Discover our journeys by location

Discover our journeys by location

Highlights of Scotland Hiking Journey

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This is Scotland reimagined

This 10-day Scottish hiking adventure celebrates rugged yet resplendent landscapes alongside local hospitality and incredible storytelling.  
 

Starting in energetic Edinburgh, we explore the city that’s a curious combination of historical charm and contemporary flair.  
 
Then we trace eastern seaside trails in the Kingdom of Fife before uncovering the hauntingly beautiful Scottish Highlands, where grassy hillsides, spellbinding views afar, fine tipples, and tales by friendly locals await. 
 
Over west, we cruise a glassy loch and get further acquainted with whisky making and learn more of local lore and legends.  
 
You’ll be supported by friendly local guides and rest at comfortable lodgings the entire adventure, allowing you to connect with this carefully curated experience.  

For all enquiries and bookings please contact our expert 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 trip 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

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.

Accommodation: 
Bruntsfield Hotel, Edinburgh

Meals included: 
Dinner

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

Day
2

Edinburgh

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.  

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 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. 

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)

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.

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 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. 

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 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. 

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 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.  

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, 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.

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 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. 

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 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.

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.

Book Your Journey

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Hiking Scotland - Guided by Nature