Walk the North West Highlands and Skye

8 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
This three-centre walking holiday showcases the stunning natural beauty and wild nature of Scotland's North West Highlands and Skye. Enjoy varied and rewarding walks on glacier-carved mountains, spectacular coastal scenery and the rugged interior and iconic landscapes of Skye. Expertly guided by our experienced mountain leader and intertwined with culture, cu...
19%
$3,641
From$2,960
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Climb iconic hills in the North West Highlands Geopark
    • Explore the Wester Ross coastline with stunning seascapes and pristine beaches
    • Experience the magic of the Cuillin and Quiraing on the Isle of Skye

What's this trip about?

    This three-centre walking holiday showcases the stunning natural beauty and wild nature of Scotland's North West Highlands and Skye. Enjoy varied and rewarding walks on glacier-carved mountains, spectacular coastal scenery and the rugged interior and iconic landscapes of Skye. Expertly guided by our experienced mountain leader and intertwined with culture, cuisine, history, nature and geology. North West Highlands UNESCO Geopark - Climb iconic hills in the Assynt and Inverpolly Gairloch - Explore the coastline with stunning seascapes and pristine white-sand beaches Isle of Skye - Experience the magic of the Cuillin and Quiraing Small group walking holiday - Maximum 8 guests

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityInverness Train Station
End CityInverness Train Station

Travel Themes

  • Trekking & Expeditions

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Scotland

Attractions

  • Inverness
  • Loch Ness

Activities

  • Trekking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip Inverness. Drive to Ullapool

The trip starts at Inverness Rail Station at 13.30. After meeting we have a scenic drive (1.5hrs) to Ullapool, a thriving fishing town nestled on the shores of beautiful Loch Broom. Founded in 1788 as a herring port, the town was designed by Thomas Telford. Despite it...

Day 2 Explore the Assynt and climb Cul Mor

After a full Scottish breakfast we embark on our first exploration of the UNESCO Geopark with a wonderful walk in the Assynt region just to the north of Ullapool. Assynt is rich in indigenous plant life such as lavender, miniature wild orchids and Scotland's national ...

Day 3 Climb Stac Pollaidh and transfer to Gairloch

We check out of the guesthouse this morning after breakfast. First we drive north again into the Geopark, this time further east into the Inverpolly area to Stac Pollaidh; arguably one of the more well-known and distinctive hills in the area. From the foot of the moun...

Day 4 Walk the dramatic coast on Rua Reidh headland, looking for marine and bird life

Today we explore the dramatic coastal scenery on the headland just to the north of Gairloch, with stunning views across the Straits of Minch to the Isle of Skye and the Western Isles. We ascend from sea level to the 350-metre cliffs, looking out for marine life such a...

Day 5 Hike Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail. Transfer to Isle of Skye

After breakfast and checking out of our accommodation we drive east and our first stop is the Beinn Eighe massif, Britain's oldest National Nature Reserve - which now forms part of the UNESCO Wester Ross Biosphere reserve. Beinn Eighe is a vast mountain ridge, between...

Day 6 Skye - Cuillin Hills – Climb Bruach Na Frithe

After breakfast we drive a short distance into the Cuillin Hills. 2 Cuillin ranges dominate the landscape on Skye - the Black and the Red Cuillin separated by Glen Sligachan. The iconic ridge of the Black Cuillin is one of the most challenging ranges in the UK and is ...

Day 7 Skye - Climb the Quiraing for dramatic views

For our final day of hiking we enjoy a scenic drive (1hr) up to the far north end of the Trotternish Ridge to the Quiraing - a stunning landscape that has been formed by a massive landslip which has created rugged cliffs, hidden plateaux and rock pinnacles. Our goal i...

Day 8 Drive via Loch Ness to Inverness where our trip ends

After a last hearty breakfast we bid farewell to the Isle of Skye. The drive back to Inverness takes around 3 hours and we plan to drive alongside Loch Ness for the final section of the route. We arrive back at the rail station at about 12.30 where the trip ends.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,960
Price per day$370
Last Updated: 5/10/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
25 May 2024
01 Jun 2024
$3,090
$760
Sold Out
22 Jun 2024
29 Jun 2024
$2,960
$760
5 spots left
10 Aug 2024
17 Aug 2024
$3,190
$760
2 spots left
07 Sep 2024
14 Sep 2024
$3,230
$760
2 spots left
19 May 2025
26 May 2025
$3,330
$810
8 spots left
03 Jun 2025
10 Jun 2025
$3,330
$810
8 spots left
21 Jun 2025
28 Jun 2025
$3,330
$810
8 spots left
12 Jul 2025
19 Jul 2025
$3,330
$810
8 spots left
09 Aug 2025
16 Aug 2025
$3,330
$810
8 spots left
06 Sep 2025
13 Sep 2025
$3,330
$810
8 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,777
Great
2,252
Average
379
Disappointing
120
Terrible
57
L

Len

Aug 2023

Written on

Walk the North West Highlands and Skye

Andy Tibbs is the best tour leader. Climbing Bruach Na Frithe was the highlight.

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Minibus, On Foot,

Transportation & flights

Minibus, On Foot
Guides
Explore Tour Leader
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
UK: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 7
  • Dinner : 2
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-WHS

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