On the first day of your journey, you’ll arrive in Scotland’s historic capital, Edinburgh — a city renowned for its striking architecture, literary heritage, and centuries-old stories. Your lead guide will meet you at the airport, offer a warm welcome, and escort you to your centrally located accommodation in the heart of the city. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and settle in after your travels. This evening, before dinner, your team of expert local guides will host an in-depth welcome briefing. introducing the programme and sharing insights into Scotland’s history, culture, and landscapes to enrich the experience ahead. Lunch provided if arriving in the morning. Dinner at the hostel Accommodation: Edinburgh City Centre Youth Hostel

Meals:  L,D

Today your guides will take you to explore the historic heart of Edinburgh. Our walk will take in the fantastic viewpoint of Calton Hill, giving us an iconic view across the city. From here, we descend a short way to Holyrood - the site of Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament Building. Subject to group size and availability, we will enjoy a tour of either Holyrood Palace or the Scottish Parliament (approximately 1 hour) for an amazing insight into the workings of the Scottish Government. Afterwards, we stroll across Holyrood Park to the foot of Arthur’s Seat, where our main hike of the day begins. Few cities are blessed with a mini-mountain in the city centre, but Edinburgh is one. The ascent is straightforward but steep in places. From the top, an amazing vista across Edinburgh awaits. Returning to the foot of the hill, any that wish to continue further can enjoy the walk up the historic Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, walking from here back to our accommodations via famous Princes Street. Dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation: Edinburgh City Centre Youth Hostel Hiking distance: 9 km (5.5 miles) + 300 m (1,000 ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we will depart Edinburgh and head west to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Our hike today will take us up to the summit of Conic Hill - a famous low peak that lies on the boundary between the Scottish Lowlands and Highlands. From here, we’ll enjoy an unrivalled view of Loch Lomond - one of the most famous lochs in all of Scotland. Returning to the bottom of the hill, we’ll continue our drive westward, pausing to enjoy a stroll beside the dramatic ruins of Kilchrun Castle at Loch Awe. Reaching the fishing town of Oban on the west coast, we’ll settle in at our next accommodation overlooking Oban Bay. Dinner at the hostel. Accommodation: Oban Youth Hostel Hiking distance: 4 km (2.5 mi) + 300 m (1150 ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we explore the island of Kerrera, just a short distance from Oban yet distinctly peaceful in character. A brief ferry crossing takes us over the Sound to this small island, where open moorland, rocky shoreline and wide sea views create a strong sense of space. We’ll enjoy a rewarding walk around the southern part of the island, following clear tracks with views across the Firth of Lorn. En route, we’ll visit the dramatic ruins of Gylen Castle, a 16th-century stronghold built by the Clan MacDougall, set high on cliffs above a sheltered bay. From this vantage point, there are fine views towards the Isle of Mull and the surrounding coastline. Along the way, we’ll also take note of the island’s varied geology and coastal habitats, shaped by volcanic activity and glacial forces, which add further interest to this scenic island walk. Dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation: Oban Youth Hostel Hiking distance: 11 km (6.75 mi) + 275 m (900 ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we bid farewell to Oban and travel north into the Highlands. Our destination is the iconic Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most celebrated and atmospheric glens. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and sweeping moorland, we’ll visit the Glencoe Visitor Centre to learn about the events of the 1692 Glencoe Massacre — a pivotal and tragic moment in Scottish history set against this striking landscape. We’ll then make our way to the head of the glen to begin a hike along the famous Devil’s Staircase, climbing steadily to the summit of Stob Mhic Mhartuin. From here, we’re rewarded with expansive views across Glencoe and the surrounding mountains, a perspective that truly captures the scale and grandeur of the Highlands. After our walk, we continue to Fort William and onward to our accommodation in Glen Nevis, nestled beneath the slopes of Ben Nevis. Dinner at the hostel. Accommodation: Glen Nevis Youth Hostel Hiking distance: 5 km (3 mi) + 400 m (1200 ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

For those feeling ambitious, today offers the opportunity to summit Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Scotland. Setting out directly from our hostel in Glen Nevis, we follow the well-established mountain path on a demanding ascent of around 1,400 metres (4200 feet). The full round trip typically takes eight hours or more, rewarding determined walkers with far-reaching views across the Highlands from the summit plateau. Alternatively, for a more relaxed pace, Glen Nevis provides a rewarding shorter walk through dramatic scenery. A scenic trail leads us to Steall Falls, one of Scotland’s highest waterfalls, where water cascades down a steep rock face into the glen below — an impressive and memorable highlight without the full-day climb. Dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation: Glen Nevis Youth Hostel Hiking distance Ben Nevis: 17 km (10.5 mi) + 1435 m (4400 ft) Hiking distance Glen Nevis: 2 short hikes, totalling 7.5 km (4.5 mi) + 300 m (1000 ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we leave the west coast behind and travel east into the Cairngorms, Scotland’s largest national park. Arriving in Aviemore, we’ll head out for a walk through the ancient Caledonian pine forests of Rothiemurchus, where tall Scots pines, heather-clad woodland and clear lochs create a distinctive Highland landscape. Later this afternoon, we visit the nearby Abernethy Nature Reserve to learn more about this rare forest ecosystem and the wildlife it supports. With luck, we may spot an osprey fishing or circling overhead. At the nature centre, we’ll discover how these remarkable birds were once driven to the brink of extinction in Scotland and how careful conservation efforts have enabled them to return and thrive in these protected forests. Dinner at the hostel. Accommodation: Aviemore Youth Hostel Hiking distance: 7 km (4.25 mi) + 70 m (230 ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

For those seeking a challenge, today offers the chance to climb Cairngorm itself — one of the park’s principal peaks and the mountain that lends the national park its name. This rewarding hike leads us high into the Cairngorm plateau, where expansive views stretch across a vast, rugged landscape shaped by ice and time. Alternatively, a gentler day begins with a scenic walk around Loch Morlich, its sandy shores and surrounding pine forest set against a backdrop of rising mountains. Later, we’ll visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, the only free-ranging herd in the UK. Here we’ll learn how reindeer were reintroduced to Scotland in the 1950s after centuries of absence, and have the opportunity to meet these distinctive animals on the open hillside where they roam. Dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation: Aviemore Youth Hostel Hiking distance: Cairngorm: 6 km (4 mi) + 600 m (2000 ft) Hiking distance: Loch Morlich: 5.75 km (3.5 mi) + 50 m (150 ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we begin our journey south toward the Lowlands, pausing en route for a walk at The Hermitage near Dunkeld. Here, a short woodland trail follows the River Braan beneath towering Douglas firs, leading to dramatic viewpoints overlooking the thundering Black Linn Falls. We then continue to the historic town of Stirling to visit its impressive castle, once a favoured residence of Scotland’s kings and queens. Perched high on a volcanic crag, the castle offers sweeping views and a powerful sense of the country’s past. Afterwards, we make our way to our centrally located accommodation. This evening, we gather for a celebratory farewell dinner — a chance to reflect on our journey through Scotland and to wish you well for your travels home. Dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation: Stirling Youth Hostel Hiking distance: 4 km (2.5 mi) + 100 m (300 ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

Stirling’s central location makes for an easy departure this morning, with a short transfer to either Edinburgh or Glasgow Airport in time for your onward journey. Bid farewell to your guides and travelling companions as your Scottish adventure comes to an end, taking home lasting memories of the landscapes, history and experiences you’ve shared along the way.

Meals:  B