At a Glance
Create a special connection with nature on an adventure to beautiful Scotland’s Highlands. Deepen your love for the thrill as you meander along exceptional trails on gorgeous terrains and encounter sublime marine life on this 6-day walking exploit venturing from Inverness to the Isle of the Skye.
Your journey begins in Inverness. Traverse the secluded and untamed Northwest Highlands in the awe-inspiring Wester Ross. Catch a view of wild pines and the blue waters of Loch Torridon. Climb mountain Glen to see the hidden lake behind the famed massif Beinn Eighe. Take an old hunters' tracking path toward Loch an Eoin, with Maol Chean-Dearg's peak reflecting in its waters. Hike a section of the 320-kilometre-long (200-mile-long) wild Cape Wrath Trail. On the Isle of Skye, enjoy gorgeous panoramas of the Cuillin ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All luggage, hotel and shuttle transfer
- 5 nights’ accommodation in luxury hotels on a twin share basis
- All meals as specified
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest to leader ratio on average
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Hiking and sightseeing as stated in the itinerary
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Itinerary
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Level 2, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft) On the first day of the trip, meet your tour leaders at 10 a.m. at Inverness Railway Station, Academy Street in Inverness, Scotland. Please, ensure you arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and come with your luggage and a daypack containing your rain gear and anything else you may want for the day's hike (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations). After meeting in Inverness, we shuttle to Kinlochewe to begin our first walk through the Western Highlands. From here, we take a mostly level lakeside trail through a woodland interior past sheep-grazing farmland and vintage Scottish estates. Trek along Loch Clair and around Loch Coulin, taking in gorgeous views of sandstone mountains and pine forests as you go around their blue waters. It may be hard to look away from the spectacular scenery, but you should focus on the trail as you encounter a few wet and muddy sections. |
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This afternoon, we head out to the Torridon Hotel, an elegant castle hotel with quaint Scottish décor. Unwind in your spacious room, and embark on a lovely stroll at the hotel's 58 acres of immaculate parkland, including the kitchen gardens. Alternatively, savour its afternoon tea service and simply relax. We gather for a welcome reception and an exclusive dinner prepared with fresh ingredients from the on-site Kitchen Garden and the Highlands at the hotel's restaurant. |
Torridon Hotel, Achnasheen (5*)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: After a delightful Scottish breakfast and a quick shuttle, we go into the rough and wild countryside north of Torridon. Our route leads us between Liathach and the famed Beinn Eighe, a gigantic ben (mountain). Here, we behold a striking landscape of soaring peaks, cliffs, and corries—valleys formed by glacial erosion. This area is a destination for adventure-seeking rock climbers but is an otherwise peaceful place. We take a break to enjoy lunch at a scenic spot along the way or up at the hidden corrie loch. You may have to deal with a bit of mud or some wet patches as you make your way through the gorges, but it's all worth it because of the stunning views of ridges, greenery, wildflowers, and maybe a herd of deer that lie ahead. |
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Savour dinner tonight at the hotel at your leisure. For those in pursue of some culture, venture into the local pub for a wee whisky after dinner. |
Torridon Hotel, Achnasheen (5*)Breakfast, Lunch |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Today's scenic hike begins directly from the hotel. Savour a nice breakfast, then walk out of our Highlands retreat and into the wild. Go up an old hunters' tracking path toward Loch an Eòin with the red pinnacle of Maol Chean-Dearg mountain reflected in its waters. As we navigate untamed terrain, we come across swamps, debris, and sandstone boulders and traverse a river over stepping stones. We take a break to enjoy lunch and tea at a mountain hut before the trail descends through streams and forests. The path takes us into secluded Highlands and the famed community of Coulags outside of the village Lochcarron. |
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Our next stop today is Portree on the Isle of Skye and the homely Cuillin Hills Hotel seated on 15 acres of well-manicured grounds. Settle into your room, or go for a serene walk on the hotel's private lands, where panoramas of the Cuillin mountains and Portree Bay are sure to make your day. This evening, we relish a Gaelic music demonstration before going into the hotel's restaurant for perhaps a delectable seafood dinner. |
Cuillin Hills Hotel, PortreeBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel and take a shuttle to nearby Trotternish, a peninsula on the northeast end of the Isle of Skye. The dramatic ridgeline here, formed by an enormous landslide, stretches for nearly 32 kilometres (20 miles) and is marked by plummeting cliffs, green plateaus, and rugged peaks that are ours to explore. Set out on a trail through steep lush hilltops and past jagged pinnacles on the peninsula's eastern face before hiking along the peaks and cliffs of the Quiraing. Here, you witness gorgeous but occasionally misty views of the sea and the wild coastal terrain. Following lunch, we return to Portree, where you can enjoy some downtime at the hotel taking in the stunning view or maybe ordering an afternoon tea service. Join a whisky tasting at the hotel before dinner on your own in town. You can also go into the lively port town earlier to check out its sights and shops. |
Cuillin Hills Hotel, Portree Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: We start our day with a scenic walk along the coasts of alluring Portree Bay. From the location of the ruined village of Scorrybreac, now known as the headland, soak in views across the sea to the Island of Raasay. Also, catch vistas that go back toward the famed pastel-colored buildings of Portree and the anchored boats in its natural harbour. As we leave the Isle of Skye, we go back to the mainland on a panoramic and intimate boat charter. These waters give us a good view of dolphins, whales, seals, and porpoises. The area is also packed with seabirds; keep an eye out for diving gannets. Crossing the Sound of Sleat, head up the spectacular bay of Loch Nevis, and take in views of Skye from the back of the boat. Getting to the tiny village of Tarbet (population of 6!), we commence our hike in a secluded corner of the Scottish mainland. Our path provides panoramas of the mountains and the Knoydart Peninsula as we head toward the coasts of Loch Morar, the deepest freshwater lake in Britain. We walk past ruins of desolated and haunting clearance villages. (people were evacuated from their lands to make way for agricultural changes during the Highland Clearances of the late 1700s.) |
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Later, we head to Inverness and our home for tonight, Ness Walk Hotel, situated on the banks of its namesake river. Explore the beautiful grounds with a stroll along the river and over a footbridge to a flourishing island before we reconvene for a farewell toast and dinner at the hotel. |
Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
We begin the day with a quick shuttle to a 15th-century romantic fairytale castle set amid charming gardens with modern sculptures. Cawdor Castle is well-known for its literary connection to William Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth and is presently a stately home to the Dowager Countess Cawdor. We trek along trails in the Big Wood encircling the castle, traverse the gardens, and tour the castle before we bid our farewells. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfastDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Inverness
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Inverness. The closest major international airport is Inverness Airport and is 11 miles from the center of Inverness.
Scotland is known for its unpredictable and often windy and rainy weather; however, showers can quickly turn to sunny skies and heat waves can move in for weeks. If your trip takes place in early September, please note that the weather cools down considerably and typical fall weather occurs.
In Scotland, the summers are warm and humid, the winters are very cold and snowy, and it is partly cloudy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 24°F to 85°F and is rarely below 11°F or above 93°F. Scotland's oceanic climate is generally cool and very wet. The average annual high temperature is around 11 degrees Celsius (51° Fahrenheit). The day to day weather can vary enormously and is very unpredictably. The east coast has a marginally more continental climate than the west, which has drier weather, sunnier summers and colder winters.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2-4.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km (6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
In the genuine spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
