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The Western Highlands
June 9 to 16, 2012 · September 1 to 8, 2012
In
the north and west of Scotland lie the Highlands
-- moody mountains, Celtic mists and legends,
heather-clad hills and sparkling lochs, and
a unique mixture of scenic splendor and profound
tranquility.Walk and hike across this landscape and on the
the Isle of Skye , with its magnificent sea and
mountain views. Congenial hotels provide hospitality,
lodging and meals along the way. Our minibus
brings your luggage to the next hotel before
you arrive. Walks cover from 3 to 9 miles, with
ascents of 300 to 1300 feet.
Itinerary
 Day 1 Arrive at
our hotel in Fort William, which nestles at
the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest
mountain. An orientation meeting in the early
evening is followed by a Welcome Dinner.(B)
Day 2 Depart in
our minibus for the Glenelg peninsula on Scotland’s
west coast. This delightful and secluded area
of the Highlands was immortalized in Gavin
Maxwell’s book, “Ring of Bright
Water”. A gentle introductory
hike takes us to one of the mysterious 2000-year-old ‘brochs’ which
occur throughout this area. We rejoin our minibus to continue to the Isle of
Skye via the Ratagan Pass, Glenelg and the romantic Glenelg-Kylerhea ferry.
Overnight on the Isle of Skye. (B,L,D) 4 Miles
Day 3 A day touring
on Skye. We visit Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral
home of the Chiefs of Macleod, said to be the
oldest inhabited castle in the Highlands and
Islands. An opportunity for a boat ride to
visit the nearby seal colony in Loch Dunvegan.
Then we drive to the Staffin peninsula and walk up to admire the spectacular
pinnacles of the Storr Rocks. Overnight on the Isle of Skye. (B,L,D) 3 Miles
Day 4 We return
to the mainland via the Skye bridge and, after
a stop at Kyle of Lochalsh for routine shopping,
drive to Killilan, the starting point for the
first of three linear hikes. At midday we begin
our hike, which takes us on an enchanting route
up a heather-covered valley, by rushing streams
and through forest, arriving in the Attadale
gardens by the shore of Loch Carron. The day
finishes with a drive to our next hotel at
Achnasheen.(B,L,D) 8 Miles
 Day
5 Walk through the
rugged Ben Damph range by an ancient route
used by cattle drovers in medieval times. Our
path leads up a wild Highland Glen, through
a rocky pass, and by small mountain lakes (lochans).
We return to Achnasheen for a second night. (B,L,D)
9 Miles
Day 6 We drive
through the Torridon region, with its majestic
sandstone mountains, to reach Diabaig, where
Loch Torridon merges with the open sea. Hike
by a delightful coastal path with, on a fine
day, superb views across to Skye
and The Outer Isles. Overnight in the beautiful
Wester Ross hamlet of Gairloch, overlooking
the sea loch of that name.(B,L,D) 8 Miles
Day 7 A well-earned
morning of relaxation in Gairloch, starting
with a visit to the town’s small but
fascinating Heritage Museum, and then time
free for shopping or simply browsing. Lunch
is taken at the cafeteria at Inverewe Gardens.
In the afternoon we visit the world-renowned
tropical gardens, the far-sighted creation
of Osgood Mackenzie in the 1870’s. Our
Farewell Dinner rounds off a memorable week.(B,L,D) No Walk
Day 8 Departure
after breakfast by minibus to the train station
and airport at Inverness, or beyond.(B)
Land Cost $3175
Includes:
- 5 scenic guided hikes
- 7 nights' lodging in
congenial Scottish hotels
- Double-occupancy room
with private bath
- All meals, dinner on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 8
- 7 lunches
including a pub lunch
- All sightseeing visits
and admission fees
- Luggage transported between
inns
“I've traveled
to many different countries and this trip
ranks as one of the best. Spectacular!
We're planning to return with ELR. I've
been recommending you to all my friends
and colleagues.”
J Ambrozaitis Waterbury, CT
“The walks were
a good mix of gentle and challenging. Spectacular
countryside and fascinating villages. The
meals were delicious. I enjoyed all the
inns! The whole trip, down to the smallest
detail, was admirably organized.”
V Macy Somerville, MA
“The walks and
hikes were wonderful! From the lovely,
craggy hills to the villages! When you
work indoors at a desk job all day, it’s
breathtaking (sometimes literally!).”
V Richard Tulsa, OK
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