Upon arrival, you will meet your guide in Glasgow at 9 am at the hotel and head straight for Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. After a quick drink by the water and a chance to settle into the group, we start our first hike above Luss, climbing a grassy ridge with wide views over Loch Lomond and the Arrochar Alps. It’s a strong opener: scenic, satisfying, and unmistakably Scottish. Afterwards, we transfer about an hour to our lochside hotel and settle in for the night.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Hiking: approx. 11 km (7 mi), 5 hrs
Elevation gain: approx. 762 m (2,500 ft)

Today we take on one of the Southern Highlands’ best-known peaks: The Cobbler, also called Ben Arthur. Its jagged silhouette looks dramatic from a distance, but a good trail makes the climb manageable and hugely rewarding. This is one of those days that feels classic from start to finish: big scenery, memorable rock formations, and a proper sense of being in the Highlands. To top it off, we return to the hotel by water taxi, which is a fun little flourish after a big hiking day.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Hiking: approx. 11 km (7 mi), 6 hrs
Elevation gain: approx. 914 m (3,000 ft)

We transfer north to Glencoe, one of Scotland’s great show-off landscapes, and hike a spectacular section of the West Highland Way. Today’s route includes the Devil’s Staircase, a historic zigzag climb with huge Highland views and a name that’s much more dramatic than the trail itself. After the walk, we head to our inn in Glencoe, where a drink at the bar feels very well earned before dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Clachaig Inn (or similar)
Hiking: approx. 10 km (6 mi), 3 hrs
Elevation gain: approx. 549 m (1,800 ft)

We hike the ridge of Buachaille Etive Beag today, an excellent Highland outing with sweeping views toward Loch Etive and the peaks around Glencoe. It’s overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, which works in our favor. The path is clear, the setting feels wild, and the whole day has that lovely mix of accessibility and remoteness. Later, we stop at the eco-friendly Glencoe Visitor Centre for a hot drink and a bit of the area’s story before returning to the inn. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Clachaig Inn (or similar)
Hiking: approx. 8 km (5 mi), 6 hrs
Elevation gain: approx. 914 m (3,000 ft)

We begin in Fort William, then swap hiking boots for sea kayaks and paddle the tidal channel between Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil, keeping an eye out for seals, otters, seabirds, and maybe even a porpoise. After lunch, we continue north through Kintail, stop to visit Eilean Donan Castle, and then carry on to Plockton, one of the prettiest villages on the west coast. If time allows, we squeeze in a short walk before dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: The Plockton Hotel (or similar)
Hiking: approx. 3 km (2 mi), 2 hrs
Elevation gain: approx. 46 m (150 ft)

A short transfer takes us across the Skye Bridge to the Isle of Skye, where the day’s exact hike depends on the group and conditions. That flexibility works well here because Skye has no shortage of dramatic trail options. Wherever we go, we can count on striking scenery, a strong sense of place, and a day immersed in one of Scotland’s most storied landscapes. On the way back, we may stop at Camas Daraich beach before returning to Plockton for the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: The Plockton Hotel (or similar)
Hiking: approx. 8 km (5 mi), 4 hrs
Elevation gain: approx. 366 m (1,200 ft)

We leave Plockton and head north to Torridon, a landscape many hikers would argue is peak Highlands. Today’s walk is a lower-level route around Loch Coulin and Loch Clair, with the towering sandstone peaks of the Torridon massif rising all around us. If the air is still, Liathach reflects beautifully in the water. After the hike, we continue on to Inverness for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Glen Mhor Hotel (or similar)
Hiking: approx. 6.5 km (4 mi), 4 hrs
Elevation gain: approx. 122 m (400 ft)

Today is the biggest hiking day of the trip as we head into Cairngorms National Park to climb Sgòr Gaoith, one of Scotland’s 3,000-foot-plus Munros. We hike through pinewoods, out onto open slopes, and up to a dramatic summit perched above crags dropping to Loch Einich. On the way down, we explore Glen Feshie and the Achlean Falls while also learning a bit about local rewilding efforts. Then it’s straight to a favorite local pub for dinner before returning to Inverness.

Meals: Lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Glen Mhor Hotel (or similar)
Hiking: approx. 14.5 km (9 mi), 7 hrs
Elevation gain: approx. 914 m (3,000 ft)

For our final mountain day, we head to Pitlochry and hike Ben Vrackie, the shapely hill that rises above town. It’s a fitting finale: a straightforward but rewarding climb on good paths, with broad views if the weather plays nice. Anyone wanting an easier day can stay in Pitlochry and explore town, including the fish ladder and dam. Later, we travel on to Edinburgh for a farewell dinner and one last night together.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Bruntsfield Hotel (or similar)
Hiking: approx. 10 km (6 mi), 4.5 hrs
Elevation gain: approx. 762 m (2,500 ft)

After breakfast, the trip wraps up in Edinburgh. Depending on your travel plans, you can head onward or stay a little longer to explore the city on your own.

Meals: Breakfast