverness, Scott will say his farewells and leave you to continue your homeward journey.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Achintore Road |
Fort William |
PH33 6RQ |
Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1397 702 034
Web: myrtlebankguesthouse.co.uk
Portree |
Isle of Skye |
IV51 9DG |
Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1478 612846
Web: perlehotels.com/the-bosville
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Contact Number: +44 (0)7533 356 572
I work within the operations team at Wilderness Scotland and am incredibly lucky to be able to be part of the guiding team too. After a nomadic childhood growing up in Austria, Hong Kong, Norway, and Canada I caught the bug for adventure travel and have spent a lifetime skiing, climbing and canoeing and have been lucky enough to join trips all over the world.
Following a career in the Royal Air Force I settled in the Highlands and love the wildness of a winter’s day out in the Cairngorms. To me, Scotland is the world ‘distilled’ into one great mini adventure playground and offers so much I just need to keep exploring it.
Tuesday 11th June – Monday 17th June 2024
