19WSPD SNWH Itinerary

Multi Activity View Trip Dates Skye & The North West Highlands Book Now

Trip Grade: Your Own Pace Skye & the North West Highlands

This self-drive holiday through the Scottish Highlands allows you to experience a range of activities lead by local guides while enjoying the comforts of luxury hotels.

This relaxing self-drive holiday explores the striking beauty of Skye and the North West Highlands where you will see the towering mountain ranges and a rugged coastlines.

Begin your journey in Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, canoe along Scotland’s most famous waterway the Caledonian Canal, sea kayak in one of the most beautiful coastal landscapes on the Scottish West Coast, explore the remarkable landscapes of the Isle of Skye and hike on some of the oldest mountains in the world in Torridon. Experience the comfort of staying in enchanting castles and Highland lodges while savouring the award-winning local food – an ideal way to indulge during your luxury adventure in Scotland.

Highlights • Canoe along the Caledonian Canal, an impressive 60 mile long connection between the West Coast of Scotland and the East Coast. Starting from Neptune’s Staircase and finishing in Gairlochy. • Soak up the comforts of the stunningly located luxurious castles and lodges in the Scottish Highlands • Enjoy a range of activities such as hiking, canoeing and sea kayaking with the support of our experienced guides

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

Arrival

• At the start of your trip you will make your own way to your overnight accommodation in Fort William

Departure

• Your final accommodation is in Torridon. Make your onward journey from here by own arrangements

• If travelling from abroad we would recommend picking up your hire car in Inverness, for full details on how to get to Inverness, please see our website: Travel to Scotland

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 | Travel to Fort William

Make your way past Loch Ness to Fort William, arriving at your hotel for the next two nights, Inverlochy Castle – a stunningly located castle nestled between glen and loch near Ben Nevis. Overnight at 5-star Inverlochy Castle.

Day 2 | Canoe Caledonian Canal

A day of exploring Scotland’s most famous waterway. From Fort William, you’ll paddle a canoe along the calm waters of the Caledonian Canal. After a break for lunch in Gairlochy, you’ll be privately transferred back to Neptune’s Staircase. The route on the canal is a peaceful one with plenty of opportunity to spot birds, wildlife and enjoy superb views of Ben Nevis. Reward yourself with afternoon tea at Inverlochy and spend a relaxed afternoon at the hotel. Overnight at 5-star Inverlochy Castle. (B)

Day 3 | Sea Kayaking Arisaig & Travel to Skye

A short but scenic drive down the coast takes you to Arisaig. Enjoy a morning of sea kayaking with a guide in one of the most beautiful coastal landscapes on the Scottish West Coast – it’s suitable for beginners but still an enticing paddle for experts. The area is teeming with wildlife and you will experience paddling through a curious seal colony. After lunch, take the ferry to the Isle of Skye, travel north to the harbour town Portree and soak up the village atmosphere before settling into your luxury hotel built by the Macdonald clan in 1882. Overnight at the 4-star Cuillin Hills Hotel, Isle of Skye. (B) Day 4 | Guided Hike on Skye

Your Wilderness Scotland guide will meet you at your hotel and discuss options for privately guided hike. Enjoy a day of guided hiking on Skye with the opportunity of a boat trip to a remote part of the isle for a wonderful hike around a loch; or perhaps hiking along the coast to villages abandoned in the Highland Clearances many years ago. In the evening you can relax at the hotel where you can indulge in mouthwatering food or perhaps venture into Portree where you can visit the charming pubs or one of the many local eateries. Overnight at the 4-star Cuillin Hills Hotel, Isle of Skye. (B)

Day 5 | Guided Hike in Torridon

Leaving Skye, drive up the west coast to the beautiful region of Torridon. On the way, you will meet with your Wilderness Scotland guide for a beautiful hike, exploring the landscapes of Skye, Applecross or Torridon. You may want to linger on Skye, enjoy a high level but easy hike in Applecross, or venture to the ancient and rugged peaks of Torridon – our guide will help you decide! No matter what hike you choose, you will be surrounded by truly spectacular views of steep terraced sides and unique geology. Overnight at the 4-star gold Torridon Hotel. (B) Day 6 | Free Day

Enjoy a relaxing day at the hotel to finish your holiday. Many activities are available on-site, including archery, clay pigeon shooting or – if you are feeling more adventurous – canyoning. Overnight at the 4- star gold Torridon Hotel. (B)

Day 7 | Depart

After a leisurely breakfast, depart. (B) 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!

On the other days of the trip you will self guided and can explore at whatever pace you feel comfortable.

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.

Packed lunches are not included in the trip cost, but will be available from your hotel or a local cafe/ deli. Inclusions

This trip includes the following: • 6 nights accommodation in excellent 4-star hotels & a 5-star castle • Breakfast each day • Afternoon tea at Inverlochy Castle • 1 day canoeing experience • Half day guided sea kayaking experience • 2 days of privately guided hikes, led by an expert Wilderness Scotland guide • Ferry to the Isle of Skye Our holidays reviewed in your words…

The trip was truly memorable and a great way to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. It was a perfect mix of activities, “ beautiful accommodations and locations. We were happy to have an extra couple days before and after the trip to explore even further. We really liked our time in Glencoe and Laggen as well. Carl Seider ”

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