About The southwest Highlands Trek
At a glance...
Country: Scotland
Group size: Minimum of three (3), maximum eight (8)
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Activity: Hiking and sightseeing
Travel style: Guided
Difficulty grade: Moderate to challenging (See details below)
Comfort: small hotels and inns
Explore the southwest regions of the land of William Wallace through this extraordinary 8-day adventure.
You will stroll through Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit ancient castles and whiskey distilleries, get up close and personal with marine flora and fauna, and summit one of the region’s most beautiful peaks — Ben Vrackie.
Along the way, you will experience the warm, welcoming, and authentic culture of Scotland while being guided by one of our experienced, local trekking professionals. This is a trip for the ages!
Gallery
Southwest Highlands
of Scotland- Dates are subject to slight changes. These dates will proceed with groups of 3-8 trekkers.
August 2-9, 2024
Must book at least 60 days prior to departure. $750 deducted from final payment if booked in April 2024.
southwest highland trek details
- Explore Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit ancient Scottish castles and learn the history of those who lived in them
- Enjoy a tour — and tasting — at a local whisky distillery
- Visit the William Wallace Monument and learn about his impact on Scotland
- Spend some time exploring Kilmartin Glen, reputed as one of the best places to visit in the world
- Summit the beautiful Ben Vrackie
- See one of the largest whirlpools in the world, up close (but not too close!)
- 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 8, starting and ending in Edinburgh
- All luggage transfers
- 7 nights of double-occupancy accommodations in small hotels
- All breakfasts
- 6 cafe or packed lunches (Days 1 and 8 not included)
- 5 dinners (Days 2 and 6 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” in difficulty, or two boots.
Moderate treks are usually active and require at least an average fitness level to accomplish. Daily activity duration is typically between 3 and 6 hours, and the total length of the trek may be up to two weeks. Total elevation may reach 4,000 meters (or about 13,000 feet) on moderate, uneven terrain. The chances of experiencing altitude sickness are fairly low in a moderate trek.
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 Edinburg, visit William Wallace Monument
Welcome to Scotland! Your journey “officially” begins early this afternoon in Edinburgh. You’ll leave the city and head northwest directly into the heart of the Scottish Highlands, stopping along the way to visit the William Wallace monument.
If you’ve seen the movie “Braveheart”, you’ve heard of William Wallace. Mel Gibson played the Scottish knight who helped lead his countrymen in a war against English rule in the late 13th century. Ultimately captured and charged with treason, Wallace was martyred when he was just 35 years old. He is recognized as a patriot who famously led the Scots to victory over a much larger English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. It’s here in Stirling, fittingly, where his monument was erected, and from the monument you’ll have a great view of the battlefield where he earned his status as Scotland’s national hero.
Once you’ve learned everything there is to know about William Wallace (not really), you’ll continue on until you reach Drymen, once a popular stopover for Highland cattle drivers in the 18th and 19th centuries and now a sleepy village centered around a village green (unusual for Scottish villages). You’ll stay overnight in an 18th-century converted alehouse overlooking the village green.
Pretty epic first day in Scotland, huh?
Accommodation: The Winnock Hotel, Drymen, Loch Lomond
Meals Included: Dinner
DAY 2: Hike Conic Hill
Today is your first real hike in Scotland and it’ll be a good one.
Your destination is Conic Hill, which lies on the Highland Boundary Fault and forms part of the West Highland Way (a well-known Scottish trek). This particular hill is famous for a couple of reasons.
First, it can be summitted by just about anyone. Starting in the forest, the trail is relatively short and a little steep but isn’t considered difficult. At only 1,175 feet, you’ll find families with children and even family dogs (on a leash) sharing the trail with you. See? Totally doable.
More importantly, this hike will be more than worth it once you reach the top. The view over Loch Lomond from the top of Conic Hill is truly unmatched and is considered one of the best views in all of Scotland. On a clear day, you may see as far as 50 miles away.
Even if not super challenging, you’ll still want to honor your climb with a celebratory pint of ale when you get back to Drymen after your hike. While you’re reminiscing about today’s awesome experience, take a moment to figure out which restaurant you’ll try out for dinner (on your own) tonight.
Hike Details: 3.75 miles, 1,310 ft of ascent, 3-4 hours
Accommodation: The Winnock Hotel, Drymen, Loch Lomond
Meals Included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch
DAY 3: Visit Inveraray Castle, Dunadd, and Kilmartin Glen
After you enjoy a delicious Scottish breakfast this morning, you’ll head out for Scotland’s west coast.
First stop is Inveraray Castle, the 18th-century home of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, and the seat of Clan Campbell. This castle, on the shores of Loch Fyne, has been home to Clan Campbell since the 18th century. Inveraray is one of the earliest examples of Gothic Revival architecture, and both the views from the castle grounds as well as the grounds themselves are simply spectacular.
Later in the day, you’ll visit Dunadd, the birthplace of Scotland. Between 500 and 900 AD, Dunadd was one of the most important places in what was to become Scotland. Original Scots were migrants from Ireland who settled here, forming a kingdom with Dunadd as its capital. Reaching the top of the upper part of the outcrop, you’ll find part of the original wall of the fortress. There’s also an imprint of a foot carved into the rock, thought to be the footprint of an ancient king. In this place, you are walking and touching the very spot where this country was founded. It’s mind-boggling.
Finally, you’ll stop for a hike through Kilmartin Glen. This glen contains one of the finest concentrations of neolithic and bronze age sites in Scotland, with more than 800 ancient monuments in a relatively compact area. It’s an easy hike between Kilmartin Castle and Nether Largie, connecting several ancient burial cairns and standing stones (think: Outlander). The New York Times named Kilmartin Glen the 4th best place to visit in the world. You’ll understand exactly why (and wonder why it wasn’t 1st) after being here today.
A 15-minute drive will take you to your hotel for the next couple of days. This hotel is renowned for having one of Scotland’s finest views from its dining room. Honestly, you’ll want to spend all day in there. But don’t; tomorrow is another awesome day in the Highlands.
Hike Details: 2.25 miles, 165 ft of ascent, 1-1.5 hours
Accommodation: Loch Melfort Hotel, Arduaine, near Oban
Meals Included: Breakfast, Cafe Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: Embark on a wildlife sea adventure
You’re in for a real treat today as you’ll board a boat to explore the local coastline. And, in addition to amazing scenery, you may be lucky enough to see a variety of wildlife, including porpoises, dolphins, seals, otters, sea eagles, and maybe even some whales! All of this, while being entertained with stories of Viking legends, Celtic Saints, and local shipwrecks. What more could you ask for?!
Oh, a whirlpool? Okay, we got that, too. From a safe distance (of course) you’ll also see the spectacular Corryvreckan Whirlpool, one of the largest in the world. Legend has it that a sea witch conjured up this whirlpool to protect Scotland from an Irish pirate. Another legend has a Norwegian prince anchoring his boat in the whirlpool for three days to prove himself to the father of the island princess he fell in love with. Although (or perhaps, due to the fact that) he made an anchor rope from her hair, the boat was sucked under and the prince died. We can neither confirm nor deny these legends, but we do know that the whirlpool makes this stretch of water one of the most dangerous that surrounds the British Isles.
Once you’re back on dry land with hair intact and no pirates on board, you’ll explore the tiny island of Easdale. This is the smallest permanently-inhabited island of the Inner Hebrides, home to about 60 people that reside on less than 25 acres. A fun fact about this island is that it’s where the World Stone-Skimming Championships are held annually. A quirky event that for some reason sees many costumed spectators, stone-skimming is judged based on the distance of the skim, not the number of skims. Remember your friend in 6th grade who could skim it five times and you could only do two, but yours went farther? Yeah, get in touch with that guy and tell him you won.
After a very interesting and fun day, you’ll enjoy getting back to the hotel where you can rest up in time to share dinner with your group.
Hike Details: 1 hour of easy walking
Accommodation: Loch Melfort Hotel, Arduaine, near Oban
Meals Included: Breakfast, Cafe Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: Hike Around the Isle of Kerrera
Another boat and tiny island is on the agenda today, plus a fair hike.
After breakfast, you’ll board a small passenger ferry for the short crossing to the Isle of Kerrera. Similar to Easdale, this miniscule island is home to less than 70 people and boy, they are lucky to call this peaceful place their home.
Kerrera is about four miles long and a little over a mile wide. There are no public buildings or facilities on the island and only a few cars as the first road wasn’t finished until late 2022. You’ll hike a 6.25-mile circuit while enjoying incredible vistas across the Sound of Kerrera, with views toward Mull, Jura, and the Garvellachs.
Much like most of this region of Scotland, the history of this island includes kings, castles, and feuding Highland clans, and centers mostly around Gylen Castle, a 16th-century home built by the MacDougalls, that was captured and burnt by another clan’s army. Although the castle was never restored, the interior is accessible and open to visitors to the island. An interesting warning at the castle reads: “Beware walking parties who drink too much tea with resultant large pink bottoms visible from all sides of the castle (there really is no escape).” What the. . .?
Once you return to the mainland, you’ll be transferred east to Perthshire. It’s here, in the quaint Victorian town of Pitlochry, where you’ll find your hotel for the night.
Hike Details: 6.75 miles, 900 ft of ascent, 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Acarsaid Hotel, Pitlochry
Meals Included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Hiking Ben Vrackie
Here’s an interesting little fact about the Scottish Highlands: every village claims a mountain as its own. Today you’ll summit Pitlochry’s mountain, Ben Vrackie, which towers over the village.
Pitlochry is located within the county of Perthshire, which is renowned for its rich variety of scenery. Perthshire straddles the Highlands and Lowlands and has magnificent forests, rivers, valleys, and mountains. One of these mountains is Ben Vrackie, also known as “Speckled Mountain” because of the white quartz rocks that used to litter its slopes.
The summit of Ben Vrackie is a popular “hill walk” above the town, and although the climb can be challenging, it’s worth it for the view from the summit. At 2,760 feet, the top is reachable by a direct path from Pitlochry. The path is clear and maintained and your hike will take you across the moors to a small loch before heading up the steep final ascent to the summit. Part of the path contains step-like stones, so make sure climbing steps is part of your preparation and training for this trek!
Once you’ve reached the summit and marveled at the amazing vista across Pitlochry to Beinn a Ghlo and the Cairngorms, take copious photos and videos for posterity before descending back down to Pitlochry. You have now officially “bagged a Corbett.”
But your adventure isn’t over yet, because once you return to the village, you’ll be treated to a visit to a local whisky distillery for a tour and tasting. Woot!
After you’ve finished here, the evening is yours. Explore the village and its restaurants or spend more time at the distillery. We won’t judge.
Dinner is on your own tonight.
Hike Details: 6.25 miles, 2,625 ft of ascent, 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Acarsaid Hotel, Pitlochry
Meals Included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch
DAY 7: Walking Tour of Edinburgh’s Historic Old Town
After this morning’s breakfast, you’ll board private transportation and head south to Edinburgh, your last stop before jetting home (or somewhere else) tomorrow. You’ll be treated to an early lunch before exploring the Old Town on a walking tour.
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and that should be a clue to how amazing and important this city is. After the tour, you’ll have time to shop for souvenirs, explore a little more, or just immerse yourself in this vibrant, cosmopolitan-yet-historical city filled with cobbled streets and medieval architecture. You’ll want to stay forever, but you only have a few more hours here.
Tonight you’ll gather with the rest of your trekking group to enjoy a farewell dinner, reminisce, and celebrate your adventures together.
Accommodation: Bruntsfield Hotel, Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast, Cafe Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8: Depart from Edinburgh
Today, you’ll enjoy your final breakfast in Scotland before heading home. Linger a while.
Once you’re finished, you’ll be transferred back to Edinburgh Airport (approximately 30 minutes) to catch your flight home.
Safe travels, and thank you for visiting Scotland’s Highlands; we can’t wait to see you here again!
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.
What's the fascination with Scotch whisky?
Scottish whisky, famously known as “Scotch,” is often considered the quintessence of Scotland, meticulously distilled, aged, and delicately poured into a glass. While enthusiasts like Ron Swanson (look him up if you don’t get the reference) would undoubtedly concur, there’s more to the allure than meets the eye.
According to strict regulations, Scotch must originate from Scotland and undergo a minimum of three years of maturation in oak barrels (above). Longer aging is preferred, as it provides a more complex and smoother character to the whisky.
The roots of Scotch whisky trace back to 1495 when it was predominantly crafted from malted barley, leading to what’s now known as “single malt” whisky, widely regarded as the gold standard for Scotch. As time progressed, distilleries began experimenting with wheat and rye, resulting in “blended” Scotch whisky (though there are three other categories, they are not as widespread). Scotch boasts a smoky and malty flavor profile, setting it apart from the sweet spiciness of whiskeys produced in other parts of the world.
Whisky production takes place in five distinct regions of Scotland, each renowned for its unique flavors. Though it may be an acquired taste, exploring this drink becomes a must, especially when savoring it directly from the distillery where it originates—an experience Hobnail’s Scotland treks include. By sampling different types and visiting diverse distilleries, you’re bound to find a whisky that perfectly suits your palate.
For a seasoned Scotch enthusiast (or someone trying to fake it *wink*), the proper etiquette is to order your preferred whisky by name and request it served “neat” (without ice). Have a small glass of water on hand to cleanse your palate between sips or add a few drops to your whisky glass to enhance the flavors.
So, whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a curious newcomer, Scotch whisky offers a delightful journey through Scotland’s rich heritage and unparalleled craftsmanship.
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.
Southwest Highlands
of Scotland- Dates are subject to slight changes. These dates will proceed with groups of 3-8 trekkers.
August 2-9, 2024
Must book at least 60 days prior to departure. $750 deducted from final payment if booked in April 2024.
