Overview
This incredible trip will take you to some of Scotland’s most spectacular hiking destinations. From your first hilltop climb to Edinburgh Castle to the remote reaches of the Isle of Skye and Cairngorms National Park, you will have a non-stop tour of spectacular sights and historical sites.
Days: 11
Best time to visit: May-September
Ideal for: Active Families, Couples
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Edinburgh
On arrival at Edinburgh Airport, you will be met and brought to your lodgings in the city center. Drop your bags and then enjoy a private walking tour around historic Edinburgh, starting with a visit to Edinburgh Castle, the massive hilltop fortress that presides over the city. You will also get to know the medieval lanes of Old Town and explore historical landmarks of the Royal Mile.
Day 2 – Edinburgh City Tour
Get acquainted with Edinburgh’s vibrant culinary scene on a 3-hour Food Tour. With a knowledgeable foodie leading the way, you will delve into a world of artisanal products; traditional smoked salmon, wild game, locally roasted coffee, and the international side of Edinburgh’s continuously expanding gastronomy. After lunch, head down to the waterfront to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, or climb Calton Hill for great city views, especially at sunset.
Day 3 – Wallace Monument & Hiking in Glencoe
After breakfast you will head northwest to the Scottish Highlands, stopping to visit the hilltop Wallace Monument in Stirling on the way. Continue north to Glencoe for an afternoon of hiking—walk the shores of Glencoe Lochan, journey into the Coire Gabhail, the Lost Valley, or opt for a more challenging climb up one of the nearby peaks such as the Pap of Glencoe or Buachaille Etive Beag. Spend the night near the shores of Loch Leven in Glencoe.
Day 4 – Sea Kayaking & Hiking Glen Nevis
Start the day with a morning of guided sea kayaking on the sheltered waters of Loch Leven and Loch Linnhe, where island castles preside over wild, beautiful scenery. Spend the rest of the day exploring the region on foot, hiking to Steall Waterfall, up the rounded shoulders of Beinn a’Chrulaiste, or its celebrated neighbor, Buachaille Etive Mor.
Day 5 – Isle of Skye
This morning, drive to nearby Fort William to board the ‘Harry Potter’ steam train line for a scenic 2-hour journey to the port town of Mallaig. From here you will embark on a 30-minute ferry crossing to the mystical Isle of Skye. Traveling north to the village of Portree, there will be plenty of time to explore—go for a short hike in Glen Sligachan for classic views of the craggy Cuillin range.
Day 6 – Isle of Skye Hiking
The Isle of Skye is a land of opportunity for outdoors lovers. Head to the tiny town of Elgol and travel by boat to a remote bay for a hike around Loch Coruisk, ensconced in some of Skye’s tallest peaks. Or travel north and hike through the jagged towers of Quiraing, walk up to the overlook at Old Man of Storr, or trek to the summit for views over this landscape of jutting rock formations.
Day 7 – Travel to Cairngorms National Park
Getting an early start this morning, drive from Portree to Cairngorms National Park, a region flush with hiking trails, cycling paths, beautiful forests, soaring peaks, and crisscrossed by rivers. Spend the afternoon exploring the ancient Caledonian Forest, home to some of the rarest wildlife in the UK. Hike beneath towering cliffs to Coire an Lochan, or go for a jaunt to the photogenic Loch Gynack.
Day 8 – Summits & Scenic Strolls
Today is yours to explore the national park. Go for a longer, challenging hike and try to reach the summits of Ben Macdui and Cairngorm along the Northern Corries circuit, walk through the woodlands up to the Pass of Ryvoan, or pick a more straightforward option with rewarding views ascending the Morrone—with nearby Braemar castle to visit afterwards. There are also a number of heritage trails that wind along medieval roads past historical sites.
Day 9 – Rafting in Cairngorms
After a day of hiking, switch gears and enjoy an exhilarating river adventure, tubing through a series of rapids and pools. If you’d rather stay dry, visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre which offers access to the UK’s only wild reindeer herd. Situated near the beautiful Loch Morlich in Glenmore Forest Park, this is a great area to experience the park’s tranquil woodlands.
Day 10 – Drive to Edinburgh
This morning, drive back to Edinburgh. Settle into your hotel and then go for a short hike up to Arthur’s Seat, an 800-foot hilltop that offers panoramic views over the city and the sea. For a more relaxing option, visit the National Museum of Scotland, stroll in the Royal Botanic Garden, or tour the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the Scottish monarch.
Day 11 – Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Remarkable Journeys has partnered with Lost World Adventures to create this journey. We partnered with Lost World due to their well-mannered relationships with tour guides, hotellers, airlines, and ground management services in the region. In our opinion, they offer the best value and experience in the region.
What’s next?
Whether this itinerary is exactly what you are looking for or isn’t even close…
Meet with a Consultant
The first step is to call or email us with your desired travel dates, the number of people in your group, your price range, and whatever other information you want to share to get us started. One of our consultants will then reach out to you to set-up an in-person meeting or phone consultation.
Keep on Looking
Together we can discuss your travel options, customize your trip and narrow in on your ideal journey. Once we know exactly what you want, we will send you a detailed-itinerary with hotel options, activities, transportation logistics and a total trip price.
Get a Detailed Itinerary
With your seal of approval, we’ll book your Remarkable Journey. From there, you can sit back and relax while we arrange all of the services, prepare the final documents and present you your trip before you go.