Self Guided Walking Holidays – Your Questions Answered

Our routes can be hiked between April and October. You can choose any date you like to start the hike and we will make all the arrangements to suit provided there is available accommodation. We recommend you try to avoid a weekend start date as this means accommodation is usually easier to find.

Above Loch Oich on the Caledonian Canal and Great Glen Way walking route.

Because there are so many possible accommodations we can not hold up to date availability for every one. We will be happy to advise the likelihood of being able to hike for the dates you give, but we need to take a deposit payment so we can make the bookings to confirm your dates.

Scotland has famously changeable weather, so whenever you hike you will probably encounter both rain and sunshine. That’s what makes it so beautiful! During the hiking season no month is more likely to be dry than any other, so we suggest you simply choose the dates that best fit your calendar.

 – What is a Scottish Summer like? The truth about our weather.

– Scotland’s Weather Forecast – 10 Best Resources.

We would consider 8 weeks before travel as the absolute latest we can arrange it for you but for popular times of year (especially May) it will be necessary to book up to 6 months in advance. We always recommend you book as far ahead as possible – it’s never too early.

We provide route notes and maps for you to follow during your hike, and the trails are well marked and quite easy to follow.

Yes, just ask us for this and we’ll be happy to arrange it.

Yes, but this needs to be planned when you book. We can’t change all your reservations once you’ve started the hike.

Since these are all point to point hikes skipping any day will require you make arrangements to travel to the next accommodation. This will usually require a taxi. Due to the geography of the Highlands with lots of lochs and glens this will be longer on some days than others.

Hiking alongside Loch Lomond on the West Highland Way.

Your luggage will be transferred between accommodations, so you only need to carry a daypack with your daily essentials. We include a comprehensive equipment list as part of your information.

 – The best footwear for hiking in Scotland.

– What to Bring on the West Highland Way.

No. Unfortunately there are not many dog friendly accommodations along the route so we cannot offer this.

Yes. Please advise us at the time of booking so we can inform the accommodations who will make arrangements accordingly. Restaurants etc will have options for common dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free.

Yes. But the minimum length of trip we will offer you is 5 nights.

No. The minimum group size is 2 people for self guided hiking. However, solo travellers are welcome on all our guided trips.

Woodland section on the Speyside Way in the Cairngorms.

The accommodations range from small guesthouses, Highland inns, small hotels and bed and breakfasts which will be of a 3/4 star standard.

If you choose the upgraded accommodation option we will reserve the best available accommodation option in each location for you. This will generally mean 4 star rather than 3 star, or where we must use the same accommodation a superior room vs standard.

On some itineraries there are also options to enjoy some nights in luxury hotels.

 – The Unexpected Charms of BnBs on the West Highland Way – Guest post from American hiker Brandi Willis Schreiber.

No. Almost all shops, restaurants, pubs etc are able to take credit and debit cards so you only need to bring a little cash for incidentals. If you need more you can find the location of the nearest ATM as part of the trip information we will send you, and many shops offer cashback.

Breakfast is included every day at your accommodation. Some accommodations can arrange a packed lunch for you if you request this when you arrive. There are also village shops where you can pick up supplies. For evening meals there are restaurants/pubs/hotels you can choose from and we provide recommendations as part of your trip info.

 – West Highland Way Food Guide – Best Eateries Along the Route.

If you’re ready to book then you can do so online, or you can call (Tel UK: 01479 420 020 Tel US: 1-866-740-3890) or email us. We will take your details and a 25% deposit then start making the arrangements for you. Once everything is booked we will confirm your trip.

It depends. We have a team dedicated to working on these trips, so if there is good availability at the accommodations then it only takes a few days to book everything. If we need to look around lots of options for you or are very busy it may take a couple of weeks. Rest assured though that we will work as quickly as possible to secure your self guided adventure.