Marten Carlson Hiking & Highlights of Scotland in 2025 - V3
Monday 5th May – Tuesday 13th May 2025
Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Monday 5th May – Tuesday 13th May 2025
Your private trip guide (who will also act as your driver for your time together) will meet you on arrival at Glasgow Train Station and together you head towards the rolling hills of beautiful Highland Perthshire. Depending on your arrival time you may be able to fit in a visit to mighty Stirling Castle or a scenic leg stretch before heading to your hotel.
Overnight: Lochearnhead | Monachyle Mhor Hotel
Room Type: Feature Room
Meals Included: Lunch
Set out to explore some highlights of the local area today. Your guide has several great local hiking options today depending on what you feel like, and you could choose to head up into the hills, discover tumbling waterfalls or circumnavigate a beautiful loch. We would recommend the Ben Lawyers ridge to get some great views over Loch Tay.
Or, if the weather dictates, take the short scenic hike which brings you to a spectacular turreted castle, dating from the 16th Century, where you can explore the nooks and crannies of the seat of the Clan Menzies. Late afternoon enjoy a perfect finish too the day with a tour and special tasting at a classic whisky distillery before your guide takes you back to your quirky accommodation.
Overnight: Lochearnhead | Monachyle Mhor Hotel
Room Type: Feature Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today you head north to explore the stunning scenery of Glencoe. These dramatic mountains and ridges 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 continue onwards to your welcoming accommodation near the historic Glenfinnan viaduct, whose graceful arches featured in several of the Harry Potter films.
Overnight: by Fort William | Glenfinnan House Hotel
Room Type: Superior Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Take on the challenge of the highest mountain in the UK today, starting from almost sea level all the way up to the 1,345m summit. Keep your eyes open for rock climbers on the popular North facing cliffs, and if the weather is kind to you, then ‘The Ben’ will reward your efforts with sweeping views. No matter what, nothing affects the sense of achievement as you stand at the top of Scotland. This evening maybe raise a well-earned toast to your mountain adventures and cherished memories with the traditional ‘Slainte Mhath’, or ‘good health’.
Hike details: Approx. 9 hours, 17km/ 10.5 miles, 1352m/ 4436 ft of ascent
Please note that Ben Nevis can only be attempted if the weather and client experience/fitness allow. Suitable hiking attire and equipment is essential. The guide’s decision is final, and suitable alternatives will be suggested if Ben Nevis is not a suitable option for the day.
If Ben Nevis is in winter conditions, and the weather is suitable, then there is also the alternative option to don crampons and pick up an ice axe for a winter hike with an experienced winter hiking guide.
Overnight: by Fort William | Glenfinnan House Hotel
Room Type: Superior Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Head further west along the beautiful ‘Road To The Isles’ to Arisaig this morning, where you will take to the waters for an afternoon of sea kayaking with a local guide. This location is a worldwide destination for paddlers due to the beautiful crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and fun tiny rocky islands to explore and picnic on. The curious seals and wide variety of local wildlife are sure to keep you entertained as you enjoy the views out to the small isles. At the end of a wonderful day your guide will take you back to your hotel for some well-earned relaxation.
Overnight: by Fort William | Glenfinnan House Hotel
Room Type: Superior Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today you head East to the beautiful Cairngorms National Park, and a unique accommodation in a serene countryside setting. There are many options for fabulous hikes on route, or you could head straight to the Cairngorms for a hike there. The choice is yours and your guide will discuss the options with you.
Overnight: By Kingussie | Killiehuntly Farmhouse
Room Type: Alder Room
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today you will discuss with your guide to choose a hike that best suits the weather conditions and your aims for the day. You have a full day to allow you to really get the feel of the untamed wild spaces of the Cairngorms and explore the landscape. This mountain range boasts 5 out of 6 of the highest peaks in the UK, so you can choose if you want to head up onto the peaks or stay lower down in the romantic Caledonian pine forests and glens.
Overnight: By Kingussie | Killiehuntly Farmhouse
Room Type: Alder Room
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today you depart the Cairngorms but there are plenty of options to explore on route and your guide will ensure that you make the most of your last full day. Stop at Blair Atholl to walk the hallways and gardens of a castle that has been inhabited by the Dukes of Atholl for over seven centuries and boasts some fine 18th century interiors within its Scottish baronial architecture.
Then enjoy a fitting finale to your trip with a tour and tasting of the Blair Athol Distillery before your guide takes you onwards. There are plenty of options and your guide will ensure that you make the most of your last full day before dropping you at the airport hotel to ensure that tomorrow morning is hassle free.
Overnight: Edinburgh | DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh Airport
Room Type: King Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Take your hotel shuttle to the airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your Scottish explorations.
Meals Included: Breakfast
The NET price for this itinerary, based on 2 clients on a twin-share basis, and including a £12 per person conservation contribution is:
Conservation ContributionThis voluntary donation of £12 per person goes towards conservation projects in the locations we operate. If you would like to opt out just let your trip designer know. Click here for more information.
Please see our booking terms here.
Monday 5th May – Tuesday 13th May 2025