Overview

Begin your Scottish hiking adventure in the enchanting capital of Edinburgh, a city of UNESCO World Heritage renowned for its remarkable historical and architectural significance. Your guides will meet you at 11:30 AM at the West Gate of the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, a botanical treasure celebrated for its incredible diversity and scientific research. Following brief introductions and a delightful lunch, step into Edinburgh's heart with a walking tour that culminates in a hike up Arthur’s Seat - an extinct volcano that rises up just outside the city center. The brisk climb offers an exhilarating experience, rewarded by sweeping 360-degree views from its peak. We’ll then bid farewell to Edinburgh as we shuttle north to St Andrews and our charming home for two nights. Tonight, we'll enjoy a social hour of drinks followed by dinner at our hotel, indulging in the finest local cuisine, while your guides unveil the exciting days ahead.

Overview

St Andrews, located in the Fife region along Scotland's east coast, is celebrated for its prestigious university and illustrious golf history. It captivates with breathtaking coastal vistas, the ruins of its ancient cathedral, and a vibrant atmosphere. Today, we hike south from St Andrews, hiking a portion of the Fife Coastal Trail. This picturesque route meanders along the rocky coast, unveiling pristine beaches, craggy shores, and the quintessential rural landscapes of Fife. Our hike concludes in the quaint hamlet of Kingsbarns, where a much-anticipated lunch and coffee break await. A brief shuttle then returns us to St Andrews for an evening of exploration on your own. Savor some local fish & chips for dinner followed by drinks at a pub or simply relax and unwind back at the hotel, dining at their garden-fresh restaurant.

Overview

After enjoying a hearty Scottish breakfast, we set out for the city of Dundee, a city blending its rich history with contemporary flair, highlighted by its revitalized waterfront. Take a moment to explore the V&A (Victoria and Albert) Dundee Museum, celebrated for its art and design exhibitions, proudly standing as the sole institution of its kind beyond London. We then continue north to Perthshire county, in the charming village of Blairgowrie. Here, you’re invited to explore and, with suggestions from your guides in hand, enjoy lunch at a restaurant of your choice. A brief shuttle will take you to Loch of Lowes, a distinguished wildlife reserve. We’ll hike together to explore this sanctuary and its diverse bird species thriving in their natural habitat. As the day unfolds, we make our way to our hotel and prepare for a relaxing evening. Tonight, a delicious dinner is served at the hotel, wrapping up a day rich in discovery and natural beauty.

Overview

This morning, we'll head towards Blair Castle situated in Blair Atholl, a historic gateway to the expansive Cairngorms National Park. With its 700-year history, the castle stands as a testament to Scotland's rich past. Following a private tour of the castle, have a delicious lunch at your leisure in Blair Atholl. This afternoon, our hike takes us deeper into Cairngorms National Park, the UK’s largest national park. This region's breathtaking diversity, from rugged mountains and sprawling forests to heather-clad moorlands and shimmering lochs, provides a haven for rare wildlife such as red deer, golden eagles, and wildcats. To cap off the day, enjoy a tour of the Blair Atholl whisky distillery and the opportunity to savor a 'wee dram' (or two!) of Scotland's famed spirit. Tonight, we'll dine at our favorite spot in Dunkeld for yet another exceptional Scottish dining experience.

Overview

Today's adventure leads us to the summit of Ben Vrackie, affectionately known as the “speckled mountain” from its Gaelic roots, “Beinn a’ Bhreacaidh.” Following a nourishing breakfast and a brief 30-minute shuttle ride, we'll begin our scenic yet moderately challenging hike. The path winds through lush woodlands and across well-trodden moorlands, ascending rocky steps to reach the peak. Along the way, learn about ancient settlement remains that whisper tales from the Bronze Age. At the summit, your achievements are rewarded with stunning panoramas of the Scottish Highlands. Delight in a picnic lunch in this tranquil setting, immersed in nature’s splendor. Afterward, we'll gently make our way back to Dunkeld. Should time permit, we'll delve into the charm of this town with its vibrant high street full of boutique shopping or visit the ruins of the 13th century cathedral. Tonight marks our farewell dinner, a special occasion to reminisce about our shared experiences and enjoy each other’s company for one last evening.

Overview

Today is our final day and it's almost time to bid farewell to your guides and fellow travelers, but not without one last hike in a captivating, woodland area known as the Hermitage. Crafted in the 18th century as a pleasure ground for the Dukes of Atholl, the Hermitage is now a National Trust for Scotland-protected site. It features forest paths lined with majestic ancient pines, leading to cascading waterfalls where the River Braan plunges into deep, frothy pools below. The picturesque Ossian’s Hall, a decorative architectural feature known as a folly, overlooks the falls, offering the perfect spot to admire their power and beauty. Afterward, it's just a short transfer back to Edinburgh Airport, where we say our goodbyes at 1:00 PM, marking the end of our Scotland adventure together.