Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Scottish Highlands and the enchanting Hebridean Islands on an unforgettable hiking adventure. Traverse rugged terrains and pure landscapes, where each step immerses you in nature's splendor. Encounter spectacular vistas, from towering mountains to serene coastlines, and discover unique wildlife along the way. With rich cultural history at every turn, this journey promises not just physical exploration but a deep connection to Scotland's heritage. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a novice, the trails of the Highlands and Hebrides offer something for everyone. Unique stays & guides who share deep local knowledge make for an enriching journey.
Day 1: Royal Mile and Departure
Afternoon - Royal Botanical Gardens Walking the Water of Leith from the Royal Botanical Gardens to the Gallery of Modern Art (out and back) with lots of history. Arrive and check in to your hotel before strolling along the historic Royal Mile, visiting its charming shops and cafes. Don't miss the chance to sample some local cuisine.
Day 2: Edinburgh Castle
Exploring the Dalmeny Estate from South Queensferry, with views of the Forth Rail Bridge (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and lots of history. Spend your afternoon exploring the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched high on Castle Rock. Discover its rich history and enjoy stunning views of the city.
Day 3: City Hiking and Arthur’s Seat
After breakfast, embark on a city hiking adventure to Arthur's Seat. This ancient volcano offers panoramic views of Edinburgh’s skyline. Duddingston and Dr Neil's Garden. This includes visiting one of Scotland's oldest pubs and a visit to a very tranquil garden on the edge of a Local Nature Reserve. Spend the afternoon wandering through Holyrood Park, filled with natural beauty.
Day 4: Depart from Edinburgh, taking with you unforgettable memories of this beautiful city.
Immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Hotel du Vin Edinburgh, a luxury haven nestled in the heart of the city's historic Old Town, just a whisper away from the lively Royal Mile. This prime location offers you Edinburgh's iconic landmarks at your fingertips, from the majestic castle to the stately Holyrood Palace. Savour the city's vibrant culture with an impressive array of shops, museums, and galleries, and admire the grandeur of Georgian and Victorian architecture, all just a leisurely stroll away.
Our boutique hotel, housed in a building rich in history and once serving as a poorhouse, an asylum, and a science lab, now opens its doors as a stunning luxury hotel. Each of our 47 rooms and suites brims with character, meticulously designed to evoke a sense of indulgence. Experience the luxury of custom-made sleigh beds, hand-sprung mattresses, soft Egyptian cotton linens, plush towels, and robes. A monsoon shower and an in-room roll top bath are just a few of the thoughtful details awaiting your stay.
Meeting in Edinburgh at 9:00am, you journey across Scotland to the fishing village of Ullapool, stopping en-route to hike the beautiful Corrieshalloch. This mile-long canyon, through which the River Droma rushes, takes its name from the Gaelic for ‘ugly hollow’. But that’s as far from the truth as can be. Corrieshalloch is one of the most spectacular gorges of its type in Britain and provides striking evidence of how glacial meltwater can create deep gorges. Just a short drive from Ullapool and only an hour from Inverness, this is the perfect place for your first hiking adventure!
A short steep walk will bring you to a Victorian suspension bridge, where you can gaze down over a series of crashing waterfalls. Corrieshalloch Gorge is designated a ‘National Nature Reserve’ in recognition of the gorge and the surrounding woodland. It’s also home to a nationally rare species of cranefly, which benefits from the wet dead wood in the shaded areas of the property.
Hiking: 2 hrs
Dinner: Local pub
Setting off early, you hike Stac Pollaidh (meaning “peak of the peat moss”), a classic local highland mountain with far reaching views at just over 2000ft in height.
After a picnic lunch (perfect for flexibility) the afternoon is free for you to explore the small fishing village of Ullapool.
Hiking: 3 / 4 hrs
Dinner: Local Pub with music
Accommodation:
Departing the Highlands via ferry port, you take the mid morning boat to the Isle of Lewis. The journey takes approximately 3 hrs, with lunch on the ferry crossing. A scenic drive across the island takes us to Tarbert. On arrival in Tarbert we pay a visit to the Isle of Harris Distillery https://harrisdistillery.com/ also known as ‘The social distillery’.
‘In 2015, the distillery started life with just 10 people and an ambition to double in number over the next five years. Today, we're proud to say we employ over 50 permanent staff, a highly significant number in an island of fewer than 2000 inhabitants.
As a catalyst for positive change within our community, we continue to work with purpose, bringing new life to our island and supporting its aspirations to survive and thrive as we move forward together.’
There is also an opportunity to visiting the neighbouring shop that sells locally produced crafts and Harris tweed.
Dinner: Independent
Accommodation: https://www.hotel-hebrides.com/hotel-rooms/
or
Today you hike one of Harris’ historic ‘coffin roads’, which dates back to medieval times. The rugged mountain path takes you to a pass that descends toward the beautiful white sands of Luskentyre where we enjoy a picnic on the beach. After lunch there is relaxation time or an opportunity to hike the short trail of ‘Toe head’ which allows for a 360 panorama, and on a clear day far reaching views over to the Isle of Kilda.
Hiking: 3 / 5 hrs
Dinner: Hotel
Accommodation: https://www.hotel-hebrides.com/hotel-rooms/
After a hearty breakfast, we take an early morning ferry to the world renowned Isle of Skye. A short drive sees us arrive we hike the spectacular rocky pinnacles of the Quiraing. Parts of the distinctive landscape have earned particular names. The Needle is a jagged 120-foot-high (37 m) landmark pinnacle, a remnant of land-slipping. Northwest of it is The Table, a flat grassy area slipped down from the summit plateau, with vistas of the Torridon Hills and the mountains of Wester Ross. Southwest is the Prison. On our return we have an opportunity to explore Portree town before catching the a ferry over to the Isle of Raasay, our home for 2 nights.
Hike: 3 hours
Dinner: Local Whiskey Distillery
Accommodation: Raasay House https://raasay-house.co.uk/
Staying on the Island of Raasay Island, we explore the northern trails such as Dun Caan (the highest point on the Island), Brochel castle which overlooks the beginnings of Callum’s road and the Clan Macleod territory. Dating back to the 15th century, most likely built by the first Macleod chief. We also have the opportunity to visit a local crofting farm, and better understand the islands agriculture.
Hike: 4 hours
Dinner: Raasay House Restaurant
Accommodation: Raasay House https://raasay-house.co.uk/
The two Cullin ranges - Red Cullins which are formed from red granite and have a round appearance while the Black Cullins formed from volcanic rock are dramatic and jagged. They have been a powerful magnetic to hikers and climbers and gives an interesting perspective on this area and the Island. We then drive back on to the mainland and enjoy some R&R in one of our comfortable Lodges
Hike: 2 - 3 hours
Dinner: Lodge
Accommodation:https://www.shieldaiglodge.com
Whilst Shieldaig is very much a physical place, we'd say visiting here is a unique experience… an experience that few words can describe. It’s a ‘feel it to believe it’ kind of place; somewhere to return to when you’re ready for some well-deserved R&R. A one-of-a-kind hub of beauty, luxury and tranquillity.
Take in the breathtaking waterside views, relax in the lounges, or take on one of many highland activities, including fishing, falconry, sea kayaking and more. Being conveniently located 1 hour and 30 minutes from Inverness Airport, booking your stay to arriving at check-in has never been quicker.
Dinner: Farewell meal at the Hotel / Lodge
Accommodation:https://www.shieldaiglodge.com
Depart to where your heart is content!
