Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye

Day 1 Arrive at our hotel in Fort William, which nestles at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. An orientation meeting in the early evening is followed by our Welcome Dinner. Suggested meeting time is 5:45 PM, if meeting at the hotel. (D)

Day 2 Depart in our minibus for the Kintail region of Scotland’s Western Highlands, where we stop by the shore of Loch Duich to enjoy a short walk amidst the verdant scenery of Glen Croe. We rejoin our minibus to drive via the Ratagan Pass to Glenelg, a delightful and secluded area immortalized in Gavin Maxwell’s book “Ring of Bright Water”. We continue the journey to the Isle of Skye by the romantic Glenelg-Kylerhea ferry. Overnight on Skye. 
(B, L, D)  5 Miles

Day 3 Our explorations on Skye begin with a visit to Dunvegan castle, the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Macleod, said to be the oldest inhabited castle in the Highlands and Islands. We then drive to the Waternish peninsula, and enjoy a memorable hike by a coastal trail, with sea views, many ruins, wildlife and a beautiful and historic church. Return to our hotel for a second night. (B, L, D) 8 Miles

Day 4 This day gives an opportunity to become acquainted with the dramatic Black Cuillin Mountains, which are regarded by many as the finest mountain range in Britain. We drive to Glenbrittle, a remote valley nestling below the western slopes of the Cuillins. Our walk then follows a coastal route towards the seaward side of the mountains and takes in fascinating remains from the time when the Vikings first colonized this area, and before. Return to our hotel for a third night. 
(B, L, D) 7 miles

Day 5 It is time to leave the Isle of Skye to continue our explorations further north on the Scottish mainland. We drive across the Skye bridge, and enjoy visits to the most-photographed castle in Scotland, Eilean Donan, the magical Attadale Gardens and the Lochcarron Visitor Centre. After a restaurant lunch we drive on to Gairloch on Scotland’s west coast, and check in to our hotel there for the next three nights. (B, L, D)  No walk.

Day 6 We drive to Poolewe to see the ancient churchyard and Pictish symbol stone before walking the lochshore trail to Kernsary, the 1870s home of Osgood Mackenzie, the far-sighted creator of the Inverewe tropical gardens. We return along the banks of the River Ewe, where iron was once smelted at the Red Smiddy. Then we continue to the world-renowned Inverewe tropical gardens, now owned and lovingly preserved by the National Trust for Scotland. Overnight in Gairloch.  (B, L, D) Variable 7 miles

Day 7 The day begins with a visit to Gairloch’s small though fascinating Heritage Museum, where the way of life, past and present, of this part of the Western Highlands is so evocatively recreated.

Then we drive north up the coast to Gruinard Bay, and walk into the edge of the area of mountains and moors known as the “Great Wilderness”. We visit the desolate ruined village in the Glen of the Forked Shieling, and, time permitting, climb to the top of one of the surrounding hills to enjoy the views into this magnificent and remote part of the Scottish mainland. The farewell dinner on this evening will have been well earned! (B, L, D) 6 miles and ascent of 900 feet

Day 8 Departure by minibus for the train station and airport at Inverness, or beyond. (B)