Scotland Highlands & Islands Hiking
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 Hiking Itinerary:
Day 1 Arrive in Inverness, Scotland. Travel to Ullapool, one of the most attractive sea lochs on the west coast!
Day 2 Explore the Inverpolly National Nature Reserve, rich in flora and fauna. Sandstone peaks rise from majestically lochan-strewn moors.
Day 3 Hike the hillsides surrounding Loch Broom with beautiful views of the loch, the Summer Isles, and surrounding mountain ranges.
Day 4 Walk along the coast at Rua Reidh near Gairloch. Look out for seals, divers and gannets as we ascend from sea level to 1,000' cliffs.
Day 5 Hike to the Fairy Lochs, a series of small highland lochlans that dot the moorland between the hill of Sidhean Mor and Loch Gairloch.
Day 6 On the Isle of Skye, hike the rugged Cuillin Mountains from Glenbrittle to Coire Lagan following a beautiful glacier-carved cirque.
Day 7 Trek to “The Table”, a grassy summit plateau with dramatic views of the Cuillin Mountains, Western Isles, and the sea.
Day 8 Bid farewell to the Isle of Skye. We travel east past famous Loch Ness to Inverness where our hiking adventure ends.
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions. Your trip leader will determine each day's hike; hikes noted on a particular day could be moved to an earlier or later day in the trip, should this provide a better group experience.
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.
Accommodation and meals as noted in the daily itinerary; entrance fees to castles, museums or visitor centers; private in-country transportation; skilled trip leader.
Air transportation to/from Scotland; private airport transfers; optional guide gratuities; alcoholic beverages; items of a personal nature and travel/evacuation insurance.
This trip is rated Moderate [3]. It will be enjoyed by anyone who is physically fit and likes to hike. Prior hiking experience is highly recommended. The hikes each day range from 3 to 10 miles, with elevation gains and losses up to 3000' on terrain that is uneven and often rocky. Many of the hikes are off-trail. Hiking, jogging and/or cycling on hilly terrain, if possible, to condition (at least 3-6 months prior to departure) is highly recommended. The better your physical conditioning, the more you will enjoy this adventure. Note that the hiking terrain in Scotland is different than hiking maintained trails in North America's National Parks.
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 at the time of your initial reservation, 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 Hiking
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.
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
- Gaiters, short or knee high
- Midweight fleece or wool sweater
- Lightweight thermal underwear top and bottom, synthetic or wool
- Hiking pants (zip-off legs are convenient)
- Hiking shorts
- Long-sleeve shirts (synthetic, quick drying)
- T-shirts (synthetic, quick drying)
- 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
- Hiking stick or trekking poles
- 2 one-quart water bottles or hydration system
- Small plastic lunch box
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Toiletry kit
- Toilet kit: ditty bag containing 1 roll toilet tissue, Ziploc bags, and hand sanitizer gel or Wet Ones
- Personal first-aid kit
- Insect repellent
- Several Ziploc plastic bags
- Large, heavy-duty plastic trash bags
- Camera, memory cards and spare batteries
- Electronics/battery charger
- Small binoculars
- Thermos
- Ear plugs / eye mask
- 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
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 waterproof to ensure your comfort.
- Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.
- In northwest Scotland the weather can often include prolonged rains and a wide range of temperatures. When packing, ensure you take along enough clothes to have something dry and comfortable to change into in the evening (including shoes).
- For hiking, it is recommended to pack your own "toilet kit," a small ditty bag that includes a Ziploc bag of clean toilet tissue, a spare Ziploc to dispose of soiled tissue, and a small bottle of hand sanitizer. Note that toilet tissue must be discarded in a waste basket and not along a trail.
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 also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out www.rei.com/learn. The Expert Advice section on our "Learn" page has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Group camaraderie (10)
- Guides (10)
- Activity level (9)
- Well organized itinerary (8)
- Accommodations (7)
Cons
Best Uses
- Reviewer Profile:
- Avid adventurer (6), Casual adventurer (3)
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- All the details planned for me (9), Destination (9), I liked the itinerary (9), Active adventures (8), Good value (5)
Reviewed by 11 customers
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Pros
- Accommodations
- Activity Level
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Scotland Highlands & Islands Hiking:
Our guide was very knowledgable and enthusiastic. He was so well read and gave us many book suggestions. He was a wonderfully patient person. We had a lot of wind, as in strong wind. I wish I had brough my warmer jacket. Other than that, all was great.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- We have always heard how beautiful Scotland is so we saw this as a great opportunity.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- The Thursday hike when we summited one of the Munroes and the weather was perfect on this day!
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Be sure to hike on uneven terrain and ups and downs, prepare! Some of our group were not prepared enough and struggled. Everyone was such a good sport though and we all got along very well. Expect rain and prepare for it. We had a little bit of every kind of weather. Leave the shorts at home. Travel light and be prepared to wash out clothes in the sink. Be sure to bring hiking poles. They were essential.
Pros
- Accommodations
- Activity Level
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Scotland Highlands & Islands Hiking:
Can't say much negative; or maybe nothing at all.
Positives are mentioned above. Also, we had a wonderful group
and that is the luck of the draw I guess; although you share many things
in common with the other folks or you wouldn't all be there in the first
place! I really wanted to download some images of our group
but could not get it to work. Pity, you would've liked to have seen these
photos. haha.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Been on other REI trips, Commitment to Sustainability, Destination, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- Always wanted to visit Scotland's Highlands after hearing of the landscape's rugged beauty. I was not disappointed. Also, the itinerary seemed like what we were looking for. Further, the Scottish culture has always held a large degree of myth, legend and symbolism; all of which run deep in me.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- The light. Such beautiful golden light which slants in at quite a sharp angle making everything glow with contrast. Traveling on such a northern latitudes, the light remains until late into the night. Magic. Truely.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Prepare for the trip by hiking on uneven terrain. That was a challenge for me as we usually hike on somewhat groomed trails, etc. Hiking across the Highlands means hiking thru hummocky sheep pasturelands and rocky terrain - no true trail to speak of - but that's the good part!
Pros
- Activity Level
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- History of arealandscape
- Knowledge of guide
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Scotland Highlands & Islands Hiking:
The trip was romantic, charming, educational, physical and all in all - Magical. Scotland has it all.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Commitment to Sustainability, Destination, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- Roots in Scotland. Heard stories of the people and countryside
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Our Guide Iain was fantastic. history, knowledge, comraderie
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- plan ahead and prepare to walk on uneven surfaces. No groomed trails and paths here
Pros
- Activity Level
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Scotland Highlands & Islands Hiking:
This trip was so rewarding. I was challenged by the hikes, and experienced views that took my breath away. Iain, our guide, really knew what he was doing, and made the trip go smoothly.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, Good Value, My family recommended it
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- I have always wanted to go to Scotland. My husband and I are both hiking and camping fans, and wanted a unique and non-traditional honeymoon we'll remember for all our lives.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- The satisfaction I felt after each summit. The views that I saw that were only available after the hardwork of hiking up to see them.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Make sure you can handle lots of up and down hiking. You need to be comfortable hiking off-trail and on narrow paths. Heights are not too bad, but there are some steep areas to be careful about. Trekking poles are very handy. Also, be prepared to wear sunscreen even on the cloudy days. Lots of exposure.
Pros
- Accommodations
- Activity Level
- Exceeded Expectations
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
- None
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Scotland Highlands & Islands Hiking:
In short, this is a must do trip for anyone interested in seeing Scotland and wanting to have good challenging hikes. After a long day hike, the "pub" crawls are fun in the towns which you will be staying in...
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Commitment to Sustainability, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- I chose to trip to the Scottish Highlands after reviewing the trip itinerary and the pictures on the website. It look incredibly amazin I couldn't pass up the opportunity.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- The best part of my trip was my guide and my group members. We had good group comraderie. The hikes are challenging and the views/scenary amazing. Definitely a once-in-a-life time trip.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- I would recommend bring a regular piece of luggage and a light rough sack(less than 30 liters) as the only things you really need is to carry rain clothin, gaiters in case the it starts raining..of course your water bottle, trekking poles, and tp for "comfort" breaks.
Pros
- Accommodations
- Activity Level
- Exceeded Expectations
- Food
- Guides
Cons
- Group Camaraderie
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Scotland Highlands & Islands Hiking:
Spectacular, whether you like the mountains or the coast. Despite the weather being worse than usual, we took alternative "walks" up "the hill" that, for the most part, far exceeded my expectations. Leave the bathing suit at home, unless you're hard core.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Recommended by a Friend
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- Traveling with a friend who had already chosen it.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Nothing I can single out. Spectacular country, history, landscape, and people. Excellent food.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- As REI suggests, bring lightweight, fast-drying clothes. The weather changes very quickly, so versatile gaments are a plus. Don't forget the insect repellant.
Pros
- Accommodations
- Activity Level
- Exceeded Expectations
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Scotland Highlands & Islands Hiking:
I absolutely loved this trip -- perfect itinerary, fantastic guide, exquisite scenery, lots of invigorating outdoor exercise, excellent food & lodging, great transportation, and very nice additional activities like pubs, shopping, music, and castle tours! We added on few days in Edinburgh at the front end of the trip – recommend that strategy for recovering from travel; then take the train up to Inverness – gives you a full 2 weeks away!
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Commitment to Sustainability, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- Have always wanted to visit Scotland; REI provides the perfect way to see the Highlands and the Isle of Skye.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- The day we hiked up to the rock formation called The Old Man of Storr -- amazing views, many rock formations & awesome scenery. Just incredible!
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Get very good quality raincoat, rain pants, waterproof boots, and a pack cover! You will need them and if they're breathable and waterproof you'll be very happy! (We visited in July)
Pros
- Activity Level
- Amazing Guide
- Group Camaraderie
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
- Late dining hours
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Scotland Highlands & Islands Hiking:
The food was amazing! Even with walking and hiking every day, I still think I gained weight!
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- We wanted to visit Scotland again, with the idea that this time we'd see something off the beaten path instead of the typical tourist venues.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- The hikes were all beautiful and unique, but my favorite experience was seeing working dogs. Our guide has a sheep farm, and she took us there one morning on the way to our hike to watch their Border Collies work sheep. It was FABULOUS! I also loved seeing the heather in bloom. We visited later in the year on our last trip and the heather had already past.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- If you're going in July/August, make sure to buy good bug spray and midge nets! The midges were horrible! My husband's face and arms were devoured by the little buggers on one of our hikes.
Pros
- Accommodations
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Scotland Highlands & Islands Hiking:
Excellent experience with many varied locations and accomodations that all had excellent food
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, Destination, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- Scotland has always interested me with its long history and castles
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- castles, scenery and excellent group dynamics
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- midges can be bad in the summer if wind not blowing-buy a midge net at any sporting goods store-I found one in Inverness-also, plan on rain and have good rain gear and waterproof boots
Pros
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
- Accommodations
- Activity Level
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Scotland Highlands & Islands Hiking:
I was not happy with my room at Shieldaig Hotel.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, I Liked the Itinerary
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- I wanted to explore the Highlands where I have never been.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- My experience of walking on boggy and marshy area and see the different kinds of heath that I knew only in the writings.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Be well prepared for the strong winds and rains.
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