Highlights of Scotland Hiking Journey

After arriving in the Scottish capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Edinburgh, guests gather for introductions and a briefing, followed by our first dinner together.

Edinburgh walking tour

After breakfast, we begin a walking tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town with our local guide. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, centred around the Royal Mile stretching from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, is ideal for exploring on foot. Our morning is filled with fascinating stories, history, and legends, then the afternoon and evening are yours to explore at your own pace. 

Our guide will lead an optional short hike up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano near the city centre, offering panoramic views of Edinburgh. Alternatively, you may choose to visit the castle, browse a museum, or unwind with a drink in one of Edinburgh’s many charming pubs. This evening, we’ll dine at a renowned whisky-themed restaurant not far from Edinburgh Castle.  

Approximately 4 hours of walking (12km)

We depart Edinburgh across a grand suspension bridge and journey north into the storied Kingdom of Fife. The Fife Coastal Path, cherished by locals and missing the crowds, traces 183 kilometres around the peninsula.  

Our first excursion connects four of East Neuk’s fishing villages: St Monans, Pittenweem, Anstruther, and Crail. The sea accompanies us the whole way as we meet each village of staggered, orange-tiled rooftops. A short transfer from Crail brings us to St Andrews, where we’ll spend the night. 

Approximately 4-5 hours of walking (14km)

This morning, we hike a beautiful stretch of the trail south from St Andrews, passing pebbled beaches, rocky shores, and Fife’s rural farmland before reaching Kingsbarns, where we visit a local whisky distillery for coffee - or a stronger option. We then transfer north, arriving in Cairngorms National Park to spend the night in the village of Ballater.

Approximately 4-5 hours walking (16km)

We start with a short transfer to Ballindalloch Castle, home of the McPherson-Grants since 1546. After exploring the castle and its grounds, we take a gentle walk along the Speyside Way, following an old railway once used to transport whisky south. The path is mostly flat, with distilleries and the River Spey as our companions. A brief transfer then brings us to Aberlour, our base for two nights. We’ll enjoy dinner at the hotel, followed by a visit to the bar that unsurprisingly offers an extensive selection of beverages in the heart of Scotland’s whisky region. 

Approximately 4-5 hours walking (9km)

A short transfer takes us over The Lecht pass to Glen Rinnes, where we begin our hike up the locals' favourite, Ben Rinnes. At the top of a steady trail that isn’t too demanding await satisfying views over Spey Valley and beyond to the Moray Coast. Afterward, we return to Aberlour and our hotel. This evening, enjoy free time - perhaps with dinner and a whisky at the village’s charming ‘Mash Tun’ pub. 

Approximately 1-1.5 hours walking (3km)

We head west to Scotland’s stunning coast, stopping for a whisky distillery tour to kick off the day in true Scottish style! After free time to explore Fort William and grab some lunch, we’ll stretch our legs on a pleasant walk around Glencoe. The day ends perfectly at a legendary climber’s inn, where a local storyteller shares curious tales of the Glen’s history and legends over whisky, of course.  

Approximately 3-4 hours walking (10km)

This morning, we head south into Loch Lomond National Park, starting our walk in Glen Ogle along another old railway line. We cross a viaduct, follow historic military roads, and descend to Balquhidder Station. From there, we walk to an old churchyard, the resting place of Scottish folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor, whose grave is still honoured by MacGregors worldwide. A short transfer then takes us to a unique foodie hotel, our base for the next two nights.

Approximately 2 hours walking (4km)

This morning, we tackle the classic hike up Ben A’an - a short, steep climb with incredible summit views over endless mountain peaks. Later, unwind with a gentle cruise on Loch Katrine, the park’s sparkling lake surrounded by verdant forest. Back at the hotel, enjoy some downtime before reflecting on the journey over dinner with new friends. 

After breakfast, we travel to the airport or Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station, where we bid farewell to each other and this rejuvenating journey that’s bound to leave you eager to explore more of the world.