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Exploring Wild Scotland
Joan Marks
Summer 2025
Summer 2025
On a carefully crafted, bespoke trip, immerse yourself in the rugged wilderness and timeless beauty of Scotland. Discover the ethereal charm of the Isle of Skye, the shimmering, pine-fringed lochs of the Cairngorms, and the dramatic red sandstone mountains of Torridon. Explore diverse landscapes on foot—hiking through ancient woodlands and along the sea-soaked shores of Skye. Experience the vibrant energy of Edinburgh during the Fringe Festival and the tranquil allure of historic Highland villages. As the sun sinks below the horizon and the sky fills with stars, unwind in hand-picked accommodations, chosen for their relaxed luxury and traditional Scottish charm. On an adventure designed just for you, delve into the rich history, heritage, and breathtaking beauty of Scotland.
Arrive in the architecturally stunning city of Edinburgh today and settle into your lovely accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to head out and explore the winding alleys and cobblestone streets. Full of history, the capital is very accessible by foot. Wander up the Royal Mile, visiting St Giles’ Cathedral (which has been a working church for over 900 years) and Edinburgh Castle, which offers sweeping views over the city. This evening, enjoy dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Roseate Edinburgh
After breakfast, head out to enjoy the Fringe Festival. For three weeks in August, artists and performers take to hundreds of stages throughout the city. Venues can be anywhere, from existing theatres and concert halls to repurposed spaces like bars, parks and shipping containers. From fresh, unknown artists to big names in the world of entertainment, the festival spans every genre of live performance, including theatre, comedy, dance, cabaret, musicals, spoken word, exhibitions and events. After a thoroughly enjoyable day out this evening, head to the iconic Edinburgh Castle for a special dinner at the castle and then go on to watch a fantastic performance of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in prime seats.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Roseate Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
This morning, your guide will pick you up, and you’ll leave Edinburgh’s colourful, bustling streets today and make your way north to Glencoe. Along the way, stop at Lennox of Lomond to experience a life in the day of a local farmer. Your tasks will depend on the season but will likely involve livestock tending and feeding, as well as sheep-dog demonstrations and a farmhouse lunch, all amidst the picturesque landscape. Later, arrive in the brooding melancholy of Glencoe, enjoying the stunning, arresting views of the cloud-snagged summits and heather-cloaked hillsides. Settle into your cosy accommodation this evening and relax.
Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Enjoy breakfast before meeting your guide and heading out to explore Glencoe. This spectacular glen – carved out centuries ago by glaciers and volcanic eruptions – is full of harrowing history, fascinating geology and commanding views. With many excellent walks to choose from, settle upon a route perfectly suited to you. One great option is to hike along a narrow, rowan-hung gorge until you reach the Lost Valley. This enclosed meadow, high, green and hidden by precipitous tors, is said to be where the Macdonald clan used to conceal their rustled cattle. As the day fades and light slides down the moor-clad mountains, duck into Clachaig Inn, a traditional climbers’ pub which offers hearty Scottish food, local ales and live music.
Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today, join an experienced, well-seasoned skipper for a private boat trip. Zoom out onto the smooth water to visit the remarkable Eileach a Naoimh or Isle of the Saints, said to be the burial site of St Columba’s mother. There is no public ferry, so these islands are rarely visited, and the unusual beehive remains of the monastery established by St Brendan around AD 542 are well preserved. Then, come ashore for lunch and to meet back up with your Wilderness guide to catch the small white ferry to the beautiful Isle of Skye and your cosy accommodation.
Overnight: Sleat | Kinloch Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Head out early this morning to visit the Fairy Pools ahead of the crowds. Accompanied by your guide, follow a crystal clear burn – Allt Coir a’ Mhadaidh into the wilderness of the moor, stopping to admire the many deep, turquoise pools and small rushing waterfalls. Afterwards, take a walk on the black sands of Talisker Beach before lunch at the pop-up Three Chimneys restaurant at the Talisker Distillery. This afternoon, explore some of the local galleries and workshops on the island; an interesting and informative option is to visit Skyeskyns, where you can tour the tannery and learn about the ancient methods of leather making.
Overnight: Sleat | Kinloch Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast this morning, travel to Torridon. Drive across the arching Skye bridge back to the mainland and head north, enjoying the coastal views as you weave through the rugged landscape. Stop to visit Eilean Donan castle, one of the most picturesque castles in Scotland before taking the iconic Bealach na Ba pass, a historic route once used to drive cattle over the mountains. It’s very steep and narrow, with hairpin bends and passing places, however, the views from the top are incredible. Dropping down the other side will take you to the small village of Applecross, where you can walk along the rocky shore before having lunch at the inn. Continue on to Torridon, arriving at your lovely hotel with time to relax before dinner.
Overnight: by Achnasheen | The Torridon
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Join your guide this morning for a day of hiking among the magnificent sandstone mountains of Torridon. With brooding monoliths stretching towards the sky, shimmering lochs and dark rocky knolls, this is a beautiful place to explore on foot. With many options to choose from, chat with your guide about walking options for today before lacing up your boots and heading out to explore. Wind your way along a quiet trail fringed by gorse, where hardy sheep graze amongst the bracken, heather and golden grasses. Return to your hotel this evening for dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Overnight: by Achnasheen | The Torridon
Leave the red sandstone mountains of Torridon behind this morning and make your way east towards the Cairngorms National Park, the largest national park in the UK. On the way, visit Culloden Battlefield, the evocative site of the Jacobite Rebellion’s last stand, and Clava Cairns, Iron Age burial cairns and standing stones. Continue on this afternoon to your beautiful accommodation where you can relax and enjoy the views before dinner.
Overnight: By Kingussie | Killiehuntly Farmhouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today, enjoy a hike in the beautiful Cairngorms National Park. At over 4500 sq km, it is the largest national park in the UK, and its miles of winding rivers make it Scotland’s most prolific whisky-making region. With your guide, choose a hike that suits you – perhaps head out onto the alpine plateau of the Cairngorms Mountain range and bag a sought-after Munro, or choose to explore the Caledonian pine forest, which is the oldest forest in Scotland. Roam heather-covered glens and alongside jewel-like lochs for the perfect immersion into the ancient landscape.
Overnight: By Kingussie | Killiehuntly Farmhouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This morning, leave the Cairngorms behind and begin your journey back to Edinburgh. Along the way, stop at a Highland estate where you will walk into the heather-covered hills, arriving at a remote bothy for a luxury picnic lunch – a truly unique experience. Enjoy meeting the owner’s gentle labradors and saying hello to the grazing donkeys before continuing your drive to arrive back in the bustling streets and twinkling lights of Scotland’s capital. Here, bid farewell to your guide and settle into your lovely hotel to relax for your final night in Scotland.
Overnight: Edinburgh | 100 Princes Street
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
After breakfast, begin your journey home. With great public transport links, you may wish to jump on the tram or take a taxi to the nearby airport. Arrive with plenty of time, feeling relaxed and refreshed after your trip and with many memories to cherish for the years to come.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Summer 2025
