On this tour you travel through the Scottish highlands learning about the history while visiting places where a lot of historic events took place. Scotland also has some of best scenery around and our hikes will take us into the hills to admire its beauty. Our evenings are are spent in the highland towns of Fort William, Portree and Inverness while accommodation is not included we do provide a list of recommended providers.
Day 1
Departure is at 9am from Glasgow or a nearby train station if travelling from Edinburgh. First up we have a short stop for a photo of Stirling Castle, some key battles took place within sight of the castle walls. We shall travel through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park before reaching the majestic Glencoe where our hike into The Lost Valley takes place. The hike can take between 2/3hrs depending on the group. But before we set off we will stop at the Glencoe Visitor Centre to see a couple of short films about how the glen was formed and how the people lived here. We then start our hike into The Lost Valley and hear about the Glencoe Massacre of 1692. After the hike we make our way to Fort William to your accommodation. I will send out a list of different types of accommodation once booked. Fort William also has plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars with music to have a well earned drink.
Day 2
Depending on our ferry time later that day departure from Fort William will be 9/9.30am. We will drive to Glenfinnan where there is a monument to where Bonnie Prince Charlie and his troops first gathered at the start of the Jacobite Rising of 1745, also here is the Glenfinnan Viaduct made even more famous by the Harry Potter films. The preferred hike is further up the road and it leads out to Peanmeanach village and its beach. This takes about 4 hours and is a fabulous walk with stunning views out over the coast. We shall then catch the ferry over the sea to Skye which also has lovely views into Knoydart, we might even see some dolphins following the Calmac ferry.
Accommodation will be in the Portree area.
Day 3
A day of hiking awaits on the Isle of Skye. First hike is to the Old Man of Storr a 55 meter high rock pinnacle on The Trotternish Ridge this hike is on well constructed trail path and takes around 2hrs to complete sometime less. Further up the road is The Quiraing this is a bit more challenging and takes around 3hrs. The Quiraing is a striking landscape and has been used in films such as The BFG, King Arthur and Macbeth. Return to accommodation.
Day 4
Tonight we will stay in the highland capital of Scotland known as Inverness. After yesterdays long day hiking today will be more relaxed making plenty of photo stops at Eileann Donan Castle, Glen Sheil and Loch Ness, maybe a swim in the water with Nessie. Inverness is well known for its nightlife and they are plenty of venues with music on from traditional and local bands. Also a good whisky tasting bar located in Inverness.
Day 5
After breakfast we visit Culloden Battlefield where the Jacobite Risings ended in 1746 and look out over the battlefield from the roof of the visitor centre. Then a short 5 minute drive over to Clava Cairns believed to be an ancient burial ground around 4000 yrs old. We head south towards Pitlochry and our final hike will be in this area or nearby at The Hermitage. Before driving over the Forth bridges near Edinburgh and then finish off at The Kelpies before our drive back to Glasgow.
