About The Northwest Highlands Trek
At a glance...
Country: Scotland
Group size: Minimum of two (2)
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Activity: Hiking and sightseeing
Travel style: Guided
Difficulty grade: Moderate (See details below)
Comfort: 3-4* hotels
Northwest Highlands
of Scotland- Dates are subject to slight changes. These dates will proceed with groups of 3-8 trekkers.
July 21-30, 2024
Must book at least 60 days prior to departure. $750 deducted from final payment if booked in April 2024.
Northwest highland trek details
- Start and end in the historical and mysterious city of Inverness, the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands
- Hike the rugged peaks, heather-clad moors, and island-fringed coastlines of the Northwest Highlands
- “Bag a Munro” (and a Corbett and a Graham)
- Experience more than just mountains as you walk down secluded beaches and relax upon a scenic boat cruise of the Summer Isles
- Tour one of Scotland’s whisky distilleries and taste a sample of their finest
- Witness first-hand some of the best peaks in Scotland and feel the huge sense of achievement with every summit reached
- Hobnail Trekking Co. long-sleeve trekking shirt and ball cap
- Custom Hobnail mobile app
- Lots of freebies
- Opportunities to get to know your fellow trekkers include an invitation to a WhatsApp group for your trek, group training hikes if trekkers live in proximity to each other, and other local social gatherings
- All transfers as required from Day 1 to Day 10, starting and ending in Inverness
- All luggage transfers
- 9 nights of double-occupancy accommodations in small hotels and inns
- All breakfasts
- All packed lunches
- 6 dinners (Days 3, 5, and 7 not included)
- Additional snacks while hiking
- Qualified, experienced local guide throughout the trip
- All guided hikes, visits, and activities as described in the itinerary
- Gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff
- 24/7 in-country trip support
- Taxes and permits
- The company of new friends and the experience of a lifetime
- Travel insurance (See the Travel Insurance section on this page for details)
- International flights
- Entrance Visa
- Meals not included on itinerary
- Drinks other than table water
- Entrance fees for attractions not included in itinerary
- Tips for leaders, other guides, etc. (we’ll give you guidance on this)
- Personal trekking equipment (hiking boots, clothing, etc.)
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, room service, extra hotel nights, extra meals, etc.)
- Spending money, including for souvenirs
- All expenses associated with non-scheduled departure
We rate this trek as “moderate to challenging” in difficulty, or three boots.
Moderate-to-challenging treks are usually active and require an above average fitness level to accomplish. Daily activity duration is typically between 4 and 7 hours, and the total length of the trek may be up to two weeks. Expect some signficant elevation gains and losses and rough trail conditions on occassion.
OK, here’s where we get serious. Hobnail requires that all trekkers purchase travel/medical insurance that covers them properly for all trekking activities.
There are a lot more details you need to know about travel insurance than we want to put in this limited space — including stuff about trip cancellations and what company we recommend — so when you’re ready, pop over to our Travel Insurance page.
We consider our treks to be adventures, not vacations. We’re not Hobnail Vacation Company, after all! Don’t get us wrong; we like vacations as much as the next person, but with our treks, you need to be physically and mentally ready. Here’s what we ask of you:
- You thoroughly read all the information we send you prior to departure.
- You get yourself an accountability partner and train properly. This doesn’t mean doing a few squats two weeks before departure.
- You familiarize yourself with your gear prior to leaving. Practice adjusting your backpack, filtering water if necessary, etc.
- If you purchase new boots, they are broken in well in advance of departure.
- When on trek, you FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF YOUR GUIDE. His or her only concern is helping you achieve your goal safely and in good health, but this won’t happen unless you follow their advice. This includes – but is not limited to – food recommendations, speed of pace, when to sleep and when not to, when to walk and when to rest, when to turn around due to illness, etc.
- When on trek, you treat your guide and the locals you encounter with the utmost respect. We are guests in their country and very grateful to be there.
All of these things may seem like common sense — and they are — but we feel that we must mention them. Hobnail’s goal is to provide you with the best experience possible, and you have an important role in achieving that goal.
Trekking is more dictated by conditioning and will than by age. On the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trail, for example, we see people in their 70s and as young as 10 (although we generally recommend 14 as a good minimum age for long-distance trekking). We’ve seen people hiking with prosthetic limbs and even heard of a guy doing the entire EBC trek in a wheelchair. The bottom line is, if you have a passion for adventure and the outdoors, you are willing to train and prepare yourself, and you promise to follow your guide’s instructions, we will be honored to guide you on a trek.
A few days after registering for a trek (with a deposit of at least $500), we’ll give you a quick call to say hello and answer any initial questions you may have. If you use WhatsApp, we’ll add you to a group with your fellow trekkers so that you may interact with them, and possibly your guide, before departure. You’ll be able to post questions in the group anytime you’d like, talk about the cool gear you’re planning to take with you, organize group hikes if you live near each other, and generally just get to know those who will be sharing this incredible experience with you.
Within the first weeks after your trek is confirmed, you will receive a Welcome Kit from us. It contains stuff that you can use during training and on the trek itself, as well as some other fun things to get you (even more) excited about your trip.
You’ll also receive a login to our Hobnail app, which is full of great information including a day-by-day schedule, nearby points of interest, beautiful photography, and yet another way to contact us – through its messaging service. As your trip gets closer, we will continue to load information into your app, including your flights and airport maps, links to places you’ll be staying, and other tips and helpful information to ensure you have more than you need to feel confident about your upcoming trek.
The closer you get to your trek, the more you’ll hear from us — but of course, you can reach out any time you have a question.
What happens if my trek is not confirmed?
If the minimum number for the trek you booked is not reached before the 60-day booking deadline, you will be eligible for either a refund or to transfer your deposit to another trek. See details HERE.
Our Mobile App
When you book, we send you the login credentials to your own, customized app. By departure, your app will contain your flight info, passport, travel insurance docs, and COVID info, as well as your full itinerary, points of interest, and other amazing stuff. Get more details at our app page.
TREK ITINERARY
DAY 1: Arrive in Inverness, Tour of Whisky Distillery
Welcome to Scotland!
Your trek begins in Inverness – the northernmost city in the United Kingdom, and often referred to as the capital of the Scottish Highlands. You’ll have the morning to yourself before meeting up with your guide and the rest of your group at around 2 pm.
Your adventure “officially” begins here, when you hop on board private transportation and head northwest for approximately 90 minutes through pretty amazing scenery. Leaving Inverness, you’ll be surrounded by rolling hills and lush green landscapes with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. En route, we will pop into a local whisky distillery, Glen Ord, for a tour and a wee tasting at the end. Theirs has a fairly soft flavor, which means that most people will like it. Let us know if you agree.
Finally arriving in Ullapool — the gateway to a land of rugged peaks — you’ll be struck by the landscape opening up to reveal the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. The town is nestled on the shores of Loch Broom, which can be seen directly from your accommodations for the evening.
*Note: Inverness itself is a destination, full of award-winning attractions and a history that dates back to at least the 6th century AD. If you’re able to take the extra time, arrive a day or two early and explore this ancient city. (We’ll even provide an information pack so you’ll know everything you need to know to have a great visit.)
Overnight: Ardveck House, Ullapool
Meals included: Welcome dinner
DAY 2: Hike the iconic Stac Pollaidh
Today you’ll experience two extremes — mountains and coastline.
Stac Pollaidh is a (mini) mountain that can be climbed by just about anyone who tries. It’s a steady ascent to the top on a path that’s well-defined. Although only modest in height, it offers incredible views across Assynt, the Summer Isles, and the Achiltibuie. The remarkable variety of landscapes visible from there is exactly what makes northwest Scotland so special.
After descending, you’ll enjoy taking a break on a secluded Highland beach (we promised you two extremes, didn’t we?) before returning to the hotel for a hearty dinner with your group.
Hike Details: 2.75 miles, 1,675 ft of ascent, 3 hours
Overnight: Ardveck House, Ullapool
Meals included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3: Bag the Legendary Munro Conival
Today is one of the highlights of your trip.
A Munro is the name given by the Scots for a mountain that’s over 3,000 feet high. (In the southeast US, we’d simply refer to a mountain this size as a “mountain.”) It’s a big deal to “bag a Munro” over there, and today you’ll bag one of the most famous Munros in the region. Good on you!
You’ll hike up Conival, which is moderately challenging but you’ll be rewarded along the way with some incredible views over a wilderness of lochs and moors. Reach the top and you’ll have a breathtaking panorama of the rugged peaks, shimmering lochs, and vast expanse of unspoiled wilderness that surrounds you and is the hallmark of the Assynt region of Scotland.
Once you get back down the Munro to Ullapool, you’ll have the evening to yourself to enjoy your last night in this city and take in one of the local specialty seafood restaurants that you’ve been dying to try out.
Hike Details: 8.75 miles, 3,240 ft of ascent, 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Ardveck House, Ullapool
Meals Included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch
DAY 4: Boat Cruise Around the Summer Isles
You saw this archipelago two days ago from the Stac Pollaidh, and now you’ll get a much closer look!
Today starts with a scenic boat cruise around the incredible Summer Isles archipelago. From your vantage point, you’ll have great views of the mountains of Assynt and Coigach. This will give you the rest you need (and deserve!) after yesterday’s challenging hike, so relax and enjoy the fresh air and amazing vistas.
En route to your next destination, you’ll stop to explore the dramatic Corrieshalloch Gorge. Although Corrieshalloch means “ugly hollow” in Gaelic, this gorge is anything but. Formed during the last ice age from the forces of glacial erosion and the River Droma, this narrow chasm features 200-foot dramatic cliff walls covered in greenery. It’s here in the gorge where you’ll discover the incredible Falls of Measach, a 150-foot waterfall that is best seen from a suspension bridge spanning the gorge. Standing on that bridge, you’ll even feel the spray of the waterfall while you take in its sheer power.
After you’ve completed this short detour to the gorge, you’ll board private transportation to your next destination: a short but awesome hike up a wild glen to Gruinard Bay and the Eas Dubh falls. Can you tire of seeing too many incredible waterfalls in the Scottish highlands? We think not!
Your destination for tonight is Gairloch, not far from the bay and falls you just visited. After checking into your hotel, you’ll have some time to relax or explore before tonight’s group dinner.
Hike Details: 3.75 miles, 295 ft of ascent, 1-1.5 hours
Accommodation: Myrtlebank Hotel, Gairloch
Meals Included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: Hike up the remote “Mountain of the Birds”
Fuel up at breakfast because you’ve got a long hike today.
Beinn an Eoin (Gaelic for “Mountain of the Birds”) is a lesser-known, remote gem in the northwest Scottish highlands. At 2,805 feet, it’s classified as a “graham,” which is the smallest mountain class in the UK. Even still, you’ll have to push yourself.
Beinn an Eoin is considered part of the Flowerdale Forest, a remote and wild area known for its rugged beauty. After an approach that follows a bubbling river, you’ll gain altitude slowly, trekking a broad grassy ridge all the way to the summit. The views are stunning — you can see across the Torridon hills (made of some of the oldest rocks in the world) as well as ancient landscapes and all the way to Stac Pollaidh, which you climbed just days ago. The solitude here is unprecedented; soak it all in.
Once you get back to Gairloch after a long day of bagging grahams, you’ll have the evening free to choose a restaurant on your own.
Hike Details: 12.5 miles, 2,950 ft of ascent, 7-8 hours
Accommodation: Myrtlebank Hotel, Gairloch
Meals Included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch
Day 6: Hike a “Giant of Torridon”
Beinn Damh, a mountain in the Torridon range that provides an incredible vista across Upper Loch Torridon all the way to the rocky peaks of Liathach and Beinn Alligan, is classified as a “Corbett” — one step down from a Munro. Today you’ll bag a Corbett!
The hike begins in the lovely Scots Pine woods, and as you gain altitude, you’ll also gain more awesome vistas like of the gorge below and its enormous, powerful waterfall. As you continue to ascend, you’ll cross heather-laden moorland to reach the upper levels of the corrie (cirque), before finally reaching the summit.
From the top, you’ll be rewarded with views of the giant sandstone peaks of the Torridon mountains (including Liathach and Beinn Eighe) and the nearby Loch Torridon. The rugged peaks, shimmering lochs, and deep glens combine to create a dramatic and awe-inspiring Highland landscape.
Speaking of glens, once you’re back in the glen, you’ll be transferred to your next hotel, this time in Plockton, one of the most picturesque villages in the Highlands.
Hike Details: 7.5 miles, 3,215 ft of ascent, 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Plockton Inn, Plockton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7: Day trip to the Isle of Skye and the Black Cuillin
After breakfast this morning, you’ll visit the famous Isle of Skye. This iconic destination in the Scottish Highlands is the very definition of natural beauty and rugged landscape with its towering cliffs, stunning coastlines, and beautiful lochs.
A small boat greets you and will transport you into a dramatic and secluded sea loch nestled deep in the heart of the Black Cuillin mountains. Disembarking at a remote jetty, you’ll enjoy hiking Loch Coruisk — either circumnavigating the stunning loch or hiking up the rocky peak of Sgurr na Stri for breathtaking views of the magnificent, majestic Black Cuillin range.
Later in the day, you’ll return to Plockton, where you’ll have the evening to enjoy a delightful meal on your own and relish the tranquil ambiance of this incredible coastal village.
Hike Details: 4.25 miles, 410 ft of ascent (or 1,640 ft if you hike the peak), 4 hours
Accommodation: Plockton Inn, Plockton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch
DAY 8: Trekking Fuar Tholl
Fuar Tholl (meaning “cold hole” in Gaelic) is an impressive yet often overlooked sandstone peak. Just under the requirement for Munro status, this Corbett is a real hidden gem of the Northwest Highlands and today you’ll see why.
Your hike begins on the Achnashellach Estate, a magnificent property once 49,000 acres in size before being divided into smaller sections in the mid-1870s. You’ll access the trail via a short walk through the Achnashellach Forest, composed primarily of spruce trees and Caledonian pinewood.
The trail climbs steadily alongside the River Lair before rising to a high corrie (cirque) that reveals the mighty cliffs of Fuar Tholl, also known as “Wellington’s Nose” because of its shape. Shortly thereafter, you’ll reach the lofty summit and enjoy the view of the huge Mainnrichean Buttress and the 360-degree vistas that accompany it.
Once you’ve gotten enough of those views (as if that would ever happen), you’ll descend back down the trail through Achnashellach and continue to Plockton for a well-earned celebration drink.
Hike Details: 9 miles, 3,015 ft of ascent, 6.5-7.5 hours
Accommodation: Plockton Inn, Plockton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9: Hike in Wild Kintail
Today, on your last full day in the Scottish Highlands, you’ll venture into the extraordinary and remote mountain landscape of Kintail, where you’ll enjoy a ridgewalk offering incredible skyline views. Your route will encompass a Munro on the South Cluanie ridge that forms a loop connecting two well-defined (but easy) ridges.
Your trek begins by following an old deerstalker’s path that gains altitude quickly as you ascend toward Druim Coire nan Eirecheanach. You’ll experience some modest exposure as you ascend, but there won’t be any scrambling or technical difficulty during your hike, only the classic West Highland terrain you’ve come to know over the past several days.
Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with an absolutely breathtaking view of the iconic Five Sisters of Kintail. You’ll want to pause here for a few minutes for photography before meandering down the path through Druim Tholliad and back into the glen.
After your hike, you’ll be transferred east for approximately an hour before reaching Drumnadrochit on the northern shores of Loch Ness. Here, you’ll commemorate your journey with a dram of whiskey and one more group meal to celebrate and reflect upon the adventure you just shared.
Sleep well, here at Loch Ness, on your last night in Scotland.
Hike Details: 5 miles, 2,525 ft of ascent, 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Loch Ness Inn, Drumnadrochit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10: Depart from Inverness
After your final breakfast in Scotland (boo!), you’ll be transferred back to Inverness where you can be dropped off in the city center for more sightseeing and shopping or at the airport to catch your flight home. We look forward to seeing you in Scotland again soon!
Meals Included: Breakfast
GENERAL INFORMATION
about THE FOOD
Scottish cuisine is a reflection of the country’s rich culinary heritage and bountiful natural resources. Iconic dishes like haggis, a savory blend of minced lamb or beef mixed with oats, onions, and spices, encapsulate the essence of Scottish cuisine. Other notable delicacies include Scotch broth, a nourishing soup made with lamb, barley, and vegetables, and the famous Scottish salmon, celebrated for its exceptional flavor and quality.
Scotland’s love affair with seafood is evident in dishes like Cullen skink — a creamy smoked haddock soup (pictured above) — and smoked salmon served with oatcakes. Moreover, Scotland’s landscapes provide an abundance of game, leading to dishes such as venison stew and game pies. And let’s not forget about the beloved shortbread and whisky, two quintessential Scottish treats that have gained international fame.
Ben, Munro, or Corbett?
A “ben” is simply the Gaelic word for hill. It can apply to a hill of any size or shape. Gaelic has lots of other words for hills, which tend to depict their shape a bit more — like sgurr, cairn, or meall— but “ben” is the only one which is widely used. (“I’m going for a walk up the ben,” would be understood by most Scots, even those who speak no Gaelic). It’s worth noting that Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest peak, is also often referred to simply and affectionately as “The Ben” by outdoors folk.
“Munros” are specific hills which have 2 defining characteristics: They are over 3,000 feet high and are deemed to be an “individual mountain.” Munros are named after Sir Hugh Munro, who first listed all of the peaks in Scotland which were over 3,000 feet high and which he deemed to be individual mountains. There are currently 282 Munros (the list is revised periodically by The Munro Society) and many hikers try to “bag” them all in their lifetime. (Our Scottish partner, Stevie, has only 26 to go!) Munro himself did not manage to hike up them all. Peaks which are over 3,000 feet but which are not deemed to be individual mountains are called “Tops” and there are hundreds of them!
“Corbetts,” similar to Munros, were first listed by John Rooke Corbett, so are named after him. There are 222 Corbetts across Scotland. They are more defined than Munros, in that they have two characteristics: they are between 2,500 and 2,999 feet high, and they have a drop of a least 500 feet (152 metres) between each listed hill and any adjacent higher one.
About the black cuillin Mountains
Located on the Isle of Skye, these majestic peaks form one of the most challenging mountain ranges in the United Kingdom. Their name comes from the dark, basaltic rock that dominates their rugged and formidable appearance. Towering peaks, narrow ridges, and steep gullies make the Black Cuillin a playground for experienced mountaineers and climbers seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure.
The allure of the Cuillin lies not only in its imposing and dramatic landscape but also in the ever-changing moods of the weather, with mist, rain, and sunlight casting enchanting spells over the mountains. For those who dare to conquer these ancient rocks, the reward is panoramic views of the Isle of Skye and the surrounding sea lochs. The Black Cuillin is a testament to Scotland’s rugged wilderness, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from around the world to challenge themselves in this mystical mountain realm.
Northwest Highlands
of Scotland- Dates are subject to slight changes. These dates will proceed with groups of 3-8 trekkers.
July 21-30, 2024
Must book at least 60 days prior to departure. $750 deducted from final payment if booked in April 2024.
