Highlights of the Highlands

Day 1 – Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond National Park

Meet your guide in Edinburgh this morning and head northwest to the small city of Stirling. Enjoy a coffee at a lovely cafe before exploring Stirling Castle, an impressive medieval fortress atop a steep crag. After lunch, continue your adventure west, travelling into the lush, green folds of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Arrive in the peaceful hamlet of Balquhidder and enjoy a short walk up to a stunning viewpoint (once the ancient rallying point of Clan MacLaren). Later, arrive at your boutique, lochside hotel and take some time to settle in before dinner. (L, D)

Walk details: 2.5 km/1.5 miles | 125 m/400 ft of ascent | approx. 1 hour

Day 2 – Loch Etive and the Isle of Eriska

As the soft morning sunshine slips across the water, lace up your boots and head out for a beautiful circular walk with your guide. Stroll along the banks of the River Awe and enjoy the stunning views across Loch Etive to the rugged silhouette of Ben Starav beyond. Feeling refreshed after your ramble, enjoy a scenic drive west to the Isle of Eriska – a small tidal island tethered to the mainland by a slim wooden bridge. Take some time to explore the island on foot before heading inside the magnificent Isle of Eriska Hotel to put your feet up and relax. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 10 km/6 miles | 125 m/400 ft of ascent | approx. 4 hours

Day 3 – Exploring Glencoe

After a leisurely breakfast, ribbon your way north into the spectacular Glencoe Glen. Carved out centuries ago by glaciers and volcanic eruptions, the dark, brooding summits of the moor-clad mountains press imposingly against an ever-changing sky. Visit the thoughtful and engaging visitor centre, learning about the landscape’s captivating but haunting history. Join your guide for a spectacular walk, keeping an eye out for red deer and golden eagles. Return to Eriska Hotel this afternoon and enjoy swimming a length or two in the pool before heading out for dinner at a lovely local restaurant. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 7 km/4.5 miles | 130 m/425 ft ft of ascent | approx. 3 hours

Day 4 – West Coast Boat Trip

Today, join an experienced, well-seasoned skipper for a private boat trip. From the Isle of Eriska zoom out onto the smooth water to explore the powdery beaches and untamed islands of this wild part of Scotland. Come ashore for lunch at Nc’Nean distillery and enjoy a whisky tour. Discover unusual yeast, curious stills and a small team passionate about their pioneering organic scotch. This afternoon, catch the ferry from Mallaig to the Isle of Skye and wind your way north to your hotel which is tucked just outside the colourful town of Portree. (B, L, D)

Day 5 – Hiking on the Isle of Skye

This morning, zip up your backpack and head out to explore the dramatic landscape of the Quiraing. Chat with your guide about the geology and history of the area as you walk among the dark, stark spires that rise from the heathery ground like great ruined battlements. With no need to rush, take your time and enjoy stopping to capture the incredible views of rolling waves, ragged mountains and rocky islands. Later this afternoon, have a potter around Portree – pop into some artisanal shops and admire the pretty harbour-side houses. A free evening tonight, enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants. (B, L)

Walk details: 8 km/5 miles | up to 390 m/1,280 ft of ascent | approx. 4 hours

Day 6 – Cauldron of the Waters

After breakfast overlooking the tranquil bay, head south to Elgol, a tiny hamlet scattered along the western cliffs of the Strathaird peninsula. From a small jetty, board the charming Bella Jane and sail over Loch Scavaig into the very heart of the Black Cuillin Mountains. Upon reaching the shore, leave the boat to explore Loch Coruisk. Also known as the Cauldron of the Waters, this dark loch stretches like a shadow below impressive volcanic peaks. This evening, return to Portree and enjoy a delicious dinner and a glass of wine with another fabulous view. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 7 km/4 miles | 122m/400ft of ascent | approx. 4 hours

Day 7 – Eilean Donan Castle and Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

Travel back to the mainland this morning and visit Eilean Donan Castle, an iconic fortress perched upon a tidal island at the intersection of three sea lochs. Continue your journey through the striking landscape, arriving at Dundreggan Rewilding Centre to enjoy lunch. Afterwards, join an expert guide to visit their specialist tree nursery and learn about the centre’s important biodiversity. Transfer to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, and enjoy the sweeping views across Loch Ness before arriving at your quiet hotel, a short walk from the city centre. (B, L)

Walk details: 5 km/3 miles miles | 100 m/330 ft of ascent | approx. 2 hours

Day 8 – Culloden Battlefield and the Cairngorms National Park

After breakfast begin your adventure south into the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Along the way, visit Culloden Battlefield and its richly researched and engaging visitor centre. Learn about one of the most harrowing battles in Scottish history and walk across the rough moor where the Jacobites and the Government fought in 1746. Arrive after lunch in the picturesque village of Braemar and enjoy a scenic short hike. Relax this evening in the Fife Arms, a 19th-century hotel which combines Scottish heritage, craftsmanship and culture, alongside world-class contemporary art. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 5 km/3 miles | 90 m/300 ft of ascent | approx. 2 hours

Day 9 – Exploring Royal Balmoral

Spend the morning exploring the beautiful countryside that surrounds Balmoral Castle. Wind your way through the tangy pine forest and out onto the open hillside to a number of historical cairns erected by the Royal Family. With breathtaking views and the opportunity to see Balmoral from up high, it’s a true cracker of a walk. This afternoon, visit a local castle and learn how it’s weathered many years of Highland history. In the golden afternoon light, return to your hotel and sink into a sofa, enjoying an aperitif before dinner. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 9.5 km/6 miles | 300 m/980 ft of ascent | approx. 3 – 4 hours

Day 10 – Scone Palace and Depart

On your last day, enjoy a morning at Scone Palace – an impressive red sandstone house which holds over 1000 years of history within its walls. Family home to the Earls of Mansfield and the ancient crowning place of Scottish Kings, it’s a brilliant place to explore. After lunch, enjoy a walk with your guide. Gradually meander up a sloping hillside to an old folly, from which long views over a patchwork of fields makes for a beautiful group photograph. Depart from Scone and travel back to Edinburgh, arriving in the capital at 5:00 pm where your trip will conclude. (B, L)

Walk details: 4 km/2.5 miles | 200 m/660 ft of ascent | approx. 2 hours