Whisky, Weather, and Wild Peaks: Trekking Scotland’s Northwest Highlands

Most locals would probably admit that there’s something wonderfully unhinged about Scotland’s Northwest Highlands. It’s like the landscape couldn’t decide whether to go all in on the majestic grandeur, or keep things low-key, rugged, and humble. So it went ahead and did both.

Hobnail’s Scottish Northwest Highlands trek is a journey through this enchanting confusion, and honestly, that’s what makes it great. For eight days, you’ll walk among some of the most dramatic scenery in the British Isles: towering bens, heather-clad moors, windswept cliffs, and lonely beaches where you half-expect to see a bagpiper playing a solo for the seabirds. (That hasn’t happened yet, but a man can dream.) The itinerary is a perfect combination of outrageous beauty and downhome hospitality.

We start in Inverness, the unofficial capital of the Highlands. It’s worth arriving early to explore this ancient city — it predates written history and even boasts a few ghost stories, if you’re into that sort of thing. (I am.) After you’ve gotten your fill of medieval churches and fish and chips, we’ll whisk you off to the real playground: the Highlands themselves.

One of the first things you’ll take note of is the weather. Scotland, especially in August, offers what I like to call “four seasons in an hour.” One moment you’re hiking under bright blue skies, and the next you’re zipping up your rain shell and embracing the mist like a true Highlander. The upside? Those ever-changing skies make for some of the most dramatic photos you’ll ever take — you need some clouds to really make things pop. Pro tip: pack layers, and don’t take the forecast too seriously.

Over the course of the trek, we’ll tackle legendary peaks like Conival (a Munro, which means it stands proudly over 3,000 feet) and Beinn Damh, a Corbett with views that punch well above its weight class. And let’s not forget Beinn an Eoin, a Graham affectionately nicknamed “The Mountain of the Birds.” If you’re keeping score, yes — you’ll bag a Munro, a Corbett, and a Graham on this trip. It’s a Scottish hat trick that would impress Wayne Gretzky. (I mean, you would think it would…)

But this isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about savoring the quiet moments: watching the clouds drift over the Cuillin mountains, listening to the lap of waves in the Summer Isles as we cruise past on our boat tour, or raising a glass of whisky at Glen Ord distillery. And maybe raising another for good measure.

The history of these lands is equally intoxicating. The Northwest Highlands are steeped in tales of clans, Viking invasions, Jacobite uprisings, and centuries of hard living carved into every crag and glen. You’ll walk the same paths that Highlanders once used to herd cattle or evade the Redcoats. And if you’re a fan of the Outlander series, let’s just say you’re going to feel right at home.

Wildlife enthusiasts, take note: this is prime territory for spotting red deer, golden eagles, and the occasional Highland cow or pony giving you a contemplative stare. And while Scotland doesn’t have bears or wolves anymore, the rugged beauty of the Highlands still gives you that wild, untamed feeling that I absolutely love.

Hobnail’s approach here is what you’ve come to expect: we handle the logistics so you can focus on enjoying the trek. Accommodations are small, cozy inns; meals feature plenty of hearty Scottish fare (yes, haggis is optional); and our local guides bring both expertise and that famously dry Scottish wit to the journey.

Bottom line? If you’re looking for a trek that combines achievable physical challenge with jaw-dropping scenery and an incredibly deep well of history and culture, our Scottish Northwest Highlands trek deserves a spot on your shortlist. It’s not just a walk in the hills — it’s a full-on Highland experience, complete with misty peaks, peaty drams, and enough stories for years of telling to come.

Just remember to pack that rain jacket. And maybe an extra dram or two.

Go to the trek page HERE for the details and to reserve your spot.