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Highlights of Scotland Hiking Journey

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This is Scotland like you've never seen before.


Embark on an unforgettable 10-day Scottish hiking adventure, where nature reigns supreme and crowds fade into the distance. Traverse paths less traveled and explore the finest trails the Scottish Highlands have to offer.

Welcome to the ultimate walking experience in Scotland, where nature takes the lead. Begin your journey in the captivating capital city of Edinburgh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a blend of history and modern charm. From there, venture into the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, guided by knowledgeable experts. 

Embark on exhilarating walks along renowned long-distance trails such as the Speyside Way, the Rob Roy Way, and the Fife Coastal Path, immersing yourself in the diverse landscapes that Scotland has to offer.

Prepare to be captivated by the mythical beauty of Glencoe on the west coast and explore the wonders of Scotland's National Parks. Throughout your adventure, savour the warm hospitality of the Scots as you unwind in carefully selected premium accommodation and indulge in the delights of modern Scottish dining. Get ready to discover the true essence of Scotland on this unforgettable walking expedition.

For all enquiries and bookings please contact our international departures team.

 

 

 

Highlights of Scotland Hiking Journey

  • Fully guided: 10 Days / 9 nights
  • Premium hand-picked accommodation
  • Max group size: 14, plus 2 experienced guides
  • Min group size: 4
  • Guided by Nature company support host
  • Activity level: Moderate
  • Trip start: Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Trip end: Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Distance: 68kms 
  • Cost: AUD$10,995 / single supplement: AUD$2,650

Departures

*This departure has reached minimum numbers and is guaranteed to run.

 

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Your Itinerary 

Day 2 Edinburgh - Guided by Nature

Day
1

Arrive in Edinburgh

Arrive at Edinburgh Airport at your leisure today. 

Our journey begins early evening as we gather for a welcome briefing followed by a very special welcome dinner.

Accommodation: 
Bruntsfield Hotel, Edinburgh

Meals included: 
Dinner

Edinburgh Castle - Guided Hiking Scotland
Scottish Whisky - Guided Tours Scotland

Day
2

Edinburgh

Edinburgh walking tour

After a hearty breakfast, we meet our local city guide for a walking tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is based around the Royal Mile, which runs from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, and is perfect for exploring on foot. After a morning full of tall tales, history and legends, the afternoon and evening is free to explore as you wish.  

For those who are keen our guide will offer to lead a short walk up Arthur’s Seat, the extinct volcano located near the city centre, for views across the city. Alternatively, you may prefer to visit the castle, explore a museum, or enjoy a drink in one of Edinburgh’s many characterful pubs. This evening, we dine at a renowned whisky-themed restaurant, located next to Edinburgh Castle in the Old Town district.

Accommodation: 
Bruntsfield Hotel, Edinburgh

Meals included: 
Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3 - Ruffets - Guided by Nature Tours
Crail - Hiking in Scotland

Day
3

Trekking the Fife Coastal Path: St Monan’s to Crail

Approximately 4 hours of walking (12km)

We cross the grand suspension bridge which takes us north out of Edinburgh and into the Kingdom of Fife. The Fife Coastal Path is off the tourist trail and popular amongst locals. It runs 183 km around the peninsula and our walks take in the most scenic stages.

Our first walk links four of the most picturesque East Neuk fishing villages: St Monans, Pittenweem, Anstruther and Crail. The walking is at an easy pace, with the sea on our right as we pass through the villages, each with their distinctive houses with orange-tiled roofs. A short transfer from Crail takes us to St Andrews, where we spend tonight.

Accommodation: 
Rufflets Hotel, St Andrews 

Transfers:
Edinburgh to St Monan’s (1.5 hours), Crail to St Andrews (20 minutes)

Meals included: 
Breakfast and Dinner

Fife Coastal Trail - Scottish Guided Hikes
Fife Coastal Path - Guided Hiking

Day
4

Walking the Fife Coastal Path: St Andrews to Kingsbarns

Approximately 4-5 hours of walking (14km)

We enjoy another lovely section of the trail this morning. Starting in St Andrews, we hike directly from the town heading south. We walk past unspoilt beaches, rocky shorelines and classic rural Fife farmlands, before arriving at the tiny settlement of Kingsbarns, where we pop into the local whisky distillery for a coffee (or something stronger if you prefer!). We then transfer north for 2.5 hours to Cairngorms National Park and spend the night in a charming village of Ballater.

Accommodation: 
Balmoral Arms, Ballater, Cairngorms National Park

Transfers:
Kingsbarns to Ballater (2.5 hours)

Meals included: 
Breakfast and Packed Lunch

Hiking Speyside Way - Scottish Highlands Walking Holiday
Speyside Way - Guided by Nature

Day
5

Walking the Speyside Way: Ballindalloch Castle to Aberlour

Approximately 4-5 hours walking (16km)

We transfer a short distance to Ballindalloch Castle, which has been the family home of the McPherson-Grants since 1546! After touring the castle and grounds, we set out to trek along the Speyside Way. The trekking is easy, with very little ascent as we follow an old railway line, once used for transporting whisky to markets further south. We’ll pass whisky distilleries as we walk alongside the River Spey.

Afterwards, a short transfer takes us to the homely village of Aberlour and our base for the next 2 nights. Dinner is taken in the hotel before we retire to the bar which, as you can imagine in Scotland’s premier whisky-making region, has an extensive whisky collection!

Accommodation: 
Dowan’s Hotel, Aberlour 

Transfers:
Hotel to Ballindallock Castle (1 hour)

Meals included: 
Breakfast, Packed Lunch and Dinner

Hiking Ben Rinnes
Highland Cow - Highlights off Scotland Hiking Journey

Day
6

Hiking Ben Rinnes

Approximately 4-5 hours walking (9km)

A short transfer takes us over a high pass known as The Lecht to reach Glen Rinnes and the trailhead for a hike up the local’s favourite peak of Ben Rinnes. This shapely summit offers the chance to gain some elevation for a view across the Spey Valley and beyond, as far as the Moray Coast to the north. The route is steady and not too challenging and with a bit of willpower, you’ll get there!  Afterwards, a short transfer takes us back to Aberlour and our hotel. This evening, enjoy some free time, perhaps enjoying a meal, and a wee whisky, at the ‘Mash Tun’ pub in the village.

Accommodation: 
Dowan’s Hotel, Aberlour 

Transfers:
Aberour to Ben Rinnes (20 minutes each way)

Meals included: 
Breakfast and Packed Lunch (free evening - dinner not included)

Day 7 Scotland Whisky Distillery - Hiking in Scotland
Scottish food - Guided Hiking Scotland

Day
7

Whisky Distillery / Rest Day / Glencoe

Approximately 1-1.5 hours walking (3km)

We transfer west via Fort William to Glencoe, on Scotland’s west coast, breaking the journey to enjoy a tour of a whisky distillery. After some free time to explore the town of Fort William and enjoy some lunch, we take a leg-stretching walk in Glencoe, before visiting a famous climber’s inn, where a local storyteller will enlighten us about the Glen’s history and legends, as we enjoy a local tipple.

Accommodation: 
Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe

Transfers:
Aberlour to Glencoe (3 hours, with stops at distillery, Fort William & Glencoe)

Meals included: 
Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8 Loch Lomond - Guided Hiking in Scotland
Day 8 rob roy way - Hiking in Scotland

Day
8

Trekking the Rob Roy Way: Glen Ogle to Rob Roy’s Grave

Approximately 3-4 hours walking (10km)

This morning our transfer takes us south into Loch Lomond National Park. Starting in Glen Ogle, we follow a unique route along an old railway line. We cross over a viaduct and follow historic military roads through the glen before descending to the tiny settlement of Balquhidder Station. From here, we follow a quiet country road for 2 miles, finishing at an unassuming old churchyard, which is the final resting place of Scottish folk hero, Rob Roy MacGregor. His gravestone is still tended by many MacGregors from around the world. A short transfer down the glen, taking us to one of Scotland’s most unlikely foodie hotels - our base for the next 2 nights!

Accommodation: 
Monachyle Mhor, Loch Lomond National Park

Transfers:
Glencoe to Glen Ogle (1 hour), Rob Roy’s Grave to hotel (15 minutes)

Meals included: 
Breakfast, Packed Lunch and Dinner

Day 9 - Hiking in Scotland - Guided by Nature
Ben Aan Walk Loch Katrine - Guided Hikes

Day
9

Trossachs Boat Cruise / Ben A'an Walk

Approximately 2 hours walking (4km)

This morning, we take on the classic local hike of Ben A’an, which offers a fairly short steep hike with big rewards! While we’ve enjoyed some fantastic views on this trip, the vista from the summit cairn is almost unbeatable, as you gaze out over a seemingly endless sea of mountain tops. Later, relax and enjoy a scenic cruise on Loch Katrine, perhaps the most beautiful lake in the Park. Transferring back to the hotel, enjoy a little down time before our final night evening meal together.

Accommodation: 
Monachyle Mhor, Loch Lomond National Park

Transfers:
Hotel to Loch Katrine (50 mins), and Loch Katrine to Hotel (50 minutes)

Meals included: 
Breakfast and Dinner (lunch not included)

Edinburgh autumn - Scottish Highlands Walking

Day
10

Depart Edinburgh

After breakfast, we transfer back to Edinburgh Airport (approx. 90 mins), where our trip ends at approximately 10.30am. We offer a further drop off at Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station in the city centre, arriving about 45 mins later.

Transfers:
Hotel (Monachyle Mhor, Loch Lomond National Park) to Edinburgh Airport (90 mins)

Meals included: 
Breakfast

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Small group
  • Fully hosted walking journey with experienced guides
  • Pre-trip customer care service available to answer any questions
  • Most meals (except where indicated, so you can experience local cuisine independently!)
  • Non-alcoholic beverages included in evening meals (wine and beer as indicated, or available for purchase)
  • Twin share accommodation at carefully selected premium hotels
  • Picnic, hiking lunches & unique destination walking provisions
  • Specially curated surprise moments throughout tour
  • All activities described in trip itinerary
  • All transportation from the beginning until the end of trip
  • All gratuities for hotels, restaurants, and activities
  • All park and entry fees

Please Note: Whilst every effort will be made to secure the accommodation as detailed in the itinerary, there may be circumstances where Guided by Nature provides a similar accommodation standard.

  • Transportation to the start and end of tour
  • Travel insurance
  • Hiking equipment - you will need to bring your own daypack and hiking gear (a full gear list will be provided)
  • Gratuities to guides
  • Meals and drinks not listed in itinerary
  • Any visa requirements
  • International and domestic airfares


 

  • Each trip requires a minimum of 4 guests, three months prior to departure. The maximum group size is 14 guests (plus guides).
  • Travel insurance is mandatory for this walk. Consideration needs to be given to our cancellation policy, injury, evacuation, delayed flights, illness, etc. Please see our Booking Terms & Conditions for details and contact us if you have any questions.
  • Our walks have a minimum age of 16. All walkers under 18 years old must share a room with a parent or guardian. Our walks have no upper age restrictions. Please check the terms and conditions of your travel insurance as they may place age restrictions on your policy.

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Hiking Scotland - Guided by Nature