Walking Vacations in the Scottish Highlands
and the Isle of Skye

Walk Scotland with us and experience it to the fullest. Hills and mountains stretch for miles, covered with purple heather. The Highlands of Scotland is one of the last wildernesses in Europe. And the very name, the Isle of Skye, evokes images – the blues and greens of the Scottish sea lochs and distant hills, and the rocky beaches and coves that outline it. Few places in the world have been as celebrated in song and verse as the Highlands and Skye. Every aspect of the landscape fills the visitor with a feeling of awe and wonderful superlatives do not do it justice.

The Isle of Skye is the second largest of the Hebridean Islands. Skye has a fascinating history – from the romantic tale of Bonnie Prince Charles and Flora MacDonald to the many prehistoric cairns and hill forts and the deserted villages left by the nineteenth century clearance. Skye has been famous with mountaineers for more than a century because of the Cuillins, UK’s greatest mountains. Although small by world standards, they offer tremendous opportunities for walking. However, the Isle of Skye is more than just mountains – it has complex geology and varied scenery. Gaelic, the ancient language is still spoken here and hay is sometimes still cut and carried on the back as in days of old.

Beginning in Glasgow, we will make our way to Skye by way of atmospheric Glen Coe, then on through Fort William and past Ben Nevis, BritainÕs highest mountain, and through incredible scenery before crossing over the Skye Bridge. Until 1995, when this bridge was built, linking Skye to the mainland, the only way to Skye was by boat. We will stay eight nights in Portree, a lovely fishing village whose harbor is lined with colorful houses. Our hotel, dating from the 1870's, was originally built as a hunting lodge. It offers excellent accommodations and the restaurant has won numerous awards for its cuisine.

Our walks will sample all of aspects of the scenery on Skye. We will have coastal walks as well as inland. Among the famous names, which will feature on our walks, will be the Quiraing, the Old Man of Storr, and the Sanctuary. Walking past ruins of cottages and crofting communities, we come upon more ruins of ancient castles. The island of Skye has so much natural beauty to offer and little has been allowed to spoil her wonders so it is no surprise that many return time and time again to enjoy her glories.

We will change our hiking boots for city shoes as we take the train from Inverness to Edinburgh, a city of style and elegance. We have two nights here. Princess Street rivals anything Europe has to offer, and the 1,000-year-old Edinburgh Castle perched high above town is a delight to the eye.