Scotland: Hiking the Highlands and the Coast

Location: Europe
Duration: 9 Days
Price: From $7,295
Activity Level: Active

Scotland: Hiking the Highlands and the Coast

Location: Europe
Duration: 9 Days
Price: From $7,295
Activity Level: Active

Overview

Fàilte! Welcome to Scotland and the fabled landscapes of the Highlands. Discover enchanted glens, remote bays, windswept battlefields, ancient forests, and heather-clad hills on this unparalleled women’s adventure. Explore Edinburgh’s historic charm before hiking Scotland’s world-renowned walking routes through breathtaking scenery, including the Highlands, Cairngorms, and Isle of Skye. Savor local cuisine with a celebrated chef, visit restored crofts, and uncover Loch Ness’s mysteries. From iconic landmarks like Trotternish’s Old Man of Storr to Glencoe’s storied trails, this journey offers hiking, heritage, and camaraderie amidst Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes.

Main Attractions

Iconic Scottish Landscapes

Hike world-renowned trails through the Highlands, Cairngorms, and Isle of Skye, featuring dramatic peaks, enchanted glens, ancient forests, and the stunning Trotternish peninsula.

Cultural and Culinary Exploration

Visit historic crofts, savor locally-inspired meals with an acclaimed chef, and enjoy vibrant towns like Aviemore, blending rich traditions with modern charm

Legendary Landmarks and Legends

Explore Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Old Man of Storr, uncovering Scotland’s folklore, natural wonders, and fascinating history.

Map showing flight routes from Edinburgh to Uig, Keppoch, and a zoomed-in view of the Isle of Skye, with notable landmarks in Scotland including Glencoe and Cairngorms National Park.
Three chickens with varying feather patterns standing on grass.
Stone cottage with a slate roof, a small porch, and a bench. Potted plants are arranged near the entrance, and there's a gravel path in front. Trees are visible in the background.
Three people sit on wooden chairs outside a rustic building. They are wearing casual outdoor clothing, and two of them have caps. A window and wooden wall are in the background.
A wooden table set with various dishes, surrounded by chairs in a cozy room. Two people are nearby, and colorful plates decorate the wall. White lilies are in the foreground.
Three chickens with varying feather patterns standing on grass.
Stone cottage with a slate roof, a small porch, and a bench. Potted plants are arranged near the entrance, and there's a gravel path in front. Trees are visible in the background.
Three people sit on wooden chairs outside a rustic building. They are wearing casual outdoor clothing, and two of them have caps. A window and wooden wall are in the background.
A wooden table set with various dishes, surrounded by chairs in a cozy room. Two people are nearby, and colorful plates decorate the wall. White lilies are in the foreground.

Itinerary

View of Edinburgh from Calton Hill at sunset, featuring the Dugald Stewart Monument in the foreground and the cityscape with colorful skies in the background.

Welcome to Edinburgh!

Welcome to Edinburgh! Following your arrival and hotel check-in, enjoy a walk through the historical city of Edinburgh this afternoon. First head up Carlton Hill, home to Edinburgh’s acropolis, meander through the winding streets of the Old Town to the famous Royal Mile, with its Cathedral and cobblestone alleyways. After exploring, make your way back to the hotel to enjoy a lively welcome dinner at your hotel as you get to know your fellow travelers this evening. Share stories and learn about why each woman on your trip is excited to explore the Scottish countryside!

Meals dinner
Aerial view of Eilean Donan Castle surrounded by water, with a stone bridge connecting to the mainland. Mountains and a cloudy sky are in the background.

Hiking in Cairngorms National Park

After breakfast, journey north to the Scottish Highlands, crossing the Queensferry Bridge with stunning Firth of Forth views. Visit historic Blair Castle before continuing to Aviemore. Here, enjoy a 5-mile hike (902 ft elevation) through pine forests, spotting wildlife like red squirrels and deer. Discover the ruins of 13th-century Loch an Eilein Castle on a loch island. Afterward, check in to your accommodation for a three-night stay and prepare for dinner in Aviemore, a vibrant town surrounded by natural beauty.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Three women prepare food at a table in a cozy living room with a fireplace. There are appetizers, wine glasses, and a bottle of wine on the table.

Savor Scottish Cuisine

Following breakfast at your hotel this morning, journey deep into the wilderness to the home of an acclaimed chef who will share the secrets of combining local spices and spirits while preparing your lunch. Reflect on your memorable day of local cuisine and shared storytelling as you make your way back to the hotel where you’ll have some time to relax before dinner on your own.

Meals breakfast, lunch
A group of hikers with backpacks walks along a mountainous trail under a cloudy sky.

Crofts and the Cairngorms

Start with a visit to a restored croft, learning traditional farming methods for grazing and pasture rotation. Hike roughly 6 miles with 472 ft of gain through Glenmore Forest Park’s ancient pines to Lochan Uaine, a secluded loch steeped in folklore, surrounded by rare wildflowers and birdlife. After lunch, visit a small, remarkable farm managed by two pioneering women. Later, enjoy leisure time back at the hotel before a group dinner.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A calm lake with a historic castle on a grassy hill, surrounded by forested mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

Loch Ness Exploration

Leaving the National Park behind this morning you will head along the shores of Loch Ness keeping the eyes peeled for the elusive monster that swims in its depths. Crossing the bridge to the Isle of Skye, enjoy a short hike (4 miles, 728 ft elevation gain), in Glen Sligachan. offering a breathtaking vista. Here, the striking Red and Black Cuillin rise on either side, creating a scene of dramatic beauty that captures the heart of Skye. Later today, arrive at your hotel located in the northern port of Uig with incredible views across the bay.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Aerial view of a historic castle surrounded by trees and a river, with a winding road leading to its entrance.

Hiking Waternish Peninsula

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll start out on a full-day eight-mile hike to the Waternish peninsula. Departing from old church ruins, head towards a remote headland with spectacular views. Keep your eyes out for sea birds, whales, and dolphins which may be visible just over the sea cliffs. Your guide will choose the best route, weather dependent. Return to the hotel while you hear the legends of the famous MacLeod clan, whose ancestral seat is at the nearby Dunvegan Castle. Return to the hotel and enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Mountain landscape with rock formations and rolling hills under a clear blue sky, overlooking a body of water in the distance.

Trotternish Discoveries

Begin with an early start today to hike 3 miles on one of Skye’s most iconic landmarks, Trotternish, offering some of Scotland’s most awe-inspiring landscapes, including ‘The Old Man of Storr’. You may also admire other striking rock formations such as The Prison and The Needle. In the afternoon, a ferry takes you back to the mainland, followed by a scenic drive along one of Scotland’s most picturesque roads headed toward Glencoe. Arriving at the hotel late this afternoon, check in and have some time before enjoying dinner with your traveling companions in the hotel restaurant.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A group of women outdoors holding a banner that reads "adventure women, the destination is just the beginning," with hills in the background.

Glencoe Hikes and Farewell Dinner

Enjoy your last hike of the trip (2 miles with 298 ft of elevation gain) at the site of the Glencoe Massacre. After your hike, visit the eco-friendly visitor center, which features engaging displays that explore Glencoe’s rich natural and cultural heritage. From here, continue our journey to Edinburgh, arriving in the early evening. Celebrate your great Scotland hiking adventure with your fellow travelers during a farewell dinner at your hotel.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Three people sit on wooden chairs on a deck, wearing outdoor jackets and caps, with a cabin wall behind them.

Farewell to Scotland!

All great adventures must one day come to an end. Bid your new friends “Bidh mi ‘gad fhaicinn” when you arrive at the airport. It’s your final morning in this remarkable city and breathtaking country. After breakfast, a group transfer will depart for Edinburgh Airport at 10:30 AM to connect with your onward travel. You may depart Edinburgh International Airport (EDI) any time after 12 PM today.

Meals breakfast
A sunny landscape of rolling green hills with a rocky foreground, purple wildflowers, and a bright sun shining through clouds in the sky.

Accommodations

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

Exterior of a stone building with multiple windows, steep roofs, and a sign reading "The Bruntsfield." Cars are parked along the street under a clear blue sky.

Bruntsfield Hotel

The Bruntsfield Hotel, set in a historic townhouse overlooking Bruntsfield Links, offers stylish comfort in one of Edinburgh’s liveliest neighborhoods. Its Bisque Brasserie serves modern Scottish dishes, and the city center is just a short stroll away, making it an ideal base for exploring

Amenities: complimentary toiletries, slippers, hair dryer, bathrobe, electric kettle, bottled water, flatscree TV, cable / satellite TV, Wi-Fi

Stone house with steep roofs, multiple chimneys, and large windows under a blue sky. A sign near the entrance reads "Ravenscraig." Trees and clouds in the background.

Ravenscraig Guest House

Ravenscraig Guest House is a warm and inviting fully restored Victorian villa, nestled in Aviemore, an adventurer’s heaven, right in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. This family-run guest house blends traditional charm with modern comforts, offering beautifully appointed rooms and hearty breakfasts. Ideally located for exploring the area’s outdoor adventures, it’s a perfect base for hikers, skiers, and nature lovers alike. 

Amenities: Complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, coffee / tea maker, flatscreen TV, Wi-Fi

A large white house stands on a grassy hill overlooking a beach and water, with distant hills under a clear blue sky.

Uig Hotel

The Uig Hotel, a charming family-run establishment on the Isle of Skye, is steeped in history as a former coaching inn dating back to 1831. Perched on a hillside overlooking Uig Bay, it offers stunning views, cozy rooms, a traditional bar, and a restaurant serving locally inspired cuisine. Ideally located for exploring Skye’s dramatic landscapes and catching the ferry to the Outer Hebrides, it’s a perfect base for a memorable Highland escape.

Amenities: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, tea / coffee maker, Wi-Fi

A rural scene with a white house and surrounding buildings, nestled among trees. Rolling hills and a mountain are in the background. Several parked cars are visible near the house.

Clachaig Inn

Nestled in the heart of Glencoe, Clachaig Inn has welcomed travelers for over 300 years. It offers modern en suite rooms, hearty breakfasts, and two lively bars serving local dishes, cask ales, and over 260 whiskies. With live music, beer festivals, and stunning mountain views, it’s a true Highland gem.Daily included meals (located at the bottom left of each page) and the accompanying meal descriptions and locations within the text.

Amenities: complimentary toiletries, tea and coffee making facilities, flatscreen TV, Wi-Fi

Dates & Pricing

Start Date End Date Availability Pricing Booking Link
May 18 May 26
Space Available
$7,295*
Standard Room, Single
$8,895 total, $800 deposit
Standard Room, Double
$7,295 total, $800 deposit
Sep 7 Sep 15
Space Available
$7,295*
Standard Room, Single
$8,895 total, $800 deposit
Standard Room, Double
$7,295 total, $800 deposit

*Additional Pricing Information: 2026 Optional Single Accommodation: $1,600

Arrival: Arrive at Edinburgh International Airport (EDI) before 12 PM on Day 1. A group transfer to your hotel is arranged for 12 PM. If your arrival doesn’t align with this time, taxis are easily accessible at the airport. With your tour leader scheduled to meet you at 2 PM, you’ll have ample time to
step out for a quick bite.

Departure: On Day 9 a group transfer will depart for Edinburgh Airport at 10:30 AM to connect with your onward travel. You may depart Edinburgh International Airport (EDI) any time after 12 PM today. If you need to leave earlier, the hotel or your guide team will
be happy to arrange a taxi for you.

What's Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • Guided sightseeing and activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • An alcoholic drink at the Welcome and Farewell dinner
  • All ground transportation
  • Entrance fees

What's Not Included

  • International flights
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Gratuities for main driver guide

FAQs

Absolutely! We happily welcome all women as long as you are physically capable of doing the activities on your chosen trip. Our guests range from 18-85+! It is important to us to talk to each guest to make sure each woman chooses the right trip for her physical ability and interest.

You can process your registration on our online booking system or over the phone. Most deposits are $800. In many cases, and unless otherwise indicated, your deposit is transferable if you notify us in writing 120 before your trip departs.

Be sure to check the ‘What’s Included’ section of the trip you are interested in. Once you get to the departure city and meet the group, we often include most meals, all accommodations, all activities (although there might be an optional activity at an additional cost), transportation while on the adventure, qualified local guide(s) and some trips also include an AdventureWomen Ambassador. Our trips do not include airfare to/from the arrival and departure cities. However, internal flights are included in some itineraries so please read the itinerary carefully.

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it! Many of the women who travel with AdventureWomen come solo. For those that do not choose a single supplement, we pair you with a roommate. Usually, when we change accommodations on a trip, we will change roommates if we can, so you get a chance to know others in our group. A limited number of single supplements may be available for an additional charge.

That depends entirely on the trip! AdventureWomen adventure travel trips are rated according to the physical fitness level demanded by the included activities.

  • Moderate: These adventures exercise your mind more than your body and are designed for women who prefer a leisurely, less rigorous experience. For example, you could walk up to 2 miles per day through cities and villages, stand in museums for a few hours, relax on a boat, or view wildlife from a vehicle.
  • Active: Adventures that get you on your feet! You should be in good physical condition where you are comfortable walking on uneven surfaces, such as cobblestone streets, biking manicured nature trails or kayaking calm waters.
  • High Energy: These adventures are designed for women who enjoy a physical challenge and crave being on the go! You should be prepared for itineraries that include (but are not limited to): a full day of biking on a rolling terrain, hiking 5-8 miles on moderate to steep trails, being active at high altitudes, whitewater rafting, or skiing.
  • Challenging: Adventures that get your heart rate pumping, these are demanding yet deeply rewarding and designed for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. You should be in excellent physical condition, and be able to hike up to 10 miles, in steeper, more rugged terrain.