Scotland Hiking: The West Highland Way & Inner Hebrides Islands
9 days | 11 days with Edinburgh extension
- Physical activity
- Group size
- 5–22 travelers
Epic trails through ancient lore and awe-inspiring lochs
Scotland’s glittering lochs and deep, mountain-encased glens make the country a natural paradise for hikers—especially thanks to the bucket list West Highland Way, which runs through the Scottish Highlands. Mystical forests like Garadhban hold centuries of history, while rugged valleys and sweeping countryside are home to some of the most untouched nature in Europe. In the Loch Lomond region—immortalized in the famous Scottish folk song “The Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond”—you’ll see a few different stretches of the West Highland Way as it passes through wildflower-covered moorlands and peaks overlooking island-strewn lochs. In Oban, “The Gateway to the Isles,” sip Scottish whisky at one of the country’s oldest licensed distilleries before spending a full day exploring the Inner Hebrides on the Isle of Mull. Sample the Isle’s famous cheddar at a local cheese farm before visiting the postcard-perfect old fishing town of Tobermory, one of the top wildlife-watching spots in the UK. Then it’s off to the glacier-carved Glencoe Valley and Ben Nevis area, one of the country’s must-visit spots for hikers thanks to the challenging trek of the steep Devil’s Staircase and picturesque scenery of the dramatic Lost Valley. Get ready to discover a landscape where Scotland’s ancient Celtic roots and colorful mythology come to life—and where each moment deserves a celebratory toast, or "slàinte mhath!"
What's included
- 7 nights in handpicked hotels
- Private bus for local transfers
- Roundtrip ferry tickets from Oban to Isle of Mull
- 7 breakfasts
- 1 lunch
- 4 dinners with beer or wine
- 1 whisky tasting, 1 cheese tasting & 1 afternoon tea with scones tasting
- An expert European Tour Director
- Local licensed guides for select hikes
- Select guided sightseeing tours
Why you'll love it
- Admire sweeping views over Loch Lomond from the summit of Conic Hill
- Sip Scotland’s beloved whisky on a tour of a distillery in Oban
- Stroll along the Isle of Mull visiting a farm for a local cheese tasting
- Climb the stone steps on the Devil's Staircase stretch of the West Highland Way
- Go chasing the Steall Waterfall on a hike through the impressive Nevis Gorge
- Marvel at sights of the Three Sisters Massif while hiking through the Lost Valley
Itinerary
Overnight flight
Day 1: Fly to Scotland
You’ve learned a few phrases in ancient Scottish Gaelic and broken in your new hiking shoes. Grab your passport and bag and make your way to the airport for your overnight flight to Scotland. Settle in with a few movies and books while dreaming about the sweeping, forest-strewn countryside and crystal-clear lakes that await when you land.
Loch Lomond region
Day 2: Arrival in Glasgow & transfer to Loch Lomond region
Included meal: Welcome dinner
Fàilte gu alba, or, welcome to Scotland! You’ll touch down at the Glasgow airport, then meet your fellow travelers and Tour Director before transferring 30 minutes to the Loch Lomond region to kick off your trip. This area is the postcard-perfect vision you expect when you think of Scotland: rolling hills, bucolic countryside, and dozens of islands stretching over the majestic loch itself. The namesake lake (the translation of loch) is part of Scotland’s first national park, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs. This sprawling wilderness of rivers and mountains serves as a gateway to the famous West Highland Way, the long-distance walking route you’ll explore tomorrow.
- Meet an EF representative at the Glasgow airport.
- Transfer 30 minutes to your hotel in the Loch Lomond region to check in and explore your surroundings.
- Toast with a glass of beer or wine while getting to know your fellow hikers and Tour Director during a Welcome Orientation.
- Continue bonding as you enjoy a Welcome Dinner—your first group meal—at a local restaurant.
Note: Transfer from the airport to the hotel is only available to travelers who book round-trip flights with EF Adventures.
Handpicked accommodations
From boutique hotels to 5-star luxury retreats, our accommodations are curated with the expert eye and attention to detail that come from 60 years of travel experience, always prioritizing authenticity. We select high-quality properties that balance comfort, location, sustainability, and local charm. From bustling city centers to serene countryside and picturesque small towns, each hotel is chosen to complement your adventure’s unique style. While the specific accommodations may vary based on your travel dates, you can always count on staying at fantastic properties that meet our standards for quality and character.
Flights
Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
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