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    Wilderness Walking

    The Great Wild North


    Deposit From: £900
    Region: North West Highlands
    Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
    Confirmed: When 2 Travellers Book

    Next Departure: 3rd - 9th Jun 2026
    Accommodation: Luxury

    Grading:

    Carbon Footprint: 126kg ? What does this mean?
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    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

      From:  £3,495 View Prices & Dates

      Trip Overview

      Created by: Stevie Christie


      Venture beyond the beaten track on this green-graded, luxury hiking trip through Scotland’s North West Highlands and along the North Coast. While known for its scenic driving route – the North Coast 500 – the region’s wildest and most beautiful landscapes are best discovered on foot.

      Accompanied by an expert guide, enjoy an adventure that takes you from the ancient pine woods of Glen Affric to the towering sea cliffs and incredible bird life of Handa Island. With a carefully chosen selection of gentle hikes to some of our favourite places, discover stunning beaches and old crofting villages. Along the way, take a boat trip around the Summer Isles and visit the ruins of a coastal castle.

      After days filled with vast views and salty air, spend your evenings in unique luxury hotels, each selected for its comfort, service and excellence. The last two nights in truly special accommodation – Lundies House, a charming former church manse reimagined as a contemporary luxury retreat in the wild, renowned for its exceptional food, chic design, and emphasis on re-wilding.

      On a luxury adventure that combines wild shorelines, gentle hiking and an unforgettable final stay, join us to explore Scotland’s enchanting northwest.

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      Day by Day
      Itinerary

      Day 1 – Loch Ness and North Read Less

      Day 1

      Loch Ness and North

      Meet your Wilderness guide at Inverness Railway Station early this afternoon and transfer a short distance to Loch Ness. On a small beach, framed by the full 22 miles of this freshwater loch (famous for the legend of the Loch Ness Monster), enjoy a welcome briefing with the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the adventure ahead. Next, take a gentle walk through a lovely woodland to an old wooden jetty that provides fantastic views across the water. Afterwards, continue north to your first hotel, taking some time to relax and settle in before dinner.

      Meals Included: Dinner

      Walk Details: 7 km / 4 miles | 65 m / 213 ft | Approx: 2 hrs

      Day 2 – Exploring Glen Affric Read Less

      Day 2

      Exploring Glen Affric

      This morning, head out to discover the magnificent beauty of Glen Affric – a National Nature Reserve and one of Scotland’s most breathtaking glens. There are several excellent options for hikes today, one of which explores a stretch of Caledonian pine forest, an ancient woodland that once cloaked much of the Highlands. As you walk, look for golden eagles, crested tits and red squirrels, while your guide shares insights into the ongoing conservation work happening here. Regardless of which route option is chosen, the region’s natural beauty is evident at every turn.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

      Walk Details: 9 km / 6 miles | 300 m / 984 ft | Approx: 5 hrs

      Day 3 – Summer Isles & The Bone Caves Read Less

      Day 3

      Summer Isles & The Bone Caves

      After breakfast, transfer west to the fishing port of Ullapool. From here, board a small boat to cruise among the Summer Isles — an archipelago of around 20 islands, rocks and skerries once home to herring fishing and small crofting communities. Along the way, enjoy views of the mountains of Assynt and Coigach, with the chance to spot seals and dolphins. After lunch ashore, head inland for a walk that ribbons up a limestone valley to a series of caves. First excavated in 1889, the caves revealed remains of wildlife, including reindeer, lynx and even polar bear. After the walk, it’s just a short drive to your welcoming hotel, known for its freshly caught seafood.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

      Walk Details: 5 km / 3 miles | 210 m / 689 ft | Approx: 3 hrs

      Day 4 – Discovering Handa Island Read Less

      Day 4

      Discovering Handa Island

      Today, explore Handa Island, reached by a short boat crossing across the sound. Known for its towering sea cliffs and coastal flora, the island is one of Scotland’s most important seabird breeding sites, with guillemots, puffins, razorbills, great skuas, fulmars and kittiwakes all nesting here. Once ashore, a walking trail circumnavigates the island, showcasing its birdlife, wildflowers and fascinating island history. Return to the mainland this afternoon with time to unwind as you wish, perhaps relaxing at the hotel or strolling along the nearby shoreline, keeping an eye out for otters.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

      Walk Details: 7 km / 4 miles | 120 m / 394 ft | Approx: 4 hrs

      Day 5 – Sandwood Bay Read Less

      Day 5

      Sandwood Bay

      After breakfast, continue north, the landscape getting increasingly rugged with each curve of the quiet road. Our destination today is Sandwood Bay, a wild beach guarded on its southern flank by the lonely sea stack of Am Buachaille. From the car park, a good trail traverses the desolate moors to reach this golden beach, one of the most beautiful spots in the whole of Scotland. After the walk, drive along the northerly coast, passing the cavernous Smoo Cave to arrive in the tiny settlement of Tongue. Here, your final accommodation awaits, a church manse exquisitely renovated into a luxury home away from home in the Highlands.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

      Walk Details: 13 km / 8 miles | 150 m / 492 ft | Approx: 6 hrs

      Day 6 – Crofts, Shipwrecks and Stories Read Less

      Day 6

      Crofts, Shipwrecks and Stories

      This morning begins with a lovely walk which explores the local coastline and old crofting villages. Chat with your guide about the history here, as well as the legends of gold-laden ships which floundered on the nearby rocks, but whose precious cargo was never found. During your walk, pass small, hidden beaches, cross wind-swept moors and look for tiny crofts tucked into this spectacular yet unforgiving landscape. Take a moment to appreciate the dramatic scenery you’ve explored over the week before returning to your hotel this evening for a celebratory dinner.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

      Walk Details: 10 km / 6 miles | 200 m / 656 ft | Approx: 5 hrs

      Day 7 – The Castle Trail & Depart Read Less

      Day 7

      The Castle Trail & Depart

      After a relaxed breakfast, finish your trip with a fantastic short hike to Caisteal Bharraich, a ruined castle in a prominent position overlooking the Kyle of Tongue.
      There are numerous theories regarding the origin of the building, ranging from it being an 11th-century Viking stronghold to the seat of medieval bishops. Soak up the views from the keep by climbing the iron staircase, before returning the way you have come. After lunch, return south to Inverness, where your guide will see you to the station and your trip will conclude.

      Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

      Walk Details: 3 km / 2 miles | 111 m / 364 ft | Approx: 2 hrs

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      The Great Wild North

      To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

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      The phone number field is not required but if you would like us to give you a call to help find the trip for you, then enter your telephone number including the country code.

      Trip Dates & Prices

      All payments taken in local currency GBP

      Trip Dates for 2026 Availability StatusPriceBook
      3rd Jun - 9th Jun 2026 8 place(s) left Available £3,495 Book Now
      16th Jul - 22nd Jul 2026 8 place(s) left Available £3,495 Book Now
      3rd Sep - 9th Sep 2026 8 place(s) left Available £3,495 Book Now

      Make This Trip Private

      Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your preferred departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

      Enquire Now Learn More
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      The Great Wild North

      For private departure enquiries, please complete the form below:

      Trip Details

      Accommodation Read More

      After days spent immersed in the great outdoors, unwind by the fire in a collection of carefully selected four- and five-star standard hotels. Each property has been chosen for its exceptional comfort and service, beautiful setting, and thoughtful amenities.

      Begin your luxury wilderness journey at Coul House Hotel, a stunning Scottish country house set on private grounds – an elegant and tranquil base for the opening nights of your adventure.

      Your next stay is defined by its outstanding culinary reputation. At Kylesku Hotel, a boutique, lochside retreat, expect ultra-local seafood and creative, seasonal dishes that showcase the very best of the surrounding landscape.

      Finally, conclude your week-long adventure at the much-loved Lundies House, a five-star standard property within the WildLand collection. Celebrated for its commitment to landscape and rewilding, Lundies House blends Scandi-chic design with warm Highland hospitality, contemporary comforts, and a profound sense of place in the surrounding wilderness.

      If you are a solo traveller, you may be able to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no roommate is available, you will be obligated to cover the additional cost of the solo room supplement, this will be confirmed at four weeks before travel.

      Single Rooms

      There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you request a double room for single occupancy, a supplement of £1390 is charged.

      Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

      Meals Read More

      On this trip, all meals are included, from dinner on day 1 to lunch on day 7. Dinners are two courses as standard.

      Food is of paramount importance, and our meals are prepared from the best local produce. We’ll enjoy wonderful home-cooked meals each evening, with good, healthy portions. Naturally, vegetarians and other dietary requirements are willingly catered for – simply let us know at the time of booking.

      On this trip, we generally eat dinner as a group; however, if you would like to make alternative arrangements, you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip, where they do not eat with the group.

      Inclusions Read More
      • 6 nights in beautiful four and five star accommodations.
      • All meals during the trip as stated in the itinerary.
      • The services of our experienced and knowledgeable hiking guide throughout your trip.
      • All transport, starting and finishing in Inverness.
      • All guided hikes, boat trips and other excursions as mentioned in the itinerary.
      Grading Read More

      Green Graded 1-3

      Green graded walking holidays are suitable for active travellers who are reasonably fit and enjoy moderate hikes. We walk at a comfortable pace and you can expect to be out for 5-6 hours a day. The terrain will be mostly good paths and hill trails but these can still be muddy and rough in places. Some hikes may involve an ascent up to a max of approx 450 m/ 1,500 feet. Distances will be typically 8-10 km/5-6 miles but there may be the odd slightly longer day. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

      Travel - Arrival and Departure Read More

      You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide at Inverness Railway Station at 1.30pm on Day 1 of your trip. The trip will conclude at Inverness Railway Station at 3:00pm on the final day.

      Speak to an Expert

      Jane Gillies

      Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of Scotland. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

      Ask Jane a Question

      Difficulty Grades Explained

      Green Graded 1-3

      Green graded walking holidays are suitable for active travellers who are reasonably fit and enjoy moderate hikes. We walk at a comfortable pace and you can expect to be out for 5-6 hours a day. The terrain will be mostly good paths and hill trails but these can still be muddy and rough in places. Some hikes may involve an ascent up to a max of approx 450 m/ 1,500 feet. Distances will be typically 8-10 km/5-6 miles but there may be the odd slightly longer day. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

      Find Out More

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