MASTER TEMPLATE - Edinburgh, Skye & the Highlands

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights

Overview

From the soaring summits of Glencoe to the needled rock pinnacles on the Isle of Skye, Scotland’s beautiful landscape is a wonderful and evocative place to explore. On a trip that showcases some of the brightest jewels in the country’s wild and rugged crown,

experience the very best of this remote and ancient land. With a professional Wilderness guide, travel from the twinkling lights of Edinburgh to the slate blue mountains of the Cairngorms National Park. By foot, by boat and by paddle, traverse the captivating and diverse landscape while immersing yourself in the history, culture and traditions of this enchanting region.

Highlights

  • Explore the diverse landscape with an expert and knowledgeable guide.
  • Join a local ghillie on a foraging workshop, gathering wild island food.
  • Immerse yourself in the history and folklore of the Isle of Skye as you hike along stunning, sea-stung cliffs.
  • Kayak in the turquoise waters of Arisaig, looking out for otters, seals and a variety of marine wildlife.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Welcome to Scotland

Your Wilderness guide will meet you at Edinburgh airport and transfer you to your welcoming hotel. Take some time to relax and settle in, enjoying an oasis of calm as the city’s characterful streets buzz and bustle beyond the window. Depending on your arrival time, perhaps head out with your guide for a short walk up Calton Hill. From the top, which is marked by a collection of historical monuments, you can see many of Edinburgh’s famous landmarks, including Arthur’s Seat, the Firth of Forth and the Royal Mile as it climbs its way to the castle. After working up an appetite, enjoy a delicious dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Day 2 - Exploring Edinburgh

After breakfast, meet your guide in the foyer of your hotel and head out for a day spent exploring the beautiful cobblestone streets of the city. Full of history, the capital is very accessible by foot. Wander up the Royal Mile, stopping to visit the architecturally stunning St Giles Cathedral, and enjoy panoramic views from Edinburgh Castle. Pick up a coffee and a pastry from one of the wee artisan shops, dipping into local galleries, cheesemongers and bookshops. If you fancy an afternoon with a twist, head to the Surgeons’ Hall Museums, which holds one of the largest collections of surgical pathology in the world. This evening enjoy dinner under the twinkling lights of the city.

Day 3 - The Cairngorms National Park

This morning, begin your journey north. Enjoy the drive, watching the landscape change from rolling green fields to the rugged mountains and moorlands of the Cairngorms National Park. On your way, stop in the pretty village of Aberfeldy to enjoy a private tour of a spectacular 16th-century castle and learn about its place in the turbulent history of the Highlands. Before continuing, pop into a local, award-winning chocolate shop which makes the most delicious truffles. Arriving at your accommodation in the mid-afternoon, perhaps join your guide for a lovely short walk to explore the area, or simply take some time to relax.

Day 4 - Hiking in the Cairngorms

Spend the day exploring the beautiful walking trails of the Cairngorms National Park with your guide. Depending on the weather and how you’re feeling, there are many wonderful walking options to choose from. Perhaps opt to get up high and traverse the great weather-beaten Cairngorm plateau that stretches magnificent and vast below an arching sky. Or, if the sun burns bright, stay low in the leafy labyrinth of the valleys, winding your way to a loch that shimmers deep and dark amongst the pines. This evening return to the welcoming warmth of your accommodation, enjoying a slab of cake and a cup of tea before a peaceful evening in the heart of Scotland’s largest and wildest National Park.

Day 5 - Over the Sea to Skye

After a leisurely breakfast, head west to the Isle of Skye. Wind by mountain glens ribboned with narrow waterfalls and through woodlands of old trees that break the tarmac into a jigsaw of leafy shadows. Stop to explore Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most iconic and striking sights in all of Scotland, taking your time to appreciate the unique beauty of this remote and historical place. Once on the Misty Isle, meet a local ghillie for an afternoon of wild foraging, connecting with the landscape as you learn how to forage sensitively and ethically. Enjoy cooking your bounty over an open flame, sipping a wild cocktail, while listening to local tales of the island. Settle into your accommodation this evening, falling asleep to the sound of the sea.

Day 6 - Exploring the Misty Isle

This morning head out with your guide 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 your guide 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, 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.

Day 7 - Wild Loch Coruisk & The Black Cuillin Mountains

Feeling rested, head south with your guide, 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.

Day 8 - Return to the Mainland & Sea Kayaking

A short ferry ride will take you back to the mainland this morning and the beautiful white sandy beaches of Arisaig Sound. Meet your expert sea-kayaking guide and head out into the turquoise water to explore. Sea kayak around hundreds of tiny islands, spotting seals, otters, and a host of coastal birds. The seal colony here is friendly and curious, often slipping beneath your boat only to pop up on the other side to peer at you with their big dark eyes. Enjoy a picnic lunch on a deserted island. Once back on shore, continue travel along the stunning Road to the Isles towards the brooding melancholy of Glencoe Glen and your welcoming accommodation.

Day 9 - Tales from a Local Storyteller

Over hot coffee and tea, chat with your guide about some walking options for today. The spectacular Glencoe, carved out centuries ago by glaciers and volcanic eruptions, offers some wild and scenic hiking. You may wish to summit the iconic Pap of Glencoe or head up to the Lost Valley, where the MacDonald clan used to hide their rustled cattle. As ethereal mists blow over rugged peaks, relax with a celebratory drink in a traditional climbers’ pub listening to the fascinating tales of the land from a local storyteller. This evening, after a well-earned dram, step outside into the inky darkness to look up at a sky awash with glittering stars.

Day 10 - Visit Oban and Relax

Depending on how you feel, there are a handful of options to choose from today. If you wish, head out for another engaging, wild walk with your guide, traversing a landscape that holds its history close. There is also the opportunity to visit the fishing port of Oban to stroll along its high street, pop into local shops and swing by the distillery – which is older than the town itself. You may wish to simply take it easy, enjoying time to recharge, relax and have a mellow day absorbing the peaceful nature of this pretty part of Scotland. This evening, enjoy a celebratory dinner, toasting your adventure with the traditional ‘Slainte Mhath’ which means ‘good health’.

Day 11 - Depart Edinburgh

This morning, your guide will transfer you south to Edinburgh airport so you may begin your journey home.

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 11
  • All meals included in the itinerary
  • Services of an experienced guide from Day 2 to Day 11
  • Ground transportation from Day 3 to Day 11
  • Airport Pickup with Meet & Greet on Day 1
  • All Ferry Costs
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Private Guided Tour of Castle Menzies
  • Private Foraging Experience
  • Boat Trip to Loch Coruisk
  • Private Half Day Sea Kayaking Experience
  • Private Storytelling Experience in Classic Mountaineering Pub
  • Entry to all attractions described in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Edinburgh Castle
    • Eilean Donan Castle
    • Dunvegan Castle
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24 hour in-country support
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
Notes Read More

All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking.