Experience the highlights of the Highlands through adventure! By day, we’ll bag Munros (aka peaks over 3,000 ft), and by night, we’ll cozy up in charming villages and share pints with the locals. We’ll summit the two highest mountains in the UK - Ben Macdui and the legendary Ben Nevis! We’ll also try our hand at two of Scotland’s most beloved pastimes; wild swimming in lochs and crofting alongside the adorable highland cattle. If all the highland hospitality and natural beauty wasn’t enough to fall in love with, we specially planned this adventure in the autumn, which means the spectacular landscapes will be that much more colorful and spectacular!

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), and 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 (in)famous for having all the 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 favorite locals call it). In the fall, Scotland is full of beautiful colors and mild temps, but the conditions as you 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, and take the train to the Aviemore together to kick off our Scotland adventure the local way - at a pub! Nestled within the Caringorms, 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 or 14th 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) and meet the group at the main train station where we’ll head to Aviemore together! Exact arrival logistics will be provided before the adventure in your HUB.

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’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 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. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a well-earned bite by Loch Morlich, where golden sands stretch along the UK’s highest beach (the one that we saw from the top of Cairngorm peak yesterday)!

In the afternoon, we’ll switch things up with a refreshing experience. The national park is home to numerous pristine spots perfect for wild swimming, a local past time renowned for its physical and mental benefits. Not only does it improve cardiovascular health, but it also helps reduce stress and boost your mood, offering a natural way to recharge in these tranquil surroundings. Warmed up from the beach sauna, and with time to get changed, you’ll have the evening free to explore town.

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

Today we give our legs a break from hiking with a fun field trip. 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, our journey to Fort William will take us along the scenic shores of Loch Ness, where you might catch a glimpse of its legendary resident lurking beneath the dark, mysterious waters! We’ll also stop by Urquhart Castle, one of Scotland’s largest and most iconic ruins. Steeped in history, the site has been the backdrop for significant events dating back to the 6th century. During our visit, we can climb the Grant Tower for sweeping views, explore the great hall, and peer into the grim depths of a former prison cell. In the evening, after checking into our new guesthouse, we’ll head out to dinner together in Fort William, known as the outdoor capital of the UK.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Guisachan Guesthouse

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: Guisachan Guesthouse

The day has arrived, we’ll trek the last and highest mountains on this incredible adventure! Climbing Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest mountain at 4,413 ft, 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: Guisachan Guesthouse

Following a well-deserved rest and a hearty Scottish breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the majestic Scottish Highlands! But wait, there’s one final adventure: The Highland Line train ride where we’ll cross the picturesque glens and rolling hills immortalized in the Harry Potter films (hold my butter beer while I take 100 photos please)! You’re welcome to pop out in Glasgow and explore Scotland’s dynamic cultural hub, or continue on back to Edinburgh to say Slán go fóill or Goodbye for now.

Included Meals: Breakfast