Scottish Highlands
- with Guided by Nature -
2 AUGUST 2024 and 13 SEPTEMBER 2024 | $10,995 | 10 Days
Best of Scottish Highlands Walk
Welcome to the ultimate walking experience in Scotland, where nature takes the lead. Begin your journey in the captivating capital city of Edinburgh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a blend of history and modern charm. From there, venture into the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, guided by knowledgeable experts. Embark on exhilarating walks along renowned long-distance trails such as the Speyside Way, the Rob Roy Way, and the Fife Coastal Path, immersing yourself in the diverse landscapes that Scotland has to offer.
Prepare to be captivated by the mythical beauty of Glencoe on the west coast and explore the wonders of Scotland's National Parks. Throughout your adventure, savour the warm hospitality of the Scots as you unwind in carefully selected premium accommodation and indulge in the delights of modern Scottish dining. Get ready to discover the true essence of Scotland on this unforgettable walking expedition.
For all enquiries and bookings please contact our international departures team:
Itinerary details
- Fully guided: 10 Days/ 9 nights
- Premium hand-picked accommodation
- Departures: 02 August 2024 and 13 September 2024
- Max group size 14, plus 2 experienced guides
- Min group size 8
- Activity Level Moderate (This is a moderate trip because it involves some sustained hiking on each hiking day and a reasonable level of fitness)
- Guided by Nature company support host
- Trip Start: Edinburgh, Scotland
- Trip finish: Edinburgh, Scotland
- Distance 68kms
- Cost: AUD$10,995 / single supplement: AUD$2,650
Best of Scottish Highlands Walk (10-days)
Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh
Arrive at Edinburgh Airport at your lesure today. Our journey begins early evening as we gather for a welcome briefing followed by a very special welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Bruntsfield Hotel, Edinburgh
Meals included: Dinner.
Day 2: Edinburgh
Edinburgh walking tour
After hearty breakfast, we meet our local city guide for a walking tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is based around the Royal Mile, which runs from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, and is perfect for exploring on foot. After a morning full of tall tales, history and legends, the afternoon and evening is free to explore as you wish. For those who are keen our guide will offer to lead a short walk up Arthur’s Seat, the extinct volcano located near the city centre, for views across the city. Alternatively, you may prefer to visit the castle, explore a museum, or enjoy a drink in one of Edinburgh’s many characterful pubs. This evening, we dine at a renowned whisky-themed restaurant, located next to Edinburgh Castle in the Old Town district.
Accommodation: Bruntsfield Hotel, Edinburgh
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3: Trekking the Fife Coastal Path: St Monan’s to Crail
Approximately 4 hours of walking (12km)
We cross the grand suspension bridge which takes us north out of Edinburgh and into the Kingdom of Fife. The Fife Coastal Path is off the tourist trail and popular amongst locals. It runs 183 km around the peninsula and our walks take in the most scenic stages.
Our first walk links four of the most picturesque East Neuk fishing villages: St Monans, Pittenweem, Anstruther and Crail. The walking is at an easy pace, with the sea on our right as we pass through the villages, each with their distinctive houses with orange-tiled roofs. A short transfer from Crail takes us to St Andrews, where we spend tonight.
Accommodation: Rufflets Hotel, St Andrews
Transfers: Edinburgh to St Monan’s (1.5 hours), Crail to St Andrews (20 minutes)
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4: Walking the Fife Coastal Path: Kingsbarns to St Andrews
Approximately 4-5 hours of walking (14km)
We enjoy another lovely section of the trail this morning. Starting south of St Andrews at Kingsbarns, we walk past unspoilt beaches, rocky shorelines and classic rural Fife farmlands, arriving back in St Andrews early afternoon. We then transfer north for 2 hours to Cairngorms National Park and spend the night in a charming village in Royal Deeside.
Accommodation: Balmoral Arms, Ballater, Cairngorms National Park
Transfers: St Andrews to Kingsbarns (20 minutes), St Andrews to Ballater (2 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast and Packed Lunch
Day 5: Walking the Speyside Way: Ballindalloch Castle to Aberlour
Approximately 4-5 hours walking (16km)
We transfer a short distance to Ballindalloch Castle, which has been the family home of the McPherson-Grants since 1546! After touring the castle and grounds, we set out to trek along the Speyside Way. The trekking is easy, with very little ascent as we follow an old railway line, once used for transporting whisky to markets further south. We’ll pass whisky distilleries as we walk alongside the River Spey.
Afterwards, a short transfer takes us to the homely village of Aberlour and our base for the next 2 nights. Dinner is taken in the hotel before we retire to the bar which, as you can imagine in Scotland’s premier whisky-making region, has an extensive whisky collection!
Accommodation: Dowan’s Hotel, Aberlour (or similar)
Transfers: Hotel to Ballindallock Castle (15 minutes)
Meals included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Hiking Ben Rinnes
Approximately 4-5 hours walking (9km)
A short transfer takes us over a high pass known as The Lecht to reach Glen Rinnes and the trailhead for a hike up the local’s favourite peak of Ben Rinnes. This shapely summit offers the chance to gain some elevation for a view across the Spey Valley and beyond, as far as the Moray Coast to the north. The route is steady and not too challenging and with a bit of willpower, you’ll get there! Afterwards, a short transfer takes us back to Aberlour and our hotel. This evening, enjoy some free time, perhaps enjoying a meal, and a wee whisky, at the ‘Mash Tun’ pub in the village.
Afterwards, a short transfer takes us to the homely village of Aberlour and our base for the next 2 nights. Dinner is taken in the hotel before we retire to the bar which, as you can imagine in Scotland’s premier whisky-making region, has an extensive whisky collection!
Accommodation: Dowan's Hotel, Aberlour
Transfers: Ballater to Ben Rinnes (1.5 hours) and Ben Rinnes to Hotel (25 minutes)
Meals included: Breakfast and Packed Lunch (free evening - dinner not included)
Day 7: Whisky Distillery / Rest Day / Glencoe
Approximately 1-1.5 hours walking (3km)
We transfer west via Fort William to Glencoe, on Scotland’s west coast, breaking the journey to enjoy a tour of a whisky distillery. After some free time to explore the town of Fort William and enjoy some lunch, we take a leg-stretching walk in Glencoe, before visiting a famous climber’s inn, where a local storyteller will enlighten us about the Glen’s history and legends, as we enjoy a local tipple.
Accommodation: Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe
Transfers: Aberlour to Glencoe (3 hours, with stops at distillery, Fort William & Glencoe)
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8: Trekking the Rob Roy Way: Glen Ogle to Rob Roy’s Grave
Approximately 3-4 hours walking (10km)
This morning our transfer takes us south into Loch Lomond National Park. Starting in Glen Ogle, we follow a unique route along an old railway line. We cross over a viaduct and follow historic military roads through the glen before descending to the tiny settlement of Balquhidder Station. From here, we follow a quiet country road for 2 miles, finishing at an unassuming old churchyard, which is the final resting place of Scottish folk hero, Rob Roy MacGregor. His gravestone is still tended by many MacGregors from around the world. A short transfer down the glen, taking us to one of Scotland’s most unlikely foodie hotels - our base for the next 2 nights!
Accommodation: Monachyle Mhor, Loch Lomond National Park
Transfers: Glencoe to Glen Ogle (1 hour), Rob Roy’s Grave to hotel (15 minutes)
Meals included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch and Dinner.
Day 9: Trossachs Boat Cruise / Ben A'an Walk
Approximately 2 hours walking (4km)
This morning, we enjoy a scenic cruise on Loch Katrine, perhaps the most beautiful lake in the Park. Back on land, we hike up a small, steep but rewarding mountain called Ben A’an. While we’ve enjoyed some fantastic views on this trip, the vista from the summit cairn is almost unbeatable, as you gaze out over a seemingly endless sea of mountain tops. Transferring back to the hotel, enjoy a little down time before our final night evening meal together.
Accommodation: Monachyle Mhor, Loch Lomond National Park
Transfers: Hotel to Loch Katrine (50 mins), and Loch Katrine to Hotel (50 minutes)
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner (lunch not included)
Day 10: Depart Edinburgh
After breakfast, we transfer back to Edinburgh Airport (approx. 90 mins), where our trip ends at approximately 10.30am. We offer a further drop off at Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station in the city centre, arriving about 45 mins later.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Transfers: Hotel to Edinburgh Airport: 90 mins; airport to city centre: approx. 30-45 mins.
Accommodation
Day 1 - Bruntsfield Hotel, Edinburgh
Day 2 - Bruntsfield Hotel, Edinburgh
Day 3 - Rufflets Hotel, St Andrews
Day 4 - Balmoral Arms, Ballater, Cairngorms National Park
Day 5 - Dowan’s Hotel, Aberlour
Day 6 - Dowan’s Hotel, Aberlour
Day 7 - Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe
Day 8 - Monachyle Mhor, Loch Lomond National Park
Day 9 - Monachyle Mhor, Loch Lomond National Park
Itinerary Details
Best of Scottish Highlands Walk
02 August 2024 and 13 September 2024 | AUD$10,995 per person twin share - Single Supplement AUD$2,650
- 10-Day fully guided Walk
- Each trip requires a minimum of 8 guests, three months prior to departure. The maximum group size is 14 guests (plus guides).
Inclusions
- Small group
- Fully hosted walking journey with experienced guides
- Pre-trip customer care service available to answer any questions
- Most meals (except where indicated, so you can experience local cuisine independently!)
- Wine, beer and non-alcholic beverage included in evening meals
- Twin share accommodation at carefully selected premimum hotels
- Picnic, hiking lunches & unique destination walking provisions
- Specially curated surprise moments throughout tour
- All activities described in trip itinerary
- All transportation from the beginning until the end of trip
- All gratuities for hotels, restaurants, and activities
- All park and entry fees
Please Note: Whilst every effort will be made to secure the accommodation as detailed in the intinerary, there may be circumstances where Guided by Nature provides a similar accommodation standard.
Exclusions
- Transportation to the start and end of tour
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities to guides
- Meals and drinks not listed in itinerary
- Any visa requirements
- International and domestic airfares
