Scotland Highlands & Islands
Chiseled by white-crested waves and the hands of time, Scotland offers visitors a face of hauntingly rugged beauty. Our adventure transports us to the most stunning areas in all of the highlands. Ullapool is a fishing village whose people have lived off the sea for generations. At nearby Inverpolly National Nature Reserve, we hike in the second largest nature reserve in Britain. We pass through wild moorlands and sparkling lochs to Gairloch, where seabirds circle the dramatic cliffs, then enjoy a visit to world-famous Inverewe Gardens. Rock towers rise starkly against the blue on the Isle of Skye where we hike along the rugged coast and explore the dramatic Cuillin Mountains and Trotternish Ridge. We visit medieval castles, drop in at Scottish pubs and stay at charming, old-world lodgings, including a fine Victorian estate.
Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance and traveling on an overnight flight.
Scotland Highlands & Islands Itinerary:
-
Day 1
Your trip begins today in Inverness, Scotland. We meet in Inverness at approximately 1:30 p.m. and drive the scenic 60 miles to Ullapool - a fishing village stunningly situated on the shores of Loch Broom, one of the most attractive sea lochs of Scotland’s west coast. Visit Corrieshalloch Gorge - an impressive 200’ deep gorge containing the Falls of Measach. In the afternoon, we set out on a warm-up hike up Rhu Hill where we enjoy wonderful views of Loch Broom and the village below. Overnight in Ullapool. Hiking: 3 miles; Terrain: 500’ elevation gain. Dinner included.
-
Day 2
Following a full Scottish breakfast, we explore the Inverpolly National Nature Reserve today, located just north of Ullapool. Inverpolly is the second largest nature reserve in Britain and is rich in indigenous plant and animal life, including deer, otter, wildcat and pine marten. Peaks of 800 million-year-old Torridonian sandstone add to the spectacle as they rise majestically from lochan-strewn moors. An alternative hike, should the weather not be with us, is a beautiful one along the rugged coast where we are likely see seals and porpoise. Overnight in Ullapool. Hiking: 7-8 miles; Terrain: moderate- vigorous including 2,000’ ascent and off-trail hiking. All meals included.
-
Day 3
Drive south on the “Destitution Road” to Little Loch Broom. When the potato crops failed in the mid-19th Century, this road was built in exchange for food by the local inhabitants. We either hike to the fabulous mountain lake below the pinnacles of An Teallach, a true classic of Scottish walking or along the shore of the loch to the remote crofting community of Scoraig and revel in the glorious views of the Summer Isles and surrounding mountain ranges. Our day ends with a visit to the famous gardens at Inverewe, created by Osgood Mackenzie, and noted for their Himalayan and New Zealand plant collections. Overnight in Gairloch at a charming Victorian hunting lodge. Hiking: 6-8 miles; Terrain: on-and-off trail with elevation gain between 1000’-2000’. All meals included.
-
Day 4
A full day’s coastal hike at Rua Reidh, near Gairloch, where seals, divers and gannets are often seen. The heathland plants include orchids, heather, bog asphodel and several species of insectivorous plants. The coastline offers many miles of beautiful cliffs, sea stacks and abundant birdlife. We may visit the village of Gairloch, which has a fascinating Heritage Museum and quaint shops. Overnight in Gairloch. Hiking: 7 miles; Terrain: mostly off-trail, 800’ elevation gain. All meals included.
-
Day 5
Our day begins with a morning hike to the Fairy Lochs, a mystical setting offering an excellent display of local geology and a touching memorial to the crew of an American World War II bomber that crashed here in 1945. This afternoon, we drive through beautiful scenery to Skye, stopping en route at Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most spectacular castles in Scotland. The second largest of the Hebridean Islands, Skye has an area of nearly seven hundred square miles and as sea lochs riddle the island’s landscape, we are never more than five miles from the sea. Overnight on Skye. Hiking: 3 miles; Terrain: mostly off-trail, 750’ elevation gain. All meals included.
-
Day 6
After breakfast, we begin our day’s hike in the rugged Cuillin mountains, the training ground for British climbers preparing for Himalayan ascents. In the heart of the range, we walk from Glenbrittle to Coire Lagan, a beautiful glacier-carved cirque. Overnight on Skye. Hiking: 10 miles; Terrain: rough trail, 3000’ elevation gain. All meals included.
-
Day 7
Today we hike the locally famous Trotternish Ridge, filled with the strange rock pinnacles of the Storr. This ridge is considered one of the finest hiking routes in Scotland and offers dramatic views of the surrounding landscape, out to the sea. Time permitting we make a quick shopping stop in charming Portree, the capital of Skye. Overnight in Skye. Hiking distance: 6 miles off-trail, grassy with some rocky sections and an 1,800' ascent. All meals included.
-
Day 8
We load up our van early this morning and bid farewell to Skye. We head east past Loch Ness, generally arriving back in Inverness by 11 a.m. Fly home from Inverness late this afternoon, or extend your stay to explore more of this beautiful country. Breakfast included.
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.
If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available.
Transfers to and from the Inverness train station; hotel/guest house accommodations (most with en-suite baths); meals as noted in the daily itinerary; mini-bus transport to hike locations; expert guide/leadership; luggage transportation.
Air transportation to Scotland; entrance fees to castles, museums, visitor centers; private airport transfers; guide tips; alcoholic beverages and items of a personal nature.
This trip is rated Moderate [3] and will be enjoyed by anyone who is physically fit and likes to hike. Prior hiking experience is recommended. The hikes each day range from 3 to 10 miles, with elevation gains up to 3000'. The terrain is often rocky and uneven, and some of the hikes are off-trail. Prior conditioning through hiking, jogging and/or cycling (at least 2-3 months prior to departure) is highly recommended and will enhance your level of enjoyment once on the adventure.
The weather in Scotland can change rapidly. Expect everything from rain showers with intermittent sunshine to warm and sunny days. Daytime temperatures typically range from the low 60s to the high-70s. The May departure has a chance of encountering a light dusting of snow at higher altitudes.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Scotland Highlands & Islands
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.
Weather
The weather in Scotland can change rapidly. Expect everything from rain showers with intermittent sunshine to warm and sunny days. Daytime temperatures typically range from the low 60s to the high-70s. The May departure has a chance of encountering a light dusting of snow at higher altitudes.
Gear Checklist
- Valid passport
- Airline tickets
- Duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase
- Rain cover or one large plastic trash bag for your pack
- Daypack to carry your camera, water bottle, extra clothing
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- Passport pouch or money pouch
- Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for travel and daily wear
- Comfortable shoes
- Sun hat
- Wool or fleece hat
- Bandana
- Wool or fleece gloves
- Thin liner gloves
- Midweight fleece or wool sweater
- Lightweight thermal underwear top and bottom, synthetic or wool
- Hiking pants
- Hiking shorts
- Long-sleeve shirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear
- Hiking socks
- Liner socks
- Casual socks
- Swimsuit
- Rain jacket, waterproof and breathable
- Rain or wind pants, waterproof and breathable
- Sturdy hiking boots, waterproof, lightweight, broken-in, aggressive tread
- 2 one-quart water bottles or hydration system
- Small plastic lunch box
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Toiletry kit
- Personal first-aid kit
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Insect repellent
- Several Ziploc plastic bags
- Large, heavy-duty plastic trash bags
- Camera, film and spare batteries
- Small binoculars
- Compass
- Thermos
- Ear plugs
- Electrical adapter plug
- Watch with alarm or travel clock
- Pocket knife or multi-tool
- Favorite energy snacks and drinks
- Spare contact lenses or glasses
- Reading and writing materials
- Knee supports
- Hiking staff or trekking poles
- Gaiters, short or knee high (optional but highly recommended)
- Travel pillow
Things to Consider
- Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing, hiking boots and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
- Cotton is wonderful in warm weather and walking about town. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene®, MTS® and Thermax®.
- Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
- Make sure boots are broken-in. Bring moleskin or blister remedies for foot treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
- The trails can be wet and muddy in places. Boots should either be a leather or fabric Gore Tex boot or leather boots that have been treated for water repellency.
- Travel clothes, extra gear and purchases are left in a secure storage room while we are hiking.
- Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.
- In northwest Scotland, rain can be heavy and prolonged, with a wide range of temperatures. Please take spare warm clothing with you. You do not need to dress up for dinner, however, you will be more comfortable if you have a complete change of casual clothes for evening (especially a change of shoes).
- Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will be happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI's website at www.rei.com. The Expert Advice section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
