Highlands & Islands Highlands Scotland This wonderful hiking tour begins with the magnificent West Highland Rail journey, then visiting the remote regions of Glenfinnan, and the Isle of Eigg. We then travel on to the Isle of Skye, visiting the famous Talisker Distillery, the Isle of Oronsay, and the island of Raasay.  We finish with a day of hiking on a beautiful, wild and remote section of the West Highland Way. Tour Highlights - Train journey from Glasgow to Glenfinnan on the West Highland Railway - The Sliver Sands of Morar - A boat trip to Loch Coruisk - A walk to the Quiraing - Visit to the Talisker Distillery - Magnificent views on Skye and Raasay - Relaxing at Bridge of Orchy - Walking the West Highland Way Walking Tour Meeting: Glasgow Airport:   Glasgow Transfer: Glasgow Trip Brochure (PDF)

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Transfer and Other Charges:

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
We will meet in Glasgow. We then travel to Glasgow Station to board the West Highland Railway for our journey through the Highlands. Voted one of the greatest railway journeys in the world, this trip takes 4 hours and we will cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous in the Harry Potter movies. We will then arrive at Glenfinnan to take a short stroll to our guest house.
Overnight: Glenfinnan, Highland Region
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Glenfinnan and Loch Shiel
We walk directly from our hotel at Glenfinnan, beginning with a view of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, perhaps seeing the steam train (aka “Hogwarts Express”).  Our journey continues up along the side of the River Finnan, turning at the Corryhully Bothy where we return along a forest path looking out across Loch Shiel. The last part of our journey takes us down to the loch side for a view of the Glenfinnan Monument and a visit to the museum, where you can discover the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the 1745 Jacobite Rising.
Elev gain 800 ft. / 272 m.
Walking Distance 8 miles (12.5 km)
Overnight: Glenfinnan, Highland Region
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Inner Hebrides
We take a ferry this morning to the Eigg (Scottish Gaelic for “notched island”), one of the Small Isles in the Inner Hebrides. The island has a population of around 80 people and is 5.5 miles long and 5 miles wide. Our walk takes us from the pier to a rocky headland and sand bay where we may see seals. We can then head to the lower slopes of the iconic high point of Eigg, An Sgurr.  Underneath this massif lies the remains of the village of Grulin which was abandoned in the 1880’s.
Elev gain 800 ft. / 272 m.
Walking Distance 7 miles (11 km)
Overnight: Glenfinnan, Highland Region
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Cuillin Mountains
We take the ferry to the Isle of Skye and then travel on to the village of Elgol. The island is made up of a series of peninsulas and bays radiating out from a centre dominated by the Cuillin hills. Then it’s out on a boat to Loch Scavaig and Loch Coruisk in the heart of the Cuillin Mountains. We will see seals and possibly dolphins. We will then make our way to our hotel in Portree on the East coast of Skye, this will be our home for the next three nights.
Elev gain 300 ft. / 90 m.
Walking Distance 3 miles (5 km)
Overnight: Portree, Isle of Skye
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Ardtreck Peninsula
We begin today with a visit to the famous Talisker Whisky Distillery. We then walk from Portnalong out along the tiny Ardtreck Peninsula to visit an ancient broch (fort) on a headland with fabulous sea views. In the afternoon we will walk across a causeway at low tide to the Island of Oronsay. This island is uninhabited, but there are traces of ancient settlements from thousands of years ago.
Elev gain 330 ft. / 100 m.
Walking Distance 4 miles (6.5 km)
Overnight: Portree, Isle of Skye
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Trotternish Ridge
Today we visit one of the most magnificent landscapes in Britain. The Trotternish ridge contains two famous Scottish landmarks: the Old Man of Storr (cliff pinnacles created by ancient landslides) and Quiraing. The name Quiraing comes from Old Norse ‘Kví Rand’, which means “Round Fold”. Within the fold is an elevated plateau hidden amongst the pillars, according to folklore, this was used to hide cattle from Viking raiders. The views are breathtaking, and even if there is mist or low cloud, the pinnacles have a mystical aura.
Elev gain 650 ft. / 200 m.
Walking Distance 4 miles (6.5 km)
Overnight: Portree, Isle of Skye
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Raasay
We take the ferry out to Raasay (means “Isle of the Roe Deer”).  Our hike will take us up to the summit of Dun Caan, a long extinct volcano. We begin with a fine ramble across heath and moor to Loch na Meilich. Crossing a low point at the loch we make for the summit with the most wonderful views back to Skye, the Cuillin mountains and the Trotternish coastline.
Elev gain 1443 ft. / 440 m.
Walking Distance 6 miles (9.5 km)
Overnight: Portree, Isle of Skye
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Bridge of Ochry
We take a spectacular drive through the Highlands to arrive at a lovely hotel in a beautiful location on the West Highland Way long distance hiking route. We can walk part of the route this afternoon directly from the hotel.
Elev gain 245 ft. / 75 m.
Walking Distance 6 miles (10 km)
Overnight: Bridge of Orchy, Argyll and Bute
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9: West Highland Way
We begin the hike in the shadow of Buachaille Etive Mor (the “great herdsman of Etive”), possibly Scotland’s most iconic mountain. Our route takes us through several miles of wilderness across Rannoch Moor. There will be time for refreshment at Inveroran Lodge Hotel before the final 3 mile push back to our hotel at Bridge of Orchy. This is truly a lovely hike.
Elev gain 720 ft. / 220 m.
Walking Distance 12 miles (19 km)
Overnight: Bridge of Orchy, Argyll and Bute
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Departure
After breakfast we will travel back to Glasgow Airport where the tour ends.
Meals included: Breakfast

                                                Mallaig area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	46	47	50	54	58	61	64	64	61	56	50	47
Average Low Temperature (°F)	37	36	38	40	44	49	52	52	50	45	41	37
Average High Temperature (°C)	8	8	10	12	15	16	18	18	16	13	10	8
Average Low Temperature (°C)	3	2	3	5	7	9	11	11	10	7	5	3
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	21	18	20	14	13	13	16	16	19	20	21	22

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Scotland’s climate is quite moderate though changeable. As the old Scottish saying goes, 'there's no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes!'
One of the most surprising things about Scotland's climate is how much it varies from one place to another. It's often the case that you can drive for 20 minutes and find the conditions are different.
The unpredictable nature means it's not uncommon to experience all four seasons in one day!

Spring
A beautiful time to visit, this season sees daffodils, bluebells, cherry blossom and rhododendrons bursting into bloom. With sprightly wildlife and a milder breeze in the air, there's plenty of activities to enjoy.
Even if you do experience an April shower or two, there is a fantastic range of galleries, museums and other attractions to keep you entertained all year-round, regardless of the weather.

Summer
Scotland's high latitude means that we enjoy lovely long summer days and often an extended twilight. In the north of the country, Lerwick in Shetland has about four hours more daylight at midsummer than London.  And, with the extra hours of daylight, you can pack a lot into your summer holiday.

Autumn
The colors of autumn are eye-catching and vibrant, as the trees change from green to fiery reds, oranges and yellows. It's a perfect time of year to snap some photographs as you take an invigorating autumn amble through the forest.

Winter
The average number of days with snow falling in Scotland ranges from 10-20 days. However, the peaks and mountains of the Highlands experience around 40 days of falling snow.

We travel from one location to the next on a comfortable LDV mini-coach with 14 high-backed seats (rarely filled to full capacity so there is plenty of room to spread out). The height of the vehicle allows for excellent views over hedgerows, stone walls, etc. Your luggage is stored inside, not on a roof rack, so there is no risk of it getting wet. We spend from one to three nights in each area and walk the best parts before moving on to our next stop. When we travel between locations we make plenty of allowances for "comfort" stops and coffee / tea breaks. Our vehicles are fitted with stereo systems so you may like to bring along a music tape or two for the driving journeys.

The following items are essential:
- Good strong waterproof hiking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Comfortable hiking trousers (jeans are not recommended at all as they are too hot in fine weather and too heavy if they get wet)
- Small day rucksack for lunch, drinks, coat etc.
- Water Bottle
- Gloves (even in summer it can get really cool in some hilly and coastal areas)
- Warm Hat
- Personal toiletries and medication
- General warm clothing such as sweaters, track suit bottoms (sweat pants), fleece jacket, etc.
- Sun cream / sun block / after sun cream
- Spending money in Euros (due to the remote nature of our accommodations, it is sometimes difficult to get to banks and cash machines).
- Credit cards are accepted everywhere.

The following items are suggestions:
- Shorts
- Waterproof trousers
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Flask (Thermos)
- Walking pole / stick
- Torch (flashlight)
- Book
- Alarm clock
- Drawing / painting equipment
- Swimsuit
- Insect repellent
- Your favourite remedy for blisters. (I highly recommend a product called “Compeed” which is available in most pharmacists. In the USA and Canada it may be sold under a different brand name. It is manufactured by Johnson and Johnson) 

(Note: Only one suitcase per person please) 

 
Cell phone rental is available and can be pre-booked through www.rentaphone-ireland.com 

If you are travelling from the USA you may wish to check out unlocking your cell phone to use and Irish SIM card. Check out www.unlockitfree.com or  www.bilemo.com/unlock  

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Accommodations
This is a progressive tour so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
All our accommodations have been carefully selected. We have chosen locations of outstanding natural beauty, so that you can enjoy the best of Irish rural life and scenery. You will enjoy top quality accommodation in small, family run guesthouses and hotels whilst being charmed by the hospitable and friendly hosts.
We stay in small hotels, guest houses, farmhouses, B & B's and occasionally castles.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1, 2 & 3: Accommodation in Glenfinnan
Night 4 to 7: Accommodation in Portree
Night 8 & 9: Accommodation in Bridge of Orchy

Room Occupancy
All rooms are en suite twin, double or single. Singles are available on request for a small supplement.


Meals:
All meals are included in your package.

We take packed lunches for our lunch breaks during our walks. These are provided from our accommodation or from local delis.

Our evenings are a time for reviewing the day's activities and shared experiences on the hills. Evening meals are taken either in the places where we are staying or in local restaurants. You will be pleasantly surprised at the fine quality meals you will enjoy on your tour.

Tack:
Horses:
Pace:
Level:		(0 out of 5)
Riders:		Min 5	Max 12

Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
(a) A passport is not required for travel between Great Britain and Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. (b) Passengers transiting the UK destined for the Republic of Ireland are advised to hold return tickets to avoid delay and interrogation.

Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to six months.
Visa Note
(a) Nationals not requiring visas are advised to be in possession of either a return ticket or, if arriving on a one-way ticket, proof of sufficient funds to accommodate and support themselves for the duration of stay. (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements