Best of Scotland: Isle of Skye & Highlands Women’s Adventure Hiking Tour

Welcome to Inverness! Often called the capital of the Highlands, this lively city is steeped in history and bursting with Highland charm. You’ll meet your Explorer Chick Tour Leader and fellow adventurers at 4:00 p.m.

After settling in, we’ll hit the cobblestone streets for a relaxed walking tour through charming Inverness. Think riverside strolls, storybook bridges, mossy cathedrals, and maybe even a castle if we’re feeling extra! We’ll stretch our legs, shake off the travel day, and soak up some local vibes before gathering for a delicious welcome dinner along the banks of the River Ness.

City Tour: 2 miles, 2 hours
Accommodation: Hotel, Inverness
Meals: D

Rise and shine, you glorious adventurer, you’ve woken up in the Scottish Highlands! After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll link up with our fabulous local guides and kick off the day Explorer Chick–style: with a little wilderness, a little wonder, and a whole lot of “hell yes.”

First stop: Loch Ness. No promises we’ll spot the elusive Nessie (she’s shy, okay?), but this scenic woodland hike delivers big rewards. We’ll wind our way through lush forests, soak in those peaceful Loch Ness views, and catch dreamy glimpses of Aldourie Castle, a legit 17th-century stunner nestled right on the shoreline. We’ll pause mid-hike for a well-earned lunch surrounded by all this moody Highland beauty.

From there, we’re trading forest trails for fairytale roads as we make our way to the Isle of Skye, but not without a stop at the jaw-dropping Eilean Donan Castle. Think: epic stone stronghold on a tiny island, surrounded by misty lochs and mountain views. Cameras out, this one’s straight-up postcard magic.

Once we roll onto Skye, we’ll head straight to our cozy Highland hideaway. Time to check in, kick off your boots, and breathe in that wild island air. Dinner tonight? Served up hot and hearty with a side of “Did that day really just happen?”

Welcome to Isle of Skye, babe. It only gets better from here.

Elevation Gain: 767′
Distance: 4 miles
Time: 2 hours hiking

Transfer: 2.5 hours
Accommodation: Hotel, Isle of Skye
Meals: B, L, D

Today we dive headfirst into the mystical, windswept wonderland that is the Trotternish Peninsula. Our first mission? Conquer the legendary Old Man of Storr and its jaw-dropping rock formations.

This hike is the real deal: wide paths, wild winds, rocky climbs, and views that’ll knock your wool socks off. We’ll pass towering rock spires, gaze out over sparkling lachs, and soak in sweeping views of the open sea and distant isles. Bonus? Free-roaming sheep might just photobomb your selfies.

After this mountain magic, we’ll roll into the colorful coastal village of Portree, the beating heart of Skye. Think pastel harbor houses, charming shops, and iconic viewpoints like The Lump (yes, that’s really its name). You’ll have time to wander, explore, and snap all the Highland-core content your heart desires.

We’ll kick off the evening with an early alfresco supper because the day’s not done dazzling us yet. After dinner, we’ll chase golden hour to the legendary Fairy Pools, where crystal-clear waterfalls tumble over ancient stones like something straight out of folklore. The trail is mellow, the scenery is magic, and the air is thick with Highland myth. And let’s be honest, a cheeky nightcap may just find its way into our hands before the day is done. Soak it all in, this is the kind of day that stays with you forever.

Elevation Gain: 1,955’
Distance: 5.3 miles
Time: 4.5-5.5 hours

Accommodation: Inn, Isle of Skye
Meals: B-L-D

Start the day with a cozy breakfast and a fond farewell to our digs, then it’s boots on and straight into adventure. We’ll hike right from the hotel into the wild heart of Glen Sligachan, following the winding River Sligachan as it carves through a dramatic valley flanked by the brooding Black Cuillin and Red Cuillin peaks. It’s moody, magnificent, and totally unforgettable. Pure Highland magic in every direction.

After we’ve stretched our legs and soaked up those epic views, we’ll hit the road north for a coastal cruise like no other. Think clifftop roads, hidden beaches, and plenty of scenic stops to break up the drive (and load up your camera roll, obviously).

By day’s end, we roll into the charming harbor town of Ullapool. Kick back, take in the salty air, grab a pint, or just relax and watch the boats drift by. Three nights here means we’re just getting started.

Elevation Gain: 597′
Distance: 7 miles
Time: 4-5 hours hiking

Transfer Time: 2.5 hours
Accommodation: Inn, Ullapool
Meals: B, L

After breakfast, our adventure continues as we lace up for an exhilarating hike and scramble up the legendary Stac Pollaidh (Stac Polly), affectionately called Scotland’s “miniature mountain”. Don’t let the nickname fool you, Stac Pollaidh packs a punch.

This iconic peak offers an ascent for those eager for a challenge, and the reward is absolutely worth it! At the top, you’ll be treated to jaw-dropping, 360-degree views of Assynt’s untamed wilderness to the north, the shimmering Summer Isles and Achiltibuie to the south and west, and even a glimpse of the Isle of Skye to the east. It’s a feast for the senses, with nature’s beauty stretching as far as the eye can see.

Afterwards, it is back to our harbor village, where traffic jams are the equivalent of sheep crossings. You’ll have the opportunity to tour and shop at a local pottery studio with an international reputation for innovation and quality.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore before dinner.

Elevation Gain: 1,673’
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 3-4 hours hiking

Accommodation: Inn, Ullapool
Meals: B, L, D

Today we give our hiking legs a well-earned break (you’ve earned it!) and dive into the dramatic charm of Scotland’s wild northwest coast. Our relaxed coastal walk winds through rugged headlands and wide-open seascapes, leading us to the iconic Point of Stoer. Perched high above the crashing waves, this clifftop viewpoint gives us front-row seats to nature’s drama, and if we’re lucky, a glimpse of daring rock climbers scaling the towering sea stack below.

No adventure is complete without a great meal, and today’s lunch is something special: freshly baked savory pies from a tiny village bakery, enjoyed with unbeatable views of the Atlantic. From there, we swing by the Stoer Head Lighthouse, standing proud since 1870 and one of Scotland’s vital maritime guardians.

The day ends in serious style with a visit to one of the UK’s most jaw-dropping beaches: Achmelvich. Think powder-white sands, shockingly turquoise waters, and maybe even a porpoise or two.

Tonight, dinner’s up to you. Wander Ullapool’s charming harborfront, nibble your way through local food stalls, or settle into a seaside pub for the freshest catch around. However you choose to cap off the day, it’s pure coastal magic.

Elevation Gain: 1,181′
Distance: 4.25 miles
Time: 3.5 hours hiking

Accommodation: Inn, Ullapool
Meals: B, L

We’ll trade our cozy Inn for a 15th Century Castle Hotel tonight! We’ll leave the dramatic west coast behind and journey east to the charming fishing hamlet of Golspie. From Golspie, we’ll meander along a picturesque coastal path, enjoying sweeping vistas out to sea.

Our destination is Dunrobin Castle, Scotland’s northernmost grand house, adorned with enchanting turrets and elegant architecture. Nestled amidst beautifully landscaped gardens reminiscent of Versailles, this timeless castle invites visitors to explore its lavish interiors filled with historical treasures.

Upon arrival at our castle hotel, you’ll be able to explore the nearby beach or step back in time to the 15th century. Inside, explore the labyrinth of historical rooms and passageways. Walk through the gardens to the on-site distillery specializing in whisky and gin. In the evening, we’ll feast like highland queens in our castle restaurant featuring traditional meals made of locally sourced ingredients.

Elevation Gain: 138′
Distance: 5 miles
Time: 4 hours hiking

Transfer Time: 1.5 hours
Accommodation: 15th Century Castle Hotel
Meals: B, L, D

This morning, we’ll take one last peaceful stroll along the beach and a final moment to soak in the salty air and sweeping beauty of the Scottish coastline. Then it’s back to our castle digs for a hearty breakfast fit for royalty.

From there, we make our way to Inverness. Whether you’re heading home or sticking around for one more whisky, you’ve got options! The local tram makes it easy to reach both the airport and the city center. You can plan to fly out of Inverness anytime after 1pm.

If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye, we’ve got you covered. We’re happy to arrange a post-tour hotel night in Inverness. Just let us know, and we’ll make sure your Highlands adventure ends on the perfect note.

Meals: B

*Explorer Chick reserves the option to modify trip itineraries at the discretion of your tour director as necessary due to weather, conditions, illness, injury, group dynamics, availability, or other unforeseen incidents.

If you choose not to do a specific activity we have planned, it cannot be exchanged or refunded.