Scotland Unspoiled Hiking Tour

Arrive in Edinburgh! You are free to explore Edinburgh on your own. We’ll meet up as a group at 6:30pm for orientation and a Welcome Dinner.

Edinburgh has been the capital of Scotland since the 15th Century. Gaining UNESCO World Heritage Status in 1995, Old Town and New Town are preserved architectural windows to a world dating back to 1130 AD. Step back nearly 900 years and stroll the historic streets of Old Town. This area of Edinburgh has preserved much of the medieval street layout and buildings. After you’ve explored all of the narrow alleys and cobblestone walkways, make your way through Princes Street Gardens for an iconic view of Edinburgh Castle. Marvel in New Town where you’ll witness Neo-Classical Architecture from the 18th Century.

Accommodation: Centrally located Edinburgh Hotel
Meals: D

After breakfast in Edinburgh, we’ll hop on the train and travel 3.5 hours through the Scottish countryside and Cairngorms National Park to Inverness. We’ll then head off into the North-West Highlands in our Explorer Chick Transport Van. This area remains an unspoiled and rarely visited area of Scotland. During our time hiking in the Scottish Highlands, we’ll explore landscapes that hardly see much human traffic.

We won’t spend the entire day on our bums! Upon arrival, we’ll stretch our legs on our first hike in Scotland by walking along a beautiful loch with views of the Torridon Mountains and ending next to a rushing waterfall.

Elevation Gain: 575′
Distance: 7.5 miles
Time: 3 hours hiking

Transfer: 3.5 hours train, 1+ hour Van
Accommodation: Inn, Torridon
Meals: B-L-D

After fueling up with a rib-sticking Scottish-style breakfast, our hiking journey today is the Corbett peak of Meall a’Ghiubhais (Corbett = peak between 2,500-3,000’).

We begin with a heart-pounding ascent from the breathtaking shores of Loch Maree, renowned as the crown jewel among Scotland’s lochs. Following the well-marked and rocky Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail we will push our boundaries as we venture off the trail to continue our hike and scramble toward the summit. Every step of our hike today is a buns-burning celebration of the untamed beauty that Scotland has to offer.

After a well-deserved trail lunch perched on the summit, surrounded with views of the tiny wooded islands dotting Loch Maree below, we’ll take in the full beauty of the Northwest Highlands from the oldest Nature Reserve in Scotland.

Meall a’Ghiubhais Peak Elevation: 2,901’
Elevation Gain: 3,011’
Distance: 5.8 miles
Time: 7-8 hours

Accommodation: Inn, Torridon
Meals: B-L-D

After breakfast, we’ll pack up and depart our cozy Torridon Inn. We’ll transfer further north to the sparsely populated area of Assynt. Assynt is known for its distinctive mountains which seem to rise straight out from the landscape. This area is home to the iconic “cnoc and lochan” scenery.

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.”

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—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, we’ll begin our journey to the nearby villages 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 the lively harbor village of Ullapool, with its quaint charm and vibrant atmosphere. Wander the streets, check out the marina, savor a drink from a local pub, or simply relax by the water.

Elevation Gain: 1,673′
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 3-4 hours hiking
Stac Pollaidh Peak Elevation: 2,008′

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

We’ll give our hiking legs a little break today as we explore the rugged coastline that is so typical of the North-West Scottish Highlands. Our coastal hike explores this wild landscape and leads us to a clifftop viewpoint to see an imposing 200 ft rocky tower called the Old Man of Stoer. We’ll look for rock climbers ascending the vertical tower as the ocean crashes below. Because views are much better with food, we’ll enjoy savory pies for lunch made in a local village along the coastline with unobstructed views of the Atlantic. Nearby, we’ll visit the Stoer Head Lighthouse, built in 1870, as one of 45 crucial lighthouses in Scotland to protect shipping.

From here, we set off to explore one of the UK’s most breathtaking beaches—Achmelvich. With its brilliant white sands and crystal-clear, turquoise waters, it’s a scene so stunning, you might mistake it for the Caribbean. Ocean wildlife sightings are common, with porpoises, dolphins, and even the occasional minke whale making appearances. Whether you choose to dip your toes in the water or simply enjoy the sensation of sand beneath your feet, this coastline offers a truly special experience.

Tonight, you’re free to explore and enjoy dinner on your own! Stroll among street food vendors galore and indulge in locally sourced seafood to your heart’s content.

Elevation Gain: Minimal
Distance: 5.5 miles
Time: 2.5-3.5 hours hiking

Accommodation: Inn, Ullapool
Meals: B-L

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll head north into the rugged landscape of the Assynt region of the Scottish Islands. Our goal today is to summit a stunning trio of peaks on Quinag. It’s a predominately uphill hike as we ascend the first of 3 Corbetts (Scottish mountain between 2,500ft and 3,000ft). We’ll hike up boulder fields, along ridge lines and scramble our way to the first summit! We’ll be rewarded with views of thousands of tiny scattered lochs in the distant horizon. From the first summit, we’ll take a gradual down and uphill hike to the remaining 2 summits.

On the way back to our Inn, we stop to see the ruins of Ardvreck Castle dating back to the 16th century.

Elevation Gain: 1,950′
Distance: 8.5-9 miles
Time: 7.5-8.5 hours hiking

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

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 to 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 queens in our castle restaurant featuring traditional meals made of locally sourced ingredients.

Elevation Gain: 1,312′
Distance: 6 miles
Time: 3.5-4.5 hours hiking

Accommodation: 15th Century Castle Hotel
Meals: B, L, D

This morning we will take one last stroll on the beach to say goodbye to the Scottish countryside and return for breakfast in our castle digs. Afterwards we’ll load up and head to the Inverness Train Station and hop on the train back to Edinburgh. You will be with your Explorer Chick group up until our arrival at Waverly Station in Edinburgh.

Upon arrival in Edinburgh, you can easily catch the tram taking you to the airport or to the city center if you are staying another night in Edinburgh. You can plan to fly out of Edinburgh anytime after 6pm or arrange for an Edinburgh hotel stay on your own.

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.