Highlights
- Try paddleboarding and pony trekking in the Lake District
- Get a taste of Glasgow's charms with a night of music and stories
- Explore the wilderness of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
- Discover the underwater world of the Hebrides on a glass-bottom boat cruise
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Manchester (England), Drive to Ambleside, Lake District Canoeing | Ambleside |
| Day 2 | Lake District Pony Trekking & Standup Paddleboarding | Ambleside |
| Day 3 | Lake District Highlights Drive | Ambleside |
| Day 4 | Drive to Glasgow (Scotland), Walking Tour, Dinner & Folk Music | Glasgow |
| Day 5 | Drive to Glencoe via Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park | Glencoe |
| Day 6 | Scottish Highlands Kayaking Tour | Glencoe |
| Day 7 | Drive to the Isle of Skye via Eilean Donan Castle, Skye Boat Tour | Broadford |
| Day 8 | Isle of Skye Whisky Trail Tour & Tasting | Broadford |
| Day 9 | Drive to Fort William, Cruise Loch Linnhe | Fort William |
| Day 10 | Ben Nevis Mountain Biking Adventure | Fort William |
| Day 11 | Drive to Glasgow, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Manchester (England), Drive to Ambleside, Lake District Canoeing
Welcome to Northern England! Filled with unspoiled woodlands, shimmering lakes, and soaring mountains, this region is a world away from the south of the country and London. You'll arrive in Manchester, the gateway to the north, where you'll pick up your rental car and set off north toward the famed Lake District National Park. Covering 912 square miles (2,362 sq km) in northwest England's Cumbria region, this area is renowned for its pristine natural scenery, including 16 major lakes. The region also features numerous tarns (small mountain lakes) and waterfalls.
After just over 1.5 hours, you'll arrive in the pretty town of Ambleside, which enjoys a central location deep within the park. From here, you can take a cruise on Lake Windermere (England's largest lake), plus enjoy other natural attractions such as the 70-foot (21 m) Stock Ghyll Force waterfall and the National Trust-owned Stagshaw Gardens.
After settling into your hotel, you can head out for a stroll around town. Ambleside's center is highly walkable and filled with romantic stone cottages and historic pubs. During a walk around, you'll see why this idyllic countryside town has attracted writers and poets, such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, and remains a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. End the day with a fun canoe ride on the lake, admiring the surrounding woodland scenery and soaring mountains as you paddle.
Day 2: Lake District Pony Trekking & Standup Paddleboarding
Rise and shine! More Lake District adventures are on the agenda today, starting with a morning of gentle pony trekking. This excursion begins at a countryside pub, where you'll hop in the saddle and commence an hourlong ride down quiet bridle paths. This route passes by dazzling Lake District scenery, including patchwork farmland and green fells (hills/mountains).
After the ride, you'll return to the lake and hit the water on a guided standup paddleboarding tour. During this 2.5-hour tour, you'll enjoy serene paddling, active diving off the board, and time to swim. There's no need to worry about the weather, as wetsuits and life vests are provided.
Day 3: Lake District Highlights Drive
Day 4: Drive to Glasgow (Scotland), Walking Tour, Dinner & Folk Music
Say goodbye to England as you hit the road again for the 2.5-hour drive north into Scotland and Glasgow, the country's largest city. This metropolis is abuzz with culture and excitement, filled with fine museums, art galleries, and theaters. You'll quickly learn that locals (called Glaswegians) are renowned for their hospitality, and the convivial atmosphere is infectious.
After checking into your hotel, feel free to explore the city on foot to enjoy some fun and culture. Besides historic and eye-catching architecture, Glasgow offers excellent shopping opportunities, from high-end designer brands on Buchanan Street to quirky independent boutiques in the West End. The city is also known for its diverse culinary scene, with an array of restaurants, cafés, and street food markets serving both traditional Scottish dishes and international cuisines.
If you want to experience the best of this friendly culture—as well as some fine local cuisine—opt for a folk-music-themed walking tour of the gritty city's oldest and most interesting streets. After the hour-long walk, pop in at a classic Scottish restaurant for a hearty, home-cooked meal. Then, you'll experience the best contemporary and traditional folk music from a rotating lineup of Glasgow's up-and-coming talent. Sláinte Mhath!
Day 5: Drive to Glencoe via Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Hop in the car for today's journey into the famous Scottish Highlands. Leave the city on an hour's drive north to Loch Lomond, the largest lake in Scotland. It's part of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, a 720-square-mile (1,865 sq km) protected area that's one of the largest national parks in the UK. It's known as "the Highlands in miniature" due to its captivating scenery, which abounds with mountains, lochs, forests, and glens with incredible views everywhere you look.
During this self-guided exploration, you can embark on a nature hike, cruise across Loch Katrine, or kayak on Loch Lomond. Another highlight is the Birds of Prey Centre, which rescues and rehabilitates wild birds and puts on flying shows. If you like, stop at Glengoyne, a family-run distillery, for a tasting of malt whisky. Definitely don't miss the beautiful Falls of Dochart, which run through the town of Killin. Here, you can find out more about the local folklore and clan history. At the end of the day, drive 1.5 hours deeper into the Highlands to the village of Glencoe, where you'll overnight.
Day 6: Scottish Highlands Kayaking Tour
The Glen Coe Valley is a Highland region of almost surreal beauty. It runs 10 miles (16 km) beneath rugged volcanic peaks shaped by millions of years of erosion. Today, after a hearty breakfast, you'll grab a paddle and experience the beauty of this area from the water. This half-day kayaking adventure will take you down the Caledonian Canal, a 60-mile (96 km) stream that cuts through the spectacular Great Glen.
Weather permitting, you'll visit some local landmarks, such as the Well of the Seven Heads and the ruins of the 17th-century Invergarry Castle. After a few hours of paddling, you'll return to shore and enjoy a relaxed evening in Glencoe village. If you have time and energy, you can also embark on a short hike through the nearby woods.
Day 7: Drive to the Isle of Skye via Eilean Donan Castle, Skye Boat Tour
Continue north this morning on a two-hour drive toward the coast and Eilean Donan Castle. Located on Loch Duich, this is probably the most photographed castle in Scotland. The island fortress dates to the 13th century and is named after a seventh-century Irish priest killed on the nearby island of Eigg in 617 CE. Find out how Donan came to the west coast of Scotland to try to convert the pagan inhabitants to Christianity.
The castle has been the subject of many clan battles, and during a tour, learn about these family feuds, plus how three English frigates destroyed the castle in the early 1700s. It wasn't until 200 years later that John Macrae-Gilstrap restored the building and the causeway. After soaking up the castle's history, continue an hour's drive west to the famous Isle of Skye. This dramatic and ethereal isle (the largest in the Hebrides archipelago) is known for its rugged terrain and the iconic Cuillin Range. The island's coastline is scattered with high cliffs, sea stacks, and picturesque fishing villages.
Once here, you'll head to the coast and board a glass-bottomed boat (the Seaprobe Atlantis) for a journey that explores the worlds both above and below the surface. You'll enjoy fantastic coastal views of Skye and the mainland as you cruise, keeping an eye out for seals, otters, and other wildlife. Then, go below decks to see the fascinating underwater world teeming with marine life. At the end of the 1.5-hour tour, you'll return to shore and drive to your hotel in the village of Broadford.
Day 8: Isle of Skye Whisky Trail Tour & Tasting
It's no secret that Scotland is known for its fine whiskies. There are around 150 such distilleries throughout the country, many of them family-owned. Some of the very best can be found in the Hebrides islands, and today you'll hit the famous "whisky trail" to seek them out. A local whisky expert will pick you up at your hotel this morning, and you'll set off on a full-day adventure into single malts.
The first stop is at Talisker, the oldest operating distillery on Skye. It's set on the shores of Loch Harport, with spectacular views of the Cuillins. Here, you'll taste the seductively sweet and full-bodied single malts that reflect the wild character of these lands. Afterward, board a passenger ferry to the Isle of Raasay.
A 10-minute walk from the port, you'll arrive at the local distillery for a very special whisky, gin, and chocolate tasting. The offering here is inspired by older styles of Hebridean single malts, resulting in a lightly peated spirit that's balanced with rich dark fruit flavors. Return to Skye and continue south to the Torabhaig Distillery, where whisky-making traditions have thrived for nearly two centuries. This historic distillery pays homage to its natural surroundings and draws on the island's pristine water, land, and climate. After a complete distillery tour, you'll taste the golden liquor made here.
Day 9: Drive to Fort William, Cruise Loch Linnhe
You'll head south again on today's 2.5-hour drive back to mainland Scotland and Fort William, known as the "adventure capital of the UK." This loch-side town sits between crystal clear lakes and lies at the foot of Ben Nevis. At 4,412 feet (1,345 m), this is the tallest peak in the UK, which draws outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel.
Take the rest of the day to see Fort William at your own pace, perhaps by tasting local whiskies at a distillery, hiking a portion of Ben Nevis, or strolling the waterfront as you look out to islands like Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna, and Skye. You can also learn about the area's history and the Jacobite risings at the West Highland Museum or get tickets for an 84-mile (135 km) round-trip ride on the Jacobite Steam Train. The train starts near Ben Nevis and travels to the village of Arisaig before passing lochs Morar and Nevis.
In the evening, head to the waterfront and hop on a boat for a relaxing cruise on Loch Linnhe. Kick back on deck and enjoy spectacular views of Ben Nevis as you pass islands teeming with birdlife. You'll also be treated to an unbeatable sunset over the surrounding granite peaks. Complementing the experience is the selection of local beers and whiskies aboard the ship.
Day 10: Ben Nevis Mountain Biking Adventure
Day 11: Drive to Glasgow, Depart
Your active adventure through the UK's great outdoors has reached its conclusion. Rise early for the 2.5-hour drive from Fort William to Glasgow and the airport, where you'll drop off your car and catch your flight home. Safe travels!
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