The Cuillins, Isle of Skye

Remote Skye is dominated by the jagged peaks of the Cuillin Mountains. We hike ancient trails on spectacular Skye, the magnificent West Highland Way, and to Glencoe, discovering the Celtic heritage and natural beauty of Scotland.

Photo by David Paterson / Mira

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Scotland's Highland Way

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

Repertory Trip

This is one of our special Repertory Trips offered every three to five years. We currently have no departures scheduled, but please contact us if you would like more information.

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.

Highlights

  • The West Highland Way, with trails along Loch Lomond
  • The Isle of Skye, with its Gaelic heritage
  • 13th century Eileen Donan Castle, historic Glenfinnan
  • Inverness, the highland capital
  • Friendly village pubs

Details

  • 9-day trip begins in Glasgow and ends in Inverness
  • 8 nights in country hotels and bed-and-breakfasts
  • All meals included except lunches
  • Moderate to steep trails, 4-7 hours a day, van support

Suggested Reading

Reading list, click here.

Itinerary at a Glance
Scotland's Highland Way route-map

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.

This is the Itinerary-at-a-Glance. For the complete trip description, Download Full Trip Brochure