Hiking Scottish Highlands and Islands with Heather Thomson

Day 1 - Friday 9^th May - Arrival in Glasgow

Meeting in Glasgow early afternoon, we leave the city and head north into the Scottish Highlands. We break the journey to visit the William Wallace monument, a landmark that tells the story of the patriot and martyr who became Scotland’s national hero (his story told in the movie, Braveheart). We then continue onwards and enjoy a leisurely check-in to our hotel, an 18th-century converted alehouse overlooking the village green in the sleepy village of Drymen.

Overnight: The Winnock Hotel, Drymen, Loch Lomond 

Meals included: Dinner

Total transfer time: c. 1.30 hrs by private transfer.

NB. Optional pre-night accommodation can be provided. 

Day 2 - Saturday 10^th May - Hiking Conic Hill

Today we have our first trek with a classic hike up an easy peak offering unbeatable scenery over Loch Lomond. Conic Hill is a small summit (358m high) with an almighty view and is a part of the West Highland Way. The view across Loch Lomond from the summit is one of the best in Scotland. Afterwards, enjoy a celebratory drink before returning to our hotel, where the rest of the afternoon and evening is free for you to perhaps go for a spa treatment and then enjoy one of the local restaurants of your choice.

Hike details: 6km, 400m of ascent, approx 3-4 hours hiking

Overnight: The Winnock Hotel, Drymen, Loch Lomond

Meals included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch (Dinner not included)

Total transfer time: c. 30mins each way by private transfer.

Day 3 - Sunday 11^th May - Visit Inveraray Castle and Kilmartin Glen

After breakfast, we set off for the west coast. At the head of Loch Fyne, we visit Inveraray castle, the seat of the Clan Campbell. Later, we’ll stop for a walk through Kilmartin Glen, one of the finest concentrations of neolithic and bronze age sites in Scotland. This is an easy hike between Kilmartin Castle and Nether Largie which connects several ancient burial cairns and standing stones. Afterwards, a 15 minute drive takes us to our hotel, which boasts one of the finest views in Scotland from its dining room.

Hike details: 3.5km, 50m of ascent, approx 1-1.5 hours hiking

Overnight: Loch Melfort Hotel, Arduaine, near Oban

Meals included: Breakfast, Cafe Lunch, Dinner

Total transfer time: c. 2.30 hrs by private transfer.

Day 4 - Monday 12^th May - Enjoy a wildlife sea adventure

This morning, we take a boat trip to explore the local coastline and seek out wildlife. We hope to see a variety of wildlife such as porpoises, dolphins, otters, sea eagles and maybe even whales; while being entertained with stories of viking legends, Celtic Saints and local shipwrecks. We’ll also see the spectacular Corryvreckan Whirlpool, one of the largest in the world (viewed from a safe distance!!). Back on dry land, we explore the tiny island of Easdale, home of the world stone-skimming championships, before returning to the hotel to relax and freshen up before dinner.

Hike details: Short walk only, approx 1 hour of easy walking

Overnight: Loch Melfort Hotel, Arduaine, near Oban

Meals included: Breakfast, Cafe Lunch, Dinner

Total transfer time: c. 45mins each way by private transfer.

Day 5 - Tuesday 13^th May - Hike around the Isle of Kerrera

This morning we will board a small passenger ferry and make the short crossing to the peaceful Isle of Kerrera, where we will enjoy a 10km circuit of the island. Despite its small size, the island has a rich history featuring kings, castles and feuding Highland clans, mostly centered around Gylen Castle, which dates back to the 16th century. As we hike, enjoy incredible vistas across the Sound of Kerrera, with views towards Mull, Jura and the Garvellachs. Back on the mainland, we transfer east to Perthshire, where we will check-in to our hotel, located in the pretty Victorian town of Pitlochry.

Hike details: 11km, 275m of ascent, approx 4-5 hours hiking

Overnight: Acarsaid Hotel, Pitlochry

Meals included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Total transfer time: c. 2.30 hrs by private transfer.

Day 6 - Wednesday 14^th May - Hiking Ben Vrackie

Perthshire is renowned for its rich variety of scenery. Every Highland village has a mountain it describes as its own, and Pitlochry’s mountain is Ben Vrackie, which towers over the village. The hike takes us across the moors to a small loch before we take on the steep final slopes to the summit, where we are rewarded with wonderful views*. Descending to Pitlochry, we visit a local whisky distillery for a tour with tasting. The evening is free for you to explore the village and its restaurants.

Hike details: 10km, 800m of ascent, approx 4-5 hours hiking

*Note – hikers can opt to stop at the small loch and miss out the final summit climb, making the route an easier hike

Overnight: Acarsaid Hotel, Pitlochry

Meals included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch (Dinner not included)

Day 7 - Thursday 15^th May - Walking tour of Edinburgh's historic Old Town

After breakfast we travel south to Edinburgh, where we 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. Afterwards, take some free time to shop for souvenirs, explore further, or simply immerse yourself in the vibrant, cosmopolitan capital.  Tonight, we gather to enjoy a farewell dinner under the twinkling lights of the city and to celebrate our adventure together.

Overnight: Bruntsfield Hotel, Edinburgh

Meals included: Breakfast, Cafe Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Friday 16^th May - Depart Edinburgh

After breakfast the trip ends at 11.30. Guests can be dropped off at the airport or train station.

For those that are staying for a post-night, there is the opportunity in the afternoon to meet with a genealogist, or visit a spa for a treatment (to be booked in advance and at an additional cost – TBC).

Hike details: No hiking today

Meals included: Breakfast

NB. Optional post-nights accommodation can be provided.