Hike the West Highland Way, historic Glencoe, and the Isle of Skye

Scotland’s Highland Way

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From the silvery waters of Loch Lomond to the bewitching mountains of the Isle of Skye, the Scottish Highlands offer a wild and romantic landscape perfect for hiking. We trace a path from Rob Roy country in the West Highlands, land of the MacGregors and the Campbells, to “the far Cuillins” of Skye. Our rambles bring us to wild wooded glens, mystical moorlands ringed by craggy peaks, and valleys brimming with the legends of kings and clans. Along the way, we meet the Scots in their delightful village pubs, dine on smoked salmon and local oysters, sample a “wee dram” of a famous whiskey or two, and enjoy Scotland’s rich Gaelic culture, still a vibrant part of the everyday lives of highlanders.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-2
Glasgow / Loch Lomond / The West Highland Way

We meet in Glasgow and head out to hike one of the most magnificent sections of the West Highland Way. This renowned long-distance trail weaves along the “bonny” east bank of Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest freshwater lake, and through the heart of Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park following ancient drovers’ roads through forests and moorlands. The famous peak of Ben Lomond, Scotland’s southernmost munro (mountain over 3,000 feet) towers above Loch Lomond, Britain’s largest freshwater expanse and one of its most scenic. The next day our hike follows the footsteps of Rob Roy, the notorious 18th century outlaw—or highland hero, depending on your point of view—who led Clan MacGregor into battle. Our trail takes us up and around Beinn an Dothaidh (pronounced Doh!), which rises above Loch Tula.

Days 3-4
Fort William / Glenfinnan

In a spectacular day of hiking, we explore the haunting scenery of Glencoe, a glaciercarved valley featured as the backdrop for the Braveheart and Rob Roy films. Glencoe is full of the lore of tragic battles between the MacDonalds and the Campbells. The next day we hike dramatic terrain on the shores of Lochailort to historic Glenfinnan, passing through blue-green moors to the glen where Bonnie Prince Charles raised his standard in 1745 to begin the Jacobite rebellion. Our base is Fort William, the Victorian town that marks the end of the West Highland Way. The town is set on Loch Linne below Ben Nevis (4,406'), the highest mountain in Britain.

Days 5-7
Isle of Skye / Cuillins

We travel “over the sea to Skye,” as Boulton’s famous poem says, for hikes on a storied isle ringed by a rugged coast and dominated by the jagged peaks of the towering red and black Cuillin Mountains. Skye radiates mystery, with its fjordlike inlets, rolling mists pierced by rays of sunshine, and the enchanting play of light and shadow on its heathercovered hills. Scottish Gaelic is the indigenous language and Gaelic heritage pervades the island. We hike through the fascinating Quirang, with its mysterious pinnacles and rare fauna, head up into the wild Cuillins for aweinspiring views from a dramatic lookout at Bruch na Frithe (3,143'), and stop into local pubs to celebrate our hike’s end with a pint of beer or ale. We also visit Dunvegan Castle and an old Skye “Black House” to see the contrast in how tenant farmers once lived while the Laird lived the high life.

Days 8-9
Eileen Donan Castle / Inverness

We head for Inverness, the charming highland capital, with a visit en route to the mystical ruin of Eileen Donan Castle, Clan MacKenzie’s stronghold from the 13th to 17th century. Depart from Inverness on Day 9.

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Tour Costs $3995 (10-12 members) $4295 (8-9 members) $4495 (6-7 members) Single supplement: $895 *Prices are for 2008 dates only **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

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