Walk the North West Highlands and Skye
Walk the North West Highlands and Skye
Walk the North West Highlands and Skye
8 Days Starting and ending in Inverness Train Station
Visiting: Ullapool, Inverness, Gairloch, Isle of Skye, Loch Ness
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WHS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 8
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegans, Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
This three-centre walking holiday showcases the stunning natural beauty and wild nature of Scotland's North West Highlands and Skye. Enjoy varied and rewarding walks on glacier-carved mountains, spectacular coastal scenery and the rugged interior and iconic landscapes of Skye. Expertly guided by our experienced mountain leader and intertwined with culture, cuisine, history, nature and geology.
North West Highlands UNESCO Geopark - Climb iconic hills in the Assynt and Inverpolly
Gairloch - Explore the coastline with stunning seascapes and pristine white-sand beaches
Isle of Skye - Experience the magic of the Cuillin and Quiraing
Small group walking holiday - Maximum 8 guests
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Trip Inverness. Drive To Ullapool
Location: Ullapool, Inverness
Accommodation: Ladysmith Guesthouse
Accommodation Name: The Sheiling B&B
Meals Included: Dinner
The trip starts at Inverness Rail Station at 13.30. After meeting we have a scenic drive (1.5hrs) to Ullapool, a thriving fishing town nestled on the shores of beautiful Loch Broom. Founded in 1788 as a herring port, the town was designed by Thomas Telford. Despite its size with just 1500 inhabitants, it is the largest settlement in the area and an important tourist destination and port. Located just to the north of Ullapool is the UNESCO Geopark of the North West Highlands - an area of remarkable natural beauty, with dramatic mountain landscapes, pristine sandy beaches, ancient settlements and remote communities - all within one of the most sparsely populated corners of Europe. After settling into our accommodation we plan a warm up hike on Ullapool Hill with commanding views over the loch, village and the Summer Isles - a perfect introduction to our trip.
The Tour Leader will talk through the plan for the coming days in an introductory briefing this evening. Please note that the planned walks may need to be changed in accordance with the weather, to maximise your enjoyment, and the Tour Leader will discuss these on the ground if necessary.
Today's intro walk will take approximately 2 hours and will cover a distance of 3-4 kilometres/1.9-2.5 miles along grassy trails with a total ascent and descent of 500 metres/1,641 feet.
Day 2: Explore The Assynt And Climb Cul Mor
Location: Ullapool
Accommodation: Ladysmith Guesthouse
Accommodation Name: The Sheiling B&B
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a full Scottish breakfast we embark on our first exploration of the UNESCO Geopark with a wonderful walk in the Assynt region just to the north of Ullapool. Assynt is rich in indigenous plant life such as lavender, miniature wild orchids and Scotland's national flower, the thistle. The western part of this area has distinctive-shaped mountains sculpted by the huge forces of glaciation, resulting in 800 million-year-old Torridonian sandstone 'island' mountains that rise majestically from the loch-strewn moors. Our aim today is to climb Cul Mor and the ascent starts from Knochan Crag making use of a good path onto the upper reaches of the hill with some off-trail hiking towards the top. From the summit we enjoy a breath-taking 360' panorama of this dramatic landscape. We descend and return to the vehicle via a different route.
Today's walk will take approximately 6 hours and will cover a distance of 14 kilometres/8.7 miles, with a mix of trails and off-trail routes, with a total ascent and descent of 750 metres/2,461 feet.
Day 3: Climb Stac Pollaidh And Transfer To Gairloch
Location: Gairloch
Accommodation: Hotel, Myrtle Bank
Accommodation Name: Myrtle Bank Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We check out of the guesthouse this morning after breakfast. First we drive north again into the Geopark, this time further east into the Inverpolly area to Stac Pollaidh; arguably one of the more well-known and distinctive hills in the area. From the foot of the mountain with its distinctive sandstone pinnacles shaped by the last ice-age, it looks impressive, but the climb is relatively easy. After hiking to the easterly top and taking in the unforgettable vista, we continue our walk all around this mountain on the way back down. Back in the vehicle we make our way, on a scenic drive south (2hrs), to our next base in Gairloch. If time permits we have a quick stop at Corrieshalloch Gorge, an impressive 200meters/656 feet deep chasm containing the Falls of Measach. Situated on the shore of Loch Gairloch, the small town of Gairloch is a great base for exploring the awe-inspiring scenery of Wester Ross.
Today's shorter walk will take approximately 3 hours and will cover a distance of 4 kilometres/2.5 miles, mostly on trails, very steep in parts, with a total ascent and descent of 510 metres/1,673 feet.
Day 4: Walk The Dramatic Coast On Rua Reidh Headland, Looking For Marine And Bird Life
Location: Gairloch
Accommodation: Hotel, Myrtle Bank
Accommodation Name: Myrtle Bank Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we explore the dramatic coastal scenery on the headland just to the north of Gairloch, with stunning views across the Straits of Minch to the Isle of Skye and the Western Isles. We ascend from sea level to the 350-metre cliffs, looking out for marine life such as Atlantic seal, dolphin or basking shark, and abundant birdlife including gannets, fulmar, shag, kittiwakes and divers. Unique heathland plants thrive here, including bog asphodel and several species of insectivorous plants. The coastline offers many miles of beautiful cliffs, sea stacks and sandy beaches. After the walk we return to Gairloch and the rest of the afternoon is free. We suggest a visit to the fascinating Gairloch Museum and or the famous Inverewe Gardens by Osgood Mackenzie. The gardens are noted for their Himalayan and New Zealand plant collections, as well as their classic English garden.
Today's walk will take approximately 4-5 hours and will cover a distance of 11 kilometres/6.9 miles, mostly off trail and undulating, with a total ascent and descent of 280 metres/919 feet.
Day 5: Hike Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail. Transfer To Isle Of Skye
Location: Isle of Skye
Accommodation: Lodge, Sconser Lodge
Accommodation Name: Sconser Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast and checking out of our accommodation we drive east and our first stop is the Beinn Eighe massif, Britain's oldest National Nature Reserve - which now forms part of the UNESCO Wester Ross Biosphere reserve. Beinn Eighe is a vast mountain ridge, between Glen Torridon and Loch Maree, with a cluster of rugged peaks and screes slopes that are home to a diversity of wildlife. The lower hillsides are home to 350-year-old Scots pines and the oldest rocks here (indeed the oldest in the world) are Lewissian gneiss, dating back some 3 billion years. Our walk climbs steeply from pinewood forest onto a bare plateau of quartzite rocks. The views over Loch Maree and the hills behind are breath-taking.
In the afternoon we continue our drive through beautiful scenery, stopping after an hour to visit the 13th century Eilean Donan Castle - one of the most spectacular in Scotland. We then drive across the bridge to Skye, the largest and northernmost of the Inner Hebrides, and on to our final base in the tiny hamlet of Sconser located on the shores of a sea loch.
Today's shorter walk will take approximately 3-4 hours and will cover a distance of 7 kilometres/4.4 miles, mostly on marked trails, with a total ascent and descent of 680 metres/2,231 feet.
Day 6: Skye - Cuillin Hills – Climb Bruach Na Frithe
Location: Isle of Skye
Accommodation: Lodge, Sconser Lodge
Accommodation Name: Sconser Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we drive a short distance into the Cuillin Hills. 2 Cuillin ranges dominate the landscape on Skye - the Black and the Red Cuillin separated by Glen Sligachan. The iconic ridge of the Black Cuillin is one of the most challenging ranges in the UK and is often the training ground for British climbers preparing for Himalayan ascents. The Munro Bruach na Frithe is considered one of the more accessible and straight forward peaks in this beautiful range and the views get better with each step on the rocky path. Once on the top, the amazing views include Ben Nevis to the east and the Outer Hebrides to the west.
Today's walk will take approximately 6-7 hours and will cover a distance of 14 kilometres/8.7 miles, on rocky trails, with some scree and some off-trail sections, with a total ascent and descent of 950 metres/3,117 feet.
Day 7: Skye - Climb The Quiraing For Dramatic Views
Location: Isle of Skye
Accommodation: Lodge, Sconser Lodge
Accommodation Name: Sconser Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
For our final day of hiking we enjoy a scenic drive (1hr) up to the far north end of the Trotternish Ridge to the Quiraing - a stunning landscape that has been formed by a massive landslip which has created rugged cliffs, hidden plateaux and rock pinnacles. Our goal is The Table - a grassy summit plateau that offers dramatic views of the surrounding landscape including the Cuillin, the Western Isles, the mountains of Wester Ross and out to the sea. Time permitting, we plan to make a stop in charming and colourful Portree, the capital of Skye, on the way back to our accommodation.
Today's shorter walk will take approximately 4-5 hours and will cover a distance of 7 kilometres/4.3 miles, sometimes on-trail and other times off-trail, grassy with some rocky sections, with a total ascent and descent of 380 metres/1,247 feet.
Day 8: Drive Via Loch Ness To Inverness Where Our Trip Ends
Location: Inverness, Loch Ness
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a last hearty breakfast we bid farewell to the Isle of Skye. The drive back to Inverness takes around 3 hours and we plan to drive alongside Loch Ness for the final section of the route. We arrive back at the rail station at about 12.30 where the trip ends.
What's Included
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Meals
Breakfasts:7 Dinners:2
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Accommodation
2 nights comfortable guesthouse
2 nights comfortable hotel
3 nights comfortable lodge -
Fully Guided
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Meals – Breakfast Only
Breakfast: 7
Dinner: 2
What's Not Included
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
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Country Entry Visas
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Tipping and Gratuities
Meals
Breakfasts: 7
Dinners: 2
Check out our Q&As
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
8
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
No
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
2 nights comfortable guesthouse
2 nights comfortable hotel
3 nights comfortable lodge -
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Moderate
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
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Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.