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 our Welcome Dinner.(B)

Day 2 Depart in our minibus for Scotland’s remote and rugged northwest coast. We stop enroute for a visit to Urquhart Castle, whose ruins stand majestically by the shore of Scotland’s most famous loch -- Loch Ness. We then drive to Glen Affric, and walk a trail through a beautiful woodland area of native Caledonian Pine forest. We continue to the small coastal town of Gairloch and check into our hotel for three nights (B, L, D)  3 Miles

Day 3 We drive to Poolewe to see the ancient churchyard and Pictish symbol stone before walking the lochshore trail to Kernsary, the 1870s home of Osgood Mackenzie, the far-sighted creator of the Inverewe tropical gardens. We return along the banks of the River Ewe, where iron was once smelted at the Red Smiddy. There may be time for a scenic drive to the beautiful sandy beaches of Gruinard Bay, or to the 2^nd World War remains at Loch Ewe before returning to Gairloch. (B, L, D) Variable - 7 Miles

Day 4 The day begins with a visit to Gairloch’s small though fascinating Heritage Museum, where the way of life, past and present, of this part of the Western Highlands is so evocatively recreated. Then on to the world-renowned Inverewe tropical gardens, now owned and lovingly preserved by the National Trust for Scotland. Return to Gairloch for a third night. (B, L, D) No Walk

Day 5 It is now time to move to our second base for the week at a hotel on the Isle of Skye. We drive via the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, and in the morning walk the mile-long Woodland Trail within the reserve. A mid-day pause in Lochcarron allows time for a visit to an authentic wool shop, where genuine Scottish tartan is woven on a handloom, a pottery and craft shop, and a restaurant lunch. We continue to Skye via the Ratagan Pass, Glenelg and the romantic Glenelg-Kylerhea ferry. Overnight on Skye.(B, L, D)  1 Mile

Day 6 Our explorations on Skye continue with a visit to Dunvegan castle, the ancestral home of the Chiefs of MacLeod, said to be the oldest inhabited castle in the Highlands and Islands. We then drive to the Waternish peninsula, and enjoy a memorable hike by a coastal trail, with sea views, many ruins, wildlife and a beautiful and historic church. Return to our hotel for a second night. (B, L, D) 8 Miles

Day 7 This day gives an opportunity to become acquainted with the dramatic Black Cuillin Mountains, which are regarded by many as the finest mountain range in Britain. We drive to Glenbrittle, a remote valley nestling below the western slopes of the Cuillins. Stop at the magical and enchanting Fairy Pools, a series of pools and waterfalls formed by the Allt Coir' a' Mhadaidh stream flowing from the foothills of the Black Cuillin Mountains into Glen Brittle. Continue on our walk which follows a coastal route towards the seaward side of the mountains and takes in fascinating remains from the time when the Vikings first colonized this area, and before. The farewell dinner tonight will have been well earned!  (B, L, D) 9 Miles with shorter options available

Day 8 After breakfast we drive by the Skye road bridge to Kyle of Lochalsh, where it is possible to join a midday train to Inverness. Otherwise the next drop-off point is in Fort William, or participants may ride back south to Glasgow Airport, or beyond. (B)

(ELR reserves the right to make changes in the itinerary when deemed necessary or appropriate)

Dates & Prices:

Tour prices are per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement is only applicable if you are traveling solo and/or have a room to yourself.

Tour Dates	Tour Price	Single Supplement
July 6 - July 13, 2013	$3,275.00	$425.00
August 3 - August 10, 2013	$3,275.00	$425.00
Interested in a different departure date? Consider a private tour or a self guided tour.

What's Included:

Your trip price includes the following. For additional information, please call or email us at and one of our exceptional Travel Advisors will be happy to share with you all kinds of details.

• 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 one at a craft centre
• All sightseeing visits and admission fees
• Luggage transported between inns

“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

“This was our second tour with English Lakeland Ramblers. It met, and exceeded, our expectations.”
R & M Rutter     IL

“I’m so glad I heard about English Lakeland Ramblers and thoroughly enjoyed the week. For a ‘non-walker’ I was thrilled to have accomplished as much as I did.”
T Ward     VA