Independent Highlands & Skye Explorer 
If you want to see a wide variety of Scotland in a short time, this 10 night holiday is the tour for you. The flexible itinerary allows you to choose the balance between walking and sightseeing to meet your own aspirations. You will be based at three different locations in Highland Perthshire, the Isle of Skye and the West Highlands.
Have it your way!
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At each location we will provide you with a choice of full day walks, shorter walks and sightseeing attractions. There are 6 days without any travel enabling you to enjoy full day walks on these days if desired. Sightseeing options include castles, distilleries, highland culture and folklore, historic Glencoe, incredible scenery and the option of Eilean Donan Castle.
We are offering a choice of Standard and Superior options on this holiday. A Premier option (hotel accommodation) can also be arranged. Please contact us for a quotation.
On all options evening meals are available locally either at your accommodation or nearby. The Value option allows for either self-catering or eating out. Packed lunches are obtainable either from accommodation providers or local shops. Details will be provided in your holiday dossier.
Note: the use of local public transport (not included) is required on this holiday to reach the start of some of the walks.
Start: Glasgow flexible time
Finish: Glasgow flexible time
Edinburgh start/finish available for £12 supplement
Available: all year round.
Departure days: any day of the week.
NB: on Tuesday and Wednesday departures it will not be possible to visit Eilean Donan Castle unless you arrange a taxi.
Typical Itinerary
Day 1: Travel by train to your first base in Highland Perthshire
Day 2-3: 2 full days to explore this beautiful part of the country with its mountains, lochs, woodlands and rivers. You could choose the ascent of a local mountain, a gentle riverside walk through natural woods, a wild highland glen and Blair Castle (ancestral home of the Duke of Atholl) or enjoy a wee dram at a local distillery.
Day 4: Travel to Inverness by train. You could choose to spend additional time in Perthshire and travel late in the day or travel in the morning and spend the afternoon exploring Scotland’s Highland Capital.
Day 5: Travel by train on the scenic North Highland Line and then by bus across the Skye Bridge and on to your accommodation on Skye. On the way you can choose to visit Eilean Donan Castle (Monday to Fridays only).
Day 6-7: 2 full days on the misty Isle of Skye. Utilising local public transport will enable you to choose from a variety of options including walks, boat trips and sightseeing.
Day 8: Bus and ferry to reach the west coast fishing port of Mallaig from where you board the train to Fort William. This train journey rates as one of the most spectacular in the world.
Days 9-10: 2 full days based in Fort William. Numerous options are available to you. You may choose to walk part of the West Highland Way or take it easy with a ride in a gondola high up the mountains.
Days 11: Travel to Glasgow (or Edinburgh) by train across wild Rannoch Moor and by Loch Lomondside.
Standard Option - What's Included
Includes:
- 10 nights hostel accommodation
- 4 continental breakfasts and 3 full breakfasts
- 5 train journeys
- 1 ferry journey
- Holiday dossier and maps
- Temporary SYHA membership
- Emergency telephone support
Not included:
- Packed lunches and evening meals
- 3 breakfasts
- Entry fees
- 2 essential bus journeys on Skye
- Cost of public transport / taxi to reach walks / visitor attractions
Optional extras:
- Edinburgh departure/return £12
- Additional nights at any of the destinations – please ask for a quote before booking
Prices:
££515 per person based on minimum of 2 people in the group
Individual price £569
Superior Option - What's Included
Includes:
- 10 nights guest house accommodation (ensuite where possible)
- 10 breakfasts
- 5 train journeys
- 1 ferry journey
- Holiday dossier and maps
- Emergency telephone support
Not included:
- Packed lunches and evening meals
- Entry fees
- 2 essential bus journeys on Skye
- Cost of public transport / taxi to reach walks / visitor attractions
Optional extras:
- Edinburgh departure/return £12
- Additional nights at any of the destinations – please ask for a quote before booking
Price:
£699 per person based on minimum of 2 people in the group
Single room supplement £120 (maximum of 1 single room per party – if you require multiple single rooms please contact us prior to booking)
Book Your Independent Walking Holiday
2 or more: Minimum 2 people per booking
Individual: Individual bookings
| Option | Price | SRS | Choose your date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard
(2 or more) |
£515 pp | n/a | |
| Standard
(Individual) |
£569 pp | Incl. | |
| Superior
(2 or more) |
£699 pp | £120 |
Independent Walking
- Section Overview
- Independent Walking Enquiry
- St Cuthberts Way
- West Highland Way
- Great Glen Way
- Kintyre Way
- Highlands & Skye Explorer
- West Coast & Islands
Useful Information
- How to book
- Accommodation & Meals
- Grading Information
- Equipment List
- Insurance
- Booking Conditions
- Contact Us
- F.A.Q's
