Compare London & Cardiff by Rail by Great Value Vacations vs Classic Walks of Scotland by Intrepid Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4 | Great
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 7 days | 6 days |
| Price From | $ 1,844 | $ 1,740 |
| Price Per Day | $ 263 | $ 290 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | NA | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Immerse yourself in class, culture, and history on this incredible 6-night journey through England and Wales! Enjoy scenic train rides between countries, and gaze out the window at stunning landscapes and small villages as you pass. Your trip will start and end in London, home of Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Tower Bridge, and tons of other postcard-worthy sites. Stroll through bustling Trafalgar Square, mosey around antique-shop-lined Notting Hill, or see a colorful musical in London's West End! Treat yourself to afternoon tea, or wander around buzzing Borough Market. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to grab a pint of ale and fish n' chips at a traditional pub. The mid-section of your trip will be spent in cultural Cardiff. Step into a storybook at Cardiff Castle, enjoy cool vibes at the Pierhead, and take in beautiful views of Cardiff Bay. Take advantage of this city's art and food scene. Check out Cardiff's world-renowned restaurants and visit the city's unique museums and galleries! With an included 24-Hour Hop-On/Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour, you'll be able to experience Cardiff front to back. |
Sample some of Scotland’s most iconic walks like the West Highland Way and the Great Glen Way and conquer Ben Nevis - the highest peak in Scotland and the entire United Kingdom – with two expert guides by your side. Fort William, a charming town located on the shores of Loch Linnhe, is famous for being the gateway to Ben Nevis and will be your home away from home on this trip which takes you through an ever changing landscape that is famous for its Scottish culture, dramatic landscapes, and breathtaking natural scenery. Add a charming Scottish town and atmospheric pubs to enjoy at the end of each day and this walking trip has it all. |
Day 1 Welcome to London!
Touch down in the city of class and sophistication: London! Upon arrival, make your way to your first accommodation. Once you check-in and get settled, head out and explore the city! Treat yourself to a celebratory dinner of fish n' chips - with a pint of local ale, of course.
Day 2 London - Cardiff, Wales
Rise and shine! Enjoy an energizing breakfast, then hop aboard a scenic train ride from London, England, to Cardiff, Wales. Keep your eyes focused out the window, as you will be passing through some stunning landscapes! Make your way to your Cardiff accommodation and get settled. Take a walk through the city center and get to know the area!
Day 3 Cardiff
Start off with a lovely breakfast. Today, you might want to activate your 24-hour Cardiff City Sightseeing Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Tour. See everything from Cardiff Castle and Mermaid Quay to Principality Stadium and unique museums! Enjoy a fun-filled day of sightseeing in Cardiff.
Day 4 Cardiff
Seize the day! After breakfast, use the remaining hours of your Sightseeing Bus Pass, then stroll around Cardiff Central Market. Nosh on some yummy Welsh cakes, then snag some locally made souvenirs! Pay a visit to beautiful Cardiff Castle, then get some fresh air in nearby Bute Park. Take a walk along the River Taff!
Day 5 Cardiff - London
Say "see ya" to Cardiff and board your train back to London! After a scenic ride, make your way to your hotel and check-in. Spend the rest of your day leisurely exploring England's cool capital. Treat yourself to classy afternoon tea, enjoy a ride on the London Eye, or climb St. Paul's Cathedral for an incredible view. Tonight, consider seeing a show on London's vibrant West End!
Day 6 London
Make the most of your last day in London! Be sure to get selfies on the Tower Bridge and in an iconic red phone-booth. Check out the Tower of London, feel like royalty at Buckingham Palace, and say hello to Big Ben! Looking to explore beyond the city center? Discover the beautiful pastel-painted houses of charming Notting Hill, indulge in delicious bites at artsy Camden Market, or take a photo crossing iconic Abbey Road!
Day 7 Depart England
Squeeze all your souvenirs into your suitcase and head to the airport. Find your gate, then spend your flight home replaying wonderful memories and dreaming about your next adventure!
Day 1 Fort William
Welcome to the Highlands! Your adventure begins in Fort William, cradled amidst the captivating landscapes of the Scottish West Highlands. The town is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering exceptional hiking, climbing, winter and water sports opportunities. The imposing presence of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, looms large, making this town a mecca for those seeking Highland mountain adventures. With a rich history and friendly community, Fort William will be your home for the next five nights. After you’ve settled into your accommodation, meet your leader and the rest of your group at a welcome meeting, then enjoy an easy hike to stretch the legs, maybe to a ruined castle on a historic battle site.
Day 2 Devil's Staircase
This morning, you’ll catch the local bus to nearby Glencoe, where you’ll hike the West Highland Way from Glencoe to Kinlochleven, over the famous Devil’s Staircase. As you ascend, you'll quickly understand why it's called the Devil's Staircase. The path climbs steeply, zigzagging its way up the mountainside. This section can be challenging but immensely rewarding, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the vast expanse of the region. Keep an eye out for deer as you take in the tranquil views on this occasionally challenging but rewarding hike. There’s no need to walk back to where you started on this point-to point walk as a short transfer will take you back to Fort William for a relaxing night.
Day 3 West Highland Way
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll take a public bus to the start of the hike in Kinlochleven, a scenic village located at the eastern end of Loch Leven. From here, hike the final stage of the West Highland Way, which will take you over the mountain pass and through the picturesque valley, on your way back to Fort William. This leg of the West Highland Way marks the official end of the famous trail, and serves as the starting point for the Great Glen Way, which you'll explore tomorrow. In the evening, there is the option to join your fellow travelers for dinner, to reflect on the day’s’ adventure.
Day 4 Great Glen Way
Today is a bit of an easier day today, which could be considered as a rest day for tired legs! The Great Glen Way is a long-distance walking route that spans from Fort William to Inverness, following the picturesque Great Glen, which cuts through the Scottish Highlands. Today, you’ll hike the opening stage. Starting from the accommodation, the hike takes you from Fort William and follows the banks of the Caledonian Canal. Built in the 19th century, the Caledonian Canal is a man-made waterway that links east to west Scotland. Your route continues onto the small highland settlement of Gairloch. Follow a country lane to the nearby Commando Memorial which has amazing views across the Ben Nevis mountain range, before finishing in Spean Bridge.
Day 5 Ben Nevis
Today marks the pinnacle of your Scottish walking adventure with the challenging ascent of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Scotland (and in fact, the entire United Kingdom). The name Ben Nevis means 'mountain with its head in the clouds' in ancient Gaelic. This walk is considered a must do by hikers around the world. Starting at sea level, follow a rough trail to the summit at 1345 m. This is a challenging full day in the mountains, so you’ll need excellent physical preparation and determination to reach the summit. To assist on your ascent, the group will be accompanied by two seasoned guides who will provide expertise, support and motivation for a successful climb and descent. When you’ve accomplished this feat, a private transfer will take you back to the accommodation where you can unwind and relax with a sense of achievement.
Day 6 Cow Hill
After breakfast, head out for a final hike with great views across Ben Nevis and the surrounding area, a celebratory victory walk after conquering the mighty peak. Starting directly from your accommodation, hike into Glen Nevis and head uphill to reach the summit of Cow Hill. Your efforts are rewarded with fantastic views of Glen Nevis and the many peaks which surround it, as well as across Fort William to Loch Linnhe and beyond. It’s a memorable place to finish the trip and reflect on an amazing week of hiking in Scotland. A short steep descent completes the circuit and takes you back into Fort William by lunchtime, giving you time to catch a bus to Inverness, or a train south to Glasgow.
