A trip of everything
Scotland delivered the full experience on this adventure — sunny, hot days gave way to windy, wet hikes, and we even battled sleet and hail on the way into the Northern Corries. Darby was eaten alive by midgies, and Teresa and Heather nearly had a run-in with a feisty Highland cow. In other words: perfectly Scottish.
Days 1–2: Edinburgh, Loch Lomond, and Conic Hill
After meeting in Edinburgh, we headed north to Loch Lomond, passing the magnificent Kelpies horse head sculptures along the way. Our first walk was a gentle stroll around Balloch Country Park, with wonderful views over the loch.
Day 2 saw the group split: most ascended the summit of Conic Hill with Heather, while Teresa and Reb took a tiny wooden ferry with Kirsty to the wooded island of Inchcallioch — home to an old graveyard and a lovely beach for lunch.
Day 3: The Devil's Staircase and the West Highland Way
Hot and sunny again as we drove from Drymen to Kinlochleven. We tackled the Devil's Staircase, one of the most iconic sections of the West Highland Way. From the bealach (high pass), we split into two groups: one ascending Stob Mhic Mhartainn to the west, the other climbing Beinn Beag to the east.
Day 4: Glencoe — waterfalls, history, and a local author
The Grey Mare's Tail waterfall put on a great show despite the dry weather. At the Glencoe Visitor Centre we explored the reconstructed turf house, then hiked around the Glencoe Lochans. That evening at pre-dinner drinks in the Laroch bar, Heather introduced us to local author Davy Gunn of Between a Loch and a Hard Place.
Karen remains convinced the Laroch restaurant served the best sticky toffee pudding of the entire trip.
Day 5: Eilean Donan Castle and Plockton
Eilean Donan Castle added a wonderful change of pace. On arrival in Plockton we took a walk around Rubha Mor — a wooded peninsula that was once a Victorian-style garden, now gloriously semi-wild.
Day 6: The Isle of Skye
Skye was the star of the show. One group — Darby, Reb, Teresa, Phyllis, Patti, and Mariah — hiked to the white sands of Camusdarach on the Sleat Peninsula. Karen and Lori explored the coastline and the poignant Clearance villages of Suisnish and Boreraig with Heather. Live music back at the hotel was the perfect end to a brilliant day.
Days 7–8: Torridon, Glen Affric, and the Caledonian Pines
A loop around Loch Clair and Loch Coulin offered sweeping views of the Torridon mountains — along with a dose of Scottish weather and plenty of midgies. The following day we hiked through the ancient Caledonian pine woods of Glen Affric, squeezing in a quick lunch overlooking Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin before the rain caught up with us again.
Day 9: The Northern Corries and a final night to remembe
Our last full day took us into the Northern Corries — a classic Cairngorms route. Kirsty and Teresa took in views of the Uath Lochans and Glenfeshie from Farleiter Crag while the rest of the group pushed into the corrie.
Back at base, Heather ran a fiendishly good pub quiz that had everyone scratching their heads — but we were genuinely impressed by your newfound knowledge of Scotland! Dinner and cocktails at Montpeliers rounded off a wonderful trip in style.
Ready for Your Own Scottish Adventure?
If this recap has you dreaming of misty hills, coastal paths, and evenings filled with laughter and stories… you’re not alone. Scotland has a way of staying with you long after the boots come off.
Join us on a future Scotland departure and experience it for yourself. From the Highlands to the Isle of Skye, every day brings something new.
