Scotland's Inverness to Isle of Skye Walking & Hiking Tour
Scotland's Inverness to Isle of Skye Walking & Hiking Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Premiere Hotels*
2025: Jul-Oct2026: May-Oct
Misty Mountains, Fabled Lochs & Dramatic Coastlines
Discover Scotland’s rugged beauty on foot, from the misty peaks of the Highlands to the dramatic coastlines of the Inner Hebrides, steeped in history and legend.
Highlights
- Hike Scotland’s stunning trails, from tranquil lochs and coastal cliffs to the dramatic trails of Torridon and the Isle of Skye
- Wander coastal mountains, lakeside paths, hunters’ routes and discover geologically varied terrain
- Relax at quintessentially Scottish whisky bars, taste the area’s best scotches and savor homemade scones during afternoon tea
- Connect with the local culture in the colorful town of Plockton, known as the prettiest village in Scotland with its whitewashed cottages and sheltered harbor
- Stay in historic Scottish lodgings, including luxurious castle retreats and cozy inns rich in heritage and modern comfort

StartInverness
EndOban
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary

Days 1-2
Welcome to Scotland, a hiker’s paradise! • Walk through the wild and remote West Highlands in stunning Shieldaig, a place of almost mythical proportions • Wild pines and the blue waters of Loch Torridon come into view • Hike up a mountain glen to spot the hidden lake behind the famous massif Beinn Eighe • Take some time to explore our castle-hotel’s 58 acres of pristine parkland.





Nights 1-2
Formerly a grand shooting lodge built by the Earl of Lovelace in 1887, this intimate castle hotel is an elegant oasis surrounded by nearly 60 acres of parkland at the end of a sea loch, offering gracious hospitality, fine dining and an impressive whisky bar.

Day 3
Follow an old hunters’ tracking route toward Loch an Eòin, with the summit of Maol Chean-dearg reflecting in its waters • Hike a portion of the 200-mile-long, magnificently untamed Cape Wrath Trail • Rest at our harborside retreat in Plockton, known as the jewel of the highlands and considered one of the prettiest villages in Scotland • Settle in for a fine local meal and musical performance.



Night 3
Located in one of Scotland's prettiest villages, this charming hotel offers newly renovated rooms, warm Scottish hospitality and lovely views of the harbor and surrounding hills.

Days 4-6
Walk through two haunting Highland clearance villages, where generations once lived before being evicted by their landlords, a poignant piece of Scotland’s past • Be greeted by a wide-open vista of the Isle of Rum • Sparkling lochs and cascading waterfalls abound • Travel to the remote Gaelic-speaking Isle of Lismore and explore its lush undulating landscape dotted with grazing sheep, cattle and rocky limestone outcrops • Pause to wonder at the island’s Iron Age forts, castles and ruined cottages • Admire dramatic 360-degree views of Hebridean islands and of Ben Nevis rising in the distance • Get acquainted with a local shepherd, who shares how important sheep dogs are for farming on the Scottish islands in a herding demonstration • Feel like royalty at our elegant estate hotel, which sits on an island of its own, the perfect setting to enjoy the tranquil beauty of Scotland’s west coast • Wander the secluded grounds of our hotel’s isle and admire views of the Appin Peninsula and the mountains of Morvern.

Nights 4-5
A majestic retreat on its own private island, with grand interiors and coastal views that offer the perfect setting to enjoy the beauty of Scotland’s west coast. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
In order to truly experience the beauty and diversity of this region, we must cover some distances. On most days we spend one to two hours in the shuttle (and sometimes more). If you’re prepared for this ahead of time, we’re confident it won’t affect your enjoyment of the trip.
Talking about the weather is a national pastime in Scotland, where the climate is famously unpredictable and dramatic. Summers are generally mild but can change rapidly due to its northern latitude, maritime climate and mountainous landscape. Microclimates can bring sun, wind, fog, sleet and rain—all in the same day (or even the same hour!). Some days may be cold and rainy from morning until night, while an unexpected heatwave can send temperatures soaring. Be sure to pack warm layers and waterproof gear for each day of your trip.
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Nights 1-2
Premiere Hotel
Formerly a grand shooting lodge built by the Earl of Lovelace in 1887, this intimate castle hotel is an elegant oasis surrounded by nearly 60 acres of parkland at the end of a sea loch, offering gracious hospitality, fine dining and an impressive whisky bar.
Night 3
*Casual Hotel
Located in one of Scotland's prettiest villages, this charming hotel offers newly renovated rooms, warm Scottish hospitality and lovely views of the harbor and surrounding hills.

Nights 4-5
Premiere Hotel
A majestic retreat on its own private island, with grand interiors and coastal views that offer the perfect setting to enjoy the beauty of Scotland’s west coast. (pool, spa)
Gallery
Review Snapshot
by PowerReviews
Reviewed by 33 customers
Very full activities and excellent guides
The highlands on foot is unforgettable. Do it!





Backroads Exceeded All Expectations!
Wow - what a trip! My sister and I took our first Backroads tour (Scotland Inverness to Skye Walking/Hiking) and had an absolute blast! We are fairly fit, in our 50s, and love to hike but are not super-confident about finding and executing trails in foreign countries. We have both traveled extensively - mostly concierge, custom trips - and are a little spoiled with private guides, drivers, high-end hotels, and fine dining, so we weren't sure if Backroads might feel a little bit like glamping. Boy, were we off-base -- the hotels (Torridon, Cuillen, and Golf & Spa) were wonderful - comfortable beds, good-sized rooms with large bathrooms, and beautiful common spaces with fine dining and bars. The curated experiences were unique, local, and very interesting. Our three guides (Lee, Robin, and Ella) could not have been more enthusiastic or knowledgable about the hikes and Scotland in general. We loved all of the variety - sometimes dining at tables with other "passengers" and other times with just the people with whom you had come to the tour. We felt very prepared with the right clothes and equipment thanks to the Backroads pre-tour materials. My sister and I fully intend to take another hiking tour together, and my husband and I are working on a Backroads trip to the Azores with some good friends. Great company - they really know what they are doing!
Wonderful hiking, people and lodging in Northwest Scotland
The trails, guides, hotels and group were all wonderful. Outstanding. The weather… not so much! We hiked in alternating downpours, hail, wind with bits of sun but we laughed our way thru. Rainproof gear is essential!
So COOL! Everything was amazing!
Leaders were very attentive and helpful. Scenery was spectacular!

Each hike was more and more breathtaking
These hikes have so many "WOW" moments and it was wonderful to learn about the geology and social history of the land we walked. People on Isle of Skye were so friendly and low-key and seemed quite open-minded and well informed. We went at the end of the season, when the hikes were made more challenging and technical than their distance and elevation gain would suggest. The leaders took us on hikes away from (or ahead of) the crowds and it was so special to be alone on the trail. I would 1000% take this trip. It just made me want to come back and explore more of the area.
Amazing!!
The entire trip was excellent. It was seamless- everything was well managed and perfectly executed. The hikes were varied and all amazing and Scotland is stunningly beautiful. The leaders were top quality- knowledgeable and personable and excited to be leading us. The accommodations were beautiful and luxurious and the food was 5 star! All in all- a wonderful experience!
Great Trip - Highly!
Great accommodations! Beautiful scenery! Great hikes with multiple options daily to suit your needs.

Amazing Adventure in Scotland
The Backroads experience is like none other. The places you go, the friends you meet, the culture you experience and the leaders who guide you through all of it is what makes Backroads standout.

Wonderful trip!
This was our first Backroads tour, and hopefully not our last. The hikes offered options for everyone's abilities and interests. The remote areas were incredibly picturesque and uncrowded. The hotels were superb (especially The Torridon) and the food delicious. Our guides Ruth, Mike and Lindsey were excellent and very patient and accommodating. Highly recommend!








A trip you will treasure for a lifetime!
The Northwest Highlights of Scotland are a masterpiece of creation. Simply breathtaking at every turn. This trip feature exhilarating hiking, first rate hotels and cuisine and rich exposure to the warm and gracious people of northwest Scotland. The Torridon House at Loch Torridon by itself is a remarkable experience and nestled into a quiet place in the Highlands will give your soul a quiet that is dee
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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