Unspoiled Hiking in Scotland Tour
Overview
Read HERE for info on 2023 Dates.
Experience hiking in Scotland among the unspoiled landscapes of the Scottish Highlands with this unforgettable, women-only tour. Say Fàilte to gorgeous, WILD Scotland! Experience challenging hikes in vast landscapes, rocky coastlines, and secluded mountains with ancient wind in your hair. Our tour of the North-West Highlands (a UNESCO Global GeoPark) is the perfect blend of culture, food, adventure, historic castles, and Mum Nature.
Scenic Train Ride Through Cairngorms National Park
First, enjoy a scenic train ride from Edinburgh through Cairngorms National Park to Inverness before taking our private Explorer Chick transport deep into the North-West Highlands. Gasp as you roll past rugged landscapes, sparsely populated villages, imposing peaks that erupt from the ground, and thousands of lochs in every direction. BRING A POPSOCKET FOR YOUR PHONE PHOTO-THON.
Day Hikes in the Scottish Highlands
Each day, you’ll embark on hikes to explore everything this secluded paradise has to offer. Tick off your first Munro at 3,218 feet with a bird’s eye view of the Torridon Mountains below. Scramble up remote peaks of the Assynt region passing numerous lochs to gain the summit. Feeling acrach? (That’s Scottish Gaelic for “hungry”.) Picnic on rugged coastline cliffs while savoring pies and sipping on whiskey and gin from a local distillery.
Medieval Villages, Local Pubs, and Live Music
You won’t just be hiking in Scotland on this trip! Experience some of the history and traditions that keep this country on everyone’s travel bucket list. Sheep and cows will roam around you as you meander through remote villages and 16th century castle ruins, living out all your Brave and Outlander fantasies. (Well—some of those Outlander fantasies we can’t help you out with, Sassenach.) Head out on the town in search of local pubs and live music. All meals are sourced locally following Scottish tradition.
15th Century Castle Overnight
Each night, we’ll return to cozy, authentic Scottish inns. But we’ve saved the best for last: feasting and sleeping in a 15th century castle luxury hotel—like the Explorer Chick queens we are!
Adventure Highlights
- Experience the unspoiled vistas and cultural gems of Scotland’s North-West Highlands!
- Travel by train and have your camera ready as you catch your first glimpse of the Scottish landscape in Cairngorms National Park.
- Feast your eyes across the entire country of Scotland with views of the East and West coast from a small mountain peak.
- Bag your first Munro —a Scottish mountain over 3,000 ft. Outdoor enthusiasts often take decades to complete all 282 peaks in Scotland!
- Explore the rugged coastlines of Scotland while enjoying a savory, homemade pie from a local restaurant.
- Hike up mountainsides, across grassy landscapes, and long ridge lines with views tiny lochs in the distance in the Assynt region.
- Visit the ruins of a 16th century castle in rural Scotland.
- Relax and wind down each evening in traditional, Scottish lodging and seek out local pubs with live music.
- Dine like a local tasting a variety of authentic Scottish flavors in local restaurants throughout the North-West Highlands.
- Relax with a comprehensive itinerary that makes the logistics, transportation, navigation, meal planning, lodging, and everything in-between easy.
- Geek out with supportive and encouraging Explorer Chicks on a private, women-only, small group adventure tour.
Day 1: Arrivals to Edinburgh – Scotland’s Historical Capital!
Arrive in Edinburgh! You are free to explore Edinburgh on your own. We’ll meet up as a group at 7pm 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
Day 2: Welcome to the North-West Highlands
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 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: 4.5 miles
Time: 3 hours hiking
Transfer: 3.5 hours train, 1+ hour Van
Accommodation: Inn, Torridon
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Tick Off Your First Munro!
We’ll bag our first Munro today! A Munro is a Scottish mountain over 3,000 ft. “Munro Bagging” is a big accomplishment for outdoor enthusiasts who seek out each of the 282 qualifying peaks in Scotland.
Our first Munro, Slioch, is one of the most imposing peaks in the region. We’ll eat a hearty, Scottish breakfast before setting off on our 12 mile hike to the summit. Our hike will take us along a peaceful lake until we begin the ascent up the boggy, rocky trail. As we stop to catch our breath, it’ll be taken away again with panoramic views from the ridge line of multiple lochs and the Torridon Mountains from above. The summit will reward us with views of Loch Maree below, dotted with tiny wooded islands. On the trail down, we’ll be able to take in the full beauty of the North-West Highlands from one of the higher points in Scotland.
Elevation Gain: 2,054’
Distance: 12 miles
Time: 8-9 hours hiking
Slioch Peak Elevation: 3,218′
Accommodation: Inn, Torridon
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Scramble to the Rocky Summit of Cul Mor
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.
We’ll hike and scramble our way up the classic peak of Cul Mor to catch views of the nearby mountains and lochs. We’ll hike our way towards the dramatic outline of Cul Mor while hiking through some boggy sections of the trail and a short boulder field. Near the summit, you’ll have the option of taking the shortest path and scrambling your way to the summit. If scrambling isn’t your cup of tea, you can easily opt to traverse around the wide, Sron Gharbh ridge line. Once we all reach the summit, we’ll have views of multiple lochs in the distance, dramatic mountain outlines, and nothing but Mother Nature’s beauty for as far as our eyes can see.
Still looking for more? Hike up the satellite peak, Creag nan Calman, from the saddle between the two mountains and bag two peaks in one day!
Elevation Gain: 1,900′
Distance: 8.5 miles
Time: 4-5.5 hours hiking
Cul Mor Peak Elevation: 2,650′
Accommodation: Inn, Ullapool
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Hiking the Coastline Cliffs of the North-West Highlands
We’ll give our hiking legs a little break today as 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.
Afterwards, we’ll begin our slow 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.
Back in Ullapool, we have built in 1-2 hours of free time for you to explore the seaside town and shop locally made goods/souvenirs. Wander the quaint streets, check out the marina, savor a drink from a local pub, or simply relax by the water.
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Distance: 4.5 miles
Time: 2.5-3.5 hours hiking
Accommodation: Inn, Ullapool
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Hiking the Triple Summit of Quinag
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
Day 7: 15th Century Castle Hotel Overnight
We’ll trade our cozy Inn for a 15th century castle hotel tonight! Along the drive to our castle hotel, we’ll stretch our legs on a relaxed hike to the summit of Ben Bhraggie. Here, we’ll be able to see the east and west coasts of Scotland from one place! The controversial, 100′ tall Duke of Sutherland Monument marks the summit of Ben Bhraggie.
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
Day 8: Transfer back to Edinburgh
After breakfast in our castle digs, we’ll load up and head to the Inverness Train Station. We’ll hop on the train back to Edinburgh and say goodbye to the Scottish countryside. 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 city centre if are staying another night in Edinburgh.
You can plan to fly out of Edinburgh anytime after 6pm or arrange for a Edinburgh hotel stay on your own.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
*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.
- 7 nights of authentic, Scottish Lodging throughout itinerary. Shared – 2 per room. Complimentary Wi-Fi and en-suite bathrooms in each room.
- 1 night Edinburgh Hotel located close to city center
- 2 nights Torridon Inn
- 3 nights Ullapool Inn
- 1 night 15th Century Castle Luxury Hotel
- All Meals as indicated on the itinerary: B-7, L-7, D-7
- Guided hiking throughout with a local expert and your Explorer Chick leader
- All entrance fees to historical sites and parks
- Round trip Train Ticket between Edinburgh and Inverness
- Private Explorer Chick van transportation as indicated throughout itinerary
- All tips for included meals and local guides
- A commemorative Explorer Chick shirt
- One local Scottish guide and expert throughout the majority of itinerary
- A detailed Travel Guide with everything you need to know for your trip
- One experienced Explorer Chick Leader ensuring your trip is seamless and unforgettable!
- The freedom to enjoy your vacation and mindlessly wander!
- Small Group experience! Your Explorer Chick Adventure is exclusive and limited to 12 women
*Packages do NOT include your airfare, airport transportation, alcoholic beverages, Explorer Chick Leader tips, or costs for additional activities.
*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, or other unforeseen incidents.
*Does NOT include your Explorer Chick Guide’s Tips – Tipping your Explorer Chick Guide is optional, but customary. If you wish to recognize your Explorer Chick Guide for exceptional service, we recommend you tip them 10-25% of your trip costs.
You will receive a travel guide attached to your booking confirmation with all the information you’ll need to prepare for your epic trip including the Rendezvous Hotel information.
Your adventure begins and ends in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Day 1: Arrival Day. You can arrive to Edinburgh, Scotland at any time prior to 5pm. You are responsible for your own transportation to the hotel. Official group rendezvous will occur at 7pm in the hotel lobby.
Day 8: Departure Day. You can fly out of Edinburgh after 6pm or arrange for an extra night in Edinburgh. You are responsible for your own transportation to the airport.
Your arrival and departure airport transfer in Edinburgh are NOT included with your package.
We require a minimum of 5 Explorer Chicks for this trip. Please confirm your trip is guaranteed before booking airfare.
Just as you would a marathon, you must train prior to your adventure. Your adventure to Scotland will not be a walk in the park. We will be hiking on rough terrain including wet and boggy trails, loose scree, and rock scrambling in all weather conditions. We’ll be hiking along exposed ridge lines and ascending peaks up to 3,218 feet. You should be comfortable hiking up to 9 hours or 13 miles on consecutive days. You should very easily be able to hike on rough terrain at 2 miles per hour. Please read the itinerary thoroughly with the stated elevation gains and distances.
You should be training on rough and rugged terrain – not perfectly paved sidewalks. Train how you play! Also, find steps, a hill, or the Stairmaster and get to climbing! Your quads, booty, and calves will thank you. Train in all the weather – This even means rain! Please consider the physical demands carefully as it is for the safety and enjoyment of the group.
Train your tootsies! Do not show up with brand new hiking boots or trail shoes. You should be spending hours upon hours in your boots leading up to your adventure to break them in. Better to suffer blisters at home than to miss out on a hike due to painful hot spots on your feet. This is our number one injury. Do not let it happen to you!
Please consider your ability to meet the physical demands very seriously. It is for the safety of both you and our group. All Explorer Chicks will be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Physical Demands as part of their waiver upon booking.
Still not convinced that THIS is the adventure for you?
We’ve rounded up some of our most popular blog posts, so you can get to know us a bit better and learn what really goes down on your Explorer Chick Adventure.
- Remember How it Feels to Play
- You are NOT Alone
- The Power of Explorer Chick
- What Does an Explorer Chick Look Like?
- We are ALL IN
- We Do Dumb Stuff
- The Explorer Chick Purpose
- The Traveler vs. the Tourist
- 6 Benefits to Booking with a Tour Company
You can always reach us by email with more questions! Info@ExplorerChick.com
To protect your travel investment and your hide, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. World Nomads is our trusted travel insurance provider. Receive an no-hassle, online quote in less than 2 minutes.
Trip Price:
$4,599
Save $300 with Early Bird Pricing!
See our Discount page for Codes and Expirations!
Non-Refundable Deposit: $300 due at booking to secure your spot
Payment Plans Available: Email payments@ec-old.design-works.com after booking to set up your monthly payment plan.
Reserve Your Spot
Booking temporarily unavailable
Check back soon!
