The Highlands and Glencoe - September 2025

Day 1 - Welcome to Edinburgh

To kick off our 8-day adventure, we’ll gather at 1 pm and embark on a unique walking tour, exploring the city on foot, including the iconic Royal Mile, where every step takes you deeper into the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. This legendary, cobblestoned street, stretching from the imposing Edinburgh Castle to the historic Palace of Holyroodhouse, is a living tapestry of centuries-old architecture, fascinating landmarks, and hidden closes waiting to be explored. We’ll embark on a memorable hike up Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano that stands proudly in the heart of the city. This brisk ascent promises an invigorating experience, culminating in breathtaking panoramic views from the summit. These awe-inspiring vistas will set the perfect tone for the exciting adventures that lie ahead on our trip. This evening, we’ll get acquainted over dinner at a charming local restaurant nestled in the heart of the city. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, enjoy some delicious cuisine, and connect with fellow travelers as we kick off our adventure together.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bruntsfield Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Walk Details: 5 km / 3 miles | 279 m / 915 ft elevation gain | Approx: 3 hrs

Day 2 - The Fairy Hill of Caledonia

Leaving the city lights behind, we head north to the enchanting region of Perthshire. Today’s adventure centers on ascending the legendary Schiehallion, famously dubbed the Fairy Hill of Caledonia, due to its association with ancient folklore and its prominent, mystical appearance. This iconic peak, soaring to 1,083 meters, boasts a fantastic trail that winds up its distinctive whaleback shape. Reaching the summit rewards us with breathtaking panoramic views of the Highlands, marking the achievement of our first Scottish peak. After descending, we’ll continue north to the Cairngorms National Park. The 2.5-hour journey is worth it to reach this breathtaking region, the UK’s largest national park and our base for the next three nights. After settling into the hotel, we’ll celebrate our achievements with a pint of Schiehallion ale or a glass of local whisky.

Overnight: Aviemore | The Cairngorm Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 10 km / 6 miles | 750 m / 2,461 ft elevation gain | Approx: 6 hrs

Day 3 - A shimmering loch swim

On our first full day in the Cairngorms, start with a hearty Scottish breakfast at the hotel. Then, we’ll head to Glenmore, a forested area renowned for its ancient pine trees, magical lochs, scenic trails and abundant wildlife. Our hike today is a local’s favourite, easily accessible, Meall a’ Bhuachaille, boasting well-maintained paths to the summit, heather-covered slopes and rocky, windswept ridge. This hike provides a chance to experience the Cairngorms’ beauty and wildness without the length and remoteness of some Munro walks. Our efforts are rewarded with a sweet treat on the shores of Loch Morlich, the UK’s highest beach. Here, golden sands stretch out beneath the watchful gaze of the surrounding mountains.

After the day’s exertions, rejuvenate your body and mind with a refreshing dip! The national park offers a variety of pristine locations ideal for wild swimming, which is celebrated for its numerous benefits, including enhanced cardiovascular health, reduced stress, and an uplifted mood. Once we’ve warmed up in the beach sauna, it’s back to the hotel.  Dinner is not included this evening so why not try one of the many local eateries in the town.

Overnight: Aviemore | The Cairngorm Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 9 km / 5 miles | 543 m / 1,781 ft elevation gain | Approx: 4 hrs

Day 4 - Meet two inspirational women and discover their innovative way of farming

Crofting, once common across the Scottish Highlands, has dwindled over time. This morning, we’ll visit a croft being lovingly restored by two inspiring women. During our visit, we’ll explore the croft and learn how they blend traditional methods with modern rewilding principles for pasture management, fertilization, and rotation. Don’t miss the chance to see their innovative hen mobile in action! Lunch, we’ll stop at a local café where the irresistible tray bakes can not be missed!

Journeying west, we stop to delve into the lives of our Scottish Highland ancestors at a friendly living history museum. Discover how they built their homes, farmed the land, and dressed. As we leave the Cairngorms, we’ll stretch our legs with a short walk at Creag Meagaidh Nature Reserve. The spectacular upland reserve, sits along Scotland’s spine, straddling the watershed between east and west, yet boasts a climate and landscape uniquely its own. The area is experiencing significant rewilding efforts. Rewilding is a conservation strategy that restores natural ecosystems by reintroducing native species and letting natural processes unfold. This approach enhances biodiversity, revives habitats, and builds more resilient ecosystems. Conscious of time, we’ll stop for dinner in the lively town of Fort William, prior to arriving at our hotel.

Overnight: Glencoe | TBC
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Walk Details: 8 km / 5 miles | 350 m / 1,148 ft elevation gain | Approx: 3 hrs

Day 5 - Wilderness and a Waterfall

Glencoe is a magical Scottish Highland glen known for its dramatic scenery and rugged beauty. The dramatic landscapes have featured in films such as Skyfall and Harry Potter.

We begin our hike from the village of Kinlochleven, where we’ll follow a well-maintained trail that winds through a verdant forest. As we ascend, the powerful roar of The Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall will soon capture our attention, its impressive 50-foot drop creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring sight. Continuing along the path, we’ll leave the woods behind and reach a remote loch, beautifully surrounded by rugged mountains and expansive moorlands. On our return journey, we’ll be rewarded with stunning vistas down the length of Loch Leven, framed by the striking silhouette of the Pap of Glencoe.

Overnight: Glencoe | TBC
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 13 km / 8 miles | 350 m / 1,148 ft elevation gain | Approx: 5 hrs

Day 6 - Hiking Glencoe

Today, we’ll set our sights on a rarely climbed peak, offering some of the most spectacular views in Glencoe. As we follow a faint trail up the open hillside, the panorama gradually unfolds as we gain height, revealing the beauty of the landscape as we ascend. The higher we climb, the more sensational the views become. Reaching the summit, we’ll be greeted with stunning vistas including a direct view across the valley to the majestic north face of Buachaille Etive Mor, one of Glencoe’s most iconic peaks.

After the efforts of today, dinner will be on your own, giving you the chance to unwind and relax. Enjoy the opportunity to soak up the incredible scenery surrounding the hotel as you enjoy a meal at your leisure.

Overnight: Glencoe | TBC
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 11 km / 7 miles | 198 m / 650 ft elevation gain | Approx: 5 hrs

Day 7 - Loch Lomond and the Trossach National Park

Leaving the wilds of Glencoe, the journey south offers the perfect opportunity for one last hike in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. This beautiful area, often celebrated as the “gateway” to the Scottish Highlands, provides a more tranquil yet equally stunning contrast to Glencoe. A hike up Ben A’an, the “mountain in miniature,” is an ideal choice. Though short, it rewards you with panoramic views over Loch Katrine and the surrounding landscape, a perfect way to conclude your hiking in Scotland.

Onwards to Edinburgh, but not without a visit to Doune Castle, located near Stirling. This well-preserved 14th-century fortress is instantly recognizable to fans of Outlander and Game of Thrones, thanks to its prominent roles in both series.

Arriving back in Edinburgh, there’s time to relax with a drink at the bar, sharing stories and celebrating the achievements of the past week. It’s a moment to reflect on new friendships and the discoveries made throughout Scotland. Tonight, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner, marking the end of an unforgettable journey.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bruntsfield
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 4 km / 2 miles | 340 m / 1,115 ft elevation gain | Approx: 3 hrs

Day 8 - A fond farewell to Scotland

Following breakfast, we’ll say our farewells and depart at approximately 9:30 a.m.

Meals Included: Breakfast