Explore the Scottish Highlands & Skye

Your adventure begins at Edinburgh Airport, where you will meet the LHO team. We ask that all joiners arrive by 3 pm to catch our team shuttle. For early arrivals, there’s the option to take a short train ride into Edinburgh city center to explore landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. Just ensure you are back at the airport by 3 pm for the shuttle.

From Edinburgh, we will drive approximately 2.5 hours to Aviemore, located in the Cairngorms National Park. Along the way, you will begin to witness the scenic beauty of Scotland, from rolling hills to misty glens. Upon arrival at our accommodation, we’ll settle in and gather for our first official event: a team dinner.

Dinner will be a great opportunity to meet fellow participants and your LHO Team Leader. We will go over the itinerary and hold a detailed briefing about the next day’s hike, setting the stage for the adventure ahead. The first round of drinks is on us!

Distance: 8.45 km | Ascent: 543 m | Descent: 543 m

Our first full day in the Highlands starts with a hearty Scottish breakfast. Choose from traditional options like porridge, smoked salmon, or a full Scottish breakfast.

We’ll set out on a rewarding hike up Meall a’ Bhuachaille. This trail offers expansive views of the Cairngorms, and your guide will share insights into the region’s rich natural and cultural history. Halfway through, we’ll pause for a packed lunch, enjoying the fresh Highland air before continuing to the summit.

After the hike, we return to Aviemore, with the option to visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, home to the UK’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer. In the evening, we’ll dine at a local restaurant or at our accommodation, followed by a briefing on the next day’s journey to the Isle of Skye.

Distance: 12 km | Ascent: 430 m | Descent: 430 m

Following breakfast, we depart Aviemore and travel west toward Skye. We’ll take a scenic route through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Scotland. Our first stop will be Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve, where we’ll embark on a stunning hike through mountain ridges and ancient forests.

After a stop for lunch at a charming café, we continue to Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic sites. We’ll take time to explore the castle and learn about its rich history before driving to our accommodation on the Isle of Skye, where we will settle in.

Dinner will be served at a local restaurant or at our accommodation, and our evening will conclude with a team briefing on the next day’s exploration of North Skye.

Distance: 6.5 km | Ascent: 374 m | Descent: 374 m

After a traditional breakfast, we’ll head to the Trotternish Peninsula for a hike on the Quiraing circuit. This trail takes us through dramatic landscapes of towering cliffs and surreal rock formations. Your guide will share stories of Skye’s folklore, from faerie legends to Viking history, adding depth to the experience.

We’ll stop for a packed lunch in a scenic spot along the trail before continuing our hike. Later, we’ll visit Neist Point, Skye’s most westerly point, with its dramatic cliffs and lighthouse providing a breathtaking backdrop.

In the evening, we’ll return to our accommodation for dinner and a briefing on the following day’s journey into the Cuillin Hills.

Distance: 4 km | Ascent: 565 m | Descent: 565 m

After breakfast, we will explore the Cuillin Hills, Skye’s most famous mountain range. This hike will offer stunning views over both the Red and Black Cuillins, showcasing the contrasting landscapes of granite and gabbro. We’ll take our time enjoying the scenery and learning about the unique geology of the area.

A packed lunch will be enjoyed along the trail, with panoramic views over the sea and surrounding peaks. Afterward, we’ll take a ferry to the mainland and drive to our accommodation in Glencoe, stopping briefly at the white sandy beaches of Arisaig.

Dinner will be served at a local restaurant or at our accommodation, followed by a team briefing about the next day’s exciting ridge hike.

Distance: 8 km | Ascent: 900 m | Descent: 900 m

After breakfast, we’ll embark on one of the most iconic hikes in Glencoe: Buachaille Etive Beag. This ridge walk offers spectacular views down Loch Etive and across to the surrounding Glencoe peaks. The twin summits of this ridge provide some of the most impressive viewpoints in the area.

At the summit, we’ll enjoy a packed lunch before descending back to Glencoe. The day will conclude with a celebratory pre-farewell dinner, where we’ll reflect on the week’s adventures and accomplishments. Our final team briefing will prepare us for the return journey to Edinburgh.

After breakfast, we’ll begin our scenic drive back to Edinburgh, passing through Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. We’ll stop for photos along the way, capturing the beauty of the Highlands one last time.

Upon arriving in Edinburgh, we’ll check into our centrally located and you’ll have the afternoon free to explore the city at your own pace. Your guide and LHO Team Leader will provide recommendations for must-see spots, from the historic Edinburgh Castle to the charming streets of the Royal Mile. Our final dinner together, the official farewell, will be at a local restaurant and the last round of drinks is on us!

On your final morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we arrange your transfer to Edinburgh Airport. We hope this journey has left you with incredible memories of the Highlands and Skye. Until we meet again, Haste Ye Back! (See you soon in Gaelic).