(5-Day Trip) The Scottish Highlands, Ben Nevis & the Isle of Skye

You’ll explore the dramatic Scottish Highlands, experience the magic of the Isle of Skye and climb Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain. Along the way, you’ll immerse yourself in Scotland’s wild, untamed landscapes and enjoy its outstanding traditional cuisine. We’ve worked hard to secure accommodation in top locations: Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, Portree on the Isle of Skye, Ratagan in a breathtakingly remote setting on the shores of Loch Duich, and Balmaha, a picturesque village overlooking Loch Lomond. To ensure maximum flexibility and a truly personal experience, the group will be limited to just 13 participants.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the Isle of Skye – Scotland's most Instagrammable and famous destination
• Climb Ben Nevis (1345m) – the highest mountain in Britain
• Spend the night in Portree, the capital of the Isle of Skye, and enjoy its picturesque harbour and jolly, colourful houses
• Hike to the iconic rock pinnacle of the Old Man of Storr
• See Black Cuillin Mountains – some of the most dramatic and challenging mountains in Britain
• Enjoy delicious local specialities and fresh seafood
• Spend the night in a stunning remote location on the shores of Loch Duich (see the picture), with views of the Five Sisters of Kintail mountain range from the living room
• Walk to the magical Fairy Pools and enjoy a refreshing wild swim in the crystal-clear waters
• Relax in the popular village of Balmaha on the shores of Loch Lomond – the largest lake in Britain
• See the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. It's one of the most famous castles in Scotland, and probably appears on more shortbread tins and calendars than any other.
• Enjoy a breathtaking drive through the Scottish Highlands and Glencoe Valley
• Take a cruise around Loch Lomond and its beautiful islands, or climb Conic Hill (361m), which offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views of Loch Lomond

ITINERARY
Day 1 – Saturday (13/06):

06:45 Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station)
07:00 Sharp departure
13:00-13:45 Stop for lunch at Tebay Services Farmshop and Kitchen
19:30 Arrive in Fort William, check in at Glen Nevis Youth Hostel at the foot of Ben Nevis, dinner and free time
Day 2 – Sunday (14/06):

08:00 Breakfast in Fort William, buy packed lunches/snacks for Ben Nevis
09:30-16:30 Climb Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in Britain (difficulty: Difficult, distance: 17km, ascent: 1340m)
17:00-19:00 Free time for dinner and to explore souvenir shops in Fort William
20:30 Check in at Ratagan Youth Hostel, on the shores of Loch Duich
Day 3 – Monday (15/06):

08:30 Depart
09:00-10:30 Breakfast at Hectors Bothy near the Skye Bridge, buy packed lunches
11:30-13:00 An easy walk to the Fairy Pools, with an option to swim
14:00-17:00 Hike to the Old Man of Storr (difficulty: Moderate, distance: 5km, ascent: 320m)
17:30 Check in at Portree Youth Hostel, in the capital of the Isle of Skye
18:00 Dinner and free time in Portree. Recommended for dinner: Sea Breezes seafood restaurant (please book a table in advance if you prefer to eat out).
Day 4 – Tuesday (16/06):

08:00 Breakfast in Portree
09:15 Depart
09:45-09:55 Photo stop next to the Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
10:15-11:15 A short walk to the Quiraing – a vast, surreal landscape of jagged cliffs, crumpled hills and dramatic rock pinnacles
11:45-12:45 A short walk to Fairy Glen and Castle Ewen
13:30-15:00 Lunch at Sligachan Hotel, with views towards the Cuillin Mountains
16:00-16:45 Photo stop next to the romantic Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most photographed castles
16:45-21:30 A scenic drive through the Scottish Highlands
21:30 Check in at Birchwood Guest Lodge in the picturesque village of Balmaha, on the shores of Loch Lomond
Day 5 – Wednesday (17/06):

07:30 Breakfast and free time in the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. There are a few fantastic options for how to spend the morning (see below). Everyone can choose what suits them best, as all activities start in Balmaha village, where we’re staying, so no driving is required.
09:00-12:00 Climb Conic Hill (361m) – one of the most spectacular viewpoints of Loch Lomond (difficulty: Moderate, distance: 6km, ascent: 350m), or
10:45-12:15 Take a 90-minute boat cruise around Loch Lomond and its beautiful islands (£19)
12:30 Depart to London
14:00-14:45 Stop for lunch at Cairn Lodge Services Farmshop and Kitchen
14:45 Drive to London, with 2 stops at services (15 minutes)
22:00 London, Hammersmith
DIFFICULTY & EQUIPMENT
Please note that this trip requires a very good level of fitness, particularly if you would like to climb Ben Nevis. However, on each day, your guide will be able to offer easier alternatives. Good hiking boots with ankle support and waterproof clothing are essential.
TRANSPORT
As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus.
LUGGAGE
You may bring two bags with you: one cabin-size personal item bag (maximum 10kg, 55 × 40 × 20 cm) and one hiking backpack. Please note that luggage space is limited, so suitcases larger than cabin size cannot be accommodated. During the hike, you can leave your luggage in the minibus.
BOOKING
You’re welcome to book and pay via Eventbrite. However, to get the best price and avoid the Eventbrite commission (around £68), we recommend booking directly through our Meetup page or emailing us at [email protected]
THE PRICE OF £798 INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Two experienced, professional PSV minibus drivers
• Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader
• Three nights’ accommodation in excellent, well-reviewed hostels in prime locations, with single-gender rooms reserved exclusively for our group (maximum of four people per room). During peak summer on the Isle of Skye, group hotel accommodation is extremely limited and frequently exceeds £500 per room per night, making hostels the most practical and appropriate option.
• One night's accommodation at a hotel in shared twin rooms (you'll share your room with somebody from our group of the same gender)
• Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders
• Admin fee
• 20% VAT

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects, and personal trekking insurance)
• Food
  

HOW TO CONTACT US
For all enquiries, please email us at [email protected] We'll usually get back to you within 4 hours.
WHAT TO BRING

• Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
• Gloves/hat/cap
• Water bottle (min 1L)
• Nuts and energy snacks to last you during the trip
• Walking poles (optional)
  

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REFUND POLICY
You can check our refund policy here.

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