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  • Scotland: Highlands & Islands Hiking
Overview

Raise a dram to Scotland’s Stunning Landscapes with Boundless Journeys

Strap on your boots for a hiking journey into Scotland like no other. Boundless Journeys’ Highlands & Islands Hiking tour combines the breathtaking cliff-lined coasts of the Orkney Isles, the Isle of Skye, and the sylvan wilderness trails of the Scottish Highlands.

Enjoy the stunning coastal beauty of two jaw-dropping isles, Burray and Hoy, and marvel at the remarkably preserved Neolithic ruins of Skara Brae. More magnificence awaits you in the Scottish Highlands and on the Isle of Skye: vast glens draped in pines and graced by bonnie brooks, moors blanketed with moss, and serene lochs that just may harbor a fabled monster or two. Visit two of Scotland’s spectacular castles, Eilean Donan and Urquhart, and enjoy a hike above the village of Plocton with views to the Isle of Skye.

With ample opportunity to toast the culture with whiskey, song, and dance on this Boundless Journeys Highlands & Islands Hiking tour, you’ll soon discover why Scotland is world-renowned for its splendid hiking trails and its warm embrace.

What Our Guests Have To Say About This Tour

Best Guide

★★★★★
5 5 1
We were excited by Michelle's enthusiasm for this trip, it included areas we wanted to see, and it was about the right length of time. Our guide Cory was so knowledgeable... the best! While I wouldn't have minded more hiking, I don't know where that time would have come from. We got to see so much, and even on travel days we had great experiences, e.g., watching the salmon swim upstream.

Perfect

★★★★★
5 5 1
Everything was perfect, beautiful, delicious and Mark made our trip unforgettable.

All of the days were fantastic

★★★★★
5 5 1
Mark Cox was an outstanding guide and representative of your company! I’d select another trip based solely on whether he was guiding it or not! All of the days were fantastic; my favorite part was the time spent in the Orkney’s.

Stunning Scotland Scenery

★★★★★
5 5 1
We traveled with a small group in June and enjoyed sunny conditions, an excellent, kind, resourceful guide and wonderful company. Unreal views , where it seemed as if you were at the end of the world, viewing clear oceans, lochs, rivers. The accommodations were comfortable; everyone was kind and the music at the Plockton Inn was a highlight— as well as the seafood spread. I would even go again just to experience the Highland Games. Excellent planning; remarkable experience. Thank you

Wonderful Team

★★★★☆
4 5 1
I want to offer a special shout out to Michelle for her unbelievable generosity and professionalism in working with me regarding a couple of special queries and requests. Her assistance was much appreciated. I also applaud Boundless for running our trip with only three guests. I was certain it would be cancelled. I enthusiastically look forward to a third trip and will focus from the fall forward on what might work best with my scheduled. Congrats to all of you; you're a wonderful team!

Fun filled

★★★★★
5 5 1
I think we covered much of what Scotland has to offer: Highlands, ferry rides, castles, stone circles, Stone age village, Loch Ness, Inverness, Plockton, Churchill's barriers and of course Distilleries. Fun filled and packed 8 days.

Not to be missed

★★★★★
5 5 1
Hiking along the Sea cliffs in Scotland is not to be missed. Down to earth and close to heaven at the exact same time. It was exhilarating.

Brilliant

★★★★★
5 5 1
“Brilliant”as the Scots would say! I had been to Scotland a few times before but especially enjoyed this trip. Great group of like minded people who wanted to enjoy the Scottish countryside on a personal level.

Outstanding

★★★★★
5 5 1
Wild and energetic coastline of Scotland!

Exceeded my expectations

★★★★★
5 5 1
The Orkney Isles was far and away my favorite part of the trip. The rugged coastline felt so wild and remote. It exceeded my expectations. Mark's wealth of knowledge and commentary (and humor) was the icing on the cake.

Wonderful Trip

★★★★★
5 5 1
I had a wonderful trip! Mark was an excellent guide and really made the trip what it was. Scotland was the most friendly country I think I've been to. I loved it! Went on Boundless Trip in 2019 and loved it. I love the combination of being active with nice meals and accommodations. Great guides and staff. Taking us off the beaten path. Small group.

Great Experience

★★★★★
5 5 1
Great experience with a wonderful guide, views, accommodations, food and people.

A true pleasure

★★★★★
5 5 1
I did not expect the austere beauty of northern Scotland, so spending a week exploring there was a pleasure. This trip beautifully combines Scottish history and culture with great hiking. And our guide, Cory, put it all together with skill and good humor.

Life affirming and never to be forgotten!

★★★★★
5 5 1
Our Scottish Highlands hikes, cultural experiences, food and accommodations, and our guide's comprehensive knowledge, professionalism, and enthusiasm--all wonderful. Life affirming and never to be forgotten!

This trip has much to offer

★★★★☆
4 5 1
Scenery, culture, history, pre-history, hiking, great food, and camaraderie. If you like desolate beauty and hiking, mixed with fascinating culture and history, this is for you.

A very well ballanced trip.

★★★★☆
4 5 1
Hiking along cliffs looking out over the water on one side and up at the sheep grazing on the hillside on the other. Perfect blend of exercise and peaceful atmosphere. The mix of hiking and Scottish cultural experiences was well balanced.

Blown Away

★★★★☆
4 5 1
This was my first experience with a tour company and I was blown away. I am sold on this way to travel internationally and I am sold on Boundless Journeys. Thank you all!

Beynod Expectations

★★★★★
5 5 1
Scotland far exceeded my expectations. Gordon knew so much about Neolithic history on Orkney. Once you leave Edinburgh, you really don't meet many other tourists, it was like a private tour.

Our Third Boundless Trip

★★★★★
5 5 1
This was our third Boundless Journeys trip, and each has been unique and memorable – for different reasons. The guides are critical to our enjoyment, and you’ve given us the best each time. We like the seamlessness of the whole experience as well as the guides’ flexibility in responding to individual interests.

I cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed the whole experience

★★★★☆
4 5 1
I cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed the whole experience with Boundless Journeys. Walking and hiking through the valleys and glens was a unique experience for me. Cory Jones, our guide, made it special and fun with his knowledge of nature and his sense of humor.

Best vacation ever

★★★★★
5 5 1
Not sure what to say except this was the best vacation I ever took. With the information provided, I was able to pack exactly what I needed. I also knew exactly what to expect and what to do physically to prepare. The hotels and meals were excellent. The hikes were so unbelievably scenic. And everything is taken care of---tips, admissions, even insect repellent. It was relaxing and challenging at the same time. I will definitely do another BJ trip in the future.

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Itinerary &
Accommodations

Itinerary & Accommodations

Day 1

Inverness to the Orkney Isles

  • Activity Overview: Ferry ride to Burray
  • Activity Level: Easy

We meet in Inverness, gateway to the Highlands, before traveling to the north coast to catch the ferry to Orkney. The Orkney Isles, about ten miles off the northern coast of Scotland, comprise an archipelago of about 70 islands. They boast some of Europe?s oldest and best-preserved Neolithic sites.

During our one-hour ferry crossing, we may spot a pod of dolphins riding the bow wave. Our destination is the island of Burray, just off the coast of Orkney?s main island, appropriately known by the locals simply as ?Mainland.? We settle in at our lovely hotel, built in 1860 as a fish store before it was renovated and transformed into a hotel in 1997. We enjoy a welcome dinner this evening.

Accommodations
Sands Hotel

Sands Hotel
Burray, Scotland

Set in a 19th century building, the charming Sands Hotel is along the shore of Scapa Flow in the small fishing village of Burray. The modern and tastefully decorated rooms offer beautiful sea views overlooking Burray Harbor and Watersound Bay. The restaurant’s menu features the freshest local ingredients transformed into authentic Scottish specialties.

Day 2

Coastal Hike & Skara Brae Stone Age Village

  • Activity Overview: Hiking
  • Activity Level: Easy to moderate
  • Activity Length: 2 hours (about 2.5 miles) elevation gain up to 650’

We begin our exploration with a spectacular hike along the dramatic coast from Brough Head to Marwick Head. Have your binoculars ready, as this is home to one of the largest seabird colonies in Scotland, including Herring gulls, Lesser-backed gulls and Long-billed curlew. After our walk, we visit Skara Brae, a Stone Age village which thrived for 600 years, between 3200 and 2200 BC. It remained buried under coastal sands for millennia until 1850, when a winter storm battered Orkney and stripped away the grass and sediment that had hidden it for so long. Its structures remained incredibly preserved under the sand.

We end our day at the Scapa whisky distillery, witnessing what goes into making Scotland?s prized spirit and sampling a wee dram for ourselves.

Accommodations
Sands Hotel

Sands Hotel
Burray, Scotland

Set in a 19th century building, the charming Sands Hotel is along the shore of Scapa Flow in the small fishing village of Burray. The modern and tastefully decorated rooms offer beautiful sea views overlooking Burray Harbor and Watersound Bay. The restaurant’s menu features the freshest local ingredients transformed into authentic Scottish specialties.

Day 3

The Old Man of Hoy

  • Activity Overview: Hiking
  • Activity Level: Moderate
  • Activity Length: 4 hours (about 6 miles); elevation gain up to 720’

A short morning drive takes us past Scapa Flow. Sheltered by five of the Orkney Isles, it is one of the world?s great natural harbors, having hosted naval fleets from the Viking era to the time of World War II. But with its shallow, sandy bottom, it has also been witness to many shipwrecks. Upon arrival in Houton, we embark on a ferry to Hoy, the archipelago?s second largest island.

Our hike today traces the island?s dramatic coast, with sweeping views of some of Britain?s highest and most spectacular cliffs. The day?s highlight is the sea stack known affectionately as the Old Man of Hoy, a 449-foot tower of basalt soaring from a rocky point at the foot of the sea. It was first climbed in 1966, in a daring ascent led by mountaineers Sir Charles Bonington and Dougal Haston, and televised by the BBC. We?ll have amazing views of the Old Man from nearby cliffs, and might even spot some climbers clinging to its vertical walls. We return via the picturesque Rackwick Bay, with its crescent beach.

Accommodations
Sands Hotel

Sands Hotel
Burray, Scotland

Set in a 19th century building, the charming Sands Hotel is along the shore of Scapa Flow in the small fishing village of Burray. The modern and tastefully decorated rooms offer beautiful sea views overlooking Burray Harbor and Watersound Bay. The restaurant’s menu features the freshest local ingredients transformed into authentic Scottish specialties.

Day 4

Orkney to the West Highlands

  • Activity Overview: Hiking
  • Activity Level: Easy
  • Activity Length: 1 hour (about 1.5 miles); elevation gain up to 165’

We ferry back to mainland Scotland today, then enjoy a scenic and leisurely four-hour transfer through the West Highlands to the picture-perfect village of Plockton. Along the way, we pause for photo opportunities and for a short hike into a cascading waterfall, where we might catch sight of salmon jumping against the torrent to get upriver.

In Plockton, there will be time to explore the waterfront lined with palm trees, perhaps meeting one of the artists who gather here to capture the area?s coastal charms on canvas. We close our day at the Plockton Inn, a cozy seaside spot boasting award-winning seafood and a friendly pub. If we a?re lucky, there wi?ll be local musicians playing traditional folk songs here.

Accommodations
Plockton Inn

Plockton Inn
Plockton, Scotland

Set in the heart of the beautiful village of Plockton, in the West Highlands, the Plockton Inn is well known for its exceptional hospitality, award-winning seafood restaurant, and breathtaking sea views. Sample a local malt or ale in the lively pub while listening to traditional Scottish music of local musicians.

Day 5

Isle of Skye

  • Activity Overview: Hiking
  • Activity Level: Easy to moderate
  • Activity Length: 3 hours (about 4.3 miles); elevation gain up to 400’

Today we take our cue from the beloved folk tune, The Skye Boat Song, and speed 'over the sea to Skye' to the tiny settlement of Elgol. Here, we board a boat to the remote bay of Loch Scavaig, just as Queen Victoria herself once did. This beautiful body of water is surrounded by the Black Cuillin Mountains, which serve as the backdrop for our gently sloping hike along their base. The trail skirts the shores of Loch Coruisk, whose wild beauty and rugged mountains inspired Sir Walter Scott and Lord Tennyson to capture the gorgeous landscape in verse.

*If joining our August 2023 departure, this day will be devoted to attending the Isle of Skye Highland Games. This open-air event dates to 1877 and takes place on a scenic headland with views of the harbour. Locals and visitors alike flock to the 'Games Field' to watch an array of athletic and cultural competitions including Highland Dancing in full tartan regalia, bagpipping, and the 'Heavy Events,' in which athletes compete in areas such as hammer throw, weight over bar, caber toss, and tug of war, all while wearing a kilt! We are free to watch the spectacle at the field and meander the craft and food stalls.

Accommodations
Plockton Inn

Plockton Inn
Plockton, Scotland

Set in the heart of the beautiful village of Plockton, in the West Highlands, the Plockton Inn is well known for its exceptional hospitality, award-winning seafood restaurant, and breathtaking sea views. Sample a local malt or ale in the lively pub while listening to traditional Scottish music of local musicians.

Day 6

Plockton to Loch Ness

  • Activity Overview: Hiking
  • Activity Level: Easy to moderate
  • Activity Length: 3-4 hours, 6 miles, 1,000' elevation gain

Our day begins with a trail hike from our hotel in the village of Plockton. A steady and moderate ascent along even terrain rewards us at the summit with excellent views of Isle of Skye and the fishing village of Applecross. From here, we may peek at the village of Plockton a bit beyond the cairn. Our descent takes us through forested land and along the shore of a loch. We may be able to glimpse over the water to see a crannog — the remains of an ancient island dwelling.

A short drive after our hike delivers us to the Eilean Donan Castle. A Scottish icon set amidst magnificent vistas, it is easy to see why this is one of the country's most photographed spots. After a visit, we transfer to our lovely hotel in Fort Augustus — set at the southwest tip of the mysterious Loch Ness!

Accommodations
The Lovat

The Lovat
Fort Augustus, Scotland

The Lovat is a landmark Victorian Loch Ness hotel overlooking the loch-side village of Fort Augustus. It is surrounded by stunning scenery, sitting at the southern tip of the mysterious deep waters of Loch Ness. This exceptional eco-friendly Highland hotel offers rooms of modern comfort combined with traditional aspects of Highland life, and views of the Highland mountains, Caledonian Canal or world-famous Loch Ness.

Day 7

Glen Affric

  • Activity Overview: Hiking
  • Activity Level: Moderate
  • Activity Length: 4-7 hours (up to 10 miles); elevation gain up to 1300’

Today is one of our most scenic days as we hike the trails of Glen Affric, widely regarded as one of Scotland's most beautiful valleys. Blanketed by Scots pines, the glen's slopes reach up to resplendent peaks that overlook the pristine waters of Loch Affric. There are countless options for great hikes in this glen, so we're spoiled for choice. Our guide will decide on the best hike which will ensure magnificent views of this unique wilderness of pinewoods and moorland. If you're up for it, we may hike to a summit for an elevated panorama across the numerous peaks of the Highlands.

Accommodations
The Lovat

The Lovat
Fort Augustus, Scotland

The Lovat is a landmark Victorian Loch Ness hotel overlooking the loch-side village of Fort Augustus. It is surrounded by stunning scenery, sitting at the southern tip of the mysterious deep waters of Loch Ness. This exceptional eco-friendly Highland hotel offers rooms of modern comfort combined with traditional aspects of Highland life, and views of the Highland mountains, Caledonian Canal or world-famous Loch Ness.

Day 8

Loch Ness to Inverness

  • Activity Overview: Scenic drive to Inverness and departures
  • Activity Level: Easy

After breakfast, we return to Inverness. But we can?t visit Loch Ness without pausing to look for the elusive monster in its waters. After stopping for a search, we continue to the lakeside ruins of Urquhart Castle, once a stronghold of Robert the Bruce, and one of Scotland?'s largest medieval castles. A final scenic drive returns us to Inverness and our journey?'s end.

Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary due to weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these or the order visited should the need arise.

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Dates &
Prices

Dates And Prices

2024
Trip Length

8 Days

Trip Dates

Jun 8-15, 2024

Aug 3-10, 2024

Sep 7-14, 2024

*The Aug 3th departure will attend the Highland Festival Games in Skye. Take over a date for your group! See "Make It Private" on Dates & Prices tab.

2024 Land Cost

From $5,495 Per Person


Single Supplement

First two reserved:$395

Additional:$895

See single supplement policy below.

Pricing Notes

MAKE IT PRIVATE

9+ Guests: $5,495 per person

5 to 8 Guests: $5,995 per person

Make it Private price is based on Land Cost only, and a guarantee of the specified number of guests in double occupancy. For groups smaller than the numbers shown, or those requiring single occupancy, we reserve the right to adjust the per person price. Additionally, some trips have minimum group sizes. Please call 1-800-941-8010 for details.

What's Included

  • Expert leadership
  • All accommodations
  • All on-tour transportation
  • All meals except one dinner (Day 6)
  • Local beer and wine with included dinners
  • Activities as noted in the itinerary
  • Explorers Club savings on your next scheduled, small-group trip (conditions apply)

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Accommodations are based on double occupancy. A single supplement is paid by participants who specifically request single accommodations, subject to availability.

Single Supplement for Scheduled Group Departures. If you reserve at least 120 days prior to departure, you may be eligible for a reduced or free single supplement. This is generally limited to the first one or two solo travelers to reserve, and the reduction is outlined in the pricing for each trip. Free or reduced single supplements are not combinable with other offers or promotions.

If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will try to match you with a roommate of the same gender. If you reserve at least 120 days ahead and request a roommate but one is not available, you will receive a $500 reduction from the standard single supplement (unless otherwise noted in the detailed itinerary for your specific trip).

Single Supplement for Custom Tours. Custom Tour prices are generally based on two or more participants; therefore, single supplements for “solo” Custom Tours will vary and are available upon request.

What To
Expect

What To Expect

Physical Activity

Boundless Journeys' trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. Scotland: Highlands & Islands Hiking is rated 3, moderate, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). The hikes will be conducted at a leisurely pace, but average 4-7 hours per day on a full day of hiking. They are a mixture of hikes along coastal and loch paths, and through barren mountains and heather fields. Some days are planned as half-day hikes, and these are a bit easier.

The terrain in the Highlands is mountainous and rugged, and there are typically daily ascents and descents of up to 1,500 feet. Scotland has excellent walking paths, but not all trails have level footing. You may encounter roots, rocks, mud, and loose gravel. It is important that you are in generally fit aerobic shape. Our guides will select hikes that they feel will be enjoyable and appropriate for the ability level of the group. There are a wide variety of hikes available in each location, making it easy for our guides to pick the perfect outing each day.

Meeting Point

Inverness, Scotland

Departure Point

Inverness, Scotland

Traveling To and From

Most Convenient Airport:
Inverness, Scotland (airport code INV); or Edinburgh, Scotland (airport code EDI). Inverness is the most convenient as this is where the trip begins. Edinburgh may provide better flight options and will allow for exploration of this fascinating city before or after your trip.

Meeting Time and Place:
Inverness, Scotland train station; 12:00 p.m. Your Boundless Journeys guide will meet you at the Inverness train station on Day 1 of our trip.

Departure Time and Place:
Inverness, Scotland train station; 1:00 p.m.

Weather

Scotland's weather conditions can vary greatly, even in the course of a single afternoon. It is not uncommon to have deep blue skies followed by "soft" weather (the local term for a bit of rain). Then the cycle begins again. Therefore, it is essential to be prepared for a variety of conditions -- including dressing in layers and wearing quick-drying clothing. Waterproof hiking boots are not a bad idea either, as you may encounter water or mud along the trails. You can expect the average daytime temperatures to range from the low 60s to mid seventies (Fahrenheit), although it may feel colder on the hikes, especially if it is windy.

You may obtain more detailed weather information by visiting www.weatherbase.com.

Inverness

June

High: 60
Low: 49

August

High: 63
Low: 52

When to Go

Scotland enjoys a milder climate than you might expect, and spring comes quite early. We feel that spring and summer are ideal times to visit Scotland, as the temperatures are comfortable for walking.

Cuisine

Scottish cuisine has come a long way in the past decades, from a time when fish and chips, haggis, and meat pies where the only items to be found on the menu. Modern Scottish cuisine has grown from these traditional dishes and uses fresh local ingredients (seafood, lamb, and root vegetables) in culinary creations that are sure to delight. Vegetarians can be accommodated with advance notice, though choices tend to be more limited.

Guides

Featured Guides

About Our Guides

With a Boundless Journeys guide, your experience is that of friend and local adventurer. We believe strongly in working with local guides, experts in the areas to which we travel, and they hold the keys to unlocking the hidden delights of your chosen destination. Although you will never know they are at work—the mark of a truly great leader—our guides make magical things happen and add a dimension to your trip that you could not experience on your own. Over the years we have forged bonds with some of the best guides in the world, and we typically work with a small team of guides in each region. You will be informed of the guide for your trip one month prior to your departure.

From $5,495 / person* *airfare not included
8 Days
Reserve This Tour
  • Departure Dates: Jun 8-15, 2024
    Aug 3-10, 2024
    Sep 7-14, 2024
*The Aug 3th departure will attend the Highland Festival Games in Skye. Take over a date for your group! See "Make It Private" on Dates & Prices tab.
Extend This Tour Complement this tour with other journeys

Scotland: Highlands & Islands Hiking

Strap on your boots for a hiking journey into Scotland like no other. Boundless Journeys’ Highlands & Islands Hiking tour combines the breathtaking cliff-lined coasts of the Orkney Isles, the Isle of Skye, and the sylvan wilderness trails of the...

View Extension
Activity Level 3 Moderate

Hiking 4-7 hours per day on mountainous and rugged terrain with daily ascents and descents of up to 1,500 feet.

Read about our Activity Levels
  • Group Size: 4-14 Guests

Make it Your Own!

This trip can be your own adventure by taking over one of our scheduled dates, or we can request a fresh one.

Prefer a Custom Tour?

Questions?

Our dedicated team of travel experts are here to help.

1-800-941-8010

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