Day 1: Arrive Inverness
Make your own way to Inverness for one night (B&B) at the Kingsmills Hotel, or a similar 4-star property.
Day 2: Transfer to the Cairngorms
You will be met by your driver/guide in Inverness this morning, and together make your way to the Cairngorms National Park in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
The Cairngorm Mountains will serve as a beautiful backdrop for your first hike, as you follow a trail that runs through ancient Caledonian pine forest and alongside a sparkling Highland loch. As you go, your guide will share with you some secrets to foraging for wild foodstuffs!
Today’s walk will be a short initial hike of approx. 5km, after which you’ll travel to your hotel in Kingussie, a small town situated within the Cairngorms, and your home for the next 3 nights.
Overnight in Kingussie at the Cross Hotel (B&B basis).
Hike Details: Approx. 2 hours, 5km/3.1miles, 70m/ 230ft of ascent
Day 3: Full-day hike in Glen Feshie
Today will be spent exploring Glen Feshie. This wild and beautiful glen, or valley, was formerly a deer stalking estate but has in recent years been carefully and sensitively returned to its wild roots with the restoration of its ancient Caledonian pine forests and a resurgence of species such as wildcat, otter and capercaillie.
During today’s 12km hike, you’ll be able to soak in the quiet atmosphere, miles away from any urban environment, and admire the scenery as you journey deep into the glen, where you’ll discover a unique 'bothy' nestled amid the trees! If you'd prefer a more demanding hike, there will also be an option today to climb to one of Glen Feshie’s two munros, Sgor Gaoith and Mullach Clach a'Bhlair.
Hike details: Approx. 5-6 hours, 12km/ 7 miles, 250m/ 820 ft of ascent (not including the munros)
Day 4: Classic Cairngorms full-day hike
Today you’ll enjoy fabulous vistas of the Cairngorm cliffs as you climb the rocky pass known as the Chalamain Gap. This boulder-filled dip opens out to views of the slopes of mighty Braeriach, the tallest of the Cairngorms peaks and the third highest mountain in the UK.
For the best views, you’ll have the option to ascend the small summit of Creag a' Chalamain; from this high vantage point, the depths of the Lairig Ghru pass, which cuts through the whole Cairngorms massif, drop away in front of you, as the view extends across a highland plateau all the way to the lower slopes of Braeriach.
From Creag a' Chalamain, you can either retrace your steps, or descend to the floor of the pass and wind your way down to Loch Morlich through open pinewoods.
Hike details: Approx. 6½ hours, 12km/ 7 miles, 310m/ 1015 ft of ascent
NB. There will also be the option today to include some of the higher summits if you would like a more demanding hike.
Day 5: Hike Loch Gynack & transfer to Fort William
Starting directly from your hotel this morning, you’ll journey through woodland and into the foothills of the Monadhliath mountains, located just north of Kingussie on the boundary of the Cairngorms National Park.
Here, you’ll explore the shimmering shores of Loch Gynack, with wonderful views of the surrounding Monadhliath summits. You then continue through open moorland to arrive at the fascinating Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore, an extensive open-air museum with buildings 'frozen in time' to give a taste of Highland life in years gone by!
After the morning’s walk, you’ll depart Newtonmore and head west to Fort William, situated at the foot of Ben Nevis. You stay tonight at the Moorings in Fort William, a cosy 30-room hotel positioned on the edge of the Caledonian Canal.
Hike details: Approx. 4 hours, 7.5km/ 4.75 miles, 162m/ 530 ft of ascent
Day 6: Full-day Glen Coe hike
The dramatic mountains and ridges of Glen Coe have featured as the backdrop to many films and are a fixture of depictions of the Scottish Highlands; looking up at the summits, it is easy to see why!
Today you will explore one of the peaks of this famous valley with your guide, enjoying stunning views and fabulous walking. After your hike, you’ll settle down with a celebratory beverage in a traditional climbers’ pub, and listen to fascinating tales and legends told by a local storyteller!
Hike details: Approx. 6 hours, 8km/ 5 miles, 900m/ 2952 ft of ascent
Day 7: Ben Nevis
Take on the challenge of the highest mountain in the UK today, starting from almost sea level and climbing all the way up to the 1,345m summit.
This is a popular climb route, and you can expect to encounter many other walkers today; keep your eyes open for rock climbers on the popular North facing cliffs! On reaching the summit – and assuming the weather is kind to you! – ‘the Ben' will reward your efforts with sweeping views. No matter what the weather, nothing affects the sense of achievement as you stand at the top of Scotland.
This evening, raise a well-earned drink to your mountain adventures and cherished memories with the traditional toast of “Slainte Mhath”, or 'good health'!
Hike details: Approx. 9 hours, 17km/ 10.5 miles, 1352m/ 4436 ft of ascent
Alternative Route – the West Highland Way
Ben Nevis can be a challenging day climb, especially if the weather is poor. If you would prefer a less demanding walk today, there is also the option to hike the final section of the classic long-distance route, the West Highland Way. This involves a morning transfer to the village of Kinlochleven, from where you trek back to Fort William via Lairig Mor (“the great pass”), a steep but rewarding climb that serves as a fitting finale to your week in the Highlands.Day 8: Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before transferring back to Inverness, where you say goodbye to your guide.
If flying home or taking the train, you’ll be transferred to the airport or railway station; otherwise we can help with accommodation in Inverness or onward transfer arrangements if required.
NB. depending on timings, it may be possible to enjoy one last short hike before you depart today. Your guide will discuss the options with you.
Walking the Scottish Highlands
Spend 7 nights in the Scottish Highlands on this fully-guided private walking itinerary
Walking the Scottish Highlands
Explore the Scottish Highlands in the company of an expert guide on this private walking itinerary. Over the course of 7 days, you’ll hike lesser-known trails as well as some classic Scottish walks. In the Cairngorms, you’ll discover remote mountain glens and sparkling lochs – and maybe bag a munro or two! - while at Glencoe and Loch Leven, you’ll be able to capture some of Scotland’s most famous landscapes. The itinerary finishes with a climb to the summit of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s tallest peak.
Outline Itinerary
Price guide
Price based on four travellers in twin/double accommodation and travel between May and October. For winter departures, or for larger group rates, please contact us.
Pricing
8 days from £2654pp
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