We meet in Inverness and journey across the Western Highlands to the fishing village of Ullapool, stopping en-route to hike the beautiful Corrieshalloch, one of the most spectacular gorges of its type in Britain and provides striking evidence of how glacial meltwater can create deep gorges. We over night in the fishing village of Ullapool having dinner in a local pub. 

Departing the Highlands via ferry port, you take the mid morning boat to the Isle of Lewis. The journey takes approximately 3 hrs, where you have a late lunch on arrival,  followed by a visit to the Arnol Blackhouse and Iron Age fortress, before exploring the Callanish stones that date back to 2900BC. Consisting of a central circle of 13 monoliths with a surrounding cross shape of 5 rows of outer stones overlooking the great western Ocean, the stones were built some 5,000 years ago as part of a wider ritual landscape (like Stonehenge) and remained a ritual centre throughout the Bronze age over a span of some 3,000 years.

Day 4 we hike one of Harris’ historic ‘coffin roads’, which dates back to medieval times. The rugged mountain path takes you to a pass that descends toward the beautiful white sands of Luskentyre. Following the hike you pay a visit to the Isle of Harris Distillery https://harrisdistillery.com/ also known as ‘The social distillery’. 

‘In 2015, the distillery started life with just 10 people and an ambition to double in number over the next five years. Today, we’re proud to say we employ over 50 permanent staff, a highly significant number in an island of fewer than 2000 inhabitants.

Day 5 we start with a morning hike along the shores of the picturesque beach of Luskentyre, after which you visit a local Harris tweed weaver to learn about the production of this island fabric, hand woven in the Outer Hebrides for centuries. In the afternoon we to a local high point with far reaching views acroos to the Isle of Skye.

Day 6 we hike the spectacular rocky pinnacles of the Quiraing. Parts of the distinctive landscape have earned particular names. The Needle is a jagged 120-foot-high (37 m) landmark pinnacle, a remnant of land-slipping. Northwest of it is The Table, a flat grassy area slipped down from the summit plateau, with vistas of the Torridon Hills and the mountains of Wester Ross. Southwest is the Prison. In the afternoon you take the ferry to return to the Isle of Raasay to explore this quiet highland Island gem.

Day 7  Starting in Luib our hiking route goes into the Red Cuillin hills which also links North and South Skye visually, giving an interesting perspective on this area and the Island. We then take a ferry back on to the mainland to Mallaig.  Saving the best until last, you stay in the magnificent Glengarry Castle – Since 1958 the Glengarry Castle Hotel has been a most comfortable country house hotel with a jewel of a setting by Loch Oich which lies between Loch Ness and Loch Lochy in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Small wonder then that so many guests return time after time to be welcomed by the MacCallum family. The trip comes to a close with a farewell dinner amid stories of adventures shared and new friends made.

Day 8 Departing after breakfast we head straight for Loch Ness, Scotlands’ deepest Loch and home to the famous Loch Ness Monster, before journeying back to Inverness to connect with your onward travels, including an extension trip to the Faroe islands.