Scotland's Highland Way

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 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.

Itinerary at a Glance

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

We meet in Glasgow and head out to hike on the West Highland Way, the renowned long-distance trail that weaves along the “bonny” east bank of Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest freshwater lake, 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. The next day we hike in 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!), a peak that rises above Loch Tula.

Days 3-4
Fort William / Glenfinnan

In a spectacular day of hiking, we explore the haunting scenery of Glencoe, the glacier-carved 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. We also hike 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. Overnights are in the Victorian town of Fort William at the end of the West Highland Way.

Days 5-7
Isle of Skye / Cuillins

Traveling “over the sea to Skye,” as Boulton’s famous poem says, we hike on a storied isle dominated by the jagged peaks of the towering red and black Cuillin Mountains. Skye radiates mystery, with its fjord-like inlets and the enchanting play of light and shadow on its heather-covered hills. We hike through the fascinating Quirang, with its pinnacles and rare fauna, head up into the wild Cuillins for awe-inspiring 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 ale.

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 centuries. Depart from Inverness on Day 9.

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What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 4+. Our hikes range from four to seven hours in length. Although Scottish mountains are not high, they are steep and rugged. This hiking trip is designed for hikers who have at least some experience of mountain hiking and who enjoy hiking over sometimes boggy, slippery, or rough terrain—sturdy, well-fitted hiking boots are essential on this trip! Distances on some days can be long and there are days with a good bit of up and down. You might think hiking in Scotland is less rigorous than, for example, the Alps because the daily mileage is not as great and the elevation gain and loss is not as extreme. However, some of our ascents and descents are steep, and our hiking terrain includes stony paths, bogs that are ankle deep, and cross-country over open ground, so the hiking might be a bit rougher than you expect for a region with such moderate altitudes. Scotland's weather can provide spectacular clear days but can also be very changeable, and we want you to be well prepared for all that you may encounter. Come prepared for some rain and bring appropriate rain gear and gaiters so you can remain comfortable no matter what weather blows in. For your own enjoyment, we recommend you make a special effort to be in good physical condition.

Explanation of Trip Levels