Multi Activity View Trip Dates Scottish Highlands Book Now

Trip Grade: Your Own Pace Scottish Highlands

This private and fully-guided multi-activity holiday in the Scottish Highlands is for the adventurous at heart.

Exploring wild places, mountain ranges and a striking coastline, this itinerary includes Scotland’s most romantically beautiful regions. You’ll go hiking on the famous Isle of Skye, enjoy sea kayaking amongst seals in the Sound of Arisaig, and hit the trails mountain biking and hiking in the Cairngorms National Park.

Your expert guide will be there throughout to lead and inspire you, as well as share their wealth of local knowledge with you. In the evenings you can relax in carefully- selected 4-star small hotels, enjoying Scottish culinary delights and warm Highland hospitality.

Highlights • Enjoy sea kayaking and seal-spotting in the azure waters and white-fringed beaches of Arisaig • Take a boat to the heart of the Black Cuillin mountains and explore the mystical Loch Coruisk • Experience some of Scotland’s best trails mountain biking in the Cairngorms

Book with confidence • You pick the dates that suit you – we make all the arrangements required Planned Itinerary

Arrival & Departure

• At the start of your trip you will make your own way to Inverness to meet your Wilderness Scotland Guide in the morning.

• We can meet you or drop you off at the location of your choice in Inverness – the airport, railway station or at a local hotel or guest house.

PLEASE NOTE – The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the Wilderness Scotland Guide with regard to weather conditions and other factors. Day 1 | Meet in Inverness, Guided Hiking on Skye

This morning your Wilderness Scotland Guide will warmly welcome you to the Highlands after collecting you in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. We head west through magnificent mountain scenery and on to the famous Isle of Skye over the Skye Bridge. Here we will go for an afternoon hike amongst the other-worldly landscapes of Skye. Your guide will select the best hike for your level of adventure and will help you discover the rich history and beauty of the island. You’ll check in to your hotel that overlooks the harbour in Portree, with views toward the magnificent Cuillin Mountains in the distance. Overnight Portree. (L)

Day 2 | Guided Hiking on Skye

This morning we head out to explore the secretive Loch Coruisk. From the tiny fishing village of Elgol we take a boat trip to the heart of the Black Cuillin mountains which tower above the blue waters of the loch. Along the way we will spot seals and perhaps dolphins in the coastal waters. Once ashore we can hike around the loch or simply drink in the atmosphere of this stupendous place as we sit beside the river that cascades down into the sea. We then take the boat back to Elgol. Afterwards we can enjoy another hike on Skye or head back to the hotel to relax. Overnight Portree. (B, L)

Day 3 | Travel to Arisaig, Guided Hike

We leave the Isle of Skye behind us this morning by ferry. The crossing to the mainland takes around 30 minutes and puts us ashore at the fishing port of Mallaig. From here a short transfer takes us to our next hotel – a stunning country house – which overlooks the Sound of Arisaig. This gorgeous coastal area is rich in marine wildlife and human history, which we will explore on foot this afternoon. Options include hikes to to majestic lochs or secluded beaches, enjoying the stunning views toward the Small Isles a few miles offshore. Overnight Arisaig. (B, L) Day 4 | Guided Sea Kayaking, Arisaig

Today we will explore the Sound of Arisaig from the same perspective as the wildlife – by sea! This day is suitable for ﬁrst-time kayakers as well as experienced paddlers. After meeting your kayak guide you’ll set out to explore the beautiful waters nearby, which are home to a resident seal colony. Sea kayaking is an amazing experience, with the cool breeze, small waves and glint of sunlight on water captivating our senses. Your guide is also an excellent coach who can instruct you in the skills needed to paddle eﬀectively, so you will be able to make the most of this wonderful opportunity to kayak in one of Scotland’s top locations. Overnight Arisaig. (B, L)

Day 5 | Travel to Cairngorms, Guided Mountain Biking

We say goodbye to the west coast now and head east again to the Cairngorms National Park. As we drive, we enjoy a spectacular change in the scenery from prominent peaks and deep glens to the high plateau and wide river valleys. In the adventure hub of Aviemore, we collect our mountain bikes and then head out to explore the great Caledonian Forest – a ﬂourishing section of the ancient woodlands that enchanted Queen Victoria long ago. Riding on excellent trails we pass through a land of beautiful pine trees and crystal clear streams with ever changing views. The mountain biking can be as easy or as challenging as you like, so is suitable for anyone who can ride a bike as our guides will adapt the route to match your skill level. We then transfer to your ﬁnal hotel, a boutique Highland Lodge within the national park. Overnight Cairngorms. (B, L) Day 6 | Guided Hiking in the Cairngorms

On your ﬁnal day of hiking your guide will again choose a hike that best suits the weather conditions and aims for the day. It could be a gentle walk around a secluded loch with a ruined castle, a hike through the magical forests, or even a venture up onto the high plateau to explore the summits of the magniﬁcent Cairngorm mountains themselves. Overnight Cairngorms. (B, L)

Day 7 | Final Hike, then Return to Inverness and Depart

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll head out for a final hike in the Cairngorms National Park. This is the largest national park in Scotland so there is plenty of variety in each hike! Afterwards, we depart the Cairngorms and return to Inverness, arriving mid- afternoon. Your guide will drop you at the airport or train station for your onward journey, wishing you a fond farewell. (B, L) Trip Grading | At Your Own Pace

On this adventure you will be accompanied by a Wilderness Scotland hiking guide for several days, who will be able to suggest and lead you on a range of hikes from gentle low level rambles to challenging days visiting remote summits. Just let them know what type of hike you would like to do and they will be ready!

Accommodation and Meals

Our deluxe self drive holidays feature a range of 4 or 5 star country houses and hotels in locations across Scotland.

A warm welcome is assured and you can enjoy superior comfort and the finest service in these. Accommodation is in double, twin or family bedrooms. Breakfast is included each morning.

Please note that alternative accommodations may be offered when you book if availability at any of these is limited.

At all stages of your trip you will be able to enjoy the finest of Scottish cuisine, enjoying delicious meals prepared from superb local ingredients.

Lunches and snacks are included in the trip cost and will be provided for you throughout. Inclusions

This trip includes the following: • 6 nights accommodation in carefully selected 4-star small hotels • Breakfast and lunches each day, plus snacks while doing activities • The services of a qualified and experienced Wilderness Scotland guide throughout your trip • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide • All activities described in the itinerary, including guided hikes, guided sea kayaking and guiding biking, including any relevant equipment hire Our holidays reviewed in your words…

Our experience showed us that Wilderness Scotland is a “ very professional organization with high standards for customer satisfaction. I have already and will continue to recommend them to anyone seeking adventure off the beaten path and an intimate experience of the beauty that Scotland has to offer. Steven Markey ”

All Trip Reviews Here Your Guide

During this trip you will be accompanied and led by one of our professional guides. Our guides are among the most highly experienced and qualified in the country. Defined by their passion for Scotland’s wild places, they have an intimate knowledge of the natural and social history of this land which they will be delighted to share with you. For more info and to meet the team please see our Guide Pages.

Sustainable Travel

Wilderness Scotland is committed to the principles of ecotourism. We work very hard to ensure our engagements with local communities, wild lands and wildlife are positive.

We are a proud partner of the Leave No Trace Centre for Outdoor Ethics, which enhances our commitment to responsible activity in Scotland’s wild lands, as enshrined in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC).

We are also proud to be a John Muir Trust Peak Partner. Thanks in part to the generosity of our clients though our Conservation Contribution scheme the John Muir Trust can rely on our investment to go towards conservation projects that have a deep connection to Wilderness Scotland and the areas we adventure in.

You can learn more about the work we’re doing with the John Muir Trust and the other ways we care for the wild places we love here. Equipment List

Check out our guide on what to wear when adventuring in Scotland. wildernessscotland.com/blog/hiking-in-scotland-what-to-wear

Eat | Stay | See

Looking for accommodation for before or after your adventure with us? Check out our list of where to stay and what to do

Eat – Stay – See – Inverness.pdf

General Info – Scotland

From food and drink to the Loch Ness Monster, our General Info for Scotland guide has got you covered for all your need to know facts.

General-Info-Scotland.pdf Travel Insurance

It is your responsibility to take out appropriate travel insurance to cover you during your trip. This should include cover for cancellation prior to the trip, the activities undertaken (i.e hiking), curtailment, and adequate medical insurance for sickness/ injury and medical repatriation. We also strongly recommend you have cover for your other travel arrangements such as flights, and your personal possessions.

We suggest you do your own research to find the best insurance cover for you however the follow companies offer suitable policies.

Campbell Irvine Direct – campbellirvinedirect.com Journeyman Insurance Services – journeyman-services.com/travelInsurance

If you cancel your holiday charges will apply. Please see section 2 of our terms and conditions for a breakdown: wildernessscotland.com/make-a-booking/booking-conditions

Travel With Confidence

You can book with us in complete confidence that all trip payments made to us are fully protected.

Wilderness Scotland Ltd is a licensed and bonded tour operator. Your financial security is guaranteed through our membership and bonding with ABTA. FAQs

Looking for more information? Check out our frequently asked questions page. wildernessscotland.com/faq

Questions To Ask? Ready to Book?

If you want to get in touch please send us an email or give us a call. We accept bookings online, by email, or over the phone. A deposit of 25% is required at the time of booking to secure the trip with the balance payable 8 weeks (56 days) before departure. If booking less than 56 days before the trip start date, full payment of the trip price is required immediately.

We accept payment by credit or debit card, or bank transfer.

email: [email protected] View Trip Dates Tel (UK and Europe): +44(0)1479 420 020 Book Now Tel (US and Canada): 866-740-3890