Highlights of Scotland Hiking Journey

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.