The Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye - Historical, Spiritual & Mystical.

Prepared with pleasure exclusively for Ethos Journeys

Sunday 11th May – Sunday 18th May 2025

Number of Travellers: 14
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Overview

This itinerary offers a cultural, historical and spiritual experience of the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye – a land of rugged peaks, heather-clad moorlands and island-fringed coastlines. Steeped in ancient history, with castles to explore, wildlife to spot, breathtaking hikes and whisky to sample.

The trip starts and finishes in Inverness, accessible by air and mainline trains.

Most hikes range from 2-4 hours.

Start / Finish – Inverness, Scottish Highlands

Inverness is easily accessible from across the UK, connected by regular flights from various cities in the UK and Europe. It is also on the UK mainline, with the sleeper train being an attractive option for the journey to/from destinations in the south of the UK. The airport is just 20 minutes from the city centre and is connected by train, bus and taxi.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Sunday 11th May | Arrival in Inverness (Start time: 2pm)

Day 2 | Monday 12th May | Explore Inverness

Day 3 | Tuesday 13th May | Travel to Isle of Skye, via Loch Ness and the world's first rewilding centre

Day 4 | Wednesday 14th May | Walk along peaceful Loch Sligachan and forage on the coast

Day 5 | Thursday 15th May | Explore the north of the Island

Day 6 | Friday 16th May | A scenic boat trip to Loch Coruisk and the Black Cuillin

Day 7 | Saturday 17th May | The Point of Sleat and Camas Daraich

Day 8 | Sunday 18th May | Depart for Inverness

Highlights

  • Hike through a land of rugged peaks, heather-clad moors, and island-fringed coastlines.
  • Enjoy a cultural, historical and spiritual experience of the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye.
  • Enjoy some well-earned relaxation time as you walk on secluded beaches, take a scenic boat cruise and spot wildlife on your way.
  • Walking/hiking grade: Easy - moderate

Day by Day

Day 1 - Sunday 11th May - Arrival in Inverness (Start time: 2pm)

Meet in Inverness with your lead guide and fellow Ethos Journeys travellers.

Check in to your Inverness base for the next two nights, then we head out for a short leg stretch walk around Ness Islands – a collection of natural islands that sit in the middle of the River Ness, and are connected by a beautiful Victorian footbridge, just a short stroll away from Inverness city centre.

Enjoy an evening meal together.

Walk details: Leg stretch walk around Ness Islands. 1 hour.

Overnight: Glen Mhor, Inverness (or similar TBC) 

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2 - Monday 12th May - Explore Inverness

Today we visit Culloden battlefield on the outskirts of Inverness. It was here, in 1746, that Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite rebellion came to a bloody end. Even to this day it exudes a feeling of significance and sombreness. This walk also combines a visit to the prehistoric Clava Cairns, one of Scotland’s finest prehistoric sites, dating back 4,000 years and set amidst beautiful beach trees.

In the afternoon we visit Cawdor Castle, an exceptional 14th century castle with its iron gate, moat, drawbridge and surrounding ancient woodlands.

The rest of the evening is free to dine at your leisure.

Walk details: 13km, minimal ascent, approx 4 hours

Overnight: Glen Mhor, Inverness (or similar TBC) 

Meals included: Breakfast, cafe lunch

Day 3 - Tuesday 13th May - Travel to Isle of Skye, via Loch Ness and the world's first rewilding centre

After breakfast we depart Inverness and travel towards the mystical Isle of Skye.

On the way we stop at Loch Ness and embark on a boat cruise of the loch to learn of the elusive monster and other local myths.

After lunch we continue towards Skye via Dundreggan, the world’s first dedicated rewilding centre. Once an ancient hunting grounds of kings and lairds from the 14th century, the land is now recovering from centuries of overgrazing and deforestation. Experience the ancient pinewood and juniper forests, discover centuries of Gaelic history and connect with a landscape through rewilding.

We check in to our base in Skye for the next 5 nights and enjoy an evening meal together.

Walk details: 4km, approx 2 hours

Overnight: Sligachan Hotel, Skye (or similar) 

Meals included: Breakfast, cafe lunch & dinner

Day 4 - Wednesday 14th May - Walk along peaceful Loch Sligachan and forage on the coast

This morning we head out for a pleasant walk along Loch Sligachan shores. A peaceful walk towards a waterfall, wooded ravine and a tranquil crofting area.

The rest of the afternoon is time to be restful and relaxed; perhaps try foraging on the magical coastline, or visit some local artisan studios.

The evening is free to dine at your leisure.

Walk details:  11km, 120m of ascent, approx 4-5 hours

Overnight: Sligachan Hotel, Skye (or similar)  

Meals included: Breakfast & picnic lunch

Day 5 - Thursday 15th May - Explore the north of the Island

Today we explore the North of the island, trek on some of Skyes famous hills and visit stunning beaches. There are lots of great options for walking on Skye, like The Storr, a craggy peak with impressive views of the famous Old Man of Storr rock spire, or the otherworldly pinnacles of the Quiraing. We’ll be sure to allow some time to visit some of the breathtaking beaches for a relaxing paddle.

The rest of the evening is free to dine at your leisure.

Walk details: 5-8km, 200-700m of ascent, approx 3-5 hours

Overnight: Sligachan Hotel, Skye (or similar) 

Meals included: Breakfast & cafe lunch

Day 6 - Friday 16th May - A scenic boat trip to Loch Coruisk and the Black Cuillin

This morning we take a small boat into the dramatic sea loch in the heart of the Black Cuillin mountains. Stepping off the boat at a remote jetty, we’ll enjoy a trek at Loch Coruisk, either circumnavigating the stunning loch, or perhaps venturing up the rocky peak of Sgurr na Stri for elevated views of the magnificent Black Cuillin range.

The rest of the evening is free to dine at your leisure.

Walk details: 7km, 125m of ascent (or 500m if we hike the peak), approx 4 hours

Overnight: Sligachan Hotel, Skye (or similar) 

Meals included: Breakfast & picnic Lunch

Day 7 - Saturday 17th May - The Point of Sleat and Camas Daraich

Our plan today is to walk to the Point of Sleat, the most south-westerly point of Skye.

The route follows a good trail with incredible views across the sea to the islands of Eigg, Rum, and various mountains. This is a great opportunity to see marine life, before our return via the delightful sandy beaches of Camas Daraich.

Later, we’ll enjoy one last dinner together, to contemplate and reflect on our magical time spent together.

Walk details: 8km, 400m of ascent, approx 4 hours

Overnight: Sligachan Hotel, Skye (or similar)  

Meals included: Breakfast, picnic Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 - Sunday 18th May - Depart for Inverness

After breakfast, we transfer (approx. 1 hour) back to Inverness.

We have one last short stop at the famous Eilean Donan Castle, then continue for drop off in the city centre or airport.

Trip ends mid-afternoon (approx. 3.00pm)

Walk details: No significant walking today

Meals included: Breakfast, cafe Lunch

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 7 nights accommodation in small hotels on a double/twin share basis
  • Breakfast each day
  • 3 packed lunches and 4 cafe lunches (Day 1 not included)
  • 3 evening meals (Days 2, 4, 5 and 6 not included)
  • Additional snacks while hiking
  • The services of qualified and experienced WS guides from Day 1 to Day 8 (1 guide per 8 people in the group)
  • All transfers as required on Day 1 to Day 8, starting and finishing in Inverness
  • All guided hikes, visits and activities as mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Day 2 – Culloden visitors centre and Cawdor Castle
    • Day 3 – Loch Ness boat cruise and Dunreggan rewilding centre
    • Day 4 – Foraging experience on Skye
    • Day 6 – Boat trip on Skye
  • Gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff, as well as local guides
  • Trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 in-country trip support
Exclusions Read More
  • Meals and drinks not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities for the lead guide(s)
Pricing Read More

Group size: Up to 14 travellers (which includes up to 2 Ethos Journeys coordinators)

The NET price for this itinerary varies depending on group size as follows:

  • 6 travellers: £3,350pp
  • 7 travellers: £3,150pp
  • 8 travellers: £3,050pp
  • 9 travellers: £3,400pp NB. price increases as an extra guide is added here
  • 10 travellers: £3,250pp
  • 11 travellers: £3,150pp
  • 12 travellers: £3,050pp
  • 13 travellers: £2,950pp
  • Single supplement: £775 (max. 4 single occupancy rooms available)

The above prices include 1 free place for an Ethos Journeys Coordinator.

If a 2nd Ethos Journeys Coordinator is joining, the 2nd place will be charged at the above traveller rates and the place will be from the above allocation. 

Please also see the Partner Agreement (to follow) for terms and conditions about the running of this itinerary.

Get in Touch

Email Pete
Virtuoso

The Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye – Historical, Spiritual & Mystical.

Sunday 11th May – Sunday 18th May 2025