We offer guided walks on a wide variety of long distance trails and we have something to suit all experience levels, interests and abilities. This guide has been written to help you choose the right trail for you.
Most Famous Route: West Highland Way
Walking days: 7
Total length: 96 miles (154.5 km)
Difficulty: 3/5
Scenery: Lowland countryside to Highland mountain scenes
Terrain: mostly well-defined paths but will some hillier days and sections of rougher terrain
Ave. hours of walking per day: 7.5
Beginner Friendly: Yes – for the fit and determined
The West Highland Way is the most famous and perhaps best loved long distance walking route in Scotland. It begins in Milngavie (on the edge of Glasgow) and ends in Fort William in the Highlands.
It’s an incredibly diverse trail which explores some of the best scenery Scotland has to offer. From mountains and lochs, to moorland and farmland, the West Highland Way trek really does have it all.
It is a trek that attracts first time long distance trail walkers and is achievable for those of good general fitness.
Also consider the Coast to Coast West and the Coast to Coast East, England’s most famous route, and the Snowdonia Way in Wales.
Beginner Friendly & Easier Walking: Northumberland Coast Path
Walking days: 6
Total length: 62 miles (100 km)
Difficulty: 1/5
Scenery: Sweeping coastlines and castles
Terrain: mostly well-defined low-level paths and sandy beaches
Ave. hours of walking per day: 6
Beginner Friendly: Yes
The Northumberland Coast Path follows the historic Northumbrian coastline, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is our most gentle trek and a great place to start for someone new to long distance walking. This stunning route is a haven for wildlife, especially nesting seabirds, and is rich with medieval castles, making it a trek packed with interest. Unlike more rugged coastal routes such as the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, the Northumberland Coast Path offers fairly gentle walking with fewer steep ascents and descents. We enjoy this trek over six days, allowing plenty of time to take it all in.
Also consider the St Cuthbert’s Way‘s rolling countryside and unique finish, and the Great Glen Way linking Fort William and Inverness.
Stunning Scenery: Skye Trail
Walking days: 7
Total length: 79 miles (127 km)
Difficulty: 4/5
Scenery: Stunning mountain and coastal views
Terrain: Mixed terrain including some rough boggy and rocky sections, significant hills, and off-path terrain.
Ave. hours of walking per day: 7
Beginner Friendly: Not really – this would be tough trek for first timers.
The Skye Trail is a challenging, unofficial long-distance route. It is unmarked, and some sections are not even on paths. There is one particularly long day on this trail on which will go over a series of hills along the Trotternish Ridge, totalling a height greater than Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain.
However, the challenge is well worth the effort, as you will experience some of the most breathtaking scenery in Scotland. Along the way, you will pass the ruins of deserted villages, destroyed during the Highland Clearances. You will enjoy multiple views of the Cuillin Ridge and walk over the spectacular Trotternish Ridge past the famous Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing.
Also consider the dramatic cliffs of Pembrokeshire Coast Path and the wild isles of the Hebridean Way.
A Taste of Adventure: Affric Kintail Way
Walking days: 4
Total length: 47 miles (75.5 km)
Difficulty: 3/5
Scenery: Forest, woodland, mountains and glens
Terrain: Excellent tracks and paths which become rougher through the mountains.
Ave. hours of walking per day: 7
Beginner Friendly: Yes – for the adventurous
The Affric Kintail Way is a superb cross-country route from Drumnadrochit on the banks of Loch Ness, to Morvich on the west coast.
This trail works its way westwards through the stunning Glen Affric National Nature Reserve, taking us to some of the most remote places on any of our treks. On night 4 we will stay at the Glen Affric Youth Hostel (Alltbeithe) in the heart of Glen Affric, before our final day’s trekking through the Kintail mountains to Morvich.
A unique trek, different to anything else we have on offer and with only moderate distances of walking on most days it is an achievable adventure for many.
Also consider a trip to the Western Isles on the Highlights of the Hebridean Way and quiet trails of the East Highland Way.
A Big Challenge: Cape Wrath Trail
Walking days: 18
Total length: 250 miles (402 km)
Difficulty: 5/5
Scenery: Varied mountainous landscapes
Terrain: Rough trail, big hills, bogs, rocks, and the occasional good path.
Hours of walking per day: 7-12
Beginner Friendly: No – this is the UKs most challenging long distance trail.
The Cape Wrath Trail is widely regarded as the hardest long distance trail in the UK. There is no path or way-markers to follow, with walkers taking various remote routes from Fort William to Cape Wrath.
It is mostly walked as a self-supported back-packing “thru hike”, with numerous wild camps and bothy stops. We have broken the route into 3 more manageable stages and designed our variation to allow us access to comfortable accommodation on most nights. This means some very big days!
The Cape Wrath Trail is a big achievement and a highlight for any long distance walker. It is tough and rewarding in equal measure.
Also consider Scotland’s coast to coast, the Southern Upland Way, and the the length of Scotland Scottish National Trail.
Coastal: Arran Coastal Way
Walking days: 6
Total length: 65 miles (105.5 km)
Difficulty: 3/5
Scenery: Coastal scenery with granite mountains
Terrain: A mix of rough trail, bouldery shoreline, tracks and roads, and mountain paths.
Ave. hours of walking per day: 7.5
Beginner Friendly: Only for those of good balance and general fitness
The Arran Coastal Way circumnavigates the Isle of Arran, including an ascent of Arran’s highest mountain, Goatfell. The island is often described as Scotland in miniature as it has a bit of everything.
This is a coastal “way” rather than coast “path” with some very rough sections of coastal boulders to negotiate, requiring careful footwork. There are also sections of road and good track where you can lift your head to the views and stride out.
The coast of Arran is varied, geologically interesting, full of wildlife and includes the South Arran Marine Protection Area.
Also consider the Pembrokeshire Coast Path (North), the Northumberland Coast Path, and the Hebridean Way.
View all our long distance trail trekking holidays and our trip calendar for a full list of departures. And if you want to discuss which trip is right for you don’t hesitate to contact us.
