Scotland's West Highland Way & Beyond - 14 Days

Highlights

• Hike part of the West Highland Way, Scotland's scenic long-distance walk
• Visit the UK's only cooperage and tour four Speyside whisky distilleries
• Join an intrepid wildlife safari by 4WD in Cairngorms National Park
• Tee off at the famous Carnoustie Golf Course in St Andrews

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Glasgow, Glasgow Beer Tour

Day 2: Train to Bridge of Orchy & Explore

After breakfast, make your way to Glasgow's train station on foot or by taxi. You're catching a 2.5-hour direct service north to Bridge of Orchy. After the 1715 Jacobite uprising, the government started building better infrastructure across the country, and this namesake bridge was built in 1751. These days the village is most famous for being on the West Highland Way, Scotland's favorite long-distance walking route. Settle into your accommodation for the evening and enjoy the charms of the historic village. You'll want to rest up ahead of tomorrow's first day of walking.

Day 3: Hike the West Highland Way: Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse (Glen Coe)

Stretching 96 miles (154 km) from Milngavie to Fort William, the West Highland Way traverses an incredible range of Scottish scenery, from countryside parks to lochs and open moorlands to steep mountains. The route is usually completed south to north, as the southern part is flatter and easier—but you'll be in jumping halfway, so set off ready to hike some challenging terrain. Your first day on the trails takes you through the beautiful Rannoch Moor, a wild and remote section of Scotland.

You'll then cross over to Glen Coe, home to some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the United Kingdom. Pass the impressive Buachaille Etive Mor to arrive at Kingshouse, one of Scotland's oldest inns and your base for the night. Today's total walking distance is 13 miles (21 km) and will take around 4.5 hours. Don't worry about your luggage, bag transfers will be arranged, and your luggage will meet you each night on the trail!

Day 4: Hike the West Highland Way: Kingshouse to Kinlochleven

Hopefully, you'll wake up with plenty of energy, ready to tackle your second day on the trail. First, you'll admire the imposing Buachaille Etive Mor, one of Scotland's most famous Munros (peaks). Then you'll walk toward Altnafeadh before turning right for the Devil's Staircase, the highest point on the West Highland Way. A steep ascent climbs 1,797 feet (548 m), rewarding you with sweeping views over Glen Coe, Ben Nevis, and the Mamores mountain range.

Day 5: Hike the West Highland Way: Kinlochleven to Fort William

Today you'll tackle the final section of the West Highland Way, taking you from Kinlochleven to Fort William. The trek starts with a steep climb out of Kinlochleven—look back to admire the view. Ahead lies the great pass of Lairigmor, a special path that follows the glen, making the trek between steep mountains easy. Wander through woodland and forestry plantations and watch as Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, comes into full view. Before the final descent, you could choose to make a short detour and see the remains of Dun Deardail, an Iron Age fort in Glen Nevis.

Soon enough, you'll make the descent to Fort William, known as the "adventure capital of the UK." This loch-side town sits between crystal clear lakes and snowcapped mountains, drawing outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. Venture into town, take a photo with the bronze statue of a fellow walker at Gordon Square, and then celebrate today's walking distance of 14 miles (23 km).

Day 6: Train to Mallaig, Ferry to the Isle of Skye, Whisky Immersion

Today you're destined for the dramatic and ethereal Isle of Skye, which is known for its rugged, mountainous terrain and the iconic Cuillin Range. To get there, you'll catch an 80-minute train to Mallaig, where you'll board a ferry destined for the island. On arrival, take a quick taxi, short bus ride, or 90-minute walk to the Torabhaig Distillery.

Here whisky-making traditions have thrived for nearly two centuries. This historic distillery, only the second licensed single malt Scotch whisky distillery on Skye, pays homage to its natural surroundings and draws on the island's pristine water, land, and distinct climate. Join a distillery tour to uncover the painstaking process of crafting fine Scotch whisky, from mashing and fermentation to distillation and aging in oak casks. The history-rich stone building, once part of a 200-year-old farmstead, adds a sense of timelessness to the experience.

Day 7: Salmon & Sea Trout Fishing Tour, Free Time on the Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is an idyllic and scenic destination, so there's nowhere better to throw out a line and enjoy a few hours of fishing. Today you'll join a local fishing expert and visit the River Snizort, the main salmon river on the Isle of Skye. You'll visit holding pools and see how the character of the river changes, with gorge pools and streamy glides for the more adventurous angler. Sea trout follow the salmon upriver and can provide good sport during local water conditions. While smaller in stature, they're hard-fighting and acrobatic when hooked!

For today's experience, you'll enjoy using top-of-the-range Loop rods and break by the river with a packed lunch. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the best of Skye. You could use your time to hike to the crystal-clear, blue-hued Fairy Pools in Glen Brittle or trek through the otherworldly landscape of the Quiraing.

Day 8: Transfer to Inverness, Culloden Battlefield Private Tour

This morning, a private driver will collect you for the 2.5-hour transfer to Inverness, a city rich with historical sites. Enjoy lunch in town and drop your bags at your accommodation before joining a special private tour this afternoon.

The Culloden Battlefield is the site of the final Jacobite Rising, the last and most harrowing pitched battle fought on British soil. On 16 April 1746, Jacobite supporters seeking to restore the Stuart monarchy to the British thrones gathered to fight the Duke of Cumberland's government troops. In less than an hour, around 1,300 men were slain—more than 1,250 of them Jacobites. Together with a private guide, you'll explore the site, graves, cairn, and visitor center, which houses interactive exhibits and artifacts.

Day 9: Speyside Whisky Trail Tour, Speyside Cooperage

Today is all about whisky, from the art of barrel-making to the secrets of single malts. Start with a small-group guided tour across the best distilleries of the Speyside area. Begin with a tasting at the historic Tomatin Distillery, followed by a visit to Cardhu Distillery, established by former whisky smugglers. Enjoy lunch at the Mash Tun in Aberlour before heading to the renowned Glenfiddich Distillery for another tasting. Conclude your tour with a traditional experience at Glen Moray Distillery, sampling their "Elgin Heritage" range of single malts.

Day 10: Cairngorms National Park Wildlife Safari Tour, Transfer to Aviemore

Cairngorms National Park offers some of the best wildlife diversity in the United Kingdom. This pristine landscape is home to a quarter of the threatened species, and on today's full-day wildlife safari, you'll encounter the wilder side of the protected park. Explore expansive heather-clad moorlands, pass through towering Caledonian pine forests, admire imposing peaks, and see pristine lochs from the back of a 4WD Land Rover Discovery. Your knowledgeable guide will seek out wildlife, including red deer, golden eagles, and ospreys, and some light walking may be involved.

This is your opportunity to really explore the remote beauty of the Cairngorms and see the conservation efforts and commitment to preserving Scotland's natural heritage. After your safari adventure, your guide will drop you at Aviemore, a charming town and hub for outdoor enthusiasts who flock here for hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. Settle into your accommodation, then find a good place for dinner in town.

Day 11: Transfer to St Andrews, Carnoustie Golf Course Round

Today you'll cross over to the east coast, starting with a 90-minute train from Aviemore to Perth. From there, a private driver will collect you for an hourlong drive to St Andrews. This seaside town, northeast of Edinburgh, is famous for its many golf courses, the ruins of St Andrews Castle, and a university that was founded in 1413.

This afternoon you'll earn plenty of golf bragging rights when you tee off at the Carnoustie Championship Course, where eight Open Championships, two Women's Open, and two Senior Opens have been held. In 2018 this special course was even voted "Best Golf Course in Scotland" by the public. After your round of golf, you could explore the British Golf Museum, which chronicles the local golf history.

Day 12: Transfer to Stirling, Stirling Castle & Gowanhill Walk

Enjoy a slow morning and squeeze in a gentle stroll by the sea. Then, wave goodbye to St Andrew's and take a 25-minute taxi or local bus to Dundee. From here, you'll board a 50-minute train to Stirling, a city with a long history of kings, queens, and battles. Arrange an early check-in and drop off your bags before heading out to explore. Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most significant castles in Scotland, and today you'll appreciate its beauty on a two-hour, 3-mile (5 km) walk, starting in the center of Stirling, which is known for its fine concentration of medieval buildings. 

Follow the Upper Back Walk, which rises gently up the crag that is crowned by the glorious castle. You'll pass by the Erskine Church and then the 17th-century Cowane's Hospital. Take a detour to the summit of Mote Hill for views of the Wallace Monument, Dumyat, and the Ochils, then return to signposts for Gowanhill and then turn left to Upper Castlehill. Stirling Castle is where the Great Siege took place in 1304, when Edward I, the Hammer of the Scots, besieged the fortress. Explore the Royal Palace, Chapel Royal, and Regimental Museum, then continue on your loop back to town.

Day 13: Free Time in Sterling, Train to Edinburgh, Whisky Tour

It's only a 50-minute train to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland and your final destination, so use your morning to explore more of Stirling. Just outside town, the Bannockburn Battlefield is where Scottish leader Robert the Bruce defeated the English in a key clash during the Wars of Scottish Independence. You can also visit the Wallace Monument, a famous landmark that commemorates the life of the patriot and martyr Sir William Wallace and overlooks the scene of his greatest victory at the 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge.

Or, choose to arrive early in Edinburgh, a captivating historic and modern city known for its festivals, thriving arts scene, and friendly locals. Drop your bags at the hotel, then set off for a special afternoon whisky experience. On this 90-minute tour, you'll visit the Diageo Claive Vidiz Scotch Whisky Collection, which is the world's largest collection of Scotch whisky with almost 3,500 individual bottles. Start with a whisky barrel car ride, explore the production and maturation process, and then discover the vast world of whisky aromas. Finally, you'll join a tasting and see the famous collection.

Day 14: Depart Edinburgh

Your grand adventure with plenty of nature and whisky across Scotland comes to an end today. If you have time, take a walk up Carlton Hill to take in views over the city. When the time is right, a private driver will collect you for a transfer to the airport for your flight home or next destination. Safe travels!

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