TREKKING AND HIKING IN SCOTLAND: SKYE, BEN NEVIS AND GLENCOE

 The Isle of Skye is a magical place steeped in Gaelic culture. Its legends, its landscapes, its music and poetry, combine to create an amazing environment. Wildlife is also abundant on the island, especially sea eagles, otters and red deer, as it is its geology, due to the variety of rocks found on it. This is one of the main reasons for the diversity of landscapes that can be enjoyed on this island. 

Glencoe is considered the most spectacular valley in the Scottish Highlands and is an evocative place for many reasons. Here, the formidable presence of impressive summits rising towards the sky fascinate all types of travellers. The walls of these mountains hide mysterious and beautiful valleys that hikers can reach following some of the many routes available. 

We will also explore Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom. Its ascent offers a unique experience within a natural setting not found anywhere else in the British Isles. It possesses a varied and unique plant life due to the subarctic climate that bears most of the year. Here, for example, we will be able to find rare species of alpine flowers that in other countries generally grow at higher altitudes.

If you love wild places and nature at its purest form, these exceptional landscapes will be a new paradise for you. This is the tour for you.

Day 1: Edinburgh – Ben A’an – West Highland Way (Rannoch Moor) – Fort William 

To get used to the walking during the week and also to allow us to approach Fort William and Skye, we have decided to divide our first day into two different short walks.

Walk 1 – Ben A’an

Ben A’an is one of the most popular of Scotland’s smaller hills for walkers. Often known as the mountain in miniature, its position at the heart of the Trossachs makes it a truly wonderful viewpoint. Recently the trees have been felled and the path improved.

Distance: 3.7 km / Highest point reached: 370 m / Approximate time: 2-4 h / Level of difficulty: 2*

* Grade 2

Routes of no more than 12 km sometimes on level ground and sometimes with a short ascent to a hill. The surface on which we walk these routes may be irregular: a path with stones, grass or mud. Trekking boots are essential, sturdy and with support at the ankles.

Walk 2 – West Highland Way (Rannoch Moor Section)

The crossing of Rannoch Moor is one of the classic stages of the West Highland Way, following an old military road across an otherwise vast wilderness of heather and bog encircled by grand mountains. Good track and good underfoot condition.

Distance: 10 km / Highest point reached: 314 m / Approximate time: 4 h / Level of difficulty: 2*

* Grade 2

Routes of no more than 12 km sometimes on level ground and sometimes with a short ascent to a hill. The surface on which we walk these routes may be irregular: a path with stones, grass or mud. Trekking boots are essential, sturdy and with support at the ankles.

Day 2: Fort William – North of Skye (Quiraing) 

From Fort William we will drive today by road to our destination: the spectacular Isle of Skye. We will explore the northern part of the island known as Quiraing, one of the most spectacular geological areas of Skye. This “enchanted landscape” with its incredible views, atmospheric and strange rock formations, has the appearance of a surrealistic gothic cathedral. A magical place.

Distance: 7 km / Highest point reached: 500 m / Approximate time: 4 h / Level of difficulty: 2

* Grade 2

Routes of no more than 12 km sometimes on level ground and sometimes with a short ascent to a hill. The surface on which we walk these routes may be irregular: a path with stones, grass or mud. Trekking boots are essential, sturdy and with support at the ankles.

Day 3: South of Skye (Circuit of Loch Coruisk) 

Loch Coruisk, situated in the very heart of the Cuillin Mountains, is without a doubt the most spectacular and remote of all Scotland’s lochs (lakes). A place accessible only by boat or on foot, this lake is surrounded by some of the most impressive mountains in the country. This magical corner is wrapped in ancient legends according to which the Kelpie – or water demon horse in Scottish mythology – lives within its waters. In our approach by boat to this wilderness we will have the opportunity to observe the seals that live in its vicinity.

Distance: 7 km / Highest point reached: 50 m / Approximate time: 4 h / Level of difficulty: 2

* Grade 2

Routes of no more than 12 km sometimes on level ground and sometimes with a short ascent to a hill. The surface on which we walk these routes may be irregular: a path with stones, grass or mud. Trekking boots are essential, sturdy and with support at the ankles.

 Day 4: Skye – Point of the Ravens in Kintail – Steall Falls – Fort William 

We have decided to divide this day in two short walks to allow us to approach Fort William and be ready for the walk up Ben Nevis the next day. 

Walk 1 – Biod an Fhithich (Point of the Ravens)

A steep but rewarding walk to the summit of Biod an Fhithich (Point of the Ravens) where there are great views of the Saddle and the Forcan ridge and also down Loch Duich.

Distance: 6.5 km / Highest point reached: 648 m / Approximate time: 5 h / Level of difficulty: 2*

* Grade 2

Routes of no more than 12 km sometimes on level ground and sometimes with a short ascent to a hill. The surface on which we walk these routes may be irregular: a path with stones, grass or mud. Trekking boots are essential, sturdy and with support at the ankles.

Walk 2 – Steall Falls and the Nevis Gorge

One of the best short walks in Scotland, this route heads through the dramatic and beautiful Nevis Gorge and leads to a secluded narrow valley and the awesome Steall Falls.

Distance: 3.5 km / Highest point reached: 220 m / Approximate time: 1.5 h / Level of difficulty: 2*

* Grade 2

Routes of no more than 12 km sometimes on level ground and sometimes with a short ascent to a hill. The surface on which we walk these routes may be irregular: a path with stones, grass or mud. Trekking boots are essential, sturdy and with support at the ankles.

Day 5: Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis (1344 m) is not simply the highest mountain in the UK. Its ascent provides an unrivalled mountain crossing in a natural setting that is nowhere to be found in the British Isles and is one of the most spectacular climbs in the Highlands.

Today we have before us a fascinating route, which goes from a wooded valley to an alpine summit passing through a rough and rocky plateau. We will begin to walk up the well-known route towards Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe, a small loch situated midway of the walk. After a well deserved break we will then start ascending on steep and rocky slopes crossing the high ridge that will take us to the top of this emblematic mountain.

Distance: 14 km / Highest point reached: 1344 m / Approximate time: 7 h / Level of difficulty: 3

* Grade 3

These routes consist of an ascent that will take a minimum of 5 hours and that requires certain physical form. People who are accustomed to walking regularly and doing sports and who are also healthy in general should have no problems. The surface on which we will walk can be irregular, a terrain with rocks, stones, grass or mud. For this type of routes it is essential to use trekking boots, robust and with ankle support.

Day 6: Fort William – The Lost Valley of Glencoe – Edinburgh 

Today’s trail will take us to the historic Lost Valley of Glencoe. This remote valley, nestled between the impressive summits of Glencoe, is famous for having served as a hiding place for cattle thieves and their cattle stolen during the time when this place was controlled by the Clan MacDonald of Glencoe.

Distance: 5 km / Highest point reached: 400 m / Approximate time: 3 h. / Level of difficulty: 2. 

* Grade 2

Routes of no more than 12 km sometimes on level ground and sometimes with a short ascent to a hill. The surface on which we walk these routes may be irregular: a path with stones, grass or mud. Trekking boots are essential, sturdy and with support at the ankles.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This program is for information purposes only to give you a general idea on ​​how this cultural trip will unfold. We reserve the right to make changes depending on weather conditions or other reasons beyond our control.

This trip has been designed for small groups, the number of which can vary from 4 to 8 people (maximum). We believe that this is the best way for you to fully enjoy your trip with us.