Exploring Scotland: Isles, Landscapes, and Lochs

We’ll begin our trip with a meeting in the lobby of the Bruntsfield Hotel in central Edinburgh at 2PM. After gathering our group, we will head west on a 90-minute van ride to Loch Lomond National Park. Scotland’s first National Park is divided by the fault line that defines the Highlands from the Lowlands and contains a concentration of the landscapes Scotland is known for, from craggy peaks to sparkling lochs to forested glens. We’ll enjoy an easy stroll through Balloch Castle Country Park on the SouthEast shore of Loch Lomond. Delight in the stunning views over the Loch as our first day in Scotland comes to a close and we head to the charming village of Balloch for the night. Hike: Up to 3 miles, 100 feet elevation gain, 1 hour. Overnight Loch Lomond Hotel, Balloch (D)

After a hearty Scottish breakfast, we'll be all set for another day of adventure, and the Scottish Highlands are calling! We’ll travel to nearby Balhama, a bucolic village on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, for the start of our loop hike on the legendary West Highland Way. The entire West Highland Way stretches 96 miles across Scotland. Today we stretch our legs on one of the most scenic sections including the ascent of Conic Hill, which offers outstanding views across Loch Lomond. This mini-mountain provides one of the best viewpoints in the Highlands so makes for a perfect first hike for us. Hike: 7 miles, 1,200 feet elevation gain, approximately 4 hours. Overnight Loch Lomond Hotel, Balloch (B, L, D)

After another delicious breakfast we’ll head north for 90 mins to the village of Glencoe, which is nestled within a steep valley. Make sure your cameras are at the ready for a scenic hike in the Glencoe Valley. Our aim for today is to summit a rarely-climbed peak which offers some of the best panoramas of the village. With our trusty local experts, we'll follow a faint trail up the hillside; incredible views emerging as we gain elevation. Reaching the summit, we can gaze directly across the valley at the north face of Buachaille Etive Mor, one of the most recognisable mountains in Scotland. After our accomplishment, we’ll drive north for another 30 minutes to our next hotel, located in the peaceful village of Kinlochleven. Hike: 7 miles, 2,150 feet elevation gain, approximately 5 hours. Overnight MacDonald Hotel, Kinlochleven (B,L,D)

Today we’ll hike directly from our hotel, starting with an ascent out of the village on a well-worn trail through the forest. You’ll soon be able to hear the thunder of falling water as the cascading "Grey Mare’s Tail” comes into view. One of the most wonderful waterfalls in the west highlands, the Grey Mare’s Tail drops almost 50 feet through its steep and craggy canyon setting. We’ll continue on our hike as the path comes out of the woods and eventually reaches a remote loch surrounded by mountains and wild moorlands. On our return trip, we’ll enjoy stunning views down the length of Loch Leven to the Pap of Glencoe. Hike: 8 miles, 1,200 feet elevation gain, approx 5 hours. Overnight MacDonald Hotel, Kinlochleven (B, L, D)

We’ll rest our legs on an easier day today as we travel north through spectacular Kintail to reach Eilean Donan, a dramatic castle perched on a small island at the confluence of three sea lochs. Eilean Donan was originally constructed to guard the passageway to the lochs against the vikings and now holds court as the most photographed castle in Scotland. The castle has a battle-scarred history and is currently in its fourth iteration. After learning the rich history on our castle tour, we stop by a local cafe for lunch before reaching the unspoiled village of Plockton, our base for the next 2 nights. There will be time for an easy hike exploring the hills and coastline around the village before we check in and gather for dinner. Hike: 2 miles, 150 feet elevation gain, approx 2 hours. Overnight The Ardvasar Hotel, Skye (B,L,D)

A short drive takes us over the graceful arc of the Skye Bridge to the famous Isle of Skye where we are afforded incredible scenery as well as an opportunity to learn more of Scotland's history. Our plan today is to hike to its most southerly tip, the lighthouse at the point of Sleat. Our route includes fabulous views across incredible views across the sea to various islands and mountain ranges - a real feast for the eyes! Reaching the lighthouse, we’ll enjoy the peace and serenity and scan the ocean for any passing dolphins. On our return, we may detour to the pretty beach at Camas Daraich, where there is time for wading in the sea! Back in the quaint fishing village of Plockton, we’ll settle in for the night. This evening there is time to wander along the waterfront and perhaps visit the local artists studio for a special souvenir. Hike: 5 miles, 1,200 feet elevation gain, approx 4 hours Overnight The Plockton Inn, Plockton (B,L,D)

The mountains are calling and so we head north to Torridon. They are amongst the oldest rocks in Great Britain, and sit on yet older rocks, Lewisian gneiss. Here, we enjoy a relaxing stroll around beautiful Loch Clair, which is surrounded by the towering peaks of Torridon. In mild weather with clear skies, the mountain of Liathach reflects beautifully on the loch. Afterwards, we’ll continue west, arriving to Inverness in the late afternoon. As the northernmost city in the United Kingdom, Inverness is regarded as the capital of the highlands and lies within the Great Glen (Gleann Mòr) at its northeastern extremity where the River Ness enters the Beauly Firth. Here we will enjoy the sights of the architecture in this bustling city. Hike: 4 miles, 400 feet elevation gain, approx 3-4 hours Overnight Glen Mhor Hotel, Inverness (B, L, D)

Today we’ll visit Glen Affric, said to be the prettiest glen in Scotland! Its rolling hills, lush trees, and valley will inspire many photos! It's impossible to tire of the lovely hikes in Scotland. Today's jaunt travels through an ancient pine forest and includes a small summit with magnificent views. Keep your eyes peeled on the way back to Inverness for the infamous Loch Ness monster! It has been described as a large, long necked creature with humps; a Scottish souvenir that we DON'T recommend bringing home! Back in Inverness, we'll enjoy a free evening to explore local restaurants at our leisure. Hike: Flexible: up to 7 miles, up to 1,500 feet elevation gain, 4-5 hours Overnight Glen Mhor Hotel, Inverness (B,L)

We’ll transfer south to Edinburgh, a journey of around 3.5 hours. We’ll break up the journey with a short but stunning walk in the Cairngorms National Park. The park is the largest in the UK, and its Caledonian forest is home to many uncommon species like the Scottish crossbill, a rust-colored bird that is the only terrestrial vertebrate species endemic to the United Kingdom. Our route explores the verdant Uath Lochans and hikes up the small peak of Farleitter Crag for stunning views towards the high plateau of the Cairngorms. We’ll travel through lush forests, atop wooden walkways over water, and eventually overlook the Crag to behold its awe from above. After our last hike, we’ll continue to Edinburgh, arriving late in the afternoon. Once settled in at our final hotel, within the city center in the lovely Bruntsfield district. We’ll gather for a farewell dinner and toast to our adventure. Hike: 3.5 miles, 600 feet elevation gain, approx 2 hours Overnight Bruntsfield Hotel, Edinburgh (B,L,D)

Today we say our farewell to the sounds of Scottish music bustling in Edinburgh. You are free to leave anytime after breakfast. (B)