Scotland Hiking
This trip is currently only available as a Private Trip. Looking for a similar trip? See Ireland Walking and Norway Walking. Or call 800-462-2848 to speak with a Trip Consultant.
From the Highlands to the Hebrides, Scotland offers an enticing fabric of spectacular scenery, ancient history and untamed beauty. In this peacefully remote region, hike with Backroads amid rocky highlands and windswept moorlands, past grand old castles and around deep mysterious lochs. Wind your way among towering pine trees and along the rolling hills of the western Highlands, and explore the Isle of Skye's rugged coastline. Come evening, settle into genteel surroundings at grand hotels, where you can warm your feet by the fireplace, relax with tea and coffee, and look forward to tomorrow's adventures.
Days 1-2 Torridon
Meet in Inverness 
Hike through the wilderness of western Scotland and take in sweeping views of Lochs (or lakes) Clair and Coulin, and surrounding mountain ranges Explore the undisturbed landscape above Loch Torridon With stunning lake vistas, walk a path through stands of Scots pine, over heather-carpeted hills and along a rushing stream 
Join an informal "nosing" of fine Scotch whiskies.
Days 3-4 Portree
Tour Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most photographed castles Rub shoulders with locals over lunch at a neighboring pub On the Isle of Skye, hear the ancient Gaelic language Explore the Trotternish Peninsula, with a staggering collection of rock towers, pinnacles and specatacular views of the rugged coastline Storyteller George Macpherson shares tales about the Scottish Highlands and the history of Skye.
Days 5-6 Sleat
Hike to the deserted coastal villages of Boreraig and Suisnish with interpretive guide Rosie Somerville Learn the poignant history behind these ruins, victims of the Highland Clearances of the 18th and 19th centuries Follow a coastal path offering captivating vistas of nearby islands Enjoy a local piper's serenade Take a morning stroll through Armadale Castle's ruins and gardens.
GRAND COUNTRY HOUSES: Premiere Inns
The Torridon (2 nights): Set on a lake at the foot of a mountain, this Victorian beauty dates to 1887 and is member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Cuillin Hills Hotel (2 nights): This guesthouse, nestled amid 15 acres of private grounds on the Isle of Skye, offers majestic views of the Cuillin Mountains and Portree Bay.
Hotel Eilean Iarmain (1 night): Most often called "Isle Ornsay Hotel," this century-old harborside retreat is one of Britain's most acclaimed hotels.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- 6.1 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Level 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 6.6, 8 miles
- 1000 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 1.8, 2.5 miles
- 0 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 4.5, 5.5. miles
- 1000-1500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 4.6, 7.5 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 2.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
We hike on boggy trails, pavement, mountain trails and dirt roads that can be wet and rocky at times. The terrain is gently to moderately hilly.
Trips For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
Having been on a previous Backroads trip, I knew I could have high expectations - and I was not disappointed in Scotland. The balance of hiking to other cultural activities (naturalist, storyteller, whiskey tasting, distillery tour) was super and added real dimension to the trip. The hikes themselves were well thought out: pacing, opportunity for additional miles, variety of natural settings (mountains, lakes, farmlands, ocean views) couldn't have been better.- New York, NY
This trip was magical. Exquisite hikes and scenery; hotels; friendly people; and food. Above all, our leaders brought Scotland to life for us, and our group meshed superbly. You didn't promise laughter throughout, but we enjoyed that too. This trip explodes the myth of Scotland as a cold, dreary place with so-so food.- Newport Beach, CA
The local resources that were made available to us truly made the trip unique. Having access to Catherine and her whiskey knowledge, Rosie and her history lessons, George and his story telling, Angus and his pipes - these were the things that made the experience amazing. I certainly intend to travel with Backroads again in the future and will happily recommend it to others.- Ashburn, VA
Fell in love with Scotland. It was everything I hoped it would be, and our leaders, were outstanding.- Park City, UT