Pub-to-Pub Hiking in the Beautiful Highlands of Scotland

Explore the breathtaking wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands, land of purple heather, secluded glens, and ancient clan castles, as you trek along the best sections of famed West Highland Way. Trip leader David Lunn's remarkable knowledge of English and Scottish history brings the landscape to life, and you'll hear fascinating tales of Scotland's historical past. You'll "take the high road" to the "bonnie banks" of Loch Lomond, hike up Ben Nevis (4,406'), Britain's highest mountain, and ramble through the remote and ruggedly beautiful Glencoe area. And the capper? Relaxing at a pub at the end of the day with a pint of cold cider or beer!

Note—The August departure visits the Edinburgh Military Tattoo Festival on Day 6, an annual musical celebrationof military drum performances that date back to the 18th century when the British Army was fighting in the low countries of present-day Belgium and The Netherlands.

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Activities

5 days moderate hiking on varied terrain

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike the best sections of the famed West Highland Way, including seven miles along the banks of romantic Loch Lomond
• Climb Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, and hike through the remote and ruggedly beautiful Glencoe area
• Pub-to-pub hiking (what a respectable concept)
• Hear fascinating tales of Scotland's historical past from an expert guide

Duration: 7 days Start Location: Glasgow End Location: Edinburgh

BRIEF Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive in Scotland

  Meet in Glasgow, Scotland, and transfer to Loch Lomond. After a pub lunch, hike along its wooded banks on the West Highland Way, once the haunt of Rob Roy. Overnight in Luss.

• Day 2 : Glencoe

  Hike over Black Mount (a hunting estate owned by the Fleming family of James Bond fame) and bleak Rannoch Moor to the remote Glencoe area, site of the infamous Glencoe Massacre.

• Day 3 : Glencoe – Kinlochleven

  Hike through Glencoe to the foothills of the Ben Nevis massif. Overnight in Kinlochleven.

• Day 4 : Kinlochleven – Fort William

  Hike along a historic military road with views of picturesque lochs, glens, and mountains. Overnight in Fort William.

• Day 5 : Ben Nevis

  Strenuous hike to the summit of Ben Nevis along a well-marked trail, or optional railway trip to Mallaig on the coast.

• Day 6 : To Edinburgh

  Drive through the West Highlands to Edinburgh, visiting the historic battlefield at Stirling along the way. Visit the castle and Holyroodhouse Palace. (Note: Participants on the August Military Tattoo departure will spend the day attending the festival, where we observe live drum and pipe performances on the esplanade of the Edinburgh Castle.)

• Day 7 : Fly Home

  Depart Edinburgh (or Glasgow, if preferred).

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• David Lunn

  David is an avid traveler who has led trips in more than 60 countries, from the high Himalaya to the African wastelands, from the deserts of Australia to the fjords of Norway. But his vast knowledge of his own country is what makes him truly special as a leader for our trips in Britain. David is an easy-going character who enjoys the outdoors and has a special interest in British history. He's also a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society of London.

photo credits: ©MTS Photo File