WHAT TO EXPECT

GALLERY

GET IN TOUCH

Bagging the UK‘s two highest peaks, the mighty Ben Nevis (or “Malicious Mountain”) at 4,413 feet and Ben Macdui (4,295 ft)
+
Wild swimming in a refreshing loch surrounded in ancient pine forests
+
Marveling at the history of fascinating castle ruins
+
Getting to know the genuine warmth of Highland hospitality in the charming village pubs and cheers-ing with the locals
+
Meeting inspiring women who are part of the Scottish rewilding movement
+
Experiencing the support, safety and sustainability that make adventuring with WHOA extra special

The itinerary gives you the chance to take in the charm, natural beauty and history of Scotland through serious adventures - or as the locals call it bagging munros (peaks over 3,000 ft)! We’ll be doing most of our exploring by foot - hiking is the best way to truly immerse yourself in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. While they are day hikes, don’t underestimate Ben Macdui and Ben Nevis; they are the UK’s two tallest peaks after all! You’ll love this adventure if you love to hike (no matter the weather), and enjoy a good pint and laugh at the pub afterwards.

We rated our Scotland Highlands trip a 3 out of 5 on the WHOA Adventure difficulty scale because the day hikes to the summits are long and full of unpredictable conditions, but you have the comfort of staying in cozy local guesthouses every evening.

On this adventure we’ll be in the great outdoors every day (rain, fog, mist, wind or shine) so be ready for anything, because Scotland is famous for having all 4 seasons in one day! The highest elevation we’ll reach on this adventure is 4,413 feet above sea level, so while it’s unlikely that you’ll feel the effects of altitude, expect terrain that is seriously rugged (or punchy as our local friends call it). In the fall, Scotland is full of beautiful colors and mild temps, but the conditions as we hike up the munros can get unpredictable, so have layers and be ready to embrace whatever Mother Nature throws our way.

As with all of our adventures, the better trained and stronger you are, the more enjoyable your experience will be! Stay active, break in your boots and rain gear early, and condition your legs for uneven, maybe even muddy terrain, that we will encounter on our two summits.

We’ll meet at the Edinburgh main station bright and early this morning, and take the train to the Aviemore together. Once in Aviemore, we’ll kick off our Scotland adventure the local way - at a pub! Nestled within the Cairngorms, UK’s largest National Park, the charming town of Aviemore is known as the gateway to the Highlands. After lunch, we’ll stretch our legs on the Loch an Eilein Ord Ban trail. This local favorite winds through towering pines and leads to views of curious ruins of Eilein Castle which was constructed on the small island in the 13th century. In the evening we’ll settle into our home away from home for the next three nights, and head out to dinner to clink pints with a Slàinte mhath!

Hike Time: 2.5+ hours
Hike Distance: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 902 ft
Included Meals: Lunch, Welcome Dinner
Stay: Ravenscraig Guest House
Arrival Logistics: Fly into Edinburgh (EDI) the day before the trip starts and then meet the group at the main train station this morning where we’ll head to Aviemore together! Exact timing and meeting location will be provided in your HUB.

Today we’ll stay more grounded and explore a different part of Cairngorms National Park, making our way to Glenmore! This area has an ancient pine forest with enchanting emerald lochans (or small lakes) and is rich with wildlife. These forests have been growing for centuries and form a green sea around high rounded mountains. Today’s hike is a local favorite: Meall a Bhuachaille. This accessible trail features well-maintained paths leading to the summit, passing through heather-covered slopes and along a rugged, windswept ridge. It offers a taste of the Cairngorms’ wild beauty without the distance or isolation of some of the more remote munros.

Afterwards we’ll have the chance to meet some authentic and very furry local residents! The Cairngorms reindeer herd is the only free-ranging reindeer herd in the UK. In their paddock, we’ll get up close to these incredible animals and hear the fascinating story of how they arrived in the Cairngorms, as well as the important work the center carries out. Dinner this evening is at your leisure, giving you the freedom to explore the town.

Hike Time: 4+ hours
Hike Distance: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,781 ft
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay: Ravenscraig Guest House

Time to bag your first Munro, or one of the 282 peaks in Scotland measuring 3,000 feet or higher. Munro bagging is a popular activity among hikers and mountaineers from all over the world, and today we’re tackling two; Cairngorm and Ben Macdui! Cairngorm stands proud at 4,081 feet and boasts a granite plateau revered for its Arctic-like conditions at altitude. The trail has it all: bog, heather-clad slopes, and rocky ascents. From the summit we may be able to see panoramic views of the valley below, including the glistening Loch Morlich which is the highest beach in the UK. From there, we’ll continue onward to Ben Macdui, the second highest peak in the UK, at 4,295 feet. The hike demands endurance with its steep ascents, ridges and unpredictable weather so reaching the summit is a monumental achievement which should be celebrated. What better way to do that, than a drink in a local pub before returning to our guest house.

Hike Time: 7+ hours
Hike Distance: 11 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,058 ft
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Ravenscraig Guest House

Today we give our legs a break from hiking with a fun field trip and then a refreshing dip! First we’ll venture to a croft or small farm that is undergoing loving restoration by two inspiring women. Crofting, once widespread across the Scottish Highlands, has diminished significantly over time. Here we spend time in their company, exploring and learning how they blend traditional methods with modern rewilding principles.

In the afternoon, we’ll bbbbbrrrrave the chill and create a splash! More than just a polar plunge, wild swimming has been shown to improve cardiovascular health and help reduce stress while boosting your mood, offering a natural way to recharge. We’ll learn more about wild swimming’s benefits and techniques from a certified open water swim coach before submerging in one of Cairngorm National Park’s pristine lochs. There’s no better way to end a cold water swim than with a beach sauna! After warming up, we’ll head west to see the Ruthven ruins, built after the 1715 Jacobite uprising. Then we’ll continue on to our guesthouse in Fort William, the Outdoor Capital of the UK, to unpack and settle in before enjoying a dinner out together.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Nevis Bank Inn

Glencoe is a breathtaking glen (aka valley) in the Scottish Highlands. It’s known for its steep mountains, stunning scenery, and turbulent history. The rugged landscape features dramatic peaks, cascading waterfalls, and sparkling lochs, making a stunning backdrop to many films such as Skyfall, Braveheart and the popular TV series, Outlander. Today’s hike, Buachaille Etive Beag, is along a magnificent ridge that gives us exceptional vistas and superlative views overlooking Loch Etive and the surrounding peaks. We’ll descend back the way we came, and if time allows we’ll drop into a local inn for a drink. You’ll have the evening free to explore the lively town center for dinner.

Hike Time: 6+ hours
Hike Distance: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,953 ft
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay: Nevis Bank Inn

Today is the day that we attempt the highest summit of our adventure (4,413 ft)! Climbing Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest mountain, is a much sought after feat. The trail is well trodden and clearly marked, however, this is by no means a walk in the park! It’s a steep mountain that will test our legs and perseverance. While not technical, there are a few rocky, jagged sections that require careful foot placement. The summit is worth the endurance and effort with views of peaks on all sides as far as the eye can see, extending all the way to the ocean. What an accomplishment! A celebratory farewell dinner awaits our return. Fancy a wee glass of fizz?

Hike Time: 9+ hours
Hike Distance: 11 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,438 ft
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Celebratory Dinner
Stay: Nevis Bank Inn

Following a rejuvenating rest and a hearty Scottish breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the majestic Scottish Highlands! But wait, there’s one final adventure: For Harry Potter fans, we’ll drive a short distance to see the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct (hold my butter beer while I take 100 photos please). Then we will embark on the Highland Line train journey back to our starting point, crossing picturesque glens and rolling hills along the way. The train will take us through the city of Glasgow, where you’re welcome to pop out and explore Scotland’s dynamic cultural hub (the ticket for your remaining leg from Glasgow to Edinburgh can be utilized any time this evening and there is a luggage storage facility at the train station), or you can continue directly back to Edinburgh. Slán go fóill or Goodbye for now!

Included Meals: Breakfast

Itinerary subject to change based on availability and unforeseen conditions, but that's part of the adventure! Even when things change, trust you'll be well taken care of with WHOA quality, professionalism, and TLC!

**
It’s of the utmost importance to us that any giving back we do is sustainable and fills a need that is of value to our partners. For that reason, our visits and partnerships can and do vary depending on the season, the organization's needs, and the abilities and desires of our group. Bottom line, in each case, we do our best to seek out local partners that are doing great, sustainable work, and we work closely with them to understand their needs to create an experience that will truly be of value to them and you!