2026 - Hiking, History & Culture in the Scottish Highlands and Islands

Day 1 - Tuesday 26^th May - Meet in Edinburgh early afternoon

Meeting in Edinburgh early afternoon, we leave the city and head north-west into the Scottish Highlands.

We break the journey for a leg stretch walk 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, where we will enjoy this base for the next 3 nights.

Overnight: Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe (or similar)

Meals included: Welcome Dinner with the Group

Total transfer time c. 2hr 30mins. 

Walk Details: 2 km / 2 miles | 170 m / 558 ft elevation gain | Approx: 1 hrs

NB. Optional pre-nights available in Edinburgh.

Day 2 - Wednesday 27^th May - Hiking in Glencoe

Today we hike in the world-renowned Glencoe.

We are spoilt for choice in Glencoe and we will come face-to-face with some of the imposing sights in one of Scotland’s most famous mountain ranges.

After some free time in the afternoon, we then visit a famous climber’s inn, where a local storyteller will enlighten us about the Glen’s history and legends, as we enjoy a local tipple and hopefully some traditional music.

Meals included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch.

Overnight: Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe (or similar)

Total transfer time: c. 30 mins each way.

Walk Details: To be agreed

Day 3 - Thursday 28^th May - West Highland Way - "The Devils Staircase"

Today we hike a classic stage of the West Highland Way long distance trail known as the Devil’s Staircase, which switchbacks up to a mountain pass.

At the top we gain magnificent views of the West Highlands and north towards Ben Nevis. We then descend to the village of Kinlochleven, following the West Highland Way, and it’s a short transfer back to the hotel, where there is free time to relax and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

Overnight: Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch and Dinner.

Walk Details: 15 km / 9 miles | 425 m / 1,400 ft elevation gain | Approx: 6 hrs

Total transfer time c. 40mins.

Day 4 - Friday 29^th May - Hiking in Glencoe and transfer to the west coast

This morning we depart the rugged landscape of Glencoe and transfer towards the west coast.

We will stop en route to enjoy one last summit in the Glen, before checking into our hotel for the next 2 nights, which boasts one of the finest views in Scotland from its dining room.

Overnight: Loch Melfort Hotel, Arduaine (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch and Dinner.

Walk Details: To be agreed

Total transfer time c. 1hr 40mins.

Day 5 - Saturday 30^th May - The Green Isle of Kerrera

Today we board a small passenger ferry to hike on an island steeped in rich history featuring ancient kings, feuding Highland clans and a 16th century castle. This little island is truly one of Scotland’s hidden gems.

We take a small boat (passengers only) across the Sound of Kerrera to this small island, which has about 100 residents. We enjoy a superb hike which takes a circular route covering the southern half of the island. On the way, we pass the ruins of Gylen Castle, once a stronghold for the Clan MacDougall.

After hopping back across to the mainland, we return to our hotel to relax in the comfortable surroundings of the hotel.

Overnight: Loch Melfort Hotel, Arduaine,

Meals included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch and Dinner.

Walk Details: 10 km / 6 miles | 300 m / 984 ft elevation gain | Approx: 5 hrs

Total transfer time: c. 1hr each way.

Day 6 - Sunday 31^st May - Visit Inveraray Castle and Kilmartin Glen

At the head of Loch Fyne, we visit Inveraray castle, the 18th-century home of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, and the seat of the Clan Campbell.

Later, visit Dunadd, the birthplace of Scotland, before we 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.

We then transfer back inland to our last accommodation for the next two nights, in a quaint village on the banks of Lock Lomond.

Overnight: The Buchanan Arms, Drymen, Loch Lomond

Meals included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch.

Walk Details: 4 km / 2 miles | 50 m / 164 ft elevation gain | Approx: 2 hrs

Total transfer time c. 2hrs.

Day 7 - Monday 1^st June - Hiking Conic Hill and Loch Lomond

Our final Scottish hike is an easy peak offering unbeatable scenery over Loch Lomond.

Conic Hill is a small summit (358m high) with an almighty view. It lies on the Highland Boundary Fault, and also forms part of the West Highland Way.

A popular climb, it starts in the forest and then breaks out as you climb higher. The view across Loch Lomond from the summit is one of the best in Scotland.

Afterwards, we celebrate our Scottish adventure with a visit to a Highland whisky distillery, to see the magic and mystery behind Uisge Beatha “The Water of Life,” and maybe sample a dram too.

We then return to our hotel, where we will enjoy our Farewell meal together.

Overnight: The Buchanan Arms, Drymen, Loch Lomond

Meals included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch and Farewell Dinner with the Group.

Walk Details: 6 km / 4 miles | 400 m / 1,312 ft elevation gain | Approx: 4 hrs

Transfer time c. 20-30mins each way. 

Day 8 - Tuesday 2^nd June - Transfer to Edinburgh

After breakfast we transfer to Edinburgh, where the trip ends.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Total transfer time c. 1hrs 30mins.

NB. Optional post-night available in Edinburgh.