Itinerary

Day 1: (Sunday) Ben A’an and The Trossachs

We will depart Edinburgh at 8:30 am and head off west to the Trossachs for a relatively easy first days walking up Ben A'an. This is a fine low 'mini mountain' in the heart of the Trossach hills – often referred to as “Scotland in miniature” due to the numerous lochs across the area and range of small mountains. There are simply tremendous views overlooking Loch Katrine from the summit of Ben A’an. A short journey after our days walking will then take us to our accommodation at Loch Lomond

475m/1500ft, 4m/6km, steep path, 4-5 hrs.

Day 2: (Monday) Ascent of Ben Lomond Ben Lomond is a relatively high mountain and a long day’s walk, however the views from this summit are spectacular,
looking out over Loch Lomond and to the many mountains further north. This mountain also happens to be our most southerly “Munro” (mountain over 3000ft) and is a worthy challenge for the start of our week! Accommodation Loch Lomond.

974m/3195ft, 6m/10km, good steady path, 6-7 hrs.


Day 3: (Tuesday) Hidden Glen of Glencoe

Today we'll transfer to your new accommodation in Glen Coe, but will take time on the way north to appreciate the changing scenery as you move deeper into the Highlands. In the afternoon we will head off for a shorter walk into the "Hidden Glen" of Glencoe. This is a stunning location, surrounded by high peaks and ridges and formerly used by thieving clans as a hideout for stolen cattle! Accommodation Glencoe.

200m/650ft, 2-3m/4km, rough path, 3-4 hrs.

Day 4: (Wednesday) Ben Nevis

Today offers the opportunity for an ascent of Ben Nevis, Scotland and the UK's highest mountain. Our ascent of 'The Ben' is straightforward and on good paths but is always physically challenging. The view from the top however (when not blanketed by mist), is all encompassing and well worth the effort. Accommodation Glencoe.

1344m/4410ft, 6m/10km, good steady path, 8-9 hrs.



Day 5: (Thursday). Transfer to Skye

With time for a little shopping in Fort William and a look around the town, mid morning will see us on our way to Skye - or Eilan a' Cheo as it was named by the Gaelic poets. Amidst much controversy, a bridge across to the island was constructed in 1995, however we'll still take the seaward route - via boat from Mallaig and 'over the sea to Skye' - surely the best way to arrive on the island! We arrive on the southernmost part of the island at Armadale and may visit the Clan Donald Visitor Centre here or perhaps go for a short walk before heading on to our accommodation.

Day 6: (Friday): Boreraig and Suisnish

This is a fine coastal walk in the south west of Skye to the deserted villages of Boreraig and Suisnish – former crofting communities destroyed during the “Highland Clearances” of the mid 1800’s. Now just scattered ruins, these places give testimony to a bleak period of Scottish history and are wild, lonely places to visit. The views throughout the walk are wonderful and varied - Loch Eishort to the south, the Isle of Rhum not far away and adjacent mountains Bla Bheinn and Clach Glas to the west. Accommodation Skye.

10m/17km, 170m/540ft, good path, 6 hrs.

Day 7: (Saturday) Coire Lagan

Today’s walk gives you the chance to enter into the heart of the Cuillin mountains. Coire Laggan is one of the many bowl shaped hollows (corries) leading up into the higher peaks and is deserved in its reputation as the most spectacular of them all. Along the way, we stop to admire the Eas Mor waterfall, considered to be the finest waterfall on Skye. The way to the Corrie is initially on good paths, but gives way to rougher walking in its upper stages Accommodation Skye.

570m/1850ft, 6m/10km, rough rocky ground, 6 hrs.

Day 8 (Sunday): The Quirang and Meall na Suiramach.

The Quirang is an incredible maze of rock pinnacles and cliffs towards the northern end of the Trotternish peninsula in the north of the Island. Wandering amongst the cliffs, we'll take as much time as we need to explore this fascinating area before returning via the spectacular viewpoint and clifftop walk of Meall na Suiramach Accommodation Skye.

280m/920ft, 5m/8km, good paths, 5-6 hrs.


Day 9: (Monday): Transfer to Torridon Area

Sad to leave though it will be, an early morning start will return us back over to the mainland and heading further north into the rugged mountains of Torridon and the north-west highlands.

En route we will also stop at Eilan Donan Castle – one of the most picturesque and filmed castles in Scotland. Here you will have plenty time to take a tour of the castle. The onward drive is through beautiful and remote scenery. Once established at our accommodation further north, you may have time for a late afternoon stroll before dinner. Accommodation Torridon area.

Day 10: (Tuesday): Coire Mhic Fhearchair.

Today’s hike in the Torridon area is into the majestic Coire Mhic Fhearchair - one of the finest and most impressive corries in Scotland. The corrie lies at the northern end of Ben Eighe - one of the three Torridon “giants” - and has a large amphitheatre, surrounded on three sides by the imposing cliffs of the mountain. The walk into the Corrie is extremely pleasant, with wide open views across the Torridon landscape. Accommodation Torridon area.

9m/14km, 600m/2000ft, rocky path, 7 hrs.

Day 11 (Wednesday): Letterewe wilderness

A wonderfully varied circular walk from Kinlochewe into the heart of this wilderness area. One of the best walks we know of in fact! This is an area seldom visited by other walkers and despite the generally easy nature of the walk, a real sense of remoteness is felt when the shores of Loch Maree are left far behind. The walk is non-strenuous but is a long day and involves an interesting mixture of terrain (14 miles/21km, track, path, some rough ground and river crossing!, 9 hours). Accommodation Torridon area.

Day 12 (Thursday): Transfer to Newtonmore.

Having reached the far northern extremities of your tour, the gradual journey southwards is begun today. We will be journeying to Newtonmore, but will take time along the way to explore some of Scotland’s history, with visits to Culloden battlefield, the Clava Cairns and of course the obligatory stop at Loch Ness! Accommodation in Newtonmore/Cairngorms area.

Day 13 (Friday): Cairngorm Mountain Wander

Today we introduce you to the delights of the Cairngorms with a thoroughly enjoyable walk of hugely varied character into the foothills of the Cairngorm mountains. We head up through the beautiful Caledonian Forest above Loch Morlich and then into the Larig Ghru - a famous pass cutting right through the heart of the Cairngorms. Taking in a small summit along the way we may then traverse the "Chalmain Gap" - a strange rocky incision where we have some boulders to negotiate before a gradual descent back down to Loch Morlich.
Accommodation Newtonmore/Cairngorms area.

If the weather and visibility is good, we may make an alternative higher level hike today up onto the Cairngorm plateau itself - a high level mountain plateau cut by deep, spectacular corries. The plateau lies at an elevation of around 1000m, however for this walk we would start from around 600m - a good way to start the day!

(470m/1540ft, 18km/11m, mostly good paths, 6-7hrs)

Day 14 (Saturday): Transfer to Edinburgh. Final Evening of Tour

After breakfast we depart for Edinburgh, with an optional visit to a whisky distillery en-route. We arrive back in Edinburgh early afternoon, giving you some time to spend in the city if you wish. In the evening if you are staying in Edinburgh there may be the option of going to an informal Ceilidh (Scottish dance) or for the group to go for a final evening meal together.

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