The Highlands and Glencoe - September 8th 2025 v2

Day 1 - Monday 8^th September - 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.

Check-in at the hotel is 3pm – guests can store their baggage at reception.

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 - Tuesday 9^th September - Enchanting Perthshire

Leaving the city lights behind, we head north to the enchanting region of Perthshire.

Travelling by private transfer, there is plenty to see travelling north, over the iconic Queensferry Crossing bridge, which offers striking views of the Firth of Forth. After a little over an hour driving, we arrive at captivating, local, woodland area, known as the Hermitage. The Hermitage was initially crafted in the 18th century as a pleasure ground for the Duke of Atholl. Wander along forest paths flanked with towering ancient pines, leading you to crashing waterfalls where the River Braan plunges into deep, frothy pools. Overlooking the falls is a charming folly, offering a perfect vantage point to admire the majestic, cascading waters below.

After the walk, we’ll head to the picturesque riverside village of Dunkeld for a bite to eat. You can take a stroll along the river, explore the historic cathedral, or simply relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this charming village. Continuing our journey, we arrive in the heart of the Cairngorms at Aviemore, late afternoon, where we’ll check into our accommodation and get ready for this evening’s meal.

Overnight: Aviemore | The Cairngorm Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 4 km / 3 miles | 140 m / 459 ft elevation gain | Approx: 2 hrs

Day 3 - Wednesday 10^th September - 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 - Thursday 11^th September - 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. The Highland Folk Museum offers a vivid glimpse into the domestic and working life of the Highland people from centuries past. Stepping back in time, you can discover how Scottish Highland ancestors lived, built their homes, tilled the soil, and dressed—all within a friendly, welcoming environment. This unique museum not only showcases the evolution of Highland life from the 1700s to the present day but also invites visitors to explore its beautiful natural surroundings, home to red squirrels and tree creepers.

The journey west is through stunning Highland scenery, from the rolling hills and forests of the Cairngorms to the dramatic peaks and valleys of Glencoe, offering breathtaking offering striking and unforgettable vistas on the way. Conscious of time, we’ll stop for dinner in the lively town of Fort William, prior to arriving at our hotel.

Overnight: Glencoe | Loch Leven Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5 - Friday 12^th September - 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 a long the well trodden path, 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. As our route becomes steeper, we’ll appear above the tree line, leaving the woods behind to reach a remote loch, beautifully surrounded by rugged mountains and expansive moorlands. The views are worth the climb.  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.

After a day in the hills, enjoy an evening back at the hotel to relax and have dinner at your leisure.

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

Day 6 - Saturday 13^th September - The Lost Valley

Today’s hike, the ‘Lost Valley’, is so named because it’s a secluded and hidden valley (glen in Scottish terminology), nestled amidst the surrounding mountains. It is one of Glencoe’s most renowned short hikes and rightly so. The brisk and steep climb, coupled with crossing streams, proves to be a rewarding effort, drawing you deeper into the encompassing mountainous terrain. The vistas within the valley exude an atmospheric charm, even on damp and misty days.

From here we’re retreat to the eco-friendly Glencoe visitor centre, nestled in a woodland glade. Discover the stories that make Glencoe National Nature Reserve so unique, whilst enjoying a hot drink, in the scenic surroundings.

Tonight we’ll regale stories of the day in a local pub, which is where we’ll also have our evening meal.

Overnight: Glencoe | Loch Leven Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 4 km / 2 miles | 355 m / 1,165 ft elevation gain | Approx: 2.5 hrs

Day 7 - Sunday 14^th September - 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 - Monday 15^th September - A fond farewell to Scotland

Following breakfast, we’ll say our farewells. Guide services will end 9:30 a.m.

Meals Included: Breakfast