Trip created by Rachael Gavan
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Region: West Highlands including Knoydart
Trip Type: Private Departures
Comfort: Deluxe
Deposit From N/A
£761.25
Difficulty: Your Own Pace
All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.
Download ItineraryThis private and fully-guided multi-activity holiday in the Scottish Highlands is for the adventurous at heart.
Exploring wild places, mountain ranges and a striking coastline, this itinerary includes Scotland’s most romantically beautiful regions.
You’ll go hiking on the famous Isle of Skye, enjoy sea kayaking amongst seals in the Sound of Arisaig, and hit the trails mountain biking and hiking in the Cairngorms National Park.
Your expert guide will be there throughout to lead and inspire you, as well as share their wealth of local knowledge with you. In the evenings you can relax in carefully-selected 4-star small hotels, enjoying Scottish culinary delights and warm Highland hospitality.
This morning your Wilderness Scotland Guide will warmly welcome you to the Highlands after collecting you in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. We head west through magnificent mountain scenery and on to the famous Isle of Skye over the Skye Bridge. Here we will go for an afternoon hike amongst the other-worldly landscapes of Skye. Your guide will select the best hike for your level of adventure and will help you discover the rich history and beauty of the island. You’ll check in to your hotel that overlooks the harbour in Portree, with views toward the magnificent Cuillin Mountains in the distance. Overnight Portree. (L)
This morning we head out to explore the secretive Loch Coruisk. From the tiny fishing village of Elgol we take a boat trip to the heart of the Black Cuillin mountains which tower above the blue waters of the loch. Along the way we will spot seals and perhaps dolphins in the coastal waters. Once ashore we can hike around the loch or simply drink in the atmosphere of this stupendous place as we sit beside the river that cascades down into the sea. We then take the boat back to Elgol. Afterwards we can enjoy another hike on Skye or head back to the hotel to relax. Overnight Portree. (B, L)
We leave the Isle of Skye behind us this morning by ferry. The crossing to the mainland takes around 30 minutes and puts us ashore at the fishing port of Mallaig. From here a short transfer takes us to our next hotel – a stunning country house – which overlooks the Sound of Arisaig. This gorgeous coastal area is rich in marine wildlife and human history, which we will explore on foot this afternoon. Options include hikes to to majestic lochs or secluded beaches, enjoying the stunning views toward the Small Isles a few miles offshore. Overnight Arisaig. (B, L)
Today we will explore the Sound of Arisaig from the same perspective as the wildlife – by sea! This day is suitable for first-time kayakers as well as experienced paddlers. After meeting your kayak guide you’ll then set out to explore the beautiful waters nearby, which are home to a resident seal colony. Sea kayaking is an amazing experience, with the cool breeze, small waves and glint of sunlight on water captivating our senses. Your guide is also an excellent coach who can instruct you in the skills needed to paddle effectively, so you will be able to make the most of this wonderful opportunity to kayak in one of Scotland’s top locations. Overnight Arisaig. (B, L)
We say goodbye to the west coast now and head east again to the Cairngorms National Park. As we drive, we enjoy a spectacular change in the scenery from prominent peaks and deep glens to the high plateau and wide river valleys. In the adventure hub of Aviemore, we collect our mountain bikes and then head out to explore the great Caledonian Forest – a flourishing section of the ancient woodlands that enchanted Queen Victoria long ago. Riding on excellent trails we pass through a land of beautiful pine trees and crystal clear streams with ever-changing views. The mountain biking can be as easy or as challenging as you like, so is suitable for anyone who can ride a bike as our guides will adapt the route to match your skill level. We then transfer to your final hotel, a boutique Highland Lodge within the national park. Overnight Cairngorms. (B, L)
On your final day of hiking your guide will again choose a hike that best suits the weather conditions and aims for the day. It could be a gentle walk around a secluded loch with a ruined castle, a hike through the magical forests, or even a venture up onto the high plateau to explore the summits of the magnificent Cairngorm mountains themselves. Overnight Cairngorms. (B, L)
After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll head out for a final hike in the Cairngorms National Park. This is the largest national park in Scotland so there is plenty of variety in each hike! Afterwards, we depart the Cairngorms and return to Inverness, arriving mid-afternoon. Your guide will drop you at the airport or train station for your onward journey, wishing you a fond farewell. (B, L)
To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:
This itinerary features 2 night stays in three of our favourite 4-star small hotels in the Scottish Highlands, staying in superior rooms in each hotel.
Breakfast is provided each morning typically at your accommodation. Lunches are included and can be a mixture of Wilderness Picnic or cafe/ deli style lunch.
Enjoy some of the finest local produce from land air and sea and of course all dietary requirements can be catered for, just let us know at the time of booking.
You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland guide in Inverness on Day 1 of the trip. On Day 7, your guide will drop you off in Inverness, in time for your onward journey. We can meet you or drop you off at the location of your choice in Inverness – the airport, railway station or at a local hotel or guest house.
Full details on how to get to Inverness, please see our Travel to Scotland.
Rachael is a true gem and we regularly receive feedback thanking her for designing inspiring itineraries and for being such a pleasure to chat to. In many cases the people Rachael designs tailor made trips for, actually become friends and she’s had more than one invite to far off lands as a result. Rachael believes in only the highest levels of customer experience and service and the Scottish Highlands Multi Activity trip she has created uncovers some surprising hidden gems of this less explored corner of Scotland.
Ask Rachael a QuestionAt Your Own Pace – Self Guided Holidays
Our ‘At Your Own Pace’ trips are all suitable for anyone to enjoy, regardless of fitness level. Journey at your own pace, stopping as often as you like to soak up the magnificent scenery of the Scottish Highlands.
You have the flexibility to choose how you spend each day and can choose from the many walking routes described in the information pack. There are also many non-walking activities featured in the pack that are suitable for all fitness levels.
Further information for specific trips can be found in the relevant Trip Dossier. If you are in any doubt at all regarding your suitability for a trip, please contact us and we will be glad to talk about the trip in detail and provide you with a recommendation.