Exploring Scotland: Isles, Landscapes, and Lochs
Edinburgh, the Scottish Highlands and Skye
Hiking and Culture
Make It Your Adventure
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This trip starts and finishes in Edinburgh, and takes in a grand circuit of the famous Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye. Along the way, we visit both of Scotland’s National Parks, view the lochs (an “arm” of the sea), hike in historic Glencoe, experience a lovely valley off the beaten path, and get our fair share of Scottish culture on a castle visit, hikes through history and perhaps a visit to a local pub or two!
Highlights
- Visiting the rolling hills and lush forests of the most beautiful glen in Scotland
- Hiking in a variety of iconic Scottish landscapes including the Isle of Skye, Mountains of Torridon, and Loch Lomond National Park
- Catching a glimpse of the mysterious and beautiful Loch Ness
- Cultural immersion through castle tours, picturesque village rambles, visits with artisans and musicians, and delicious meals.
Inclusions
- 1-2 local guides, and an AGC guide depending on group size
- Nine nights double occupancy accommodation with two single supplements available
- Transportation within Scotland
- All activities on the itinerary
- Breakfast each day, 8 lunches (Days 2-9 inclusive), 8 dinners (Day 8 and Day 10 not included)
- Drinks and snacks while hiking
- Tipping of hotels, restaurants, and castle tour
Not included: transportation to/from Edinburgh, beverages at dinner, meals excluded above, local guide gratuities, activities and entrance fees not mentioned on the itinerary, items of a personal nature
Trip Info
This trip has lots of activity, interspersed with time for sightseeing, and our days can be enjoyed by any active and fit woman in good health who has a good level of physical conditioning, loves being outdoors, and wants to see Scotland. This trip is rated 3, which requires aerobic conditioning such as walking vigorously up hills, jogging, cross country skiing or stair stepping for 30 - 45 minutes 3 - 4 days a week. Rating: 1 2 [3]4 5.
This is primarily a hiking trip, designed to introduce you to the varied Scottish landscape. We have chosen moderate hikes on established paths. We will also be learning about Scottish history and culture.
We spend our nights in non-chain locally owned hotels, inns, and B&Bs with en suite bathrooms. We'll spend the first two nights at Loch Lomond Hotel, two nights at MacDonald Hotel, two nights at The Plockton Hotel or similar and two nights at the Glen Mhor Hotel in Inverness. We will spend the last night in Edinburgh at the Bruntsfield
Trip Resources
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
4.9
(21 reviews)*These are the unfiltered reviews of women who have been on this trip in answer to the question "What made this trip special for you?". We take reviews very seriously and often tweak itineraries based on feedback. Please feel free to contact us about any questions you have.
The trip was special due to the two leaders Astrid and Kirsty. They were knowledgeable, and so willing to help. The other part of this trip that made it so special was the group of wonderful women on this trip. We got along so well!
The group was very easy going and the guides were excellent.
Traveling with my daughter.
Meeting amazing women, from the guides to the participants, who were all interested in having experiences in Scotland - including hiking, exploring castles, eating regional food and enjoying each others company.
Went to a part of Scotland I had never been and loved the hiking.
This was an exceptional group of women who were on time, flexible, and delightful. Astrid and Kirsty kept us informed about any changes in our days. They had lots of information that they were happy to share with us.
Being able to do some challenging hikes for me while still getting to see some cultural sites in Scotland.
I really enjoyed the different types of hikes and varied scenery. We were able to experience hiking in the mountains, valleys, lakes and seashores. Kirsty was very informative about the historical highlights of Scotland, and Astrid's humor and energy kept our spirits high while Lindsay kept track of us all. The group dynamic was fun, easy going and amenable. The weather cooperated. We had a little time to walk the cities and experience a lot of the local delicious foods. A lot of activity was packed into the trip. It left me wanting to visit more of Scotland.
This AGC trip to Scotland was the absolute best way to see several areas of the country, while appreciating the stunning scenery and learning all about the history.
The other ladies and the beautiful scenery.
I loved all the views of Scotland that we saw on our hikes. I have seen the beauty of Scotland in a that few visitors have been able to do.
Meeting new friends was definitely great, and experiencing hiking to beautiful places was absolutely an awesome privilege.
We had 1 AGC guide and 2 local guides so we had some flexibility in our itinerary that made the trip more special.
Meeting people, old friends and making new friends.
I’ve been wanting to visit Scotland and have been following ACG for years. When I saw the 2023 list of trips ,I signed up to celebrate some personal milestones this year . I wasn’t disappointed ! It was a trip of a lifetime for me.
great guides and hikes, haunting landscapes, good food and lodging
- What dietary preferences or restrictions can you accommodate on this trip?
If we know well in advance, we can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-sensitive diets. We cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free diet and we cannot provide a kitchen guaranteed to be free of cross-contamination. If you are vegan, we ask that you bring some additional protein bars; and if you are gluten-sensitive, please bring some gluten-free snacks. If you have severe allergies, Celiac disease and/or other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register. -
I will be coming by myself. Do I need to pay a single supplement?
You only need to pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee you have your own room. Otherwise we’ll pair you up with someone and then switch roommates every time we switch lodging. -
Will I get to listen to Scottish music?
Your ears will delight in the merry Scottish music we'll hear in the bustling city of Edinburgh, where musicians gather for concert festivals throughout the year!
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