Highlands and Islands Discovery

Drive & Hike Holiday Itinerary

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Highlands and Islands Discovery Map and Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrive Glasgow and overnight

Upon arrival you will spend your first night in Glasgow. Art, industry and a history of war and independent struggle are reflected in the magnificent architecture and vibrancy of the city and is a wonder to explore.

Overnight

Glasgow - Guest House, B&B

DAY 2

Callander and the Trossachs

Driving into the Trossachs you enter an area of wooded glens and quiet Lochs, land of Rob Roy and perfect for relaxing walks. However for an exhilarating hill walk, the peak of Ben Ledi is a natural choice. The views are magnificent across to Ben Lomond and the skyline of the Arrochar Alps.

Overnight

Callander - Guesthouse, B&B, Small Hotel

DAY 3

Travel through the Highlands to Fort William

Your morning drive will take you into the Highlands proper, past the foot of the incredible vista of Buachaillie Etive Mor, one of the best loved peaks in Scotland. Glencoe, site of the 1692 massacre is nearby and the grim grandeur should be experienced. Onward, one of the best short walks is to Steal Falls in Glen Nevis where the River Nevis cascades from the mountains.

Overnight

Fort William - Guesthouse, B&B, Small Hotel

DAY 4

Ben Nevis and local walks

One if the highlights of the trip is an ascent of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain at 4,408ft (1,344m) above sea level. This 10.5 mile round trip via the ‘Mountain Track’ takes around 7-9hrs for the well prepared walker. The view at the top seems to stretch to the whole of the Highlands. There are also local walks in Glen Nevis Forest area.

Overnight

Fort William - Guesthouse, B&B, Small Hotel

DAY 5

The road to the Isles - The Isle of Skye

Passing the Caledonian canal you depart for the west coast. Here you will find the silver sands of Morar, part of a series of beautiful sandy beaches that line the coast from Morar to Arisaig and afford beautiful walking. Boarding the ferry at Mallaig, the short crossing to Armadale on Skye may provide sightings of porpoise amongst the feeding seabirds. Upon arrival the 30 mile drive to Sligachan rewards you with stunning views of the Cuillin Mountains, a mecca for climbers and walkers. Upon arrival at the Sligachan Hotel you have a wonderful opportunity to take a 2 hr walk to Loch Sligachan through Glen Sligachan.

Overnight

Sligachan Hotel - Isle of Skye

DAY 6

The Quirang and Loch Coruisk

The Quirang on the Trotternish Peninsula is a must for any Skye trip. A walk through it’s buttresses, cliffs and pinnacles proving views across to the Outer Hebrides and North West Highlands is outstanding. An alternative adventure is to take a spectacular boat journey from Elgol to Loch Coruisk at the heart of the Black Cuillin and take an inspiring walk back to Sligachan.

Overnight

Sligachan Hotel - Isle of Skye

DAY 7

Journey to the Harris - Outer Hebrides

Taking the ferry from Uig on Skye to Tarbert on the Isle of Harris may provide sightings of dolphins, whales and basking sharks. Taking it’s name from the old Norse ’Na Heardh’ for ’High Land’, the rugged mountainous terrain of Harris provides excellent walking. On the west coast are some of the most wonderful beaches in the British Isles.

Overnight

Tarbert Hotel - Isle of Harris

DAY 8

Isle of Lewis - Callanish

Explore the hidden Lochs and beautiful sands on one of the many walks in Harris before you drive North to Lewis which is the largest of the Western Isles. An afternoon walk to the Callanish Standing Stones allows you to step back in time at this most iconic site dating back 5000 years.

Overnight

Isle of Lewis - Guesthouse, B&B, Small Hotel - Callanish region

DAY 9

Isle of Lewis - Butt of Lewis

Walk one of the many trails in Lewis. We recommend the Butt of Lewis. The most northerly point of Lewis, this 6.5 mile walk allows you experience the dramatic seascapes and coastal geology as if you were on the edge of the World. At the Butt, a 19th Century lighthouse provides a focus point from which to admire the views and to listen to the cacophony of the seabirds.

Overnight

Isle of Lewis - Guesthouse, B&B, Small Hotel - Callanish region

DAY 10

Journey to Ullapool

The ferry trip from Stornoway on Lewis to Ullapool back on the mainland will once again provide ample opportunities to search for whales and dolphins. Upon arrival the 2-3 hr walk along the Ullapool Hill path to Loch Achall is a great way to stretch your legs after the ferry trip!

Overnight

Ullapool - Guesthouse, B&B, Small Hotel

DAY 11

Ullapool walks

There are may excellent walks in the Ullapool region, a hike up Ben More Assynt or Conival are options. You may wish to journey up to Suilven, my favourite Scottish mountain, with it’s superlative views over the surrounding remote landscape.

Overnight

Ullapool - Guesthouse, B&B, Small Hotel

DAY 12

Inverness

Following the 1hr 20m drive to Inverness you have great opportunities to visit Loch Ness, take a cruise on the Moray Firth to visit the resident bottle nosed dolphins, visit a distillery for a whisky tasting, and walk on the Culloden Battlefield.

Overnight

Inverness - Guesthouse, B&B, Small Hotel

DAY 13

Pitlochry

The 1hr 40m drive down to Pitlochry passes the heart of whisky country and you may to take a side trip to stock up on Scotland’s ’Water of Life’. Mountains, rivers, lochs and local attractions will inspire and delight you. Choices include Edradour and Blair Athol Distilleries, the Festival Theatre, the Salmon Ladder and the Black Spout Waterfall. Alternatively if you are feeling more energetic you may wish to tackle Ben Vrackie, the highest hill in the area which is sure to reward your efforts with fantastic views in all directions.

Overnight

Pitlochry - Guesthouse, B&B, Small Hotel

DAY 14

Onward Travel

Following your night in Pitlochry the trip is complete and you may arrange onward travel.

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