Scotland: Hiking the Highlands and the Western Coast
- Lochs, Mountains, Glens
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Day 1 Arrival
day
We meet you in the evening in the Highland village of Newtonmore to brief you on the days ahead. Newtonmore has found world wide fame as the location for the popular BBC TV series 'Monarch of the Glen'. We enjoy a welcome meal of local highland produce at a restaurant in the village. Overnight Newtonmore.
Day 2 Cairngorms
We venture onto the Cairngorm plateau for a fine walk round the northern coires; or bowls, of Cairngorm mountain itself with the possibility of climbing Ben MacDui, Scotland's second highest summit. This mountain range has many national and international designations which recognise its unique artic environment. Alternatively we can do a low level walk in the lochans and pine forests of Rothiemurchus Forest from Loch an Eilean to Glen More. We then head north to the capital city of the Highlands, Inverness. Ascent 2000-2500 ft. Overnight in Inverness.
Day 3 Torridon
We begin with a drive north, before crossing to the beautiful and wild west coast. From here we can climb the mountain of Ben Damph with views to the sea and the other stunning peaks of the Torridon mountain range. Or alternatively we can do an atmospheric coastal trek along the Diabeg peninsula. The mountains here rise up straight from the sea and it is a coastline, which has inspired artists for generations. Ascent 2800ft. Overnight Torridon.
Day 4 Glen Shiel
We head off on a scenic drive past the world famous Eilean Donan Castle, featured in many movies, and enter Glen Shiel. This is one of those areas where you can just feel the past, where cattle herds made their way to market, where the Clans fought battles and where Spanish soldiers made a last stand on a peak in the Glen. Today we aim to take the stalkers path, (stalkers are those who hunt the red deer on the estates) and climb onto the ridge and the summit of Maol Chinn-dearg. Alternatively we can do a coastal walk in and visit the world famous Eilean Donan Castle. Ascent 3000 ft. Overnight Glen Shiel.
Day 5 Glen Nevis
This morning we leave Glen Sheil and head for Fort William on the west coast aiming to climb in the Mamores. However, if the weather is good we could consider the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis. Alternatively we do "The Best Short Walk in Scotland" up Glen Nevis to the Steal waterfall. We plan to continue driving a short way south to cross the sea loch by ferry to the tiny community of Ardgour, beautifully situated on the banks of Loch Linnhe. Ascent 3000-4000 ft. Overnight Ardgour.
Day 6 Glencoe
You can not visit Scotland without taking in the historic Glencoe, past scene of clan feuds, battles, and murders. This steep sided Glen was the scene of one of the blackest days in Scots history when the Campbell Clan murdered their hosts the MacDonalds. But don't let that put you off - its stunningly beautiful and well worth the visit. We have a wide choice of hikes here all providing stunning scenery and views. Then we stay head south, aiming to stay at a famous ancient Inn near Loch Lomond. Ascent 3000-3800 ft. Overnight Inveranan.
Day 7 Loch Lomond
We continue south with the aim of climbing one of the peaks above the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. This will probably be a rocky mountain with a dramatic skyline called The Cobbler. We then continue down the side of Loch Lomond to Glasgow to our hotel. Ascent 2600 ft. Overnight in Glasgow.
Day 8 Departure day
All guests will be leaving from Glasgow.
