While many walking tours of Scotland miss out on the magic of Glencoe, this Country Walkers adventure lets you experience this breathtaking corner of the Scottish Highlands in all its pristine glory. Here, you’ll walk through emerald forests to the stony pinnacle of Signal Rock—admiring views of shimmering Loch Leven below. We’ve found an iconic hiker’s inn in Glencoe to host you—serving its own traditional cask-conditioned ales. Explore the shores of Loch Tay and discover ancient Scottish dwellings, in the evening, returning to your opulent lakeside estate. Tread in the footsteps of Rob Roy McGregor in Glen Ogle and explore historic Blair Castle—once the haunt of Mary Queen of Scots. With included visits to Glasgow and Edinburgh, the rustic beauty of the Highlands is contrasted by cities at the height of Scottish sophistication.
Taste the honey-smooth, smoky flavor of handmade single-malt whiskey at the Blair Athol Distillery, where water from the Grampian mountains blends with ancient Highland malt to create the mellow and deep, well-rounded signature taste.
Cruise on beautiful Loch Katrine, the inspiration for Sir Walter Scott’s poem “Lady of the Lake” and the novel Rob Roy.
Walk amid the splendor of Scotland’s peaceful interior, hiking through forests of ancient pines, past verdant pastures, and alongside gentle brooks and shimmering lochs.
Learn how the hard-working Highland cows have adapted to the extreme weather conditions in the Highlands during a visit with this ancient cattle breed.
Enter a world of privilege and splendor at historic Blair Castle—once the center of the 17th-century Jacobite rising, and home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries.
Positive Impact
Country Walkers is proud to support the John Muir Trust with a donation on behalf of each guest on this tour. Conserving and protecting wild places, the John Muir Trust works throughout England and Scotland to restore the Peatlands, the wetland ecosystem in this region that prevents droughts and is nature’s most effective carbon offset technology. Scotland’s wildest natural places are conserved and protected by this land management trust.
On all Guided Adventures you can count on...
Expert local leaders to introduce you to the best of your destination
Off-the-beaten-path places you’d never find on your own
Delicious multi-course meals—a majority are included
A maximum of 18 fun-loving fellow travelers to share the journey
Gracious accommodations that are a clean, comfortable home away from home
Experts to handle all the details
Air Packages include plane tickets, airport shuttles, and pre- and post-tour accommodations
Terrain Description for Scotland: The Highlands
This tour is one of our Guided Walking Adventures, rated easy to moderate with an average of 2 to 7 miles of walking daily. The trails are a combination of flat paved roads; uneven grassy, gravel, or dirt paths, often with protruding rocks and tree roots; damp, boggy areas; working pasture land; and some small stream crossings, which may be rocky and slippery when wet. There are one or two short steep sections and descents (some descents are longer and involve going down steps) with an average elevation gain of up to 500 feet. There are occasional wooden step stiles over fences. For those who are not interested in the more challenging walks, there will often be easier (and equally scenic!) options with shorter mileages available, over similar terrain. Scottish history and traditions are framed by the breathtaking contrasting scenery of mountains and water—islands, lochs, glens, moorland, cliffs, and forest.
Miles and Elevation for Scotland: The Highlands
Summary of the activity level of the tour Scotland: The Highlands
, broken down by day and available options.
Tour Day
Choose Your Route Options
Miles per Option
Hours per Option**
Elevation per Option***
Activity Level
1
LongShort
4.53.5
02:1501:45
easy-moderateeasy
2
Walk
6
03:00
easy
3
Walk
3
01:30-02:00
easy
4
ShortLong
47
02:0003:30
easymoderate
5
LongShort
41.5
02:0000:45
easyeasy
6
LongShort
41.5
02:0000:45
easyeasy
Alternate options may be available **Route mileage, hours, and elevation gain/loss are all approximate ***Elevation gain/loss indicated if greater than 500 feet
A Country Walkers representative greets you at the airport to start your first day in Glasgow off right. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located hotel. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.
Section of the West Highland Way and Loch Lomond; 4.5 miles, easy to moderate; 3.5 miles, easy
After an included breakfast at your hotel, your leaders will meet you in the lobby at 9:00 a.m. They’ll be wearing Country Walkers shirts. Please be dressed for walking.
To begin your first hike you will drive to the picturesque village of Drymen. Your walk follows a section of the West Highland Way, Scotland’s premier long-distance footpath, covering 96 miles from Milngavie, just north of Glasgow, to Fort William. Today’s route passes through open countryside and wooded areas, with rewarding views over Loch Lomond. Meet the coach in Milton of Buchanan and drive a short distance to Balmaha, located on the banks of Loch Lomond.
Gather for lunch at the Oak Tree Inn, a family-run inn constructed of local slate on the shores of Loch Lomond. Throughout your journey, you’ll find that Scottish cuisine has left its reputation for bland food in the past. Today, chefs infuse fresh meats and produce from local farming communities and fresh fish from the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean with creative flair and color. Memorable meals are sure to be a rewarding part of your experience, along with a wide range of ales, malts, and whiskeys.
Balmaha is home of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, a spellbinding canvas of hills, lochs, and glens where Scotland’s renowned Highlands converge with the heather-covered Lowlands. After lunch, you set out on your pleasant and easy walk along the shores of Loch Lomond, enjoying magnificent views over the lake and its nearby islands. This is Rob Roy country, where the outlaw “Red Robert” MacGregor gained status as a local folk hero.
Afterward, travel just less than one hour, through the national park and lovely countryside, to your hotel, located on the banks of Loch Ard. There will be time to relax before dinner tonight in the hotel.
After breakfast, set off on your day’s walk directly from the hotel. This wide trail skirts the banks of Loch Ard, one of the most picturesque in Scotland, through the peaceful Loch Ard Forest, all set within the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. Beautiful views emerge across the loch and toward the surrounding mountains. The Scottish outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor knew this area well, having been born at Glengyle, at the head of Loch Katrine. He used a small cave on the banks of this loch as a hiding place during the Jacobite risings.
Meet the coach at the end of your walk and travel a short distance along the valley to The Trossach’s Pier Cafe. Take in breathtaking views across Loch Katrine and enjoy lunch before embarking on your cruise.
For more than 150 years, Loch Katrine has offered a serene and tranquil spot for visitors from all over the world and is recognized as the favored and much-loved setting of some of Sir Walter Scott’s most famous poetic works. Once you’ve finished lunch, you’ll board the historic and much-loved steamship, Sir Walter Scott, first built in 1899. Sit back, relax, and admire the magnificent scenery unfold while listening to the tales and legends of the loch during your one-hour cruise across the loch. Meet the coach upon arrival at Stronachlachar pier and return to your hotel. There is time to unwind, relax, and enjoy the hotel’s spa amenities before meeting your leaders for Scottish-themed dinner at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant.
Check out of your hotel and embark on a scenic drive (around one hour) and a visit to the churchyard, which holds the graves of Rob Roy, his wife, and his two sons. Continue through Lochearnhead to Glen Ogle and the start of today’s walk. You will have an opportunity to visit a majestic herd of Highland cattle on route. Glen Ogle evokes emotions that are heightened in the knowledge that druids, Jacobite rebels, ancient clans, ancient Royals, famous authors, and Rob Roy McGregor have tread the path before us. The waymarked trail follows an old railway line, which is part of the famous long-distance path, the Rob Roy Way. The walk features views extending over the vast glen to Loch Earn and passes charming streams before eventually crossing the impressive Glen Ogle Viaduct.
Continue westward toward the “High Country,” and notice as the landscape begins to reveal open upland hills with peaks, rocky outcrops, gullies, and screes. Visit the scenic village of Tyndrum—Scottish Gaelic for “house on the ridge”—where lunch at a local café offers incomparable views of the surrounding glens. After lunch, you will have a chance to stop for a short walk in the Loch Ba Valley before continuing to Glencoe and your accommodation for the next two nights. There is time to unwind and relax at your next inn before dinner.
Glencoe village; 4 miles, easy. Altnafeidh to Kinlochleven; 7 miles, moderate. Afternoon options from 1.5 miles
Widely considered one of the most breathtakingly scenic corners of Scotland, the narrow, U-shaped Glencoe is part of the National Scenic Area of Ben Nevis and Glencoe. Wild and jagged mountains, shaped by volcanic activity over millions of years, surround the emerald-green valley floor. Drama also permeates the history, both real and imagined, of this magical, mysterious place. The Glencoe Massacre was one of the most infamous events in Scottish history, and one legend says that it began with the lighting of a torch near where the Clachaig Inn now stands. In fiction, Glencoe is the setting for Skyfall, the birthplace of the father of James Bond in Ian Fleming’s novels.
Today’s easier option starts at your inn. During this invigorating walk, you follow a footpath upward through An Tor woodland to the historic Signal Rock. Continue down the valley to the village of Glencoe. Admire sweeping views across Loch Leven and grand vistas of surrounding mountains. Later, meet in a local café for lunch.
Alternatively, choose a longer and more challenging hike, rejoining a section of the West Highland Way. You drive 10 minutes to Altnafeadh and begin walking along a stony path up a steep hill, joining The Devil’s Staircase, so named by the soldiers who helped build the local roads. The workers not only had great difficulty transporting materials up this incline; it’s said that the devil claimed some of them for himself as they made the journey one cold winter night.
The path soon rises into undulating exposed moorland above the plain of Rannoch Moor. The views from here are stunning. Continue on a downward trail, sometimes along stepping-stones, before ascending again. To your right, the Blackwater reservoir appears. Its dam was built in the early 20th century to run the now-defunct aluminum smelter at Kinlochleven. As you lose elevation, your footpath leads through a long, wooded slope on stone tracks, delivering you to Kinlochleven. Travel to Glencoe for lunch in a local café.
Later, you may choose from several shorter walks directly from Glencoe village through the woodlands, home to pine martens, roe deer, and red squirrels. Or begin a scenic stroll from Glencoe House, admiring spectacular scenery and loch views over Glencoe Lochan and Loch Leven.
Relax at the hotel this evening and enjoy dinner on your own at the time of your choosing.
Check out of your hotel travel 30 minutes to the start of your morning walk along the picturesque northern shore of Loch Tulla. Enjoy sweeping views of the water beneath the backdrop of the central Highlands to the west. Following the morning’s walk, continue to the larger Loch Tay and the small village of Killin. Nestled at the convergence of River Lochay and River Dochart, Killin is steeped in history and features an Old Market Square and the beautiful Falls of Dochart, both central to the region’s industrial past.
Enjoy lunch at the Capercaille Restaurant in the center of town before a short, optional walk beginning on the northern edge of town that takes you through woodland alongside the River Lochay to the outflow of Loch Tay. From here, take in views to the east, far across Loch Tay and the Tarmachan Ridge to the north. Alternatively, peruse Killin’s shops and cafes before rejoining the group.
Your loch-side adventure continues as you drive east along the northern shore of Loch Tay. Listen to your leaders as they share the history of crannogs—circular houses on stilts that date to the Iron Age. All across the country, in an age before roads, Scots built on the water not only because people traveled by boat, but also because waterways offered protection against threatening animals and enemies. Scientists have found evidence of 18 such crannogs on Loch Tay alone. One has been rebuilt, using mostly traditional methods, and now houses the Scottish Crannog Centre, a museum dedicated to demonstrating the skills every crannog homeowner needed, such as making fire by rubbing sticks. Walk the footsteps of the original crannog dwellers and immerse yourself in village life with original artifacts and demonstrations of textiles and traditional cooking techniques.
A final one-hour drive from the Crannog Centre will bring you to your accommodation for the next two nights in Kinclaven. There will be time to relax and settle in at the hotel before rejoining your group for dinner at the hotel’s elegant restaurant.
You awaken to magnificent scenery and an ample breakfast, then embark on a scenic drive through the Angus agricultural lands to the town of Pitlochry, known to some as the heart of Scotland. The town, which has been welcoming visitors for more than 170 years, sits just below Ben Vrackie beside the beautiful River Tummel. Its name comes from the Gaelic “Pit Cloich Aire,” meaning “place of the Sentinel Stone,” and was originally an ancient Pictish settlement. Stone circles, standing stones, and ancient sites remain, scattered throughout the region.
This morning, embark on a visit to historic Blair Castle. Home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries, the castle has a diverse history, witnessing both turbulent and peaceful times. Dig deep into the story of Mary, Queen of Scots, and learn of the Jacobite rising that led to castle occupation in the 17th century. Explore how Queen Victoria’s love affair with the Scottish Highlands was seeded during her frequent visits to the castle with Price Albert in the mid-19th century. Following a tour of the castle, enjoy a short walk through the grounds and gardens, which are included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland, the national listing of historic gardens.
Following the castle visit, continue on to the small village of Killiecrankie and begin a walk that traces the River Garry south toward Loch Faskally and Pitlochry. Along the way, visit the historic landmark of the Soldier’s Leap, and learn of the 17th-century Jackobite battles that took place close by. The walk takes you through peaceful woodlands, over viaduct bridges, and past waterfalls before reaching the confluence of the rivers Garry and Tummel. Meet your coach along the shores of Loch Faskally and continue on a short ride into downtown Pitlochry. Venture out for lunch on your own before visiting the Blair Athol Distillery. Water from the Grampian mountains blends with ancient Highland malt to create the well-rounded taste, both mellow and deep, of the distillery’s signature single-malt whiskey. During a tour, discover how the distinctive honeyed richness of the spirit is created. And no tour is complete without a tasting!
Afterward, return to your hotel and relax overlooking the river or maybe stroll through the grounds. Later, enjoy a final celebratory dinner at the hotel’s excellent restaurant.
After enjoying an included breakfast, travel with your group in a private coach to Edinburgh, for your post-trip night. Please note your room may not be ready, but the hotel will store your luggage so you can explore the city. Lunch is on your own.
Country Walkers provides you with city information including recommendations on what to see and do in Edinburgh during your stay.
Section of the West Highland Way and Loch Lomond; 4.5 miles, easy to moderate; 3.5 miles, easy
Your leaders will meet you at the Blythswood Square Hotel at 9:00 a.m. in the lobby. They’ll be wearing Country Walkers shirts. Please be dressed for walking.
Once your group has gathered in Glasgow, you will drive to the picturesque village of Drymen. Your walk follows a section of the West Highland Way, Scotland’s premier long-distance footpath, covering 96 miles from Milngavie, just north of Glasgow, to Fort William. Today’s route passes through open countryside and wooded areas, with rewarding views over Loch Lomond. Meet the coach in Milton of Buchanan and drive a short distance to Balmaha, located on the banks of Loch Lomond.
Gather for lunch at the Oak Tree Inn, a family-run inn constructed of local slate on the shores of Loch Lomond. Throughout your journey, you’ll find that Scottish cuisine has left its reputation for bland food in the past. Today, chefs infuse fresh meats and produce from local farming communities and fresh fish from the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean with creative flair and color. Memorable meals are sure to be a rewarding part of your experience, along with a wide range of ales, malts, and whiskeys.
Balmaha is home of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, a spellbinding canvas of hills, lochs, and glens where Scotland’s renowned Highlands converge with the heather-covered Lowlands. After lunch, you set out on your pleasant and easy walk along the shores of Loch Lomond, enjoying magnificent views over the lake and its nearby islands. This is Rob Roy country, where the outlaw “Red Robert” MacGregor gained status as a local folk hero.
Afterward, travel just less than one hour, through the national park and lovely countryside to your hotel, located on the banks of Loch Ard. There will be time to relax before dinner tonight in the hotel.
After breakfast, set off on your day’s walk directly from the hotel. This wide trail skirts the banks of Loch Ard, one of the most picturesque in Scotland, through the peaceful Loch Ard Forest, all set within the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. Beautiful views emerge across the loch and toward the surrounding mountains. The Scottish outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor knew this area well, having been born at Glengyle, at the head of Loch Katrine. He used a small cave on the banks of this loch as a hiding place during the Jacobite risings.
Meet the coach at the end of your walk and travel a short distance along the valley to The Trossach’s Pier Cafe. Take in breathtaking views across Loch Katrine and enjoy lunch before embarking on your cruise.
For more than 150 years, Loch Katrine has offered a serene and tranquil spot for visitors from all over the world and is recognized as the favored and much-loved setting of some of Sir Walter Scott’s most famous poetic works. Once you’ve finished lunch, you’ll board the historic and much-loved steamship, Sir Walter Scott, first built in 1899. Sit back, relax, and admire the magnificent scenery unfold while listening to the tales and legends of the loch during your one-hour cruise across the loch. Meet the coach upon arrival at Stronachlachar pier and return to your hotel. There is time to unwind, relax, and enjoy the hotel’s spa amenities before meeting your leaders for Scottish-themed dinner at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant.
Check out of your hotel and embark on a scenic drive (around one hour) and a visit to the churchyard, which holds the graves of Rob Roy, his wife, and his two sons. Continue through Lochearnhead to Glen Ogle and the start of today’s walk. You will have an opportunity to visit a majestic herd of Highland cattle on route. Glen Ogle evokes emotions that are heightened in the knowledge that druids, Jacobite rebels, ancient clans, ancient Royals, famous authors, and Rob Roy McGregor have tread the path before us. The waymarked trail follows an old railway line, which is part of the famous long-distance path, the Rob Roy Way. The walk features views extending over the vast glen to Loch Earn and passes charming streams before eventually crossing the impressive Glen Ogle Viaduct.
Continue westward toward the “High Country,” and notice as the landscape begins to reveal open upland hills with peaks, rocky outcrops, gullies, and screes. Visit the scenic village of Tyndrum—Scottish Gaelic for “house on the ridge”—where lunch at a local café offers incomparable views of the surrounding glens. After lunch, you will have a chance to stop for a short walk in the Loch Ba Valley before continuing to Glencoe and your accommodation for the next two nights. There is time to unwind and relax at your next inn before dinner.
Glencoe village; 4 miles, easy. Altnafeidh to Kinlochleven; 7 miles, moderate. Afternoon options from 1.5 miles
Widely considered one of the most breathtakingly scenic corners of Scotland, the narrow, U-shaped Glencoe is part of the National Scenic Area of Ben Nevis and Glencoe. Wild and jagged mountains, shaped by volcanic activity over millions of years, surround the emerald-green valley floor. Drama also permeates the history, both real and imagined, of this magical, mysterious place. The Glencoe Massacre was one of the most infamous events in Scottish history, and one legend says that it began with the lighting of a torch near where the Clachaig Inn now stands. In fiction, Glencoe is the setting for Skyfall, the birthplace of the father of James Bond in Ian Fleming’s novels.
Today’s easier option starts at your inn. During this invigorating walk, you follow a footpath upward through An Tor woodland to the historic Signal Rock. Continue down the valley to the village of Glencoe. Admire sweeping views across Loch Leven and grand vistas of surrounding mountains. Later, meet in a local café for lunch.
Alternatively, choose a longer and more challenging hike, rejoining a section of the West Highland Way. You drive 10 minutes to Altnafeadh and begin walking along a stony path up a steep hill, joining The Devil’s Staircase, so named by the soldiers who helped build the local roads. The workers not only had great difficulty transporting materials up this incline; it’s said that the devil claimed some of them for himself as they made the journey one cold winter night.
The path soon rises into undulating exposed moorland above the plain of Rannoch Moor. The views from here are stunning. Continue on a downward trail, sometimes along stepping-stones, before ascending again. To your right, the Blackwater reservoir appears. Its dam was built in the early 20th century to run the now-defunct aluminum smelter at Kinlochleven. As you lose elevation, your footpath leads through a long, wooded slope on stone tracks, delivering you to Kinlochleven. Travel to Glencoe for lunch in a local café.
Later, you may choose from several shorter walks directly from Glencoe village through the woodlands, home to pine martens, roe deer, and red squirrels. Or begin a scenic stroll from Glencoe House, admiring spectacular scenery and loch views over Glencoe Lochan and Loch Leven.
Relax at the hotel this evening and enjoy dinner on your own at the time of your choosing.
Check out of your hotel travel 30 minutes to the start of your morning walk along the picturesque northern shore of Loch Tulla. Enjoy sweeping views of the water beneath the backdrop of the central Highlands to the west. Following the morning’s walk, continue to the larger Loch Tay and the small village of Killin. Nestled at the convergence of River Lochay and River Dochart, Killin is steeped in history and features an Old Market Square and the beautiful Falls of Dochart, both central to the region’s industrial past.
Enjoy lunch at the Capercaille Restaurant in the center of town before a short, optional walk beginning on the northern edge of town that takes you through woodland alongside the River Lochay to the outflow of Loch Tay. From here, take in views to the east, far across Loch Tay and the Tarmachan Ridge to the north. Alternatively, peruse Killin’s shops and cafes before rejoining the group.
Your loch-side adventure continues as you drive east along the northern shore of Loch Tay. Listen to your leaders as they share the history of crannogs—circular houses on stilts that date to the Iron Age. All across the country, in an age before roads, Scots built on the water not only because people traveled by boat, but also because waterways offered protection against threatening animals and enemies. Scientists have found evidence of 18 such crannogs on Loch Tay alone. One has been rebuilt, using mostly traditional methods, and now houses the Scottish Crannog Centre, a museum dedicated to demonstrating the skills every crannog homeowner needed, such as making fire by rubbing sticks. Walk the footsteps of the original crannog dwellers and immerse yourself in village life with original artifacts and demonstrations of textiles and traditional cooking techniques.
A final one-hour drive from the Crannog Centre will bring you to your accommodation for the next two nights in Kinclaven. There will be time to relax and settle in at the hotel before rejoining your group for dinner at the hotel’s elegant restaurant.
You awaken to magnificent scenery and an ample breakfast, then embark on a scenic drive through the Angus agricultural lands to the town of Pitlochry, known to some as the heart of Scotland. The town, which has been welcoming visitors for more than 170 years, sits just below Ben Vrackie beside the beautiful River Tummel. Its name comes from the Gaelic “Pit Cloich Aire,” meaning “place of the Sentinel Stone,” and was originally an ancient Pictish settlement. Stone circles, standing stones, and ancient sites remain, scattered throughout the region.
This morning, embark on a visit to historic Blair Castle. Home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries, the castle has a diverse history, witnessing both turbulent and peaceful times. Dig deep into the story of Mary, Queen of Scots, and learn of the Jacobite rising that led to castle occupation in the 17th century. Explore how Queen Victoria’s love affair with the Scottish Highlands was seeded during her frequent visits to the castle with Price Albert in the mid-19th century. Following a tour of the castle, enjoy a short walk through the grounds and gardens, which are included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland, the national listing of historic gardens.
Following the castle visit, continue on to the small village of Killiecrankie and begin a walk that traces the River Garry south toward Loch Faskally and Pitlochry. Along the way, visit the historic landmark of the Soldier’s Leap, and learn of the 17th-century Jackobite battles that took place close by. The walk takes you through peaceful woodlands, over viaduct bridges, and past waterfalls before reaching the confluence of the rivers Garry and Tummel. Meet your coach along the shores of Loch Faskally and continue on a short ride into downtown Pitlochry. Venture out for lunch on your own before visiting the Blair Athol Distillery. Water from the Grampian mountains blends with ancient Highland malt to create the well-rounded taste, both mellow and deep, of the distillery’s signature single-malt whiskey. During a tour, discover how the distinctive honeyed richness of the spirit is created. And no tour is complete without a tasting!
Afterward, return to your hotel and relax overlooking the river or maybe stroll through the grounds. Later, enjoy a final celebratory dinner at the hotel’s excellent restaurant.
After a sumptuous included breakfast, you have time to relax before departing on your 1.25-hour drive to Edinburgh. You arrive around 11:00 a.m. at The Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh, where your tour concludes.
This iconic and historic 5-star hotel has a prestigious address overlooking a private garden square right in the heart of Glasgow. It is within walking distance of some of the city’s best-known historical landmarks and shopping areas. These Georgian townhouses were originally home to wealthy merchants; now, their painstakingly restored original features and modern touches, including air conditioning and a luxury spa, combine to create a timeless elegance and glamour.
Nestled on the banks of Loch Ard, within the Queen Elizabeth Forest, this relaxing country retreat features well-appointed, un-air conditioned guestrooms with landscape-inspired décor and in-room WiFi. Enjoy the pool and spa facilities, as well as walking trails in the surrounding countryside. The restaurant’s terrace looks out over Loch Ard.
Nestled in the very heart of Glencoe among the spectacular and majestic mountains of the Scottish Highlands, Clachaig Inn has been a welcoming and hospitable lodging for travelers for more than 300 years. This 3-star inn has 23 guestrooms and three award-winning bars, each with its own distinctive and lively character. Real ales, malt whisky, good food, and fresh coffee are served in all of them—choose the atmosphere that suits you best.
Situated within its own private estate overlooking the River Tay, gateway to the Scottish Highlands, this charming country house provides luxurious accommodation in tranquil surroundings. One of the UK’s leading country house hotels, Ballathie House aims to offer a traditional taste of the Scottish Highlands. It features 41 beautiful en suite bedrooms, each one naturally cooled without air conditioning, individually decorated, and spread out over the main house, Riverside Building, and the Sportsman Lodge. There is also award-winning cuisine in the hotel’s 2AA Rosette Restaurant. Set in Kinclaven, Stanley, just 11.8 miles from Perth city center, which is home to a theatre, concert hall, and specialist shops, Ballathie House occupies an ideal position from which to explore the many attractions of the Scottish Highlands.
Enjoy city views and easy access to prime attractions at the Radisson Blu Edinburgh, a modern hotel enviably situated in the heart of Scotland‘s Royal Mile. Take advantage of the indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, and steam room during your stay. Free WiFi and air conditioning are available throughout the property, and local specialties are served in the Itchycoo Bar and Kitchen.
A Country Walkers representative greets you at the airport to start your first day in Glasgow off right. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located hotel. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to explore on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.
This iconic and historic 5-star hotel has a prestigious address overlooking a private garden square right in the heart of Glasgow. It is within walking distance of some of the city’s best-known historical landmarks and shopping areas. These Georgian townhouses were originally home to wealthy merchants; now, their painstakingly restored original features and modern touches, including air conditioning and a luxury spa, combine to create a timeless elegance and glamour.
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to continue exploring on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.
After an included breakfast this morning, complimentary transportation to the Edinburgh Airport will be provided (an approximately 20- to 30-minute drive, depending on traffic) for your departing flight.
Enjoy city views and easy access to prime attractions at the Radisson Blu Edinburgh, a modern hotel enviably situated in the heart of Scotland‘s Royal Mile. Take advantage of the indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, and steam room during your stay. Free WiFi and air conditioning are available throughout the property, and local specialties are served in the Itchycoo Bar and Kitchen.
The accommodations, restaurants and hikes were chosen with care, reflecting the beauty, uniqueness and "deliciousness" of Scotland. I appreciated the variety of hikes and the knowledge and enthusiasm of our guides Rob and Keith. They were quick to share the culture, history, geology and simple joys of their homeland and somewhat reluctant, thankfully, to share some of the current political struggles of Scotland (these are often unsettling discussions whether you are talking about your own politics or someone else's). The mostly 5-7 mile hikes were easily managed each day. My favorite hike was when a small group of us walked through the most intriguing, mystical, almost magical trail from our hotel to the little village of Glen Coe; it was much too short for the joy it brought me and my companions. This particular hike was a time of personal, intimate connection to the beauty of Scotland with our charming, and affable guide: Keith. It also allowed for quiet reflection as we journeyed together. Don't hesitate . . . book this trip.
Sharon, Colorado
Scotland: The Highlands
Rob and Allen were outstanding, sharing extensive knowledge of geography, history and culture. We would not find this any other way. As a bonus food, hotels and hiking scenery were all great.
Fred
Scotland: The Highlands
Expert Local Leaders
Experience your destination like an insider with people who call it home.
Gill McMillan
Having lived most of her life in Scotland, Gill McMillan takes great delight in sharing this beautiful landscape with others. She has been a full-time professional guide for the past 7 years, but her love for hiking started much earlier, taking her to places like Nepal, Morocco & Canada. Her greatest accomplishments include climbing all of Scotland’s 282 Munros completing the Camino de Santiago, and trekking the length of Scotland. Gill has picked up many skills during her adventures including her love of wildflowers and local folklore. Luckily, Scotland has an endless supply of stories for Gill to share with all CW guests.
Cat Trebilco
Cat Trebilco fell in love with Scotland at age 6 on a family visit and was a frequent visitor to the mountains of the Scottish Highlands before permanently moving to Edinburgh in 2012. Considering Scotland to be her spiritual home, and with her love of nature, wildlife, and the stunning views that Scotland has to offer, she became a part time mountain guide in 2009. By 2013, she had quit her corporate job to work full time in the great outdoors! Cat is also a qualified life coach and takes people out into nature to help them discover their true path in life. Cat loves to sing, which she often does when walking in the mountains, sometimes without noticing that she’s doing it!
Rob Richardson
Growing up on a small farm in northern England Rob Richardson always had an affinity for the outdoors and Scotland was a regular family holiday destination. With a desire to understand the natural world, Rob studied geology at university. Moving to Scotland in 2011, he set off to explore the highlands and islands of his home country, be it on foot or by bike. Rob now spends the majority of his time helping others discover the wonders of the great outdoors, whether through teaching geological field classes, mountain guiding, or helping visitors get a little off the beaten track.
Internet Explorer may no longer be fully compatible with this site.
We highly recommend accessing our website using a different browser (such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge). Microsoft is transitioning away from Internet Explorer and towards their new internet browser platform, Microsoft Edge. Because of this, you may experience limited functionality accessing this site using Internet Explorer.
Country Walkers
VBT Bicycling Vacations
Get eNews
Request a Catalog
800.234.6900
MyAccount Login
Terrain Description for Scotland: The Highlands
Air Package Only
