Scotland Western Isles Hiking Tour

Dramatic Landscapes, Stunning Lochs & Whisky Tasting

Traverse wild and beautiful Scotland, a land of glimmering lochs, sweeping valleys, and dramatic cliffs. Warm up with drinks at Tomatin Whisky Distillery, then head for a hike through the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest, home to red deer and osprey. At Cairngorms National Park, look out for Scotland's only free-ranging herd of reindeer. Visit Loch Ness, famed for mythical Nessie, and mount the Storr, a rocky hill offering majestic panoramas. Wrap up the magical Scottish journey with a stop at the 5,000-year-old Callanish Standing Stones.

Explore the world-famous Loch Ness and visit the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle

Summit the Cairngorms high plateau, home to five of the six highest mountains in Scotland

Hike the magnificent Isle of Skye, the largest island of the Inner Hebrides

Why take this trip with us?

Reason #01

MT Sobek has been operating in the Scottish Highlands for decades, working closely with expert local guides.

Reason #02

This custom-designed adventure is perfect for those who want to combine an immersive cultural experience with days on the trail in Scotland's wilderness.

Reason #03

We visit over 50 global national parks, including Cairngorms National Park, and adhere to strict Leave No Trace policies on all of our hikes.

Meet your guides

Craig McDonald

Craig's love of Scottish history, mountains and glens has brought him further north into the Highlands from his birthplace in the Central belt. He embarked on a career working in this stunning environment and loves hillwalking, mountaineering, and biking all over Scotland-all year round. His passion for exploring the history of these areas is infectious and he loves sharing these experiences with other people. His idea of heaven is a cracking long day on foot or on bike exploring Scotland's stunning scenery and history, followed by a good hearty dinner and some mirth and laughter by a roaring fire with a wee dram in the evening!

Eilid Ormiston

Eilid, born and raised on Scotland's west coast, describes herself as a wilderness stravaiger. Reveling in micro-adventures on her Argyll doorstep or month-long expeditions across the globe, her joy is being out there and sharing her experiences with like-minded folks. Working both in the outdoor education and adventure tourism industry, her mantras are deeper values and place-based connections, and enjoying and respecting the landscape of which we are part. Introducing people to her country, sharing her love and knowledge of its unique natural and cultural heritage gives her a chance to share those connections by having a "richt gud blether."

Dave Picken

Dave has traveled throughout the world on foot, on skis, and by boat! He now regularly leads adventure expeditions in Scotland. Dave previously worked for Scotland's leading wild lands charity and he inspires travelers with his wealth of knowledge and experience of Scotland's wild places. Meet Dave on MT Sobek's Scotland adventures.

Activities

Guided hikes through Scotland's rolling highlands, dramatic crags and storybook islands, visits to local craftsmen, touring ancient landmarks, and relaxing at delightful inns.

Lodging

Charming hotels with lovely countryside and loch views, excellent dining, and heaps of character.

Climate

Weather in Scotland and in the Highlands is constantly changing. Be prepared for rain, wind and sun. It is often cool and wet.

FAQ

Who will meet me on arrival?

Plan to arrive at Scotland's Inverness Airport (INV) by 10AM on Day 1. Your guide will meet you and the rest of the group at the Arrivals Hall at 10:30AM.

What is the best type of shoe/boot for this trip?

The perfect footwear for this trip is a medium-weight, waterproof hiking boot.

Do I need hiking poles for this trip?

Hiking poles are good for this trip. The terrain is often wet and uneven, so hiking poles will assist with balance.

Can I skip any of the hikes if I need a rest day?

Yes. We stay in some hotels for multiple nights affording you the opportunity to take a leisurely day off to explore the village or simply relax at the hotel and enjoy a good book.

Can a vegetarian diet be accommodated in Scotland?

Yes, we can accommodate almost any diet in Scotland. While the food of Scotland tends to be heavy on meat, there are many alternate options to choose from.

Will I need to bring nice clothing with me?

You do not need to bring formal clothing, but it is also not customary in the U.K. to wear your outdoor clothing and shoes to dinners. We recommend that you bring a few 'smart casual' items for dinners.

Does this trip contribute to any local conservation efforts?

Yes! This trip helps reduce the effect of tourism on the fragile landscapes on the Isle of Skye by supporting the John Muir Trust. Commercialized wildlife planting has been restored to native plants and over 40 miles of trails are maintained.