This 5-day tour is the highlight of our 2026 hiking calendar and truly deserves the title “The Ultimate Scotland Bucket List Adventure”!

You’ll explore the dramatic Scottish Highlands, experience the magic of the Isle of Skye and climb Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain. Along the way, you’ll immerse yourself in Scotland’s wild, untamed landscapes and enjoy its outstanding traditional cuisine. We’ve worked hard to secure accommodation in top locations: Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, Portree on the Isle of Skye, Ratagan in a breathtakingly remote setting on the shores of Loch Duich, and Balmaha, a picturesque village overlooking Loch Lomond. To ensure maximum flexibility and a truly personal experience, the group will be limited to just 13 participants.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Visit the Isle of Skye – Scotland's most Instagrammable and famous destination

Climb Ben Nevis (1345m) – the highest mountain in Britain

Spend the night in Portree, the capital of the Isle of Skye, and enjoy its picturesque harbour and jolly, colourful houses

Hike to the iconic rock pinnacle of the Old Man of Storr

See Black Cuillin Mountains – some of the most dramatic and challenging mountains in Britain

Enjoy delicious local specialities and fresh seafood

Spend the night in a stunning remote location on the shores of Loch Duich (see the picture), with views of the Five Sisters of Kintail mountain range from the living room

Walk to the magical Fairy Pools and enjoy a refreshing wild swim in the crystal-clear waters

Relax in the popular village of Balmaha on the shores of Loch Lomond – the largest lake in Britain

See the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. It's one of the most famous castles in Scotland, and probably appears on more shortbread tins and calendars than any other.

Enjoy a breathtaking drive through the Scottish Highlands and Glencoe Valley

Take a cruise around Loch Lomond and its beautiful islands, or climb Conic Hill (361m), which offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views of Loch Lomond

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Thursday (10/09):

06:45 Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station)

07:00 Sharp departure

13:00-13:45 Stop for lunch at Tebay Services Farmshop and Kitchen

19:30 Arrive in Fort William, check in at Glen Nevis Youth Hostel at the foot of Ben Nevis, dinner and free time

Day 2 – Friday (11/09):

08:00 Breakfast in Fort William, buy packed lunches/snacks for Ben Nevis

09:30-16:30 Climb Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in Britain (difficulty: Difficult, distance: 17km, ascent: 1340m)

17:00-19:00 Free time for dinner and to explore souvenir shops in Fort William

20:30 Check in at Ratagan Youth Hostel, on the shores of Loch Duich

Day 3 – Saturday (12/09):

08:30 Depart

09:00-10:30 Breakfast at Hectors Bothy near the Skye Bridge, buy packed lunches

11:30-13:00 An easy walk to the Fairy Pools, with an option to swim

14:00-17:00 Hike to the Old Man of Storr (difficulty: Moderate, distance: 5km, ascent: 320m)

17:30 Check in at Portree Youth Hostel, in the capital of the Isle of Skye

18:00 Dinner and free time in Portree. Recommended for dinner: Sea Breezes seafood restaurant (please book a table in advance if you prefer to eat out).

Day 4 – Sunday (13/09):

08:00 Breakfast in Portree

09:15 Depart

09:45-09:55 Photo stop next to the Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls

10:15-11:15 A short walk to the Quiraing – a vast, surreal landscape of jagged cliffs, crumpled hills and dramatic rock pinnacles

11:45-12:45 A short walk to Fairy Glen and Castle Ewen

13:30-15:00 Lunch at Sligachan Hotel, with views towards the Cuillin Mountains

16:00-16:45 Photo stop next to the romantic Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most photographed castles

16:45-21:30 A scenic drive through the Scottish Highlands

21:30 Check in at Birchwood Guest Lodge in the picturesque village of Balmaha, on the shores of Loch Lomond

Day 5 – Monday (14/09):

07:30 Breakfast and free time in the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. There are a few fantastic options for how to spend the morning (see below). Everyone can choose what suits them best, as all activities start in Balmaha village, where we’re staying, so no driving is required.

09:00-12:00 Climb Conic Hill (361m) – one of the most spectacular viewpoints of Loch Lomond (difficulty: Moderate, distance: 6km, ascent: 350m), or

10:45-12:15 Take a 90-minute boat cruise around Loch Lomond and its beautiful islands (£19)

12:30 Depart to London

14:00-14:45 Stop for lunch at Cairn Lodge Services Farmshop and Kitchen

14:45 Drive to London, with 2 stops at services (15 minutes)

22:00 London, Hammersmith

DIFFICULTY & EQUIPMENT

Please note that this trip requires a very good level of fitness, particularly if you would like to climb Ben Nevis. However, on each day, your guide will be able to offer easier alternatives. Good hiking boots with ankle support and waterproof clothing are essential.

TRANSPORT

As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a c

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