Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Scotland Western Isles Hiking
Day 1 Visit the Tomatin Whisky Distillery & Journey to the Cairngorms
1.5-hour private van transfer
1.5 hours/2.5 miles hiking
Arrive in Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands and take a mid-morning transfer to the Tomatin Whisky Distillery, for a tour and a whisky tasting. Have lunch in a café in the village of Carrbridge before a leg-stretching hike at the Loch Garten Nature Reserve, looking out for ospreys and smaller birds found in the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest. A short transfer then leads to the lively village of Aviemore, home for the next three nights. Get to know your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner tonight.
Accommodation: Cairngorm Hotel
(L, D)
Day 2 Explore Cairngorms National Park
4–5 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 1,310' elevation gain
Today hike to an often-overlooked summit in Cairngorms National Park which offers incredible views for less effort than you might imagine. From the trailhead, cross a bridge over a bubbling burn and then climb up onto the lower plateau, where you may encounter Scotland's only herd of reindeer. Follow a good trail which cuts across the heather-clad slopes before a short climb leads to a summit with superb views of some of the highest peaks in Scotland.
Accommodation: Cairngorm Hotel
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Hike to the Cairngorm High Plateau
4–5 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 1,950' elevation gain
After a hearty breakfast, venture out to tackle the Cairngorm high plateau. Home to five of the six highest mountains in Scotland, the rolling plateau is split by several deep valleys where the results of the last Ice Age are very visible. Starting from a high elevation trailhead, there is still a further 1,950 feet of elevation gain before reaching the high plateau. Once gained, hike through a sea of mountain tops with outstanding views in all directions. Return to the hotel, with time to relax before dinner. Dinner tonight is on your own in town.
(B, L)
Day 4 Journey to the Isle of Skye
3.5-hour private van transfer
2–3 hours/5 miles hiking with 490' elevation gain
Head west today to the Isle of Skye, the largest and most northerly island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. En route, take a brief stop to enjoy the views over Loch Ness and another to visit the spectacular Eilean Donan Castle, dating from the 13th century. Arriving on Skye in the early afternoon, take a short hike in the iconic Glen Sligachan, a deep glacial valley which separates the Red Cuillins from the craggier Black Cuillins. After the hike, have a pint of ale in a mountaineers' inn before arriving at the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Eilean Iarmain
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Hike the Isle of Skye
4–5 hours/5 miles hiking with 2,300' elevation gain
Explore the magnificent Isle of Skye on one of many hikes available on the island. Depending on the weather and the group's mood, the guide selects the best route to take today. A great option is an ascent of the Storr — a craggy peak which gives impressive views of the famous 'Old Man of Storr' rock spire, as well as wide-ranging panoramas across the island and across the sea to the mainland.
Accommodation: Hotel Eilean Iarmain
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Discover the Quiraing & Ride to the Outer Hebrides
1.5-hour private van transfer & 1.5-hour ferry ride
2–3 hours/3 miles hiking with 650' elevation gain
Today head north onto the resplendent Trotternish Peninsula, to enjoy a short hike amidst the otherworldly pinnacles, spires and cliffs of the Quiraing. Then jump on a ferry across the Minch to the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. Check into the hotel, located in the sleepy village of Tarbert, before enjoying dinner this evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Hebrides
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Enjoy Views from Toe Head & Explore the Golden Road
1.5-hour private bus transfer
4–5 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 1,300' elevation gain
Begin today with a lovely walk along beautiful Luskentyre beach. Continue south to Toe Head, a wonderful wee peak with unbeatable coastal views from its summit (1,300'). Then complete a circuit of Harris by traveling back north via the 'Golden Road' on the east coast, a picturesque road with dazzling views at every turn.
Accommodation: Hotel Hebrides
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Venture to the Isle of Lewis & Visit the Callanish Standing Stones
2-hour private van transfer & 2.5-hour ferry ride
1 hour/1 mile hiking with 200' elevation gain
Head north to the Isle of Lewis, to take in the Callanish Standing Stones which date back to 2,900 B.C. Then continue to explore the west coast of Lewis, visiting historic sites and enjoying a short but astounding coastal hike from a blackhouse village. Afterwards, continue to the town of Stornoway, and from there catch the late afternoon ferry back to the mainland. A short transfer takes you to the hotel, located in a sleepy Highland village.
Accommodation: Coul House Hotel
(B, L, D)
Day 9 Tackle a Final Summit & Return to Inverness
40 minute private van transfer
2–3 hours/4.5 miles hiking with approximately 820' elevation gain
After breakfast, set out for one last hike. It's a short but rewarding walk up a superb little hill called Knockfarrel. At the summit, see a vitrified fort which dates back to the Iron Age (around 100 B.C.) and take in the expansive views which stretch across the Highlands in every direction — a fine place to reflect upon the journey. Then descend back to the trailhead and make the short transfer to Inverness, where the trip ends at 1pm.
Accommodation: Coul House Hotel
(B)
