Scotland

Walking the Highlands and Islands

Walk the moors ablaze with purple heather, cross island-studded sea lochs by steamboat and travel to the mystical islands of Eigg and Skye. Dine on salmon fresh from the river Tay. Spend evenings listening to traditional music while sampling the “water of life” – malt whisky. Our walks take us through an irresistible mix of highlands and lowlands, rugged seascapes and tranquil lochs, mountain passes and gentle glens. Charming hotels, superb seafood, lively Scottish music and a marvellous naturalist guide provide the perfect combination of walking and culture.

Days 1 & 2 & 3

Perthshire: Rendezvous in Edinburgh; walk up the Birks’ of Aberfeldy made famous by Robert Burns’ poem; guided tour of Castle Menzies; visit Dunkeld’s 15th-century cathedral; hike in Ben Lawers National Park; see sheep dogs in action; charming small hotel set in secluded gardens .

Days 4 & 5

Arisaig: visit Dalwhinnie Distillery to see how they make “the water of life”; walk the silvery shores of Loch Morar to Tarbet; catch the post boat to Mallaig, a traditional port where boats leave for Skye; walk around the sandy coves of Rhu Peninsula to view the Western Isles; stay in a comfortable inn overlooking the dramatic island seascape of Eigg, Rum and Muck .

Days 5

Fanes – Sennes -Braies Nature Reserve: overnight in one of the most famous mountain huts in the Dolomites.

Days 6 , 7 & 8

Skye: walk on the Sleat Peninsula; visit Armadale Castle and the Museum of the Isles; visit Elgol one of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s hideaways; travel into the heart of the Cuillins by boat; walk around Loch Coruisk; stay at Duisdale Country House Hotel, a traditional hunting lodge overlooking Knoydart.

Scotland

Details: 8 nights/ 9 days

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate 6 – 14 km/day over gently rolling terrain. Our routes are through woods and over moorland on well-surfaced paths.

Price: €2000(single supplement €300)

Start/Finish: Edinburgh / Fort William

Departures: On request

Inclusions: 8 night’s accommodation in comfortable three-star hotels; all breakfasts and meals as listed in the itinerary; all activities listed in the itinerary; all transfers, tips and gratuities; the services of a professional tour guide.