Trip Overview

Hike through the most beautiful landscapes of Scotland with AdventureWomen as you experience this independent and hardy country, from the charming village of Pitlochry loved by Queen Victoria and the rugged terrain of the Scottish Highlands to the bucolic seascape of Scotland’s West Coast.

Long-distance walking routes in Scotland are amongst the best for experienced hikers worldwide. They take you through some of the country’s most outstanding scenery and are fantastic for those who want to discover the countryside on foot. You’ll be accompanied by your AdventureWomen Ambassador who will help you make the most of this amazing exploration of Scotland’s remote countryside.

Begin your Scottish adventure in the nation’s capital of Edinburgh where you’ll partake in a walking tour of the historic city. First head up Carlton Hill, home to Edinburgh’s acropolis, to see this iconic city laid out before you before meandering through the winding streets of the Old Town to the famous Royal Mile, with its imposing Cathedral and cobblestone alleyways.

The next morning you’ll set out for Scotland’s largest national park, and, on the way, you’ll pass through the quaint Victorian town of Pitlochry, where you will hike up the verdant hills that offer views stretching the whole way across the rolling knolls to the west coast beyond. After enjoying a hearty Scottish café lunch, head north to the charming town of Aviemore, your home for the next three nights, nestled in the shadow of the Cairngorm Mountain range in the eponymous National Park.

From Aviemore, travel deep into the remote wilderness, where you’ll enjoy a full day of cooking, laughter, and storytelling in the home of an acclaimed chef. The following day, you’ll also visit a local croft where you’ll learn about this traditional way of farming from two inspirational women, followed by a walk through the ancient pine forest to Lochan Uaine where legend has it that the fairies come down from the mountainside to wash their clothes.

Leaving the National Park behind, be sure to keep your eyes peeled as you head along the shores of Loch Ness where the elusive monster swims in her depths.  Stop at Urquhart Castle before crossing the bridge to the Isle of Skye where you’ll stretch your legs during a 4-mile hike to the ruins of the village of Keppoch, where 44 tenants were evicted during the Highland Clearances of 1852.  The next day you’ll explore eight miles of the Waternish Peninsula on foot, enjoying spectacular views across the Minch to the Outer Hebrides.

Enjoy a hike to The Old Man of Storr, one of the most iconic landmarks on Skye. This rock formation is a huge pinnacle that rises out of the hillside, looking out towards the islands of Raasay and Rona. Head back to the mainland during a scenic drive to Glencoe, known for its soaring mountains and incredible scenery. Here you’ll enjoy a final hike to the viewpoint where – legend has it – the signal was given to start the ambush known as the Glencoe Massacre where 30 of the MacDonald clansman lost their lives in 1692.  After lunch, return to Edinburgh for a celebratory farewell dinner on the eve of your departure back home.

Hiking through the Scottish Highlands, woods, and coast will rejuvenate and delight you. Join us on this classic hiking tour through Scotland!

Main Attractions

  • Hike in some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland
  • Explore the hidden gems of Scotland's ancient capital
  • Taste delicious spirits and spices with a local chef
  • Visit Cairngorms National Park

What You'll See and Do

  • Anthropology
  • Cultural Exploration
  • Hiking
  • Local Delicacies
  • Natural History
  • Walking

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Edinburgh
Fàilte! Welcome to Scotland and the fabled landscapes of the Highlands. Discover enchanted glens, remote bays, windswept battlefields, ancient forests, and heather-clad hills during this unparalleled adventure. Scotland’s long distance walking routes are amongst the best walking routes in the world for experienced hikers. They take you through some of the country’s most outstanding scenery, and are fantastic for those who want to discover the countryside on foot.

Arrive at Edinburgh International Airport (EDI) before 1 PM today. Group transfers to your hotel are arranged for 11 AM and 1 PM. If your arrival doesn’t align with these times, taxis are easily accessible at the airport.

Enjoy a walk through the historical city of Edinburgh this afternoon, First head up Carlton Hill, home to Edinburgh’s acropolis, to see this iconic city laid out before you before meandering through the winding streets of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Old Town to the famous Royal Mile, with its imposing Cathedral and cobblestone alleyways. After exploring, you’ll make your way back to the hotel for dinner.

Enjoy a lively welcome dinner at your hotel as you get to know your fellow travelers this evening. Share stories and learn about why each woman on your trip is excited to explore the Scottish countryside!

Dinner

Overnight: Bruntsfield Hotel

Day 2

Edinburgh to the Highlands
After breakfast, you’ll start your journey north toward Cairngorms, Scotland’s largest National Park. On the way, you’ll stop off at the riverside town of Pitlochry to enjoy lunch at a local cafe before continuing north to reach Cairngorms National Park. Here we hike about 3.5 miles from Uath Lochans up to Farleitter Crag, which offers views that stretch the whole way across the rolling hills to the west coast beyond.

This afternoon, you’ll arrive in the town of Aviemore, which is nestled in the shadow of the Cairngorm Mountain range. Check into your hotel and relax before heading to dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Cairngorm Hotel

 

Day 3

The Highlands
Following breakfast at your hotel this morning, journey deep into the wilderness to the home of an acclaimed chef who will share the secrets of combining local spices and spirits while preparing your lunch. Spend the afternoon chatting about life in the countryside and hearing what it’s like to raise two children in such a remote location.

Reflect on your memorable day of local cuisine and shared storytelling as you make your way back to the hotel where you’ll have some time to relax before dinner on your own.

Dinner is on your own tonight.

Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Cairngorm Hotel

 

Day 4

The Highlands
Today you’ll hike a little over 6 miles in total as you explore the land of a local croft. This morning you will explore the land with two local women who will show you the traditional crofting methods they use to tend their pastures. You’ll even have a chance to see their innovative hen mobile.

Enjoy lunch in a local village restaurant close by.

Stretch your legs after lunch as you walk through the ancient pine forest to the Lochan Uaine, where legend has it, the fairies come down from the mountainside to wash their clothes.

Return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day on your own to explore before enjoying dinner with the group.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Cairngorm Hotel

Day 5

The Highlands
Say goodbye to Cairngorms National Park this morning, as you head out along the coast of Loch Ness. The first stop will be Urquhart Castle where you’ll explore the most besieged castle in Scotland and enjoy the uninterrupted views of the loch.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you will cross the bridge to Skye and enjoy a leg stretch for about 4 miles. Perhaps a hike into beautiful Glen Sligachan or possibly a walk to the ruins of the village of Keppoch, where 44 tenants were evicted during the Highland Clearances in 1852.

Later today, you’ll arrive at your hotel which will be your home for the next two nights. Check-in and enjoy some downtime before having dinner at the hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Uig Hotel 

 

Day 6

Isle of Skye
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll start out on a full-day, eight-mile round trip journey to the Waternish peninsula. Starting at the ruins of an old church, you’ll head towards a remote headland with spectacular views across the Minch to the Outer Hebrides beyond. Enjoy lunch while keeping your eyes out for sea birds, whales, and dolphins which may be visible just over the sea cliffs. If weather or time is against us, your guide will choose a shorter hike to one of the more accessible headlands.

Return to the hotel along the same route while you hear the legends of the famous MacLeod clan, whose ancestral seat is at the nearby Dunvegan Castle. After returning to the hotel, take some time on your own before enjoying dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Uig Hotel

Day 7

Isle of Skye to Glencoe
Set out this morning on a 3-mile hike to view one of the most iconic landmarks on the Isle of Skye: the Old Man of Storr. Depending on the route, you may be able to see other rock formations along the way. Enjoy a box lunch before returning to the van for this afternoon’s drive.

You’ll leave the island and cross the sea to the mainland as you experience a drive along one of the most scenic roads in Scotland en route to the mountainous town of Glencoe.

You’ll arrive at the hotel late this afternoon, where you’ll check in and have some time before enjoying dinner with your traveling companions in the hotel restaurant.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Clachaig Inn

 

 

Day 8

Glencoe
Enjoy your final hike of the trip, taking in the beautiful views while covering 1.5 miles.

After your hike, enjoy lunch on your own along the way in Tyndrum before making your way back to the hotel in Edinburgh.

Celebrate your great Scotland hiking adventure with your fellow travelers during a farewell dinner at your hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Bruntsfield Hotel

 

Day 9

Depart Edinburgh
All great adventures must one day come to an end. Bid your new friends “Bidh mi ‘gad fhaicinn” when you arrive at the airport.

Following breakfast at the hotel, there will be a group transfer to the airport for all flights departing after 11 AM. Guests with earlier flights can conveniently opt for a taxi service.

Depart Edinburgh International Airport (EDI) any time after 12PM today.

Breakfast

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686

Traveling to Scotland



Arrival and Departure Information

May 27, 2024 Departure:

Arrival: Arrive at Edinburgh International Airport (EDI) before 11:00AM on May 27, 2024.

Depart: Depart Edinburgh International Airport (EDI) any time after 12:00PM on June 4, 2024.

June 24, 2024 Departure:

Arrival: Arrive at Edinburgh International Airport (EDI) before 11:00AM on June 24, 2024.

Depart: Depart Edinburgh International Airport (EDI) any time after 12:00PM on July 2, 2024.

We are happy to help you make your flight and travel arrangements. If you’d like to do anything prior to or following the AdventureWomen trip, we’d be delighted to help you arrange any trip extensions you’re interested in.

Note: The recent trend in travel is for travelers to finalize their plans much closer to departure time than was customary in the past. While we try to be as flexible as possible booking last-minute registrants, we must release hotel rooms two to three months prior to departure! Please keep this in mind when making your travel plans.

Preparation and Packing  

Please use the following guides as a reference when preparing for your adventure. We also encourage you to adapt the guides to your travel style as well as the destination’s forecasted weather.  

Gratuities  

Gratuities are a personal decision and are at your own discretion based on your level of satisfaction with the service provided. Gratuities are dependent upon the number of guests on your departure, and they vary greatly from trip to trip. As a general reference, AdventureWomen suggests you plan for 150-250 GBP (or more) worth of gratuities for this adventure. Specific tipping recommendations for your trip will be provided to you closer to your departure date and may fluctuate due to inflation, exchange rates, and the number of travelers on your trip. 

Passports and Visas

Citizens of the United States must have a passport valid for six months beyond your travel dates with at least two blank facing pages. If you do not have a passport, please apply now!

Activity Level

We rate this trip as Active. Our Active adventures at AdventureWomen get you on your feet! You should be in good physical condition for these trips and comfortable walking on uneven surfaces, such as cobblestone streets, biking well-maintained paths and natural trails, or kayaking in calm waters. Please note that this is a general description of what you might encounter; for specific details about your trip, please consult the itinerary.

We recommend training before your trip (with your doctor’s permission) to make the most of your adventure. With this itinerary in mind, we have a partnership with Trailblazer Wellness, a woman-owned, women-run company that will design an individualized fitness plan just for you! Best of all, AdventureWomen guests get a 10% discount with the code AVW. Learn more on the Trailblazer Wellness website.

Health Considerations

Make an appointment with a travel clinic, as they may have recommendations for vaccines and medications based on the destination as well as your age, health, and past vaccination history.

For more health information, go to www.cdc.gov/travel and navigate to the page about Scotland.

How to Register

Call the AdventureWomen office at (800) 804-8686 to determine space availability and register for this trip. We can complete your registration, including taking your credit card deposit over the phone.

If you prefer, you can register online by clicking “Sign Up for this Trip” on the trip page.

Please be sure to read the AdventureWomen policies before registering!

Forms and Final Payment

The deposit for this trip is $800. You can transfer your deposit to another trip with no additional fee if you notify us within 120 days of the original trip departure date. We can hold your deposit for up to six months as a credit. Failure to book a new trip within this timeframe will result in the forfeiture of your deposit.

Once you book, you will need to fill out and return to AdventureWomen:

  • Information Form
  • Booking Conditions Form
  • Copy of Flight Information
  • Copy of Issuing Page of Passport (Photo Page)
  • Supplement Health and Safety Form

Final payment is due to AdventureWomen in a cash form (check, money order, or wire transfer). A maximum of $1,500 per person can be put on a credit card, which includes your deposit.

May 27, 2024 Departure Final Payment Due Date: February 27, 2024

June 24, 2024 Departure Final Payment Due Date: March 26, 2024

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686

What's Included

Included

  •  Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • Guided sightseeing and activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • An alcoholic drink at the Welcome and Farewell dinner
  • All ground transportation
  • Entrance fees

 

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Gratuities for main driver guide

 

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686

Accommodations

Bruntsfield Hotel

The Bruntsfield Hotel is a boutique hotel made up of townhouses that is just a short walk from Edinburgh city center and that has beautiful park views from many rooms.

Amenities: free Wi-Fi in all public areas and guest bedrooms

Cairngorm Hotel

Located across from the railway station in the center of the town of Aviemore, the Cairngorm Hotel is a charming and traditional resting place for your stay in Cairngorms National Park.

Amenities: en suite bathrooms with a shower, hairdryer, WiFi

Uig Hotel

The Uig Hotel is a charming old coaching inn that was built on stable grounds and is run by a husband and wife duo. Enjoy home-cooked meals of mostly locally-sourced ingredients while you dine in the restaurant that overlooks the bay.

Clachaig Inn

The Clachiag Inns its in the heart of Glencoe and features 23 rooms and three bars that provide a wide array of Scottish craft beverages like ales, lagers, stouts, and ciders. The property has a long history as a coaching inn that has been family-run for over thirty years.

Amenities: en suite shower, tea and coffee making facilities, flat screen TV

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686